WATCH EPISODE
WORKING MEMORY & ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD is a common condition that affects people's ability to complete tasks and stay focused. Parents of children with ADHD are driven nuts by their impulsivity and inability to control their own behaviour. World leading research from Sweden is training something called working memory in people affected, using video game technology like a mental gymnasium to ensure children with poor attention span stick to training tasks. They've also looked at whether learning to play a musical instrument can help to increase attention span and improve working memory – with some interesting results. Norman sits down with the team leading the research at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON PRESCRIPTION
There's no doubt we're getting fatter, but it's no longer just about how fat we are, it's where we store the fat as well. When it comes to the battle of the bulge and losing weight, we tend to focus on our diet, some of us resort to diet pills or even risky surgeries looking for a quick fix. But when it comes to abdominal obesity, there's something much more important that needs our attention. It's physical activity on prescription, and it's something the Swedes are famous for. Casey catches up with an expert leading the charge to find out how much, how often and just how much it can help when it comes to our health and our longevity.
Making a series of small changes to your physical activity can make a bigger difference in the long term, as you’re more likely to stick with them. Click here to download a resource for monitoring your progress and achievements with lifestyle changes and to help you stay motivated.
For exercises you can do at home click here
GENERIC MEDICINES
Generic medicines can be confusing. Tonic's consumer affairs reporter Karen Carey sorts fact from fiction.
When your pharmacist offers you an alternative brand of medicine you can be sure it works in the same way as the one on your prescription or the brand you usually take. Click here to find out more about generic versus originator brands and why they’re just as good.
Sometimes a different brand of medicine is available but won’t be suitable for you. Click here for situations when your pharmacist won’t offer you an alternative brand.
Choosing a generic brand of medicine may cost you less than another brand. Find out other reasons for choosing an alternative brand or staying with your prescribed or usual brand.
Click here for a free subscription to Medicinewise Living, a monthly email newsletter for anyone wanting up-to-date information and links to resources for managing their health and medicines.
FUN FIT FAST - STEP UP
Personal trainer Mick gives the lowdown on a common exercise many people get wrong, and it could be doing them more harm than good.
For more information about the step up click here
Physical activity and exercise in type 2 diabetes
MINUS THE MEAT - RICE PAPER ROLLS
Going 'meatless' a couple of times a week has significant benefits for our health, and can help slow the creep of those pesky extras kilos over time. On Minus the Meat this week – Rice paper rolls! They're perfect party food and a healthy and a delicious meal the whole family can enjoy. Watch Jimmy and Nikki battle it out in the kitchen to see if rice paper rolls can be healthier and just as delicious – Minus the Meat!
Click here for the rice paper roll recipes
Q & A MACULAR DEGENERATION
Norman answers the question 'Is it possible to prevent macular degeneration?
Eyesight problems can make managing medicines and reading medicine labels difficult. Here are some hints that might help you avoid mistakes and make life easier.
For more information about macular degeneration and the AREDS formula click here
BREATHARIANISM
Is it possible to live just be breathing oxygen? Rich Brophy investigates...
Q & A IS HOMOCYSTEINE A RISK FOR HEART DIESEASE?
Norman answers a viewer question "Is homocysteine a risk for heart diesease?"
Related links:
Do you know your risk of a heart attack or stroke and what you can do about it? Click here to find out what a risk score can tell you and to download a card that helps monitor your risk factors and progress with lifestyle changes.
