Separation obviously involves the parents as well as the child, so it is a mutual process. There is enormous individual variation in the manner and ease of separations, and this is determined by attributes of the child and attitudes and feelings of the parents.

A child’s individual temperament characteristics will affect the intensity and duration of the distress that occurs. A child who is intense, fearful or has a negative mood will probably make a big fuss. On the other hand some children have a more ‘laid back’ temperament which will make it likely that they will have a less strong reaction. However, while a child’s temperament will often determine the strength of the reaction to the departure of the parents, it is likely to be the reaction of the parents that will determine whether separation issues continue to be a problem.

All parents bring to their relationship with their child their own set of attitudes, fears and emotions that are a function of their own life experiences. There is great variation amongst parents in their self-confidence, their perceived level of competence as parents, their anxiety level about themselves and their children, and so on. There is also variation in the degree to which parents can tolerate crying or other signs of distress in their children. Some cannot bear the thought of their child being upset, and spend much time and effort trying to protect the child from events that may cause them distress. Others know that it is important for a child to learn that life is not a bed of roses, that it is inevitable that he will face situations that cause upset, and that learning to cope with these situations is an important part of growing up.

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Yet they were uncommon before the Thirties. Fortunately we may have seen the peak, because there was a decline in the Seventies.

Why this has happened is not yet clear, but it may be that, at last, we are beginning to do something about the causes of artery disease which underlie the heart attack.

The heart is a pump, pushing oxygen-containing blood around the body, through the arteries, to nourish the tissues.

The heart muscle itself (myocardium) has a rich blood supply and 20 per cent of the blood pumped by the heart goes to supply the heart muscle.

The aorta is the main artery leading from the heart. A short way from where it starts, the coronary arteries branch off the aorta and enter the heart.

Atheroma is one form of arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

Fatty material is laid down in the thin membrane lining the inner wall of the artery. This builds up much of the same as rust builds up inside a water pipe and narrows it.

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But the giving of extra hormones does not seem to influence the outcome of the pregnancy.

Many years ago large doses of oestrogen were given when a miscarriage threatened.

Unfortunately, it has been shown that a few female children born from such pregnancies who were subjected to high doses of oestrogen during their foetal development have developed cancer of the vagina in their teens or early twenties.

This treatment was abandoned years ago as ineffective.

It was replaced by the giving of the other hormone, progesterone, either by injection or in tablet form.

But in a few cases, female children showed some signs of masculinity, due to the conversion of the progesterone into male-type hormones.

A comprehensive trial of these types of drugs was found not to be effective.

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It is now more often referred to as ‘Sudden infant death syndrome’ or ‘Sudden and unexpected deaths in children syndrome’.

The cause is still in dispute, although many theories have been put forward, and each week medical journals offer more ideas. Viral infections, the baby drowning in its own carbon dioxide (seems more common if the cot sides are covered in), lack of vitamin E, immunodeficiency, immunization, diabetes, aerosols, the house dust mite sensitivity, cows’ milk that is too strong, cardiac changes, allergies, over-heating, pressure from a dummy, head colds, inhaled milk from a burp when the stomach is full, a reduction in the mucosal defence of the respiratory system, body cooling, and lack of magnesium have all been incriminated at some time. There may be many causes, and some or none of the above may finally prove to play a part.

At present, it is repeated, the cause is still unknown. It appears to be less common in breast-fed babies which may indicate that there is some deficiency in the baby’s resistance factors. Most autopsies do not offer any reason for the unexpected happening. They are often put down to a sudden unexplained infection. Most health departments are now carrying out fuller investigations in the hope that a cause and cure may be discovered.

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Often jealousy leads to direct physical violence with the rival. But frequently there are other low-key methods that are adopted more subtly. A child may revert to some former childhood behaviour, such as bed-wetting, thumb sucking, or clinging to a particular parent, may withdraw from the family circle, develop anti-social attitudes to others, especially at school, where it may act as an attention-getter.

Treatment

Ideally parents will prepare child if there is to be an addition to the family in the near future. Playing it cool and not overdoing this is important, otherwise the child may suspect something sinister. Avoiding obvious parental favouritism is important. All efforts must be made to let all the children in a family know they are loved and wanted and will always remain secure in their parents’ affection.

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Peppermint oil, applied to the temples or inhaled, will ease the symptoms of a head cold, including a cold-related headache. It acts as a mild diaphoretic, meaning that it promotes perspiration.

Peppermint leaves steeped as a tea bring relief from indigestion and all kinds of nausea, including morning sickness. A common ingredient in toothpastes and chewing gum, peppermint conquers bad breath and the oil or leaves can be used in the preparation of a refreshing mouthwash. The essential oil of peppermint, applied to the temples, will improve concentration.

Similar therapeutic properties are found in other species of mint, including spearmint.

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If possible, it is important to find out exactly what a child means when complaining of dizziness. Children often use the word “dizzy” to describe faintness, light-headedness, nausea, and vision problems. Any of these problems can have many causes.

True dizziness has few causes. The most common cause is infection of the inner ear (semicircular canals), sometimes from a virus (Meniere’s syndrome). This disease usually is harmless and clears up without treatment, but it may last for weeks.

Dizziness may also accompany middle ear infections, concussions, and fractures of the base of the skull. Dizziness occurs with tumours that involve the eighth cranial nerve or the cerebellum of the brain. It may also occur in cases of meningitis and encephalitis.

Signs and symptoms

If your child complains about feeling dizzy, ask the child to try to describe the feeling as clearly as possible. Be sure the child is describing a spinning sensation and not some other sensation (faintness, lightheadedness, nausea, or vision problems). Look at the child to see if there is a loss of balance. Also look for jerking motions of the eyes when they are turned to one side or the other; this is another sign of dizziness. A long period of dizziness may cause nausea and vomiting.

Home care

Have a dizzy child sit or lie down to rest. Raise the feet higher than the head to relieve symptoms of faintness or lightheadedness. If the dizziness was caused simply by turning or spinning during play, the dizziness will quickly disappear. If rest does not relieve the dizziness, the cause must be determined by a doctor for proper treatment.

Precautions

• Try to be sure the child is describing a sense of rotation before reporting the condition to your doctor.

• See your doctor if dizziness occurs often or if dizziness lasts more than a short period (one or two hours).

Medical treatment

The doctor will perform careful physical and neurological (nervous system) examinations. X rays of the skull and a blood count may be required. An ear, nose, and throat specialist may be asked to test the functioning of the inner ear, as well as the child’s hearing. Your doctor may also consult a neurologist (a specialist in diseases of the nervous system). A CAT (computerized axial tomography) scan and an electroencephalogram may be necessary.

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Cholesterol screening: You should have your cholesterol-or lipid profile-screened every three years until your 40th birthday; then switch to every two years, suggests Dr. Goldberg. Cholesterol screenings will tell you several things: Your level of “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is known to form plaque on artery walls; your level of “good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which appears to prevent plaque buildup; and the triglycerides in your blood, which are body fats that, when present at high levels, can contribute to heart disease risk. Ideally, you should aim for total cholesterol of no more than 200 milligrams per deciliter and LDL cholesterol of no more than 130 milligrams per deciliter. HDL should be at least 35 milligrams per deciliter, but more is better. Triglyceride levels should register under 200 milligrams per deciliter.

Eye exam: You should have your vision checked every three years until you reach 40 and then every two years thereafter, just to be sure that you’re seeing as clearly as possible, says Dr. Coulehan.

Testicular self-exam: If you’re younger than 40, you should check your testicles every month, but it doesn’t hurt to keep checking them monthly even after you are 40. “Testicular cancer is the most common solid cancer in men younger than 35,” Dr. Goldberg says.

Electrocardiogram: You should get a baseline electrocardiogram done at every decade throughout your life, says Dr. Goldberg. This test uses electrodes on your wrists and ankles and chest to determine the electrical activity of your heart. Any abnormalities will alert your doctor that there may be some form of heart disease in progress and that he should perform further tests.

HIV test: While not recommended as part of routine screening tests, if you feel that you are at risk for HIV because of your sexual practices or intravenous drug use, you should be tested regularly. “But having a clean AIDS test is not a license to act irresponsibly,” warns Dr. Coulehan. “A negative test does not mean that you are invulnerable to future infection. Obviously, you will need to practice safe sex.”

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Before doing any meditation spend a few minutes doing relaxation exercises and deep breathing, which will make you more receptive to your chosen method of meditation. There are many techniques of meditation but they all have in common the conscious attempt to focus the mind on one subject. Concentrating on your breathing is a simple form of meditation. Concentrating on breathing is relatively easy compared with concentrating on an abstract thought or image. The crux of meditation is the clearing from the mind of everyday clutter. Some claim that meditation, if taught well and done properly, will lead to a raised spiritual awareness as well as relaxation but this may not be what you want.

The device or ‘distracting object’ which you concentrate on can be a mental picture, an image, a sound, a word, an idea, an activity, etc. Various forms of meditation have used repetitive chanting or even the repetition of a simple single-syllable such as ‘Om’.

Postures and positions for meditation vary greatly but the most important thing is to stay immobile. Whatever position is adopted it is important to incorporate the meditation into one’s daily routine and so look upon it as an oasis of calm and peace.

As the weeks go by many, if not all, of the signs of stress should disappear and you should feel a lot healthier generally. Also, the positive benefits of any of the activities described in this section will boost your natural immunity to disease and the ability of your body to heal itself when others around you are falling ill.

This is the essence of preventive health-boosting the body’s natural defences so that it can withstand the stresses, infections and cancers that are being continuously produced in all of us, as well as emotional strife, environmental onslaughts and so on. – Many people experience many or all of these yet never get ill. If more of us lived along the lines detailed in this section we could join them.

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Foeniculwn vulgare

A tea made from the seeds relieves flatulence, stimulates the pancreas, improving metabolism of fats and sugars. It is recommended for weight loss, nursing mothers, and diabetes and it is iich in minerals.

FENUGREEK

Trigonella foenum-graecum

Aids in bronchitis, catarrh, sinus, digestion of fatty foods and acne. A paste can be used for boils and wounds.

FEVERFEW

Tanacetum parthenium

Promotes menstruation, prevents migraine, headache, fever, tension.

GARLIC

Allium sativum

Well-known for its antibiotic qualities, garlic protects against the common cold, infectious diseases such as typhoid and dysentery, increases flow of bile from liver, can be used to treat tuberculosis, bronchitis and other respiratory disorders as well as treat intestinal ailments. It is also used in treatment of high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries. Garlic also lowers cholesterol.

GENTIANA

Gentiana lutea

The root of the plant has been used to treat appetite and digestion, in such cases as debility and anorexia.

GINGER

Zingiber officinale

Treats nausea, motion sickness, colic and menstruation pain. It increases circulation and can cleanse the body by stimulating perspiration.

GINSENG

Panax ginseng

Gingseng increases mental efficiency, reduces blood pressure and cholesterol, suppresses development of cancer cells, bolstering the immune system, aiding the treatment of hepatitis B. Action on the endocrine glands increases vitamin and mineral utilisation and it is used to treat masculine sexual potency. Ginsana, a standardised ginseng, in clinical trials has proved beneficial in treating low energy, convalescence and related problems.

GLOBE ARTICHOKE

Cynara scolymus

Usually eaten as a delicacy, this vegetable treats jaundice and liver insufficiency and is a prophylactic against arteriosclerosis. Helps lower cholesterol.

GOLDEN SEAL

Hydrastis canadensis

Golden seal is taken internally for ulcers, dyspepsia, anorexia, gastritis, menstrual disorders. It causes oversecretion of mucous membranes, especially the uterus and relieves sinusitis. It is a tonic alternative, stimulant, antihaemorrhagic and laxative as well as being a powerful antiseptic and antibiotic which can be used for many diseases of the gastro-intestinal tract.

In combination with other herbs, golden seal stands on its own. A common example of this is the combination of golden seal and eyebright herb as an eye tonic. The herb bayberry may also be included in this formula. This formula is excellent when used to treat conjunctivitis and allergy eye problems.

As an eye-wash: 400 mg of the above dried herb combination to 1 cup of heated distilled water. Let stand for 1 hour, strain. It can now be used to bathe the eyes.

GRINDELIA

Grindelia robusta

Works as an expectorant and mild sedative for relief of respiratory tract infections and asthma.

GUAIACUM

Guaiacum officinale

Used to relieve the pain of rheumatism and arthritis, it works as an antiseptic and diuretic.

HAWTHORN

Crataegus oxyacanthoides

It is specifically used to treat the muscular action of the heart in conditions such as irregular heartbeat, palpitations, angina, arteriosclerosis, circulatory disorders, and blood pressure.

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