Vitamin B12 Shortage Shrinks Brain!

Vitamin B12 Shortage Shrinks The Brain

Low levels of vitamin B12 increase the odds of losing brain cells with age.  This is the conclusion of a study published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

What does this mean for memory and brain function?

Researchers took samples of blood from 121 people over age 65, measuring B12 levels and testing memory and other cognitive skills, at different times, four and a half years apart.  Those people with the lowest levels of B12, had the greatest brain shrinkage according to brain scans and they also had the lowest scores on the memory and other cognitive tests.

Although it wasn’t tested whether B12 supplements would solve this problem, many integrative doctors and naturopaths would recommend taking about 1000mcg daily, especially for vegetarians or  people with digestion issues involving malabsorption. Sublingual form is best if there are problems with absorption.

Food sources of vitamin B12 include meat, chicken, fish, milk and eggs.

Don't Forget To Use The Smart Traveller Checklist!

The SmartTraveller website also has a wonderful checklist which will help you work out what you need before you go. Make sure you follow these easy steps to prepare for your next journey. HAPPY TRAILS! From The Team At Fords Pharmacy.

Are You Travelling Overseas?

If you are, we recommend you use the Australian Government's SMART TRAVELLER website before you head off on your trip. SmartTraveller is designed to help Australians map out a picture of where they are going and includes all warnings and dangers related to Health, Politics, Weather And The Law.

See an example for Brazil . The country is broken down into categories that will help you learn about what you can take, what you can't take and how you can prepare for your next trip.

An Excerpt:

Malaria is a high risk in Brazil throughout the year. Other insect-borne diseases (including dengue fever, yellow fever, filariasis and leishmaniasis) are also a risk to travellers, with a higher incidence during the wet seasons (May to August and November to January). You should consult your doctor or travel clinic about prophylaxis against malaria and take measures to avoid insect bites, including using insect repellent at all times, wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and ensure your accommodation is mosquito proof.

Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, leptospirosis and rabies) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling. We recommend you boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Do not swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to certain water-borne diseases such as schistosomiasis. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.

HIV/AIDS is also a significant risk in Brazil. You should exercise appropriate precautions if engaging in activities that expose you to risk of infection. You can find out more information at the World Health Organization website.

Pasotti Lux, Coming Soon To The Store

We are taking the plunge! The Pasotti Umbrellas have sold out AGAIN, so on our next order we have added a few more delicacies which might be a little more expensive but we think that they will attract even the most discerning eye. Pasotti Luxury umbrellas will be available in store in a fortnight.

How Lovely Is This Umbrella By Il Marchesato?

Well, If It Just Keeps Raining Then We Will Just Have To Sell More Umbrellas!

These will arrive by Friday next week, the second line of umbrellas that are coming straight from Italy. They go by the name of Il Marchesato and they are some of the most beautiful umbrellas we have found to complement the existing range of Pasotti Umbrellas we have in store. If you want to reserve one before they come in, and these images are the EXACT order that we have placed, you better call +612 9557 1712 now.