New Research Review Warns Poor Diets Of Older People Boosts Risk of Premature Ageing

Posted on November 25, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

NEW RESEARCH REVIEW WARNS THAT POOR DIETS OF OLDER PEOPLE BOOSTS RISK OF PREMATURE AGEING

Millions of older people in the UK are putting their long term health at risk because their diets are low in certain key vitamins, minerals and fatty acids, says a new research review commissioned by the

Health Supplements Information Service (HSIS).

The review, about to be published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, assessed the evidence from 34 randomised controlled trials, published 2005-2015, where adults aged 50 years and over had been given nutritional supplements.

The gold standard Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to ensure that only high quality studies were included in the analysis.

Commenting on the research review, GP Dr Paul Stillman, an advisor to HSIS notes:

“The data results show promising results for many nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils, B vitamins, calcium, vitamin D and vitamin K to name a few:

Increasing omega-3 intakes from fish oils appeared to have a role in improving memory, reducing the risk of dry eye, lowering depression scores and levels of leucocyte telomere oxidative stress (a marker of how fast cells are aging) while supporting muscle protein synthesis (which helps older people remain active and avoid falls);
Folic acid and B12 supplementation were found to impact positively on cognitive function (particularly memory);
Combinations of calcium and vitamin D appeared most effective for fracture prevention
Multivitamin use was associated with reduced total cancer risk, improved reported energy levels and enhanced mood.”

However, it was clear from dietary surveys that intakes of key nutrients were low in significant groups of older people. Lead author, Dr Carrie Ruxton, comments: “Vitamin D is a key nutrient for healthy ageing, with a proven role in maintaining normal bone health and immune function. Yet dietary intakes in older British adults are just 30-40% of the recommendation with more than one fifth found to be clinically deficient. Risk of deficiency is also high for iron where 14% of older adults have low blood levels of haemoglobin leading to anaemia, poor immune function and poor cognitive health if not corrected. Smaller groups have inadequate intakes of B vitamins and calcium with those over 65 years most at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. Average intakes of omega-3 fatty acids remain below the recommended 450mg per day because two thirds of older adults don’t eat oily fish on a regular basis.”

Dr Ruxton adds: “People’s bodies age at different speeds and it would appear that having the right diet can slow this process, therefore helping people to stay healthier for longer. While research is still at an early stage, there are promising results for fish oils, B vitamins, calcium and vitamin D. Taking more of these nutrients, from foods plus vitamin and mineral supplements, could help older people age more healthily and would certainly do no harm if intakes remain within recommendations”.

About HSIS…

The Health Supplements Information Service (HSIS) (www.hsis.org.uk; Tel: 020 7052 8955) is an independent information body, set up to provide balanced information on vitamins and minerals. It is supported by a restricted educational grant from the Proprietary Association of Great Britain (PAGB).

Does Your Business Need a CE Marking?

Posted on November 25, 2015 by Aidan

Being safe in business is important. Lawsuits or worse could happen if you do not make sure your products work well and have no faults. the business world is littered with stories of companies that did not make the necessary steps to protect their company and their customers. In fact, since 1995 manufacturers have had to make sure they get their machines assessed to make sure they conform to safety standards. A CE marking confirms that the machinery adheres to all of the necessary health and safety requirements of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC as well as other relevant EU directives. In fact, all machinery imported from non-EU countries requires a CE mark, irrespective of the year of construction.

We have all seen CE markings on things we have bought but how do you get one? A company like Pilz, who are an accredited inspection body for machinery and safeguarding devices, will do all of the work for you. Pilz are one of the only companies that are prepared to take responsibility for the conformity assessment procedure. They sign as the authorised representative on the declaration of conformity, confirming that the requirements of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC have been met. Their staff work to a high level of technical competence and they leave you with peace of mind, knowing that your machinery reaches the required quality. This not only guarantee access to European market but it means you will have Pilz as your representative. Doing CE markings with Pilz also protects your workforces without compromising on productivity.

After Pilz identify and apply the relevant standards and directives, carrying our the necessary inspections, tests and measurements, you will have a complete CE-marking in conformance with legal requirements. For extra peace of mind they also create and archive the required legal documents and manage the certificate. Great stuff indeed.

Just desserts! Two top quality wines for Christmas

Posted on November 24, 2015 by Jack Shamash

As Christmas approaches, it’s nice to round off a good meal with a glass of something sweet. Traditionally you’d expect to have a glass of Port or a dessert wine such as Tokay (Hungarian) or Sauternes (French) – preferably in front of a fire.

However there are some great varieties from Australia and New Zealand. De Bortoli in South Australia has produced ‘Old Boys 21’, which is described as ‘barrel aged tawny’. To all intents and purposes this is a sort of Port, although for legal reasons the word ‘Port’ does not appear anywhere on the bottle.

Tawny port is aged in small casks. So it tends to oxidise more than the ruby port. This gives it a flavour of dried fruit – figs, raisins and lots of spice. It’s an ideal accompaniment for apple or pear tart or caramel. Old Boys 21 has these characteristics. It positively bursts with flavour. I really enjoyed it, although I’m a bit of a traditionalist and would probably want to buy a genuine bottle of Port, simply because it has a bit of a cachet and everyone will know what to expect.

Ned Noble Sauvignon Blanc 2014 is from the wine growing area of Marlborough in New Zealand. The word ‘noble’ suggests that it has been allowed to stay on the vine until affected by fungal ‘noble rot’ which results in a sweeter more intense wine. This is lovely: full of flavours of tropical fruit – lychees and passion fruit. It’s a bit syrupy, so you wouldn’t want to drink more than a couple of glasses, but it’s just the thing for a small drink after dinner. Alternately, keep a bottle out at Christmas and give a glass with a biscuit or a slice of cake. It’s a treat and reasonably priced.

De Bortoli Old Boys 21, 50cl, Oddbins £22

The Ned Noble Sauvignon Blanc 2014, 37.5cl, Waitrose or Majestic £12.99

More thoughts on food and wine are available on Jack’s food blog

The Mousetrap at Chichester Festival Theatre: Review

Posted on November 24, 2015 by Vicky Edwards

The Mousetrap on Tour
Chichester Festival Theatre
Until 28 November
www.cft.org.uk

Photograph by Liza Maria Dawson

It is almost inconceivable that after 63 years there is anyone who hasn’t seen the world’s longest running play, and yet the Festival Theatre was full of wannabe sleuths last night.

Opening with an eerie whistling of the nursery rhyme Three Blind Mice, the killer doesn’t faff about – the first murder of the night takes place almost before the house lights have gone out.

Cut to Monkswell Manor, a guest house being run by a young couple whose enthusiasm is offset by their complete inexperience of running such a business.

As the snow falls and guests arrive at Monkswell, swiftly becoming stranded there by the wintery deluge, it becomes clear that among their number is someone with murder in mind – but who?

The mistress of suspense, Christie’s script certainly cranks up the tension beautifully. Everyone could be linked to the murderer and could therefore be a target. Menace and anticipation transcend the stage and the audience, as a man, quivers with anticipation.

There are a few laughs to relieve the apprehension, mainly born of Christie’s superb observations of character and human nature, but in the main the evening is more inclined to baited breath than belly laughs.

A bit more ham than cheese in places (some of the cast are guilty as charged when it comes to occasional overacting), the intrigue and enticement to find out who the killer is makes forgiveness of such over-the-top moments easy to grant.

Particularly strong performances come from Anne Kavanagh as the magnificent battle-axe Mrs Boyle, and also Luke Jenkins as a suitably authoritative Sgt. Trotter. Edward Elgood also convinces as the immature and borderline-bonkers Christopher Wren, who could just as easily wield a machete as he could a feather duster.

Is The Mousetrap dated? Truthfully, yes. But it is also a British classic; a splendid piece of ripe Stilton that should be embraced and enjoyed absolutely in its original form.

As to whodunit…

Ah, but that would be telling!

Christmas Gift List For Foodies

Posted on November 24, 2015 by Frostie

At Christmas it is impossible to go wrong with an edible gift. Especially if it sparkles or is chocolate. Here are our favs.

Extra Special Louis Bernard Champagne from ASDA.com

Silver medal award-winning Premier cru. Fresh and elegant. Rich with biscuity hints. A very good champagne indeed. From Asda.

Asda Extra Special Mixology Belgian Chocolate Truffles

These are just amazing. Come in champagne, mojito and strawberry daiquiri. They are scrumptious beyond words. Nothing artificial, they taste like the real thing. Yum. From asda.com

Asda Extra Special Belgian Chocolate Bauble Truffles.

A medley of chocolate truffles with salted caramel truffle and a rich Christmas Pudding inspired fusion. Unique and yummy. From asda.com

Carluccio’s Clemente in Camicia

There are almost no words to describe how delicious these candied clementines covered in chocolate are. Just WOW. From http://www.carluccios.com

Carluccio’s Vin Santo e Cantucci

This gift set from Carluccio’s is superb. Amazing cantucci and vin santo to dip it into. Yum. www.carluccios.com

Arabica Spices: Ras El Hanout, Kabsa Spices, Za’atar and Lebanese 7 Spice.

Great spices to put in soups and stews, on meat or anything else you can think of. Make great stocking fillers. Arabica Food and Spice was born out of a passion for the food of the Levant — the sun-drenched lands of the Eastern Mediterranean

Its founders, Jordanian Jad and Londoner James have travelled extensively through Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine and Israel to procure the finest Levantine produce. Our range boasts a culinary kaleidoscope of delicacies, epitomising the breadth of flavour, colour and texture of one the world’s finest food cultures. http://www.arabicafoodandspice.com

Carluccio’s Panettone

It’s not Christmas without panettone and this one is amazing. An Italian slice of heaven. From http://www.carluccios.com

Magnum Restaurant and Bar Restaurant Review By Mary Cooper

Posted on November 23, 2015 by Frostie

One To Watch

Where better to relax after a days shopping or for a pre-theatre supper than the Magnum Restaurant and bar on Albany Street in Edinburgh,

After a hard day shopping, my daughter-in-law and I, left the buzz of Princes Street behind and headed for the calm of Albany Street. We could see the twinkling lights of the restaurant beckoning us as we hurried through the rain past the handsome Georgian buildings. We were welcomed into the warm atmosphere of the restaurant by David, the restaurant manager.

Divested of our coats, we were ushered to a table by the window and before we could say, ‘cosy as toast’ we were relaxing with a glass of deliciously Chardonnay.

The light, juicy scallops – which I chose after much deliberation; everything on the menu looked scrummy – were served with wild mushrooms and a puree of cauliflower and vanilla which was as light as air, and maple syrup which I adore. I followed this with hake, cooked to perfection with clams and little cubes of chorizo.

Jessica was in ecstasies over the seared breast of pigeon with roasted pumpkin, red onion and herb dressing followed by maple glazed pork, pumpkin purée, black pudding, crispy pancetta, saffron potatoes and broccoli.

The olive bread could have been fresher but it didn’t stop us using it to mop up the delicious sauces.

David left us to relax with the dessert menu and I eventually decided on warm pear and ginger crumble with ice-cream while Jessica chose dark chocolate and popcorn tart served with popcorn ice-cream which she complemented with a glass of Merlot.

Needless to say, we cleared our plates, leaving not even enough room for one of their delicious coffees.

The Magnum is well worth a visit; the wine was divine: oakey Chardonnay with buttery layers, and a Merlot with that rich, subtle aroma of burnt toffee which goes so well with dark chocolate.

Chef Dow’s dishes have just enough quirkiness to make you think about what you are eating without leaving you apprehensive about trying something new.

Although not yet one of the few super chefs in Scotland, he is certainly one to watch.

Opening hours

Mon – Sat: 12:00pm – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 10:00pm
Sun: 12:00pm – 3:00pm, 6:00pm – 9:00pm

Phone Number:

0131 557 4366

Website:

http://www.themagnumrestaurant.co.uk/

A Day in the Life – Martin Etheridge

Posted on November 23, 2015 by Margaret Graham

In September 1982, my life changed. I was in the Royal Artillery on a small arms exercise. The vehicle I was in veered off the road and went down a ravine. Five of my mates were killed outright and the driver broke his neck. I was 20 years six months at the time; the first I knew of my accident was when I came out of coma on my 21st birthday. A lot of my family had gathered at my bedside and that’s what brought me round. The guys in the beds round me had come back from the Falklands (but I didn’t even know it had all kicked off!)

The injuries I sustained have proved a major limitation to my mobility (I use crutches and a tricycle to get about) and to my speech; I make myself understood, but long conversations prove difficult, However, you can’t ignore me (I rather overdo the volume to compensate for a lack of clarity in my speech!) WHAT, YOU DIDN’T HEAR THAT?

Although verbal communication is a challenge, I have always had a bit of a talent with words – I used to act (with Graeae) and sing (before the accident). In recent years, I have got into writing and have recently completed my first novel, which has just been published.

The book features the tale of a street cleaner who overcomes adversity – drawing on some of my own experience, although his period of “rehab” was a lot shorter than mine. The book is aimed at young adults and upwards.

Although my mobility has been severely limited, I pride myself on my independence, and get out and about round my local community in Isleworth and Twickenham, as well as taking overseas holidays under my own steam. I don’t usually read my book when cycling, but nevertheless the local drivers steer well clear…:

I’m always working on my general fitness. It’s not like army training now, but I’m a regular at the local swimming pool (Pools on the Park in Richmond). The staff are always on hand to support me:

Although my first book is only just out, I’ve already written a sequel (“Malcolm’s Mediterranean Misadventure”) and hope to keep developing as a writer. I’m doing some local book signings to support the sales of my first book, even though writing with a pen is difficult for me and I often slip back into using the typewriter that my uncle gave me when I was recovering in hospital.

What a Load of Rubbish by Martin Etheridge (published by Clink Street Publishing 29th September 2015) is available to purchase from online retailers including Amazon.co.uk and to be ordered from all good bookstores.

Christmas Gift List For The Book Lover

Posted on November 23, 2015 by Frostie

Frost: That Was The Life That Was. The Authorised Biography by Neil Hegarty. The authorised biography which has been written with the help of the Frost family. A true insider look of the life of a man who was part of history. Riveting. Frost: That Was The Life That Was: The Authorised Biography is available here.

David Downton: Portraits of The World’s Most Stylish Women. A beautiful and stylish book. Featuring a host of gorgeous women from Cate Blanchette to Dita Von Teese. The portraits are as gorgeous as the women. David Downton: Portraits of the World’s Most Stylish Women is available here.

The Who. The Official History With Pete Townsend and Roger Daltrey. The official history of The Who with two of The Who. Excellent stuff. The Who: The Official History is available here.

Nora Roberts Shadow Spell. Book two of the cousins O’Dwyer trilogy. A great fiction novel for a loved one to get into on boxing day. Shadow Spell: 2 (The Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy) is available here.

Nick Middleton. An Atlas of Countries That Don’t Exist. A compendium of fifty unregonised and largely unnoticed states. This is a brilliant and well designed book. Perfect for the coffee table and as dinner party fodder. Genius idea. An Atlas of Countries That Don’t Exist: A compendium of fifty unrecognised and largely unnoticed states is available here.

Daniel James Cole and Nancy Deihl. The History of Modern Fashion. A gorgeous book for the fashionista in your life. In-depth and knowledgable without being boring. The History of Modern Fashion is available here.

Henry Carroll. Read This if You Want To Take Great Photographs of People. Essential and entertaining. Carroll really knows his stuff. Read This If You Want to Take Great Photographs of People is available here.

The Mindfulness Colouring Diary. An adult colouring book AND a diary. Keeping you calm and organised: brilliant. The Mindfulness Colouring Diary: An illustrated diary of anti-stress colouring is available here.

Jason Brooks. London Postcards.Contains 20 detachable postcards from the stunning work of Jason Brooks’ from his London sketchbook. London Postcards is available here.

Peter Duggan’s Artoons. Over one hundred funny cartoons on the world of art. As entertaining as it is original. This is a perfect present. Peter Duggan’s Artoons is available here.

Frost Magazine

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