HEALTH NOTES: Strictly Steve Backshall races through the pain

Steve Backshall is suffering from sciatica, and tendonitis in his wrist, elbow and right shoulder

Steve Backshall may have won a legion of female fans on Strictly Come Dancing by flaunting his pecs and biceps – but the wildlife presenter admits his body is ‘falling apart’.

As Steve, 41, prepares for the longest non-stop canoe race in the world to raise funds for the World Land Trust, injury is taking its toll – he is suffering from sciatica, and tendonitis in his wrist, elbow and right shoulder.

‘I don’t know what it’s like not to live in pain. I feel like I’m falling apart,’ reveals Steve, who will be racing 125 miles from Devizes to Westminster over Easter.

‘I am taking Voltarol, an anti-inflammatory drug, as well as having acupuncture in my shoulder, and I am wearing compression bands on my arms.

‘The only thing to stop the tendonitis is complete rest. But I am rowing nearly 50 miles a week in preparation for the race so that is not going to happen. I have too much riding on it so I’m determined to see it through.’

New passive smoke alert 

The effect of passive smoking on children could double their risk of heart disease in later life, according to a major new study.

Research published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation compared blood samples taken from more than 2,000 children in the early 1980s, and again when they were adults 30 years later.

The effect of passive smoking on children could double their risk of heart disease in later life, according to a major new study (file picture) 

It found that the levels of cotinine – a product formed when nicotine enters the body and a factor in the development of carotid plaque, the fatty deposits that cause the arteries to become clogged – were highest in those whose mothers and fathers smoked.

Lead author Costan Magnussen, from the University of Tasmania in Australia, urged parents to give up cigarettes to safeguard their children’s health.

He said: ‘Parents may be able to reduce some of the potential long-term risk by actively reducing their children’s exposure to second-hand smoke by not smoking inside the home, car, or smoking well away from their children. Not smoking at all is by far the safest option.’

Listening to soothing music for just 40 minutes a day could help chronic pain sufferers reduce their reliance on painkillers.

A programme developed by French music therapist Stephane Guetin helps relax patients so that they release endorphins, feelgood hormones that are the body’s natural pain-relievers.

The music, which can be accessed on smartphones or computers, alternates between slow, moderate and stimulating rhythms of up to 190 beats per minute.

A study of 90 people with chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia found that those who used the programme at least twice a day for three months reduced their medication levels.

We all know the old adage about getting plenty of beauty sleep, yet sometimes even forty winks isn’t enough to banish signs of stress and ageing on our skin.

But now an anti-ageing pillowcase has been developed which the makers claim can reduce a person’s fine lines and wrinkles in just four weeks by using a ‘magic’ ingredient – copper.

An anti-ageing pillowcase has been developed which the makers claim can reduce a person’s fine lines and wrinkles

The Illuminage Skin Rejuvenating Pillowcase is woven from copper oxide polyester fibres, which transfer moisture to the upper layer of the skin. The copper ions aid the skin’s natural renewal process. 

Studies showed changes in crow’s feet and lines after four weeks’ use.

Cancer experts have welcomed the development of two new dietary supplements – one for women and one for men – containing nutrients that have been scientifically proven to help support breast and prostate health.

The supplements have been created in consultation with Professor Martyn Caplin, consultant gastroenterologist at London’s Royal Free Hospital, following a review of clinical evidence investigating the role of specific nutrients in cancer prevention.

ProfBiotics Prostate and Breast both contain lycopene, a compound found in tomatoes which gives them their red colour, and other antioxidants.