MSN Health Editor's Blog

A weighty issue

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 09:53:00 GMT

I've been reading in today's Mail about a doctor, Dr Hamish Meldrum (great name) of the British Medical Association, who has come out and said that we should treat obese people less like they have a medical problem and more like they simply eat too much and exercise too little.

Hear, hear, Hamish. The article put me in mind of a story which appeared in the press earlier in the week, which said thin people were genetically programmed to dislike fat people. The two stories aren't related, but they both made me think that, in our efforts to battle the obesity epidemic that will lead to 12 million obese people in the UK by 2010, we can't take a softly softly approach or overmedicalise things.

It really is simple - if you are carrying too much weight then take a look at your diet or exercise regime. If you're eating too many fatty or carb-loaded foods while doing little or no exercise, this (in the vast majority of cases) is the reason why you are overweight.

Dr Hamish despairs at the number of people who ask for medication or even surgery to 'cure' their weight problem. Obesity shouldn't be a problem for GPs or be described as hyper-appetite disorder - obesity is a problem for society to face up to. Parents need to bring their kids up properly, teaching them how to eat a balanced diet along the way, while others need to take responsibility for their own health.

I can't believe I'm openly supporting an article that appeared in the Mail, but Dr Hamish is right, this really shouldn't be a problem that the UK's already stretched health service has to deal with.

Ross.

July - your feedback

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 12:07:47 GMT

Time again for me to dive headfirst into the buckets of feedback you have sent to us during the last four weeks. Not surprisingly, this July you have been mostly talking about The Smoking Ban, or the Big Bad Ban (BBB) as I like to call it.

It's always good to kick things off on a positive note, so here's a word of complaint from Sebastian. "On your site you describe smokers who smoke less than 10 cigarettes as being 'light' smokers. This is very inappropriate, smoking leads to a higher risk or morbidity and mortality, whether you smoke 1,5,10 or 20. Please can you change your article immediately - otherwise it is tantamount to suggesting that smoking 10 or less is not bad for your health."

No can do, Seb, though please rest assured that we at MSN Health & Wellbeing would never suggest that smoking 10 fags a day or less is not bad for your health. I'm 100% with you on that one. As far as I'm concerned, anyone who smokes, regardless of how little or how much, may as well cut out their lungs, cook them up and eat them with some flava beans and a nice chianti.

Moving on, and Reno has this bit of advice for the 70% of smokers who claim they want to give up. "When your desire for a cigarette is intense, have an orange. It worked for me and it's the fifth year since I stopped." There you go, easy as that. Want to stop smoking? Eat an orange.

Jean, on the other hand, thinks the ban is: "Ludicrous. Pub in general are places where people go to drink, chat and smoke. Bit by bit this country is becoming communist. We are being told what we can eat, what we can or can't do in schools and in the workplace and now it seems in our homes too. I remember years ago watching a film where all books were banned and anyone having a book in their home was arrested and all books burned. I can't remember the name. We people of this country need to stand up now and say ENOUGH is ENOUGH."

Well, first of all Jean, the film you're talking about was probably the screen version of Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451. But I don't think we can really compare the the BBB to the burning of books, can we? I think we need to put this ban into perspective - smoking hasn't been banned, it's just been banned in places where the smoke can damage the health of other people. How can anyone argue with that?

As Karl wrote in to say: "Why take the chance?" Right on brother.

Right then, on to other things. John, it seems, enjoyed our article about the benefits of taking a regular siesta. He says: "I discovered in my early 20s that a nap after lunch was beneficial. I tend to only do it now if I actually feel sleepy and in my working days if I was in the office I would find an empty interview room and book myself into it for 30 mins to have a nap! I found I was more productive after that than I was if I spent the next two hours trying to keep awake and get on with my work!"

I'm all for it John. In fact, now that the sun's out and it's lunch time, I may just take you up on that advice. Before that, however, James has a suggestion. "I read MSN Health & Wellbeing to learn more about health. On several occasions I have written to you regarding Tai Chi and the lack of articles [on this subject] on the channel. I feel strongly that Tai Chi is a hugely misunderstood subject and I wish to bring a clear understanding of how Tai Chi can benefit to people. Practically everything else except Tai Chi is mentioned - boxing, yoga, but Tai Chi is absent."

We take your point James, consider it in the plan for the next few weeks.

End of.

Ross

Cycling in a Skoda wonderland

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 10:20:58 GMT

Well, I'm back, and it's just possible that my thighs are a little bit bigger than they were when I left. I mentioned in my previous entry that I was preparing to fly out to Geneva to watch the Tour de France as it weaved and climbed its way through the Alps, and the trip didn't disappoint. Not only did I get to see the cyclists up close and follow them in one of the official race cars, but I also got to cycle the last 16 kilometres of Stage 8 of the Tour.

First I think I should tell you something about the race as a viewing spectacle. Stage 8 of the race started in Le Grand-Bornand and finished in Tignes, 165km away. In between there are three category one climbs, taking the riders as high as 2088 metres. We were there to see them off in the morning, but couldn't hang about. We had to stay in front of the Peloton (the main group or 'herd' or riders) so jumped into our race car for the day and set off at breakneck speed. If you have been watching the Tour on telly then you'll know that Skoda is one of the main sponsors of the race. Skodas are literally everywhere, and it was one of these vehicles that was skilfully driven by our chauffeur (himself an ex-Tour rider) through the Alps to Tignes where we watched the exhausted cyclists finish just one of 20 days of hard riding.

To appreciate just how fast these guys ride, you really have to see them up close. Even on a steep ascent these chaps really fly. Such a shame then that the Tour has once again been engulfed by yet another drugs scandal, but one just hopes that this is merely a sign that the organisers are getting better at catching those who choose to cheat and ruin the fun for everyone else.

After the excitement of watching the race, it was time for me to give it a go for myself. Once the Tour caravan had rolled out of town, my travelling companions and I set off back down the mountain, to around 1000m, only to turn around and cycle back up it. For me anyway, this was something I had never tried before.

The 16km back into Tignes took us up a category one climb, at 5.4%. And it was HOT. After a few hundred metres I was puffing and panting and my legs were already feeling the strain. But then, strangely, my body seemed to adapt and I began to thoroughly enjoy myself. The views of the Alps in Summer (needless to say, the French aren't experiencing rain and floods like we are) were among the most stunning I have ever had the pleasure to set my eyes on. Simply stunning, and I couldn't help but ride with a huge smile on my face as I pedaled slowly up towards the glorious town of Tignes.

When I arrived at the finish, more than half the group was already there, perhaps preparing to send out a search party for me. But I didn't care, I'd become hooked on cycling and - despite all its faults that I pray it soon leaves behind forever - the Tour de France. I'd always had an fondness for it, now I'm making plans to go back every year and watch it live.

I also had, of course, a overwhelming sense of respect towards the riders themselves. I had cycled less than 20km up one mountain - they traverse 3,569km over many and burn up to 10,000 calories a day. Just thinking about those sort of distances make me want to lie down.

Lucky then that I had a week in Provence to recover...

Many thanks to Marc and the rest of the Skoda team.

Chasing the peloton

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 11:33:22 GMT

For most people who are into cycling, their interest in the sport seems to stem from a childhood fascination with the Tour de France. I, on the other hand, have only recently discovered the event, but have been captivated by the race for the last couple of years and was delighted to see it weave its way through London and the Kent countryside. It's undoubtedly one of, if not the, most gruelling sporting events in the world, lasting 22 days (with only two rest days for riders) at a distance of 3,550km.

I have also been drawn into the sport after reading the great Lance Armstrong's two autobiographies, which not only tell the story of his record seven consecutive Tour de France wins (from 1999 to 2005) but also describe his battle with cancer, which occured before he had won his first Tour. In fact, the main focus of the books is not his success on the bike, but his defeat of a disease which very nearly took his life. One doctor gave him less than a 5% chance of survival. Without doubt they are the most inspiring, unputdownable books I have ever read. "Fall down six times, get up seven," as the great man himself says.

Anyway, I'm lucky enough to be heading out to France tomorrow to watch stage eight of the Tour as it the riders race from Le-Grand-Bornand to Tignes against a stunning Alps backdrop. We'll be watching the peloton (the name given to the main group, or 'herd', of riders) close up, and I can't wait. I'll have a glass of red wine in my hand at the time, if I have anything to do with it anyway, but rest assured I'll be 100% behind them...

Then I'm off for a week's holiday in Provence, so I'll tell you all about it when I get back (the Tour, not my holiday).

Ross

Salty

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 13:58:40 GMT

Today's news that some ready-made sandwiches can be up to seven times saltier than crisps should come as no shock. Does anyone out there actually enjoy pre-packed sandwiches, even from more upmarket places like Pret a Manger and EAT as opposed to Tesco and Greggs?

More often that are foul-tasting and, more annoyingly, drowning in mayo. And what is it with this habit we have in the UK of having a packet of crisps with our lunch-time sandwich? That just makes things even saltier.

Nevermind the fact that they are overly salty, I think we should shun ready-made sarnies because they are offensive to the taste-buds.

My advice is to go to a deli and watch exactly what goes into your sandwich (the bread will be better too, and less salty) or, even better, make your own every day.

Ross

PS - there is one exception: the Pret Christmas sandwich. But that's only comes round once a year so I'm allowed....

I can see clearly now the smoke has gone

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 14:08:15 GMT

I saw something yesterday for the first time in London - people having to congregate outside a pub to smoke! And what a happy sight it was too. Being a Scot, I'm used to it, but seeing it happen in England's capital brought a smile to my smug face.

Judging by some of the feedback we received from you guys in June, the feeling is not widespread. Many of you wrote to us, following articles such as this, to let us know that you thought the ban on smoking in public places in England is nothing more than a lot of old rot.

Elizabeth, for example, says: "I am a smoker, and my main objection to the smoking ban is that I am not given any choice in the matter. I have been told what to do and where to do it. Whatever happened to freedom of choice in this country? Everyone who smoked knows the risks that they are taking but we should still be allowed to smoke when and where we want." Fair enough Elizabeth, but what about my rights? I choose not to breath in your second-hand smoke and the hundreds of toxic chemicals it contains.

Thomas feels similarly aggrieved. "Who do politicians think they are, telling us what to do. It is just another example of the UK becoming a Big Brother state. This silly ban is yet another attack on our liberties - something I thought we protected in this country."

I knew it was only a matter of time before someone used the phrase 'Big Brother' or 'Police' state. Come on folks, this isn't North Korea. And anyway, isn't it about time we grew out of cigarettes? The only people I know who still think smoking is cool or attractive are teenagers, who rank it alongside growing a bum-fluff moustache and happy-slapping, so what does that tell you?

And please don't give me the 'but the government needs us' excuse. Oh, someone just has. Adrienne really does believe smokers are indispensable. Go on Adrienne, humour me. "The tax the government does not now collext from the cigarettes I used to buy will need to be collected from some other expenditure. I do not recall seeing in the Labour party's manifesto that smoking was going to be banned." No, but they also said they wouldn't introduce university top-up fees either, so get used to it. Nice to see that people are also willing to put money before catching emphysema and lung cancer.

And anyway, we wouldn't have to pay for your hospital treatment, either. So you're wrong, the government doesn't need you, whereas your family and friends do, so maybe it's time smokers got their priorities sorted out.

Moving on from the smoking ban to something far more important, Rod had this to say on getting naked in public. "There is only one way to find out just how good going naked is, and that is to do it. Naturism is almost impossible to describe adequately. Enjoying social nudity is very rewarding and I believe good for the soul. No designer lables, nothing between you and the air, a new experience when swimming, no hang ups about the body." Thanks for that Rod, but best not to give my boss any ideas, eh?

Next up, fat people. But not your everyday, run-of-the-mill fat people. Scientists have found that some thin people who do not exercise regularly can in fact still be classed as overweight. This is because fatty deposits around their major organs can cause similar problems as the normal surface fat we are more familiar with. This pricked your ears up a bit.

Maggie said: "I am writing with regards to your article which I found to be very informative. But the article does use the phrase 'forgiving metabolism'. This is a myth about how thin people have a fast metabolism but in fact it is fat people who have a higher motabolism." Hmm, I hear what you're saying Maggie, but since when did 'forgiving' mean either fast or slow, higher or lower? I was merely pointing out that some people get away with eating truck loads of food without putting on weight, and since it is our body's metabolism that controls the build up (and breaking down) of body tissue, I think this is fair comment.

You also care a great deal about blackcurrants. They've been crowned as the 'ultimate' superfood by researchers, which inspired Fred to ask "can they be used in jellies, cooked or raw?" I'm not sure if anyone still eats jelly, Fred (correct me if I'm wrong), but I presume so. Kind of defeats the purpose though, what with all that sugar.

On a less serious not than jelly, Phil is worried about the nutritional content of Ribena. "I was interested in your blackcurrant article. The problem with Ribena is that only a very small proportion of the drinks they sell are in fact blackcurrant juice, and they have been criticised by the UK Food Commission for the unhealthily high sugar content of their products. So, although your article was at first glance interesting, it lacked proper research, and was tantamount to promoting Ribena as a healthy drink when it is not."

Firstly, I should point out that I am not sure whether Phil's claims are true or not, I'm sure Ribena would disagree. Secondly, I would point out that Ribena is only referred to once in the article, when I pointed out that the drink is where 95% of Britain's blackcurrants end up. I'd hardly call that promoting it as a healthy drink. And anyway, I don't like the taste of the stuff. So there.

And finally, if one more person asks me where they can find a callanetics class, I may just scream...

Ross

Fun for idle thumbs

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 11:34:05 GMT

This smoking ban certainly has a lot of you all hot under the collar. Issues that impact on our personal liberties have a habit of doing that. Some of your feedback to my blog entry below has been along the lines of "leave us smokers alone and stop telling us what to do". Well, personally, I won't stop nagging people about smoking until it's gone forever, and I'd do pretty much anything to help a friend or loved one give up.

Which is why I asked (told) a mate of mine, a hearty smoker, to try something a little bit different next time he feels like lighting up. It sounds ridiculous, but I've given him a Nintendo DS to play around with instead of smoking his minging cigarettes. Odd, I know, but he always says his biggest problem when he's tried to give up in the past is not knowing what to do with his hands. Many smokers feel this way, apparently.

And anyway, it was all in the name of research for your favourite Health Channel here, so he was more than willing to give it a go. Tom, for that is his name, had this to say about his experience:

"With the smoking ban coming, I know I'm going to find it difficult to sit still in the pub and not think about smoking. It's going to be incredibly frustrating. In non-smoking establishments I tend to sit there and fidget with my thumbs and crack my knuckles, so I'd be keen on anything that would keep my mind of it. Playing a computer game is not exactly what I had in mind, but I'd heard that some pubs will be installing consoles to appease smokers. And like I said, I'd try anything.

It was great when I was on the bus on the way to work and at home when I'd usually have a cigarette, but I felt a bit weird getting the thing out of my bag when I met some friends for a drink. It's not the most sociable thing to do! But when I explained what I was doing, they strangely didn't seem to mind and after a while didn't care that I was stopping mid-conversation and playing a computer game. I don't think it will get me a girlfriend in a hurry thought!

I also don't think this sort of thing will catch on - people want to chat in the pub, but anything that helps people stop smoking can only be a good thing. I found it helpful in other situations, like when I would normally nip out for a fag break at work. And I've definitely smoked less than normal during the last week or so."

Thanks Tom. Stout fellow. It's interesting how something as simple as giving hands something else to do can help people reduce their cigarette intake. I'm not a smoker and I've written some harsh words about people who still smoke when they know so much about the health risks, but smokers need to be helped and encouraged to give up, and they could do worse than getting hold of a hand-held device like the one Tom messed around with or even stopping to do a crossword or so-duko.

It's not going to make you give up for good - only a big dollop of willpower will do that - but it's certainly a start. And after 1 July, people's fingers and thumbs are going to have a lot of free time...

Ross

The last gasp

Tue, 26 Jun 2007 11:26:21 GMT

I rarely lose my temper, and when I do, it probably has something to do with someone smoking. Is there a more selfish habit? Like most people I believe in freedom of the individual, but not if that freedom involves doing something that harms the person standing next to you.

In a restaurant (just how can people smoke over dinner?), at a bus stop, in a car, walking down the street or standing at a bar - wherever people choose to smoke, chances are there is someone who is really, really annoyed that they are doing it.

So, with only a few days until the ban on smoking in public places in England comes into force, all I can say is - about time. And to those people who worry about Britain becoming a Big Brother state, isn't it about time you grew up? Cigarettes contain over 4000 chemical compounds and 400 toxic substances, and there are 114,000 smoking-related deaths in the UK every year. Meanwhile, second-hand smoke is thought to kill around 11,000 people a year in this country, including one bar worker a week.

So, like I said, it's about time.

Happy happy joy joy

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 11:17:40 GMT

Hello you. So, today is the happiest day of the year, when the good weather (er, surely you mean flash floods - Ed?) and the prospect of going away on holiday, among other things, combine to make the British population as happy as some bloke called Larry.

Are you feeling it? Personally, I couldn't be happier. I have my health, am surrounded by people who (I think) love me and vice versa, I live in a great city and I enjoy my job. Plus, for extra-smugness, I'm on the property ladder. All of which makes me think that this is one piece of scientific research that I can buy into.

Word of warning though, it's all downhill from here - the most depressing day of the year is at the end of January, so make the most of it...

Ross :-)

Sleepy update

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 17:45:22 GMT

I've been somewhat overwhelmed - and touched - by your response to my entry of May 30 (Help me SLEEP). I have had quite a few emails from users, all of whom were keen to offer their own advice to aid my slumber. And I have to say, things have improved over the last few weeks. I'm not sure if it's the herbs, the sleepy tea or what, but I'm glad to be getting a regular full night's sleep again.

I found your response to this blog entry quite interesting. It's always the mundane things that attract the most interest; headaches, back pain and, in this case, light cases of insomnia. I guess it's because these are the things that affect most of us at some point, but I was rather impressed by the wealth of knowledge out there and, most of all, the desire to club together and ease a fellow human being's discomfort.

thanks all,

Ross

Personal training... on your iPod

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 11:00:37 GMT

Our Tech & Gadgets Editor Patrick Goss recently ran an article on the best fitness gadgets currently on the market, a list which includes a cross trainer, Nike+ trainers and iPod, a mountain bike and, my favourite, a Nintendo Wii (if you haven't tried Wii sports yet, you haven't lived).

Well, I think I may have stumbled upon another. I've always said that MP3 players could be better utilised to help people get more out of their workouts. And, with with so many people doing themselves a mischief because they don't know how to exercise properly, the need is greater than ever.

The best thing for most people who want to shape up is to hire a personal trainer. A PT will tell you what you should be doing and, more importantly, how you should be doing it. However, not everyone can afford this luxury, while others (mostly us men) don't like to acknowledge the fact that they are in need of direction.

This is where our MP3 players come in. I've been hoping a fitness expert would put together some podcasts guiding the listener through their workout, and on Tuesday I met someone who has gone one better. Fitness expert Nash Jocic gave me a copy of his Ultimate Shape programme (check out www.ultimateshape.com for more information), a series of video clips which you can upload to your iPod, 3G phone or other video device. Simply take it to the gym and there is Nash talking you through your session.

But does it work? Well, to look at Nash you would think so, and I love the idea so I'm going to give it a good go for a few weeks - I'll let you know how I get on. I may - if I'm brave enough - even take some before and after pictures for you. Next time you see a blonde Scottish bloke in your gym who isn't in great shape but really looks like he knows what he's doing... that'll be me.

Have a great weekend,

Ross

May mailbag

Sun, 10 Jun 2007 21:15:01 GMT

It's a bit later than usual, so apologies for that, but for the last week I've been sunning myself in, er, Scotland, which is the reason why you've had to wait a little bit longer for the monthly mailbag. But here it is, a look at the articles which got you talking in May.

Features on kids always get our users worked up, and Additive Addicts was no exception. We asked why so many children's foods contain such high levels of additives, and here's what you had to say. Jim, like most of you, was troubled by the fact that food marketed towards kids is becoming more and more unnatural. "What troubles me most though, is the fact that parents are willing to let their children eat this rubbish. My children learnt from an early age the importance of a healthy diet. If you don't want them to drink fizzy drinks, then raise them on water and milk. My four-year-old, when we sit down for dinner, will always ask for water, because she hasn't been allowed to over-indulge on junk."

And it's not just the kids. A study by scientists who claimed they could end the need for dieting and exercise by adding a supplement which suppresses appetite to baby milk almost had you up in arms. Ben said: "It is immensely refreshing after a fortnight of reading stories about pills to cure all ills to read yuor sensible, insightful editorial about the benefits of exercise and healthy balanced diet." That's what we're here for Ben. Simon, meanwhile, made this suggestion. "I'm glad to see a sensible attitude in the media to scientists messing about with the human body unnecessarily. However, I don't think enough has been made of the impact of hydrogenated vegetable oils (trans-fats) in the media on the obesity levels in countries where it is in common use."

Actually, Simon, I think if you read around you'll see that trans-fats, the Darth Vader of oils, have received a great deal of the negative press coverage they deserve, but your heart is in the right place. Peter adds: "Hello [hello Peter], as a nutritionist, I am appalled at the total lack of exercise done by people today and the very low level of quality food that we have to choose from at the supermarket. Education needs to be employed more at an early age towards becoming aware of the foods that the body needs and the foods the body requires at all." I agree with you Peter, though, regarding the supermarkets, nobody makes you shop there. Support your local butcher today, folks.

I never ignore flattery, so finally, Alice says: "I just read your article and I think you should be commended for this wonderful piece." Thanks Alice, your cheque is in the post!

My article on Why gyms are a waste of money seems to have struck a chord, though hopefully not because some of you are planning to use it as an excuse not to work out. The point I was trying to make is that UK gyms are overpriced and uninspiring. In fact, I couldn't think of a worse place to exercise than certain gyms I have had the displeasure of sweating buckets in. Archie agrees, saying: "Why pay £50 plus a month when you can just go for a run in the great outdoors and lift weights or do yoga at home." Right on, Archie.

Last but not least, what monthly mailbag would be complete without an irate vegetarian calling me a scumbag? That's right, the feedback from the meat-free continues to flood in following this. Lennie kindly wrote in to say: "Do not write on subjects in which you are obviously no scientist or nutritionist or dietician in! U are an affront to people like me who choose to go veggie as our choice. I do not shove my ideas down your throat even though I have volumes of evidence to prove meat eating is linked to most western diseases now a days. Aside from the fact that it's better for a humans health, better for the worlds health and better for our fellow animals that walk this world for humans to exist on a vegetarian diet its also a peaceful way of life... All meat eaters stink. You emit it through your pores. No cancer causing perfumes or aftershaves you apply cover it over either... Idiot, you really are."

Thanks for the lesson Lennie. Particularly in grammar and spelling...

That's all folks,

Ross

A whole new me

Thu, 31 May 2007 14:22:16 GMT

Like I said yesterday, I'm something of a sceptic when it comes to vitamins and supplements. Well, that's not exactly true - I don't doubt that they work, I have just never felt the need to take any, with the exception of echinacea when I get a cold, which certainly DOES work.

Anyway, I just spent an hour or so talking to Nicole Davies, a naturopath at WholeMan (www.wholeman.co.uk), a male grooming joint on New Bond Street. As Nicole rightfully pointed out, not many people are familiar with the term naturopath, but it's someone who is a herbalist, nutritionist and homeopath all rolled into one, a handy triumvirate is ever there was one.

Nicole quizzed me on my medical history, diet and lifestyle, and also asked me if I am currently suffering from any ailments. The only problem I have is that I'm a pretty hopeless sleeper (see below). I'm also something of a stress-head. The two may or may not be related.

Anyway, Nicole listened patiently before recommending a course of B vitamins (the nutrients which help convert food into energy), liquid herbs and what they delightfully call 'Sleepy Tea'. Liquid herbs is not something I'd even heard of before, but the good folks at WholeMan will concoct a potion that suits you best and mix them right there in front of you. The elixir given to me is made up from ginseng, licorice root, lemon balm and something else I can't read on the label. It smells awful, but if it helps me sleep like the dead then it's a small price to pay. I'm going to try all these out for a month then let you know how I get on.

I also took the time to have a massage while I was there. I'm a huge fan of massage, which I think can be extremely beneficial to our health. Many people seem to think of massage as an indulgence rather than something that is good for your health, and it's my aim to show them otherwise. But that's for another day - you can expect to read all about the advantages of a good old rub down in a couple of weeks or so.

Until then,

Ross

Help me SLEEP

Wed, 30 May 2007 15:24:05 GMT

I'm not one for taking vitamins, in fact I've never followed a course of supplements in my life. As far as I'm concerned, there is nothing I can't - or indeed don't - get from my diet, which I like to think is healthy, balanced and varied. Tomorrow morning, however, I am going to see a naturopath who hopes to show me otherwise. The idea is that I tell them what ailments I suffer from and they show me what I should take take to remedy them.

The only problem I have is that I'm a pretty bad sleeper. I'm not an insomniac, I'm just not great at sleeping. I'm restless, I sometimes struggle to switch off after getting home from work and occasionally, like now, I sleep OK but just can't for the life of me get myself out of bed in the morning. Hard to explain why, considering that the weather has improved and it's lighter when I have to get up, but there you go.

So, I'll let you know how it goes, but if anyone has any suggestions, please do get in touch.

Nighty night,

Ross

A Wii bit of fun

Thu, 10 May 2007 11:42:47 GMT

Can a games console ever be considered as exercise? Probably not, but the Nintendo Wii comes mighty close. At least I had worked up a fair sweat after twenty minutes of playing Wii Sports with five of my esteemed MSN colleagues last night.

Movies Editor Ed Holden, Video Manager Chris Lunn (aka competitive dad), Web Editor Tim Burnett and Money Editor Matt Plowright joined me at the 'Wii flat' in central London, a plush pad that has been kitted out with plasma tellies and, most importantly, lots of Wii consoles.

Naturally our attention quickly turned to the games that has had everyone talking: Wii Sports, which includes, among other things, tennis, baseball, boxing and golf. The technology is breathtaking, watching the characters respond to your movements is an extraordinary experience.

The tennis in particular requires a fair amount of movement around the living room, though of course it is hardly comparable to an hour on the treadmill (it's much more fun).

However, Nintendo will soon release what they refer to as 'healthier' games such as aerobics. Just don't expect us to don our leotards and try out that one for you as well...

Thanks to Laura, Ben and Lizzie at Cake Group for a really fun evening.

Ross

April - showers of feedback

Tue, 01 May 2007 18:11:39 GMT

Hello you. Answer me this - is there anything that can be done to halt the tidal wave of feedback I've received regarding my article Why I'll never be a veggie? Didn't think so. The article first appeared on the site back in February, I think, and there has been a steady stream of mail and message board comments/abuse ever since, mostly aimed directly at my head.

I'm not one to break the habit of (what feels like) a lifetime, so I'll kick off our look back at all the feedback we received from users in April with this corker from Risa: "Has this moron ever actually ever been to Japan and experienced its cuisine? Japanese buddhists have a long history of vegetariansim." Risa was of course referring to my comment that Japanese people eat a lot of meat and fish, and they have the highest life expectancy in the world. Well, Risa, I have in fact just recently been to Japan, where I ate... wait for it... lots of meat and fish. In fact, almost all the food I was given by friends out there contained meat. Not all Japanese people eat meat, for sure, but they're certainly not all vegetarian. Or Buddhhist for that matter. So there. I rule. End of.

Right then, enough of that. L had this profound comment to offer: "u r gd wid this healthy food keep it up". Certainly will L. And they say kids don't know how to write these days.

V Walker was inspired to write in by How your office can make you ill, and he had some fascinating advice to share. He says: "I just read your article. I spend most of my day sat on a chair in front of a PC, and I have had some strange symptoms. The doctor suggested socks and, believe it or not, support tights. I took his advice, and what a difference! Wearing tights under trousers has not been a problem for me, it is better than killing yourself with a blood clot." Certainly is, V, and thanks for sharing your experience with us. We are surrounded by wi-fi, broadband and numerous other hi-tech gadgetry, and we are not 100% sure if or how they can affect our health. The feedback from MSN Health & Wellbeing users seems to suggest that this really is a problem we need to address.

If my rant against vegetarianism sparked a largely negative response from our users, the antithesis of this is surely Leave those kids alone, in which I moaned about a scientist's plan to add a supplement to baby food and milk formula that would suppress appetite and increase metabolism, thus making obesity a thing of the past. It shouldn't be this hard to tackle obesity, should it? You didn't think so anyway.

Helen said: "Rarely do I feel moved to sit and write a word of praise and thanks for an article... Thank you for a nice balanced article in favour of some of the old fashioned techniques of bringing up kids." Anne added: "I totally agree with your opinion. It is time to let children be kids again and not just smaller versions of an adult."

Nicola, however, thought: "I agree with a certain amount of what you have said, however I believe you have a very naive opinion on childhood disabilities. Could it simply be that more children are being diagnosed because the medical profession has increased it's knowledge." That is one possible explanation, yes. It's hard to ignore the stats though, Nicola. One point I made in the article was that more kids these days have an allergy because they are not allowed to play outside as much as I did when I was a child. This weakens the immune system, and I doubt that 15 or even 150 years ago almost 30% of children had asthma or an allergy. And it is no coincidence that allergies are practically non-existent in the developing world. Wrapping a child in cotton wool is not the best way to raise them.

In regards to the baby milk supplement, Nancy had this to say: "Instead of producing food that is more organic... we are actually talking about raising a generation whose body function will be completely artificial." Couldn't have said it better myself, Nancy.

Keri agrees. "I do not have children but I am a personal trainer and nutrition consultant. Kids do not need medicines, hormones or any scientific treatment, they simply need to be more active and better educated in terms of food choices. I myself am only 26 but I can see I had a far more active childhood than a lot of children today and obesity was a word I had never heard of," she said.

Tony, meanwhile, thought to contact us on our valiant efforts training with the Royal Marines. He said: "Just thought I would say very well done on your day with the Marines. It is good to see civilians seing what service personnel go through in order to be prepared to fight for this country." Thanks Tony. The Marines we met were indeed very impressive fellows. Fit, strong, with physiques in perfect working order. They must eat lots of meat...

thanks for all your comments,

Ross

Mike's marathon

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 09:31:08 GMT

MSN UK's Senior Content Manager Mike Lok was one of 35,000 people who ran the London Marathon on Sunday. Mike started training for this, his first marathon, on Christmas Day and after a series of setbacks including sprained ankles, back pain and a chest infection, he lined up alongside his fellow runners in the east of the capital for one of the greatest challenges if his life. This is his story...

The Morning

My first London Marathon, raising money for the NSPCC.

Good Morning

The Runners

It's amazing what some of the runners go through to raise money for charity. Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Rhino Suits, Batman and Robin - you name it, they were there, all with smiles on their faces.

Mike and Phil	Lifeboat Girls
Batman and Robin	Libby

The buzz

The atmosphere was brilliant, almost like a carnival. I was using up so much energy and looking back Iprobably should have conserved it!

Brilliant Atmosphere

Wessex Male Choir

The Starting Line

Lots of nerves and anticipation - everyone is eager to get running. 26 miles of pain awaits!

Slow Walk Up

Crossing The Start

The Run

This is it. Four months of training and it all boils down to this.

Six Mile Mark	Fourteen Mile Mark
Approaching Tower Bridge	The Wonderful Crowds
20 Mile Mark	Tears and Tantrums

Crossing The Line

I saw my daughter Lola and sister in-law 600 metres before the finish line and I burst into tears... Then I saw my other little girl Taer and my wife Leeann at the finish line, which I filmed. The pain and emotion was off the scale at this point. Five hours and fifty nine minutes later, I cross the line.

Hugs and Kisses

Final Thoughts

For me the London Marathon was a mixed bag. The physical part of the run I found extremely hard, the heat was a killer but worst of all was my legs. They started to give way around the 15 mile mark and the rest of the run from that point was sheer hell. The emotional part was even harder. The last three miles were a combination of tears and tantrums: “Why did I do this”, “I want to stop”, “why didn’t I train harder”. I wasn’t prepared for the emotional rollercoaster during the last few miles. Physically and mentally I was a broken man.

I was trying not to cry whilst running up the Embankment. The last mile was just painful but the energy from the crowd shouting my name was out of this world and seeing my Leeann, Lola and Taer just before the finish line was wonderful and an emotional release. I was in floods of tears. Crossing the finish line was a mixture of achievement and relief.

I didn’t carry a watch so I didn’t know what time I did. It was 5h:59m but for me that didn’t matter, I just wanted to finish. There were times during the run I wanted to give up, stop and go home but I didn’t, the crowds we’re amazing and kept me going. If you thought being there and shouting out encouragement didn’t help, think again. I started training on Christmas day and had a few setbacks along the way but I did it and I ran the London Marathon.

Will I do it again? Probably not. Will I go back next year and support the runners? Absolutely.

Extracts from my personal blog: www.thechineseelvis.co.uk

Conspiracy theory

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 12:11:33 GMT

It's a plot against me, I know it. No sooner do I write an article called, Why I'll never be a veggie, and hey presto, several news stories appear telling the world that eating meat could seriously compromise your health. First there was last week's story that said red meat could cause breast cancer, followed by today's news that eating large quantities of cured meats like bacon could damage lung function and increase the risk of lung disease.

I mean, is nothing sacred anymore? First it's our steaks, now they are coming for our full English breakfasts. On a more serious note, however, I do take exception to stories like these. I'm not questioning the results, and indeed studies like these provide us with valuable insights into how the body works and what causes certain diseases.

The problem is that people will often read the headline and not get into the fine details of the story. Take the red meat/breast cancer story, for example. The research actually showed that women who eat red meat every day are at a greater risk of contracting breast cancer. Do you know anyone who eats red meat every day? I don't, and if I did I would be the first to tell them that this isn't good for their health.

And today's news regarding the health of our lungs? The study showed that you would have to eat bacon or other cured meat at least 14 times a month to put yourself at risk. Again, I could have told you that this is too much of what is a fatty treat that should be enjoyed every so often, rather than every second day.

I've said it before and I'll say it again - too much of almost anything is bad for you. Keep everything in moderation, including red meat and bacon, and you'll be just fine.

Ross

March memories

Wed, 04 Apr 2007 18:12:10 GMT

It's a new month, which can mean only one thing - it's time for our rummage through the mailbag to see what's got you guys talking in March.

Well, for starters, the battle between the herbivores and the omnivores rages on - with me stuck in the middle receiving tons of flack but thankfully just as much praise. I actually wrote a blog entry compiling lots of your feedback on our twin articles Why I'll never be a veggie and Why I'll never eat meat (see March 19 below) so I won't spend too much time foscussing on these.

Except to say that Nick thinks: "I think the article by Ross Chainey [moi] was much more convincing. Us meat eaters can eat ALL of the amazing fruit and vegetables you spoke about as part of our diet and still gain the benefits they provide. No-one is saying to just eat red meat all day as obviously the people who do suffer the consequences. With the variety of meat and vegetables available, balancing them is the key to a healthy diet and there is absolutely no argument against that." Andy, meanwhile, said: "Thank you for the recent article 'Why I'll never eat meat'. For years I've had to put up with a tirade of questions and people poking fun at my vegetarianism. Finally I can now redirect all these comments to this editorial."

Alan, on the other hand, wrote in to challenge me to "a race on a bicycle" over 50 to 100 miles. He's a vegetarian, you see, and I'm not. So, does anyone think I should accept his challenge? Answers on a postcard please or, more sensibly, to this blog. Finally, if you want to continue this discussion, head to our message boards.

Elsewhere, Maggie disagrees with our dental expert Dr Omar Qureshi, who stated in the article the truth about tooth whitening that off-the-shelf- whitening kits are a waste of money. She says: "I use an off-the-shelf-kit - and it's GREAT. To say 'don't use them' is silly as we all have different habits which affect our teeth." We'd be interested to hear where you got your kit from Maggie, as it's widely thought that those available in the UK are just marginally better than useless (UK manufacturers are only allowed to use very small amounts of the dying agent hydrogen peroxide).

That, surprisingly, is it for this month. The vast majority of you wanted to talk about the meat vs veg article, and you can read the pick of the comments below. I'll just end by saying that I've been asked to discuss my article, Top 10 health myths, on BBC Radio Wales this Friday. Unfortunately I don't know what time yet, hopefully three in the morning when no-one is listening. If you're in the area and you hear a nervous Scot discussing how long chewing gum really stays in the gut, you'll know it's yours truly.

Until next time,

Ross

Tall tales and the ultimate running man

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 11:14:57 GMT

A couple of notable health stories from around the world have caught my attention this morning. Firstly, I'd like to say a big 'well done' to Robert Garside, a 40-year-old Brit who has just become the first person to run around the world. The Guinness Book of World Records has certified Mr Garside's record.

During his five-year and eight month 'jog', he ran across 30 countries on six continents and covered more than 30,000 miles. Mr Garside slept in the snowy Himalayas, out-ran thieves in Mexico and gunmen in Panama and even spent five nights in a Chinese jail for not having the right travel documents. And if that's not commitment to your fitness, then I don't know what is...

Meanwhile, in China, the world's tallest man, who gained worldwide fame last year by using his long arms to pull plastic out of the stomach of sick dolphins, has just got married. Herdsman Bao Xishun is 7ft 9in and, after a global search for a bride, has found a woman who is 25 years his junior and two-thirds of his height. Many happy returns!

Photo Album: White Collar Boxing

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 18:38:24 GMT

White Collar Boxing

Going at it with legendary trainer, The Burf

Float like a butterfly, sting like one too

Lethal uppercut

Champion Chainsaw

Photo Album: Tour de France 2007

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 18:34:16 GMT

Tour de France 2007

Stage 8 starting line

On your marks...

Our car for the day

The caravan sets off

Being a pro has its benefits...

A real cyclist

View from Tignes hotel

Le Grand Depart

My Skoda chum

Getting ready to set off

More Photos...

Photo Album: Wii fun

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 23:05:58 GMT

Wii fun

More Photos...

Photo Album: Commando training

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 13:24:38 GMT

Commando training

Like a glove...

Tim, Sergeant Dave and me

Tim on a rope

Team meeting

The recruits go to work

It's fair to say, we are NOT in this picture

If only I had upper body strength

The assault course

Tim keeps his head down

The dreaded zig-zag wall

More Photos...

Photo Album: Marathon

Mon, 02 Oct 2006 18:05:19 GMT

Marathon

I was in there somewhere

The most important thing to a runner...

3:19:46 - dining out on that for years

18 miles and feeling it...

Custom List: More MSN Blogs

Thu, 02 Aug 2007 09:05:58 GMT

More MSN Blogs

Custom List: Disclaimer

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 10:37:37 GMT

Disclaimer

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The views in this column/blog are those of the author alone and not of MSN or Microsoft

Custom List: Health Editor's Picks

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 15:20:47 GMT

Health Editor's Picks