Readers comment on articles that have featured in HealthSupplement
Re: Check-up, HealthSupplement, December 11th
I read with interest the article on scoliosis of the spine. However, I was concerned at the statement at the end of the article: "At the very least, the cause and extent of her condition needs to be established. Treatment will depend on the severity of the scoliosis and will include observation, a brace or even surgery."
I feel this is rather alarmist and that a more appropriate intervention would include the use of intensive physiotherapy to build the muscles that have weakened, so straightening the spine.
My mother who suffers from post-polio syndrome has developed quite severe scoliosis. However, her condition has been considerably improved by the intervention of physiotherapy treatment by Senthil Kumar at his clinic in Patrickswell, Limerick.
It is my belief that had my mother had this intervention in her earlier years that her condition would not have become so severe. She did not seek intervention earlier as she was unaware that non-invasive therapy would be effective.
Jane Evans,
Brennanstown Road, Carrickmines,
Dublin 18
Re: How to avoid a plaque attack, HealthSupplement, December 11th
The half-page heart health and lifestyle article by Claire O'Connell gives us the views of Irish Heart Foundation dietitian Janis Morrissey. It is a welcome change from advocacy of invasive statins to lower LDL cholesterol.
It compensates to some extent for the remarkable fact that, unless I am mistaken, our Irish media and cardiologists have yet to respond to The Great Cholesterol Conbook published earlier this year by Dr Malcolm Kendrick. It says much about side effects of which takers of statins should, at least, be told.
That said, the HealthSupplementarticle and the Morrissey contribution overlook a crucial point made by Kendrick. It is that the prime cause of blockages that trigger heart failure is stress. Non-medication and non-diet ways to preclude stress cost nothing but are simple lifestyle measures within the reach of everyone. Why not say that again and again and again, loud and clear?
Joseph F Foyle,
Ranelagh, Dublin