Dr Joe

Boosting and Using Brainpower

There are various estimates as to how much of our brainpower we actually use. Some say 10% others as much as 30%. To be honest no body really knows but we can be certain that we do not use all the capacity that is there partly because we do not even know ... Read >

If School Age Children Get It Why Cant Adults?

Every so often I get an insight into what is wrong with our approach to health. Hardly a day goes by without some expert lamenting the rise in obesity levels and calling for government action usually in the guise of "funding " for one of their pet project... Read >

Treats For Children-What Sort of Treats Are You Feeding Your Children?

There are times when you really have to take a step back and ask what is going on here? We all want our children to grow up to be happy and healthy. So why do we do things that not only don't help them with this goal but may make it harder for them? On... Read >

We Need Our Good Bacteria

Since the invention of the microscope and the discovery of penicillin mankind has seen bacteria as some form of enemy to be destroyed. Whilst it is true that some bacteria do cause infection, this is actually a relatively small number compared to the bact... Read >

Who Really Profits From Disease

Every so often you suddenly see things, which taken together are another part of the jigsaw. So it was that within the space of 24 hours I read about a grill in Arizona called the Heart Attack Grill, which claims to serve the worlds unhealthiest food a... Read >

Happiness Comes From Doing What You Love

The life expectancy of humans has been increasing at a steady rate for a bit over a century. The increase is about one quarter of a year life expectancy per year. The graph is not showing signs of plateauing. Claims that the next generation my be the firs... Read >

Being Healthy and Saving Money

You would need to be living under a rock not to know that health (disease) care spending is continuing to increase. The total spending in the OECD is increasing faster than economic growth and inflation in the OECD. The USA spends the most at around 1... Read >

We All need Vacations

The sixth pillar of DIY Health is relaxation. Unwinding and letting go of tension and stress is essential for leading a healthy and happy life. Some people find it easy to relax, while others find it difficult and often get to the end of their holidays be... Read >

Breakfast –Three Simple Tips To Start Your Day Better

A recent Australian survey revealed that 40% of Australian children miss breakfast on at least one day per week. Some 8% of children never ate breakfast. Many adults do not eat a regular breakfast either. We all know that breakfast is the most importan... Read >

Seven Tips For Staying Healthy On Holiday

It is holiday time in many parts of the world. In Australia we are gearing up for winter school holidays and of course the northern hemisphere is enjoying summer breaks. Staying healthy on holiday is actually easier than you may think. Staying healthy ... Read >

Prostate Cancer Screening- What You Need To Know

Prostate testing remains controversial. In one camp we have those who are pushing for more testing so that more cancers can be detected. This group feels that prostate cancer is under diagnosed and under treated. In the opposing camp are those who feel pr... Read >

Childhood Obesity-Three Small Changes Make a Big Difference

Childhood obesity has been put front and centre by Michelle Obama. An ambitious goal to eliminate childhood obesity in a generation has been made. Whilst this is ambitious, there is an old quote attributed to Michelangelo that it is better to aim too hi... Read >

Depression- Alternatives To Antidepressants In Managing And Avoiding Depression

Once again a large question mark has been thrown over antidepressants. A major analysis of previous studies shows that the effect of Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's) is no more than placebo (a non active sugar tablet) in mid and moderate d... Read >