A night out on the town...too much to drink...and the morning after needs a few cups of serious coffee. Double espresso's! That's about as far as your thought processes will take you, but when you sober up and the headache disappears, consider this new finding.
"Drinking three or more cups of coffee a day can almost halve the risk of cirrhosis of the liver, according to a Norwegian study, reported Health Media Group Media Watch Services. The protective effect applies even among alcohol drinkers, whose risk of cirrhosis is much higher. However, seven or eight cups a day provide no more protection than three (ok...so who says you can't have some pleasures in life?). Dr Tverdal, from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health in Oslo, suggests that coffee works by protecting the liver cells, since other studies have shown coffee-drinkers to have lower levels of liver enzymes - an indication of liver damage. This study agrees with others. An article published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in June 2006, shows that among more than 125,000 people studied for up to 22 years, coffee drinkers were less likely to be diagnosed with alcoholic cirrhosis."
"Was it the caffeine? No say the researchers, because this study noted that tea also contains caffeine and there was no significant decrease in cirrhosis in tea drinkers. This doesn't prove that it was coffee that reduced liver damage, and so we don't suggest you go wild, but if coffee can reduce damaging liver enzymes, then it could certainly be working in the right direction and indeed against other "unkown" damaging effects. It could be the anti-oxidants in coffee as these have been highlighted as "protective" in other plant material. So it may be best to use freshly ground coffee to avoid oxidation and possible degradation of the anti-oxidants that are thought to give coffee this healing character. An automatic coffee vending machine is simple to use and can turn beans into espresso at the push of a button."
In a world full of preservatives and other food chemicals, it's nice to know that we have a great excuse to have another cup!
Coffee is Good For Hangovers and Alcohol Damage
Sun Safety on Holiday
You're off on holiday at last! There are so many things to remember, not least your travel insurance and your sun cream. Once you've got your trip covered, here's how to cover up in the sun...
Soaking up the sun can be really relaxing, but sun damage can lead to an increased risk of skin cancer and premature ageing. Even in the short term, sunburn can ruin your holiday - no one wants to cover up all week with painful, lobster-like skin.
How can I protect myself from sun damage?
Choose loose, cool clothing that covers you up. Wear sunglasses with UV protection and a hat to protect your face and neck. Take regular breaks in the shade and ideally keep out of the sun from 11am to 3pm.
Make wearing sun cream part of your routine. Cancer Research UK recommends a minimum of sun protection factor (SPF) 15 for most people. You don't have to buy the most expensive brand but check that your cream blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Use generous amounts, reapply after going in the water or sweating and if you're near the water, take extra care as you'll burn more easily.
When do I put my sun cream on?
Put your sun cream on at least 20-30 minutes before you go outside and reapply after 20-30 minutes in the sun and then every two hours. Always put your sun cream on before your moisturiser and make-up and don't forget the areas that are most commonly missed: your hair parting, your ears, nose, lips, feet and skin around the edges of your clothes.
Who's most at high risk from skin cancer?
People with fair skin, red or fair hair, light eyes, or a lot of moles or freckles need to take extra care in the sun. The same goes if you have a family history of skin cancer or a previous bad experience of sunburn. You might want to cover up, stay in the shade or wear sun cream that's SPF25 or more. If you notice changes to your skin or moles, speak to your GP.
Do children need extra protection?
Children have sensitive skin and need extra protection from the sun. Use SPF25 and reapply every two hours and after they've been in the sea, the pool or playing with water. Put them in loose clothing with long sleeves, preferably cotton and check shoulders, backs and necks are covered.
Hats are a must, ideally with a wide brim or a flap that covers the neck, as are sunglasses with UV filters. Babies under 12 months need to stay in the shade.
Can sun cream go off?
Eventually. Sun cream lasts for 2-3 years but check the expiry date on the bottle - you won't be protected if it's out-of-date. Keep your sun cream cool and out of direct sunlight as this can damage it.
For the ultimate relaxing holiday, get your travel insurance sorted before you go.
Buy cheap travel insurance from Post Office®; single trip and annual multi trip travel health insurance offering you comprehensive cover with a range of additional options.