Member Advice > Member Advice on Health

Advantages: none at all
Disadvantages: stinky,nasty horrible death

I smoked from the age of 12, i suppose because every around me at the time did so it seemed the norm. For many many years i happily puffed away on the dreaded weed knowing the dangers but thinking i was immune. I then realised maybe it was time to give up after my first heart attack at the tender age of 34...seeing my chest x-rays at the hospital, having the doctor explain to me that half of my left lung had hardened causing difficulties in breathing, ...
...time to say STOP...no more ciggies..but the damage had already been done, my body was ruined because of those little white sticks. I stopped smoking from that day....i really had no chose, it was either that or die... It was helll giving up, the cravings were bad, i constantly wanted another ciggie....then came the second M.I....another two weeks in hospital and another lucky escape. That's when the cravings seemed irrelevant, the pain i was in ... Read review

Advantages: This may just help one person, and may help others to share how they are feeling.
Disadvantages: Not enough people are knowledgeable about this illness, and it is kept in the dark.

I really appreciate you reading this as it has taken me a very long time to write, however do be warned that this article is long and may sound disjointed in places. I’m not looking for sympathy, I am writing this for myself and also in the hope that someone else can benefit from my experience. -Takes a deep breath- This is something which I have contemplated writing about for some time now but have never had the courage to do so. It is quite ...
...something that some people are not willing to learn about. I think people need to be more aware of depression and the signs, symptoms and causes as the more it is aired the more we can help each other overcome this dreadful illness that affects so many of us through our lives. Depression is an illness which affects many of us, and many of us suffer in silence. It is an illness which the sufferers are afraid and or are embarrassed to talk about. It ... Read review

Advantages: Good value for money.
Disadvantages: Only out once a month!

This is a fantastic magazine for anyone interested in tattoos. Whether you are new to the idea of the world of tattoos or you have had a lifelong interest in them, this is the magazine for you. I have been fascinated by tattoos for as long as I can remember ( I am now 40!), and find the artwork involved beautiful. I have brought this magazine for quite a while now and this magazine is full of information about tattoos and their history. I personally ...
...artwork itself. I have found out so much about tattoos and how the world of the tattoo studio has changed over the years, and it has been in this magazine. As for the photos of the tattoos they are AMAZING!! The details in each tattoo can be clearly seen and you can really appreciate the detail that has gone into each and everyone of them. There is also a Shop Talk page for studios. This is an excellent place to advertise and if you are looking for ... Read review

Advantages: Saves lives, usually painless, only takes an hour of your time, makes you feel good.
Disadvantages: for some people there can be slight discomfort

Today I saved a life. Maybe even two or three! I did this by donating blood. Blood donation is something I have always been very aware of. Both my parents and my Grandparents had always donated blood when they were able to and I remember going to the sessions with my dad when I was younger and the nurse would let me have a squidge of the bag of blood! Perhaps this is why I have absolutely no issues with blood or needles! To donate blood you need ...
...not pregnant. There are many other factors that can effect your eligibility to give blood, such as tattoos, piercings, medications, if you have been abroad etc. However it is important to note that these do not necessarily rule you out, the nurse will decide whether you are eligible or not when taking all factors into account. I signed up to be a blood donor as soon as I turned 17 but due to long term illness and various medications I was not able ... Read review

Advantages: -
Disadvantages: -

As a lot of you fellow ciao-er's are aware I lost my sister last November. The fact that it has nearly been a year since she passed away has surprised me. In a way it feels like yesterday that she would just ring me up for a good old gossip but also it seems like forever ago too. It's really strange how time has this effect. I thought seeing as it's been a year I would try to give my advice on how I have survived the past 12 months. We knew my sister ...
...12 months any easier. I don't think whether you are prepared or not helps at all. I lost my father 2 years ago to a heart attack which was completely out of the blue and now I've lost my sister to cancer which was a very long process and have decided both ways are just as bad as the other. They both result in the same outcome- grief. My sister battled her way through her 8 months of cancer treatment and still remained postive even when we knew it ... Read review