No surprise there

IN an Australian trial, some people with moderate to severe depression who also had a poor diet were put on a Mediterranean diet.

They were also given seven sessions with a dietitian while another group received counselling from a trained researcher, also for seven sessions.

All remained on their usual medication, which included antidepressants.

After 12 weeks researchers at Deakin University found that a third of those on the Mediterranean diet were in remission from depression, compared with 8 per cent in the control group.

Linda Hall

ON March 26 we lose an hour’s sleep, although as it’s a Sunday most of us manage a lie­in.

But even a minor time change affects the health, especially for the elderly or those with chronic illnesses, health professionals say. Interrupted sleep patterns are the biggest problem, skewing natural circadian rhythms, while hospitals note a significantly higher risk of heart attack during the two weeks after clocks go forward. Road accidents also rise.

Seniors suffer more than anyone else, doctors found. For the first few days they recommend going to bed