Author Archives: john graham

“Water, Water Everywhere”

Posted on August 28, 2011 by john graham

Over the last ten years it has become more and more common to hear people tell you to drink more and more water – eight glasses a day / two and a half pints a day / 1.2 litres a … Continue reading →

Posted in SMILES | 4 Comments

“Dangerous Road” 2

Posted on August 24, 2011 by john graham

A couple of months ago on the 20th June 2011, I wrote about assisting early death and the apparently more liberal attitudes to euthanasia in Holland, albeit with some safeguards. A graphic illustration of the issues is shown in a recently … Continue reading →

Posted in Assisted Suicide, ELDERLY UK POLICY | Tagged | 1 Comment

“Musical Interlude”

Posted on August 21, 2011 by john graham

A little while ago I read a negative article about a hospital patient being given a tambourine to summon a nurse.  I recently re-read the report more carefully and it set me thinking —– this no doubt well-intended, if thoughtless idea, … Continue reading →

Posted in SMILES | Tagged | 3 Comments

“Active Ageing”

Posted on August 17, 2011 by john graham

Britain’s chief medical officers issued new guidance on exercise this month.  It was a straight forward and encouraging report because it emphasised that moderate exercise was good for you.  No need to be working up a sweat in the gym … Continue reading →

Posted in HEALTH, Residential Care | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

“Cast Adrift 2”

Posted on August 14, 2011 by john graham

End of July 2011 and I have just returned from a cruise up the West Coast of Norway on board the latest ship in the Cunard fleet – the new Queen Elizabeth.  A massive ship – 10 decks high – … Continue reading →

Posted in SMILES | 2 Comments

“Short Sighted Cuts”

Posted on August 10, 2011 by john graham

Visual impairment affects more than half of older people and I am not talking about the many people who need glasses to improve their eyesight.  I am talking about the point where deteriorating vision begins to limit your daily life.  … Continue reading →

Posted in HEALTH | Tagged | 5 Comments

“Coffee cures wrinkles”

Posted on August 7, 2011 by john graham

Ever in the search to stay looking young, older women are always willing to try new ways to banish wrinkles! Way back in May 2010, I first wrote about rather scary laser treatment which burns the skin off your face!  … Continue reading →

Posted in SMILES | Tagged , | 1 Comment

“Southern Cross Cards Collapse”

Posted on August 3, 2011 by john graham

Since the last hand of cards were played in this most callous of games (click on Southern Cross in the TAG CLOUD to see previous posts on this subject), the players have all been re-assessing their hands before placing their … Continue reading →

Posted in Care Funding, Residential Care | Tagged | 2 Comments

“A Questionable Bonus” – 2

Posted on July 31, 2011 by john graham

Back in April this year I wrote a blog which questioned an idea being considered by Health Minister – Paul Burstow.  Perhaps he should have been reading it, because recent research seems to support what I was saying. About a … Continue reading →

Posted in HEALTH | Tagged , | 2 Comments

“Dilnot Commission”

Posted on July 27, 2011 by john graham

My last blog on this subject was entitled “If The Cap Fits” published on 11th June 2011.  The Dilnot Report “Fairer Care Funding” was published on 4th July 2011. I have deliberately waited a while before commenting on what should lead to … Continue reading →

Posted in HEALTH, Residential Care | Tagged | 9 Comments