Eating a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast every morning could be about the healthiest start to the day you can have, a new study has discovered. The whole-grain cereal can reduce cholesterol levels, and lower the risk of raised blood pressure, weight gain and type II diabetes.

The health benefits of oatmeal have been recognised by America’s drug regulator, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which has allowed manufacturer to put health claims on packaging since 1997.

But in the 10 years since then, every study has confirmed the benefits, and now researchers believe oatmeal’s abilities as a cholesterol-lowering agent are even stronger than earlier research suggested.

Every year doctors write out £7bn (US$13.9bn) worth of prescriptions for a drug group that’s designed to treat stomach acid and other digestion problems. And in up to 70 per cent of cases they’re wrong to do so.

The beneficiary of this inappropriate largesse is a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors, and especially one called Losec (omeprazole).

So why do they do it? In most cases it’s prescribed as a ‘just-in-case’ add-on to the laundry list of drugs the patient is already taking. And, according to leading gastroenterologist Ian Forgacs, it’s done because the drug is thought to be benign – unlike most every drug, it doesn’t seem to have many side effects – and because it sort of works some of the time.

Complementary therapies are set to be regulated in the UK for the first time from April 2008.

A new voluntary self-regulation body will be able to strike off incompetent practitioners and set minimum standards of qualification for therapists.

Patients who are treated by a registered practitioner will be able to complain to the Natural Healthcare Council if they believe their treatment has been sub-standard or boundaries breached.

Among the practices to be covered will be aromatherapy, reflexology, massage, nutrition, shiatzu, reiki, yoga, homoeopathy, cranial osteopathy and the Alexander and Bowen techniques.

If you're trying to wean yourself off the excesses of the Christmas period, a modest amount of dark chocolate every day could be the healthiest way to do it.

Dark chocolate that's rich in flavanols can improve heart functions. It was tested on 11 patients after they had a heart transplant, and it helped their new hearts work better. It can also reduce high blood pressure...

The Universal College of Reflexology has now published it's 2008 Calendar of Events. Please visit our Calendar page by clicking on the red calendar icon on the navigation bar at the top of this page!

Returning this year is our ever popular European Reflexology, as well as new courses such as Facial Reflexology, Meridian Reflexology, Corporate Reflexology and Brazilian Toe Massage, Relieving Back Pain with Reflexology and Reading the Feet....

Did you know that 60-70 million Americans are affected by digestive diseases, or that 14 million or 9% of the population were hospitalized and that 234,000 deaths were recorded in 2002 because of digestive disorders?

To find out more about how Reflexology can help balance the digestive system, join the Universal College of Reflexology for an incredibly fascinating 2 day workshop.

This workshop may be the most amazing class you have ever taken - explore the fascinating digestive system and learn what it means to you and your clients.

Discover the often hidden meaning behind your bathroom visits with our Stool Investigation Chart and find out the early warning signs for yourself.

Dates are Thursday and Friday February 7th & 8th 2008. Part of the Universal College of Reflexology's Specialist Reflexology Diploma program.

Call for more details 1-866-944-2576.

Reflexology improves the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

Reflexology is a therapeutic technique from traditional Chinese medicine. It involves applying pressure to the endpoints of the meridians, or channels, through which energy flows through the body. These points are on the soles of the feet and correspond with specific areas and organs of the body. Although very few studies of reflexology exist, one preliminary study suggested a benefit in people with MS.

1. Get a Reflexology Session - Reflexology refreshes, rejuvenates and relaxes the body, mind, spirit and soul.
2. Create your own spa experience with a foot soak and your favourite aromatherapy essential oil or bubble bath. Add some smooth river rocks to the water, and move your feet around to stimulate all those wonderful reflexes.

This quiz is designed to discover your digestive capabilities. Answer Yes or No to the following questions - Keep a record of your answers.

1. Do you have frequent gas in the lower bowel?
2. Do you suffer from psoriasis, acne, or other skin problems?
3. Do you have frequent discomfort on the left side of the upper abdomen( around the lower ribs area), or under the left shoulder blade?

Codex, the self-appointed group that will determine what vitamins we will be allowed to have and at what levels, is moving closer to a very restricted market – and it’s all for our own good.

The group is working closely with regulators across Europe and America in order to create a uniform market that will see some nutritionals disappear altogether while restricting the potency of those that are left.
Its basic premises are that nutritional supplements can be dangerous, and that health claims for them are unjustified.

It took a step closer to realizing its goals last week at a meeting in Germany, where five of the eight steps for a controlled, globalized market were approved. The final three are expected to be ratified next year in South Africa.