The Mediterranean diet came under scrutiny after researchers noticed lower rates of illnesses such as heart disease in countries such as Spain, Greece and Cyprus. They noticed that people living there generally ate more vegetables and fish, less red meat, cooked in olive oil and drank moderate amounts of alcohol. The latest study is one of the largest yet to look at the potential impact on cancer of the various parts of this diet.

Researchers from Harvard University persuaded thousands of Greek people of various ages to record their food intake over an eight-year-period. Their adherence to the Mediterranean diet was ranked using a scoring system, and the group with the worst score compared with those who followed a couple of aspects of the diet, and those who followed it the most closely.

The biggest effect they found – a 9% reduction in risk – was achieved simply by eating more “unsaturated” fats such as olive oil. But just two changes – eating less red meat, and more peas, beans and lentils, cut the risk of cancer by 12%.

Dr Dimitrios Trichopoulos, who led the study, said: “Adjusting one’s overall dietary habits towards the traditional Mediterranean pattern had an important effect.” Sara Hiom, from Cancer Research UK, said the research highlighted the importance of a healthy balanced diet. “It shows there are a number of things you can do, and there is no one ‘superfood’ that can stop you developing the disease.”

The other study suggesting that food had the power to prevent cancer came from the Institute of Food Research in Norwich. Scientists compared the effects of adding 400 grams of broccoli or peas a week to the diet of men at high risk of prostate cancer – and in the case of broccoli found differences in the activity of genes in the prostate which other studies have linked to cancer.

Their findings raised the possibility that broccoli, or other “cruciferous” vegetables, such as cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, could help prevent or slow down the disease, particularly if the man had a particular gene variant – GSTM1. Professor Richard Mithen, who led the research, published in the Public Library of Science journal, said: “Eating two or three portions of cruciferous vegetables per week, and maybe a few more if you lack the GSTM1 gene – should be encouraged.”

Professor Karol Sikora, medical director of CancerPartnersUK, said the study was the first time in a properly controlled clinical trial that broccoli had been shown to change the expression of specific genes in the prostate gland. “Although the observation period was too short and the numbers too small to show that the incidence of cancer actually fell, it is the first clear demonstration that broccoli and presumably other cruciferous vegetables may well reduce cancer risk.”
This article was reported on BBC News, 2nd July 08.

Cyprus gives priority to its health care system and actively promotes preventive medicine. Many of the medical professionals have trained abroad, with a good number graduating from the UK. The low cost of consultations and care, together with short waiting lists make Cyprus an attractive destination for treatment.

State run hospitals are located in all the major cities, these ‘General Hospitals’ are in Polis, Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca, Nicosia and Paralimni… and smaller government-run hospitals and clinics are present in other areas of the country. There are also a large number of private hospitals and clinics most of which have excellent equipment and facilities.

Anyone who has paid regular social security contributions in another EU country for two full years prior to coming to Cyprus is entitled to public health cover for a limited period from the date of their last contribution. Social security form E106 must be obtained from the social security authorities in your home country and presented to your local Social Insurance office in Cyprus. The European Health Insurance Card (E.H.I.C) is now being used throughout Europe for reciprocal health care. This is available free of charge from the NHS in the UK.

Retirees living in Cyprus and receiving a state pension from another EU country are entitled to free or subsidised state healthcare (dependant upon income). You will need to obtain the necessary forms from your home country and submit them to any general hospital with your application for a Cyprus medical card. You should contact the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), Medical Benefits Section to acquire the necessary forms.

If you are under state pension age you will need to take out private health insurance, which offers a wider choice of medical practitioners and hospitals. If you already have private health insurance in another country, you may be able to extend it to cover you in Cyprus; however, this may not be the most economical alternative. There are a great many insurance companies out there, both Cypriot and International and it pays to shop around and get at least three quotes. Many schemes will have an excess and the amount should be carefully considered. Check whether the insurance company will deal directly with the hospital when paying the fees and carefully scrutinize exactly what the insurance company will pay for and what is excluded.

The benefits of health care in Cyprus can be great in that you may be able to walk in to a hospital or clinic and get a same day appointment to see a specialist and leave only around 35 euros worse off, but with a diagnosis and medication!

* Significant savings – pricing is a fraction of that in the UK
* Excellent high-tech treatment in superb facilities
* Combined with a vacation to allay any trauma and promote healing and a healthier, more beautiful smile.

Cyprus is within easy reach of the UK and has an impressive number of quality dental facilities, making it an ideal destination for those seeking restorative or cosmetic dental treatments. The huge difference in the cost of treatment is amazing; for example, Nicosia Dental Polyclinic charges around £150 for laser whitening, whereas in a British private clinic, the cost can vary between £300 and £700! Many clinics offer treatment/holiday packages to really tailor to your needs. Maintenance and restorative treatments are of course available throughout the country but some of the most popular procedures offered by the cosmetic dental clinics in Cyprus include

* Teeth Bleaching
* Porcelain Laminate Veneers
* Porcelain Crowns
* Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns
* Inlay and Outlay

With all this on offer and a truly beautiful country to explore, try Cyprus for your next holiday and consider some dental treatment?
Nicosia is the capital of Cyprus and is home to some of the best dental practices in the country and Europe. Popular cosmetic dental clinics are also situated in the other major towns of Larnaca, Limassol and Paphos.

Cyprus does not have its own medical university, and a large proportion of Cypriot dentists qualify in Athens, UK or US after a 6 year degree course. Many of the Athens graduates then choose to study in Europe or US for their 3 year post grad specialist courses. This ensures you’ll have no confusion over the work carried out as they all speak English very well.

The Cyprus Ministry of Health is in charge of monitoring, assessing and approving all dental practices and clinics in Cyprus and the rules and regulations are upheld by the two main member organisations, The Cyprus Dental Council and The Cyprus Dental Association.

Cyprus offers you a wonderful location for relaxation and rejuvenation and is host to a plethora of top class hotels with magnificent spas. There is so much on offer in the variety of treatments available; you will be thoroughly spoilt for choice.

There are fabulous treatments to be had in most of the island’s resorts and below are some suggestions for you. The toughest part will be deciding which one to go to or maybe try them all!

The Adams Beach Hotel in Agia Napa offers some unusual and enticing treatments such as a Deluxe Chocolate Body Wrap, a Deluxe Coffee Body Wrap, a Milk Bath and a Red Grape bath. Or treat yourself to a massage in all its variations – you choose aromatherapy massage, asiaroma harmonizing massage, Indian head massage or the popular hot stone massage.

The St. Raphael Resort Spa in Limassol offers all types of spa treatments using Thalgo products. On the menu are the usual massages such as hot-stone and Indian head together with relaxing massages, luxury manicures and pedicures, facials and face treatments, body treatments, body wraps, eye treatments, reflexology, anti-cellulite treatments and ultra toning. All these are available for men and women.

Between Limassol and Paphos you can find two excellent spa facilities. The Columbia Beach Resort Spa at Pissouri offers you numerous therapies for relaxation and revitalisation using the ever popular Molton Brown products, together with Phytomer, a brand which uses plants and minerals from the ocean. Among the myriad of available treatments, Columbia have developed specialist therapies for mothers-to-be and men so nobody need feel left out of a pampering session!

‘The Retreat’ at the Aphrodite Hills Resort, set in a stunning location overlooking Aphrodite’s Rock, has everything for total serenity and tranquility. This includes a traditional Hammam or Turkish Bath and if you opt for the full Hammam experience you can expect steam bathing, a loofah scrub and a full body soap massage, performed on a heated marble plinth – guaranteed to give deep muscle relaxation. Specialist services here offer a hair spa and a couples programme to enjoy with a friend or partner and performed in the Thai Suite.

In Paphos, The Amathus Beach Hotel seems to offer just about everything previously mentioned on this page and more. Here you can receive Reiki Healing, have a Reflexology massage, try Shiatsu and experience a good range of treatments geared to sun exposure. The Golden Dream tanning preparation treatment not only looks good but makes you feel good and also prepares the skin for further exposure to the sun. In harmony with this is the Sunset Treatment which soothes away burning sensations and helps repair any damage.

Also in Paphos is the Thalassa Hotel with its’ wonderful sunset views over Coral Bay. This delightfully intimate hotel houses the Anagenisis, the first holistic spa on magical Cyprus. The philosophy is to treat the person as a whole, with therapies that soothe the mind, body and soul. This is achieved through the therapies, the wonderful cuisine and their health and fitness facilities, creating a complete haven of relaxation and rejuvenation.

For a get-away-from-it-all experience, your ideal destination would be The Anassa Hotel, quietly nestling below the Akamas just beyond Latchi on the way to Aphrodite’s Baths and in an exclusive and tranquil setting. Anassa’s entirely upgraded, newly-designed lifestyle spa, Thalassa Spa, also involves a holistic approach to wellbeing, together with The Organic Pharmacy’s 100% natural product line. Holistic and therapeutic lifestyle consulting, acupuncture, spa cuisine and natural treatments using local produce are all here fro you to enjoy.

Go on, you know you want to – pamper yourself!..

With the advent of cheap flights, the internet and the confidence to make online independent travel arrangements, more people are using an overseas holiday trip to take care of themselves in less obvious ways than basking on a beach at Agia Napa. The advent of ‘health tourism’ allows people to make choices about how, where and when they receive treatment for various personal healthcare needs, very often at significantly cheaper cost than in the UK. A good example is ‘eye care’ in Cyprus. The casual observer will see across the island- and particularly in the major tourist destinations of Paphos, Larnaca, Limassol, Nicosia and Agia Napa – a proliferation of opticians offering a wide range of services – and offering latest designer brand ‘shades’ alongside regular spectacles. Specialist treatment is commonly available for more advanced eye conditions.

Cyprus is rapidly gaining a reputation for excellence and expertise, with practitioners trained and gaining their professional qualifications in the UK and other European countries. There are many specialist eye surgeons in Cyprus performing laser and other corrective treatments including cornea replacements and cataracts.

As an example Cataract removals – using the latest ultra sound technologies
can be arranged with no waiting period and at a cost of between 700 – 900 Cyprus Pounds. This compares favourably with the UK with its long waiting times and costs equivalent to up to 3,000 Cyprus Pounds. Another advantage is that English is widely spoken and used in everyday professional practice.

The cost-savings alone can more than pay for the trip – ensuring quick, reliable and first class treatment – and justify a well deserved break. Obviously there are other destinations offering good quality eye care services. In joining the Euro currency zone in January 2008, price comparisons between Cyprus and many EU countries such as Italy, Greece, France and Germany will be much easier to make.

A refreshing difference between Cyprus and the UK is that when you see an Optician in Cyprus there should be NO EYE TEST CHARGES. After testing you will be spoilt for choice and pleasantly surprised at the prices when compared to the UK, including all the latest ‘designer’ frames. Costs can be 50% to 70% less than the UK. Bespoke new glasses and lenses are usually available within 48 hours. Contact lenses covering the full range of hard – soft – semi permeable and colours are also available with delivery taking perhaps a few days longer. Many holidaymakers now take advantage of this facility and have new glasses on their shopping list alongside regular souvenirs!

For some it will be a few weeks away and for others it may be the upheaval of creating fresh roots in a new land. In the UK, there is an increase in the number of people who effectively ‘split the difference’ by spending extended periods in their second home abroad or returning to their favourite rental villa or apartment.

Buying foreign currency and making car hire arrangements becomes a normal part of the spending routine. The same applies to insurances – the protection you hope you will never need but will be glad you have if and when the situation arises. For residents of the UK one protection we possibly take for granted is that of the National Health Service – and when we travel abroad it’s all too easy to assume that nothing much will happen to us. Not so! Medical emergencies can and do occur – yet it’s so easy to make sure you can get the attention you need should the need arise.

If you’re traveling outside the European Union, check out the many private insurance policies that are available, otherwise within the EU the simple precaution of making sure you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) this entitles you to reduced-cost, sometimes free, medical treatment that becomes necessary while you’re in a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland. There are some limitations on the medical treatment you can get and for many people the EHIC will possibly be fine – but always check out what you need in relation to your personal circumstances. Best advice from the UK government is to have comprehensive private insurance for visits to all countries, regardless of whether you are covered by your EHIC.

Remember that the EHIC won’t cover you if getting medical treatment is the main purpose of your trip.

The EEA consists of the European Union (EU) countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Switzerland applies the EHIC arrangements through an agreement with the EU. The EHIC is valid in Austria, Belgium, Cyprus (but not Northern Cyprus), Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

The EHIC is normally valid for three to five years and covers any medical treatment that becomes necessary during your trip, because of either illness or an accident. The card gives access to state-provided medical treatment only, and you’ll be treated on the same basis as an ‘insured’ person living in the country you’re visiting. Remember, this might not cover all the things you’d expect to get free of charge from the NHS in the UK. You may have to make a contribution to the cost of your care.

The EHIC also covers any treatment you need for a chronic disease or pre-existing illness. You need to make arrangements in advance for kidney dialysis and oxygen therapy. To arrange for kidney dialysis while you’re away, contact your NHS renal unit in the UK before you travel. For limited information on oxygen supply services in the EEA countries and Switzerland, call the (UK) Department of Health’s Customer Service Centre on +44(0)20 7210 4850.

Your EHIC should cover you for routine maternity care while you are away. However, if you are going to an EEA country or Switzerland specifically to have your baby, you will need an E112 form – see the ‘Non-emergency treatment section’ for more information.

Be aware that the EHIC has replaced the old E111. From 1 January 2006, E111′s are no longer valid. The quickest and easiest way to get an EHIC is to apply online, the credit card size EHIC is usually issued very quickly and free of charge, there is a simple online form to complete and can be found at;

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Policyandguidance/Healthadvicefortravellers/index.htm

You should check out your EHIC eligibility in relation to your reason for traveling – for example, it is not valid for people who are going to live abroad and there are some restrictions depending on your nationality. UK and other EU nationals, stateless persons and refugees are covered in all EEA countries and Switzerland. However, if you are a national of Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia, your EHIC is not valid in Switzerland.

Nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are covered in all EEA countries but not in Switzerland. People who do not have UK, EU, EEA or Swiss nationality are covered in all EU countries but not in Denmark, Norway, Liechtenstein or Switzerland. In Iceland, these people are covered for emergency treatment only.

Swiss nationals are covered in all EU countries but not in Liechtenstein or Norway. In Iceland they are covered for emergency treatment only.

Dependants of EEA nationals who are ordinarily resident in the UK are covered in all EEA countries and Switzerland, irrespective of their own nationality.

Your individual circumstances will clearly affect your eligibility for EHIC privileges, but the process is relatively straightforward for the regular traveler. If you are planning to live, work or study in an EEA country or Switzerland different rules apply and it is always best to check with the (UK) Department of Health on the arrangements that are appropriate for your situation.
Otherwise, with peace of mind about your health insurance sorted out before embarking on your journey, all that’s left to do is to enjoy the trip!..