Quit Smoking

An informative look at recent Holistic Fitness News

DR KAPLAN'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

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Nicotine patches and gum not so great

A very clever Californian study has shown that nicotine patches were very useful in helping smokers quit until 1996. Since then they don't seem to work any better than willpower alone. How can this be? The San Diego men in white coats came up with a very plausible answer. In 1996 nicotine patches and gum became available over the counter. Before that they were prescription only. Which meant you had to see your doctor to get them. Which meant that your doctor had a chance to give you a pep talk, encourage you and congratulate you! This makes two things clear.
1. Smoking is both a physical and a psychological addiction. Nicotine replacement only deals with the physical addiction, which is not enough.
2. Talking to your doctor can help you!

So nicotine patches and gum have their role in helping you quit smoking but you need some encouragement and help from your doctor too!

Women are stronger!

First of all, good news for women. You are indeed the stronger sex! Well, perhaps you always knew it; but now it has been confirmed (once again) scientifically. Researchers in London have shown that British men are twice as likely to succumb and die due to a parasitic infection than women. This strongly implies that women have stronger immune systems than men as their bodies are more able to win any war against a parasitic infection. Combine this with the fact that the average life expectancy for a woman is 79 while a man's is 74 and the debate is pretty much over. The ladies are stronger, period - as they say in the States.

Almonds are good for you!

Two weeks ago I wrote about how almonds (in moderation) were good for lowering your cholesterol levels. The medical profession seems to be taking this quite seriously. American researchers have isolated two chemicals in almonds that are good for your cholesterol levels. A spokesman recommends one ounce of almonds a day for your heart. It doesn't matter if they are raw or roasted but it's important not to exceed the recommended 'dose' because then the amount of fat you consume will start to undo the good effects of the chemicals in the almonds.

Homeopathic Tip of the Week

Suffering from an ingrown toenail? Obviously you should have it looked at by a medical doctor. However if your doctor has decided to treat it conservatively, (translate: anything except surgery) then there is a chance to use homeopathic medicine. The homeopathic remedy of choice is MAGNETIS POLARIS AUSTRALIS. Keeping the medical advice above in mind, there is no harm in also using Magnetis polaris australis 30c one pill twice a day by mouth for 4 to 5 days.

Dr Kaplan's personal website is: www.drkaplan.co.uk and his practice website is www.140harleystreet.co.uk and he can be contacted on (020) 7487 3416