A trained pharmacist, James Brunton publishes a free-bi-monthly newsletter on a variety of health topics. He also sells informational booklets on complementary therapies. These are available as digital downloads or in printed form. Further info www.healthexplored.co.uk

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Take A Hike

A recent Stanford University study confirmed that a daily walk reduces blood pressure. The point of this study, however, is not only that you should take a walk, but that you need to count the steps you take every day. The very fact that you measure your walking reasonably accurately gives you an incentive.

Try to get in at least 8,000 steps a day. Start low and work up to it. Results show that you might not lose any weight, but your blood pressure will drop significantly and you’ll feel much better too. So get yourself a pedometer (some mobile phones have this facility built in) and get walking!