Menopause is marked by the cessation of menstruation for 1 year. Menopause is generally a normal biological and physiological event that occurs in women at an average age of 50; it is considered premature if it occurs prior to age 40. This change is dependent on diminished oestrogen production and does not occur abruptly. The transitional time leading up to complete termination of menses is called perimenopause – this phase can last up to 4 years, and is characterised by irregular menstrual cycles and gradual increase of menopausal symptoms.

The Festive Season is over for another year. If you are like many people, you probably had more to eat and drink than usual! However those memories have now faded and you may again be starting to wonder about enjoying great food and company at a favourite restaurant.

Which brings me to our special offer. Dalia and I would like to say “thank you” for your support over the last 12 months and have arranged for you to enjoy a complimentary main course up to the value of $30 at our favourite local Chinese restaurant.

There are lots of reasons a person can have a pain in the neck. Here is a dental example:

Some years ago I gave a presentation to a Chronic Fatigue Conference. Lots of questions followed, including several on silver coloured amalgam fillings.

One lady made an appointment to see me following the talk. She had chronic tension in her neck, right arm and shoulder for 9 months and wondered if a sensitive lower right tooth with a large, old mercury containing amalgam filling was responsible.

My recent article on the perils of not drinking enough water generated an avalanche of comments and questions. The most common question was “Can I drink too much water?”

Yes, it is possible to drink too much water. It is also possible to drink the right amount of water, but in the wrong way.

Let me explain.

An elderly lady with deteriorating kidney function tests was irritated by itchy skin and a dry mouth. Was there a connection and if so what could be done to help her?

Her skin looked very dry. I asked how much water she drank. Her answer was that she only drank tea as the taste of water was “horrible”.

I explained that lots of studies have shown that the kidneys need to be flushed with plenty of water to reduce the chances of kidney failure and symptoms such as itch due to an inability of damaged kidneys to flush out toxins.

A moderate amount of spices cooked with your food can do wonders for your digestion. Lots of my clients have benefitted from adding spices to their food. Spices such as curries and ginger can be thought of as a wake up call to your gut. They stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and chemicals to help you more effectively digest your food. And they can certainly give your taste buds a treat.