The AnswerBank Articles

Smokers save cash by giving up

Over the past few years the smoking "scene" has become rather un-cool. Numerous ads on TV warn of the effects that smoking can have on the body, ranging from lung cancer to the effects of passive smoking on others. Thanks to these adverts and government campaigns, the number of people deciding to give up smo...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Malaria - The Silent Killer

A winter sun holiday sounds like just the thing when the nights start drawing in but it can turn into a nightmare if the proper precautions to protect against malaria are not taken. To remain in good health people leaving the UK should always consider looking for advice on malaria before they travel, according to a maj...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Gym-Goers Urged To Use Judgment

Everyone, at one time or another, has decided to join a gym. Whether it is to get fit after the excesses of Christmas or to lose weight to go on holiday it can be a costly business. Consumers have been advised to be cautious to avoid paying more than necessary. According to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), some peopl...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

What can be covered in a family health plan

Although Britain offers free, state-funded healthcare to all of its inhabitants, some may find a private plan could suit them better. Private cover offers peace of mind if you or your family needed medical care urgently. Things like physiotherapy, minor operations and dental care can all be covered on a private medica...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

How can I look after my teeth

You are born without teeth and chances are you will probably leave this world without them too – but in the intervening years, dental health can be very important. It can be very easy to forget about dental appointments, especially in these busy times, but failing to get regular check-ups can only lead to major ...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

A small step for McDonalds, a big step for the behind

Experts are warning that fast food chains need to keep up with ever-changing food information on their products. Nutritionists have successfully lobbied big brand food providers to give consumers the information they need about their products, by clearly labeling their food with the calorie count and other details. A...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Teachers 'should be able to tackle obesity'

Teachers should play a central role in maintaining children’s health, one expert has advised school workers. According to the British Dietetic Association, pupils can learn in the classroom about obesity and how to avoid becoming dangerously overweight. The organisation’s comments follow a leaked draft of...15:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Infintigo, Infantigo, Impetigo - READ THIS FIRST!

Lots of people find their way to this site to ask a question about 'infintigo'. If you Google the term, this is one of the first sites you'll be directed to. (If you're reading this, that may well00:00 Mon 15th Dec 2003

The removal of breasts and ovaries to prevent cancer

Wee Kaz posted a concerned question recently: "I've just heard on the radio that doctors have suggested that in order to get rid of breast and ovarian cancer us woman should consider having them00:00 Wed 02nd Oct 2002

Vitiligo - causes, symptoms and treatments

Answerbank reader saturnspeak asks: 'Does anybody know a cure that actually works for the skin condition vitiligo ' We review the disorder - but we haven't been able to uncover a cure. Vitiligo00:00 Tue 21st May 2002

Has anyone heard of maggots being used in hospitals

asks msminor:A. It's true. Specially bred and sterile maggots are being used increasingly to clean wounds that don't heal because the patient - or the bacteria - has become resistant to antibiotics.00:00 Mon 22nd Apr 2002

Is dyeing hair dangerous

asks Ursula:A. It could be. Very recently it has emerged that the colouring used on certain hair dyes may cause cancer. Q. Which dyes A. The dyes that have scientists particularly worried are00:00 Mon 22nd Apr 2002

My eyes keep developing styes which inflame - how do I prevent them in the first place

asks PHD: A. A stye (also called a hordeolum) is a small abscess. It usually forms in a single sebaceous gland draining into an eyelash follicle. Q. What causes it A. It is caused by bacterial00:00 Mon 22nd Apr 2002

Is it possible that I'm already suffering from hay fever

asks Allan:A. Yes, it is. Especially if you live in the south of the country. Your personal hay fever season is dictated by the types of pollen that set off your symptoms. Q. What are they A. From00:00 Mon 15th Apr 2002

Is there a direct relation between the amount you eat and how much comes out at the other end

asks msminor:A. The average person in Britain produces around 250g of faeces a day, although that can vary greatly from individual to individual. Q. How does that compare to the rest of the world A.00:00 Mon 15th Apr 2002

I'm 17 and have started getting grey hair, is there anything I can do to stop it

asks cleare17:A. Grey hair is what happens when the colour pigment cells, found at the base of the hair follicle, stop forming due to changes in the melanin production. No-one knows exactly why this00:00 Mon 15th Apr 2002

What are symptoms of thyroid trouble

asks mjleex: A. Your thyroid gland is found at the lower front of your neck and helps to regulate the body's energy levels. Common thyroid problems are over- or under-production of hormones00:00 Mon 08th Apr 2002

Is cycling really a good way to get fit It's the only exercise I'm likely to keep up

asks jayne b-t:A. Cycling is a great way to keep fit, and it's a pity that most of the cycles in this country aren't used very much. There's an estimated 27 million bikes in sheds across the UK - but00:00 Mon 08th Apr 2002

How can I get rid of the small red spots on the tops of my arms I've always had them and I can't get rid of them.

asks sporty:A. Some areas of the body can be prone to rough, dry and pimply skin and these areas need some extra attention. You will need to exfoliate your shoulders every day. Use a muslin cloth00:00 Mon 08th Apr 2002

Is it true that eating organic food stops you having a heart attack

asks rtell:A. There's no guarantee that it can stop them, but new research shows that eating organic food can reduce your risk of heart attacks, strokes and cancer. I thought it wasn't supposed to00:00 Mon 01st Apr 2002