You may remember us saying that Angela's parents (aged 85 and 86) emigrated from UK to New Zealand in September last year. They have settled very well into a retirement village and follow all the recommendations put to the residents. I thought one of these recommendations was such a good idea that I'd share it with you all and that is to keep health details readily available in … [Read more...]
Getting travel insurance after a pulmonary embolism
In May last year, I posted about our problems getting travel insurance as Paul has had multiple pulmonary emboli. This time it proved even harder as we were going to America, to take Noah to Disneyland as a special holiday to celebrate him turning 18 this year. I tried the companies that had been helpful before, but although they would insure us for travel to Europe, they … [Read more...]
Australian Open and pulmonary embolism
This week some big names were winners at the Australian Tennis Open. Roger Federer won his 18th Grand Slam at the ripe old age of 35 yrs and Serena Williams once again took the Women's title. I guess that most of my readers would regard the age of 35 as young, but in a high speed sport like tennis, Federer is getting a bit old to be playing at the top level of the game. He is … [Read more...]
Weekend Reflection – “Live the healthiest life that you can enjoy”
A few days into the new year and your more outrageous resolutions may be broken by now. That's when the following more moderate resolution, taken from Dr Yoni Freedhoff's website Weighty Matters come into play, "Live the healthiest life that you can enjoy" Dr Freedhoff is a Canadian weight management physician who has written a wonderfully realistic book about weight … [Read more...]
Three thrombo resolutions
New Year is the time for making resolutions. If you are like me, they last for a few weeks at most but the intention is good. For people who have had a blood clot these are three things that you might want to add to your resolutions for this year. Take your tablets regularly If you are taking an anticoagulant it is very important that you keep taking it regularly. This is … [Read more...]
Six Coagulation-linked Christmas gifts
How are you getting on with your Christmas shopping? I've just bought 32 Christmas tree decorations and written "Thank you for being my friend. love from Isaac" on 32 labels so he can give one to each of the children in his class. Isaac has Down syndrome and is in inclusive education so we really value the help he gets from his class-mates. You can see Isaac holding one … [Read more...]
Frivolous Friday – 4 Halloween blood-related treats
It's Halloween on Monday and we'll be explaining some of the medical links between vampires and coagulation, but in the meantime, we've found four blood-related ways to spoil yourself over the weekend. 1. Watch a movie with the kids (or grand-kids) Who ever would have thought a vampire movie could be described as 'sweet'? But that's exactly what came to mind as I watched … [Read more...]
Is floss dross? Or would a water flosser help your bleeding gums?
There has been recent debate about whether or not flossing is helpful for dental health. Even the Cochrane review, a very reputable source of medical information says " There is very weak evidence that flossing plus toothbrushing may reduce the amount of plaque" However it concludes that flossing reduces gum disease. If you decide to floss and you're on anticoagulants, you … [Read more...]
Book Review – Coping with the Psychological Effects of Illness
Coping with the Psychological Effects of Illness: Strategies to manage anxiety and depression Fran Smith – counselling psychologist specialised in helping people adjust to living with health problems. London Carina Eriksen – counselling psychologist worked at Institute of psychiatry, London Prof Robert Bor – lead clinical psychologist in medical specialties at the Royal … [Read more...]
Frivolous Friday – Book Reviews – Clotting for Kids
If you want to explain blood clots to your kids or grandkids, we've found two helpful children's books. Curious Ross discovers How Blood Clots by Gill Stelzer - a research scientist with a PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology as well as a BSc in Computer Science This is part of a series he's written called 'Educational science while you play' About the book … [Read more...]