The AnswerBank Articles

Driving Destiny May Be Written In The Stars

Your driving destiny is written in the stars, claims a new motor insurance survey. Motor insurance companies analysed 160,000 accident claims to find which astrological sign was the most accident-prone. Bad news for impatient Geminis – in the unlikely event that you still have your motor insurance no claims bonu...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Firms 'Turning Blind Eye To Sickness'

Many finance companies are not putting in place procedures to cut down on staff sickness, it has been reported. According to a leading health plan provider, nearly 50 per cent of firms in the industry have not taken measures to put in place a strategy in order to reduce employee absence. It added that this comes as c...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Happiness Is Around £10,000 Per Year

Happiness is an elusive quality; some say it is free, some say it cannot be bought. It seems according to recent research from a high street bank that it can be bought, however, at around £10,000 per year. The bank has worked out that each day people spend an average of £29 on pursuits which make them happ...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Males 'Should Foot First Date Bill'

Equality – a word that has caused many a row. Women want it, men loath it but it is here to stay. It seems however, that many women expect less than equal treatment on a first date.While many women say they are advocates for equality this does not apply to the tradition that men have always been stuck with the ...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Smokers save cash by giving up

Over the past few years the smoking "scene" has become rather un-cool. Numerous ads on TV warn of the effects that smoking can have on the body, ranging from lung cancer to the effects of passive smoking on others. Thanks to these adverts and government campaigns, the number of people deciding to give up smo...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

What can be covered in a family health plan

Although Britain offers free, state-funded healthcare to all of its inhabitants, some may find a private plan could suit them better. Private cover offers peace of mind if you or your family needed medical care urgently. Things like physiotherapy, minor operations and dental care can all be covered on a private medica...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

How can I look after my teeth

You are born without teeth and chances are you will probably leave this world without them too – but in the intervening years, dental health can be very important. It can be very easy to forget about dental appointments, especially in these busy times, but failing to get regular check-ups can only lead to major ...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

A small step for McDonalds, a big step for the behind

Experts are warning that fast food chains need to keep up with ever-changing food information on their products. Nutritionists have successfully lobbied big brand food providers to give consumers the information they need about their products, by clearly labeling their food with the calorie count and other details. A...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Teachers 'should be able to tackle obesity'

Teachers should play a central role in maintaining children’s health, one expert has advised school workers. According to the British Dietetic Association, pupils can learn in the classroom about obesity and how to avoid becoming dangerously overweight. The organisation’s comments follow a leaked draft of...16:36 Mon 24th May 2010

Infintigo, Infantigo, Impetigo - READ THIS FIRST!

Lots of people find their way to this site to ask a question about 'infintigo'. If you Google the term, this is one of the first sites you'll be directed to. (If you're reading this, that may well01:00 Mon 15th Dec 2003

The removal of breasts and ovaries to prevent cancer

Wee Kaz posted a concerned question recently: "I've just heard on the radio that doctors have suggested that in order to get rid of breast and ovarian cancer us woman should consider having them01:00 Wed 02nd Oct 2002

Vitiligo - causes, symptoms and treatments

Answerbank reader saturnspeak asks: 'Does anybody know a cure that actually works for the skin condition vitiligo ' We review the disorder - but we haven't been able to uncover a cure. Vitiligo01:00 Tue 21st May 2002

Has anyone heard of maggots being used in hospitals

asks msminor:A. It's true. Specially bred and sterile maggots are being used increasingly to clean wounds that don't heal because the patient - or the bacteria - has become resistant to antibiotics.01:00 Mon 22nd Apr 2002

Is dyeing hair dangerous

asks Ursula:A. It could be. Very recently it has emerged that the colouring used on certain hair dyes may cause cancer. Q. Which dyes A. The dyes that have scientists particularly worried are01:00 Mon 22nd Apr 2002

My eyes keep developing styes which inflame - how do I prevent them in the first place

asks PHD: A. A stye (also called a hordeolum) is a small abscess. It usually forms in a single sebaceous gland draining into an eyelash follicle. Q. What causes it A. It is caused by bacterial01:00 Mon 22nd Apr 2002

Is it possible that I'm already suffering from hay fever

asks Allan:A. Yes, it is. Especially if you live in the south of the country. Your personal hay fever season is dictated by the types of pollen that set off your symptoms. Q. What are they A. From01:00 Mon 15th Apr 2002

Is there a direct relation between the amount you eat and how much comes out at the other end

asks msminor:A. The average person in Britain produces around 250g of faeces a day, although that can vary greatly from individual to individual. Q. How does that compare to the rest of the world A.01:00 Mon 15th Apr 2002

I'm 17 and have started getting grey hair, is there anything I can do to stop it

asks cleare17:A. Grey hair is what happens when the colour pigment cells, found at the base of the hair follicle, stop forming due to changes in the melanin production. No-one knows exactly why this01:00 Mon 15th Apr 2002

What are symptoms of thyroid trouble

asks mjleex: A. Your thyroid gland is found at the lower front of your neck and helps to regulate the body's energy levels. Common thyroid problems are over- or under-production of hormones01:00 Mon 08th Apr 2002

Is cycling really a good way to get fit It's the only exercise I'm likely to keep up

asks jayne b-t:A. Cycling is a great way to keep fit, and it's a pity that most of the cycles in this country aren't used very much. There's an estimated 27 million bikes in sheds across the UK - but01:00 Mon 08th Apr 2002