Author Archives: john graham

“Clutching at Hope”

Posted on September 26, 2010 by john graham

It would be a strange world if we lived our lives from news headlines to news headlines.  The Swine Flu pandemic mobilised action all around the world and then disappeared in a sneeze rather than becoming the next Black Plague. … Continue reading →

Posted in Dementia | Tagged | 1 Comment

“Conker Memories”

Posted on September 21, 2010 by john graham

I got up early this morning and discovered a beautiful sun-shining autumn day; perfect for a walk in the Northamptonshire countryside. A no excuses to stay in bed day. So walking shoes – dusted off. A lightweight jacket in case … Continue reading →

Posted in SMILES | 4 Comments

“What’s a Photo Biologist”

Posted on September 7, 2010 by john graham

By now we are all well aware that being outside in too much sun causes wrinkles.  Slap on at least factor 30 sunscreen before you read any further!  Apparently some photo biologist researchers in France have shown that the sun’s … Continue reading →

2 Comments

“A pill for everything”

Posted on September 7, 2010 by john graham

Since the formation of the NHS, we have become a nation of pill poppers.   We have developed an expectation that there is a tablet for every ailment.   If we visit our GP we feel shortchanged if we come away … Continue reading →

Posted in HEALTH | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Breakfast Exercise

Posted on September 6, 2010 by john graham

I am trying to lead a healthy life now I am retired.  So I start most days with Tai Chi in the back garden.  Half an hour of light stretching and gentle exercise improves breathing and balance as well as … Continue reading →

Posted in GRUMBLES | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

“Mice on the move”

Posted on August 25, 2010 by john graham

Since first writing about the problems mice are having these days – see “Mouse traps become bridges” dated 1 April 2010 – it seems that the issue is much more widespread that I thought.  Today the Daily Mail reports that … Continue reading →

Posted in GRUMBLES | Tagged | 3 Comments

A Confused Policy

Posted on July 28, 2010 by john graham

A recent Department of Health report places the UK eleventh out of 14 developed nations in prescribing four drugs used to help alleviate the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. It’s not easy to get a diagnosis to start with, but when you … Continue reading →

Posted in HEALTH | Tagged | 2 Comments

Confusion about Confusion

Posted on July 20, 2010 by john graham

I have hesitated before writing anything on the subject of dementia because it is such a complex medical area with widely different levels of knowledge among clinicians and health care professionals.  In terms of the numbers of people affected, it … Continue reading →

Posted in Dementia | Tagged | Leave a comment

“Bus Pass bust up”

Posted on July 16, 2010 by john graham

The Government budget cuts are now under discussion and in a classic piece of political toe-in-the-water “sounding out” the Department of Transport has leaked that free bus passes for the elderly may be scrapped.  The trouble with this approach is … Continue reading →

Posted in ELDERLY UK POLICY | Tagged | 1 Comment

Breakfast in America

Posted on July 6, 2010 by john graham

It doesn’t take long to remind me of one of the reasons I like America.  You just have to go out for breakfast and you’re immediately given a comprehensive experience of what the “Land of the Free” is all about. … Continue reading →

Posted in ELDERLY UK POLICY | Tagged | Leave a comment