Can we really discover a lot about our state of health from examining our fingernails?

In many ways our inner health is arrayed before us within our outer appearance.

Some indicators may be more reliable than others, but we can get a general sense of ourselves with remarkably little knowledge and careful observation.

Charlotte Vohtz nails the subject in her book, Naturally Gorgeous, Essential Health and Beauty Sectrets.

Here are some indicators from the book:

1. White spots or flecks on nails indicate a zinc deficiency, which may have many causes — too much alcohol or even side effects from taking the contraceptive pill.

2. Ridged or brittle nails may highlight a calcium deficiency or lack of vitamin A.

3. Cracked or broken nails — in the absence of any other reason such as heavy manual work — may show up a lack of fluids. Dehydration can cause many conditions including blocked sinuses.

4. Nails which split easily may indicate a lack of fatty acids in the diet.

5. Dryness and very rounded and curved ends could be a lack of vitamin B12, which may be linked to an iron deficiency.

6. For super-healthy nails make half your diet consist of fresh fruit and vegetables, some raw. This will boost your intake of vitamins, minerals and enzymes.

7. Add foods rich in sulphur and silicon, like fish, broccoli and onions. Also foods high in biotin, such as soya and whole grains.

8. Foods like wild seaweed (kelp tablets will do), which contain iodine for the thyroid gland, an organ that plays a part in the growth of nails, hair, skin and teeth.

It seems we can discover a lot just by looking at our fingernails.

If you spend a lot of time on a computer, you will soon notice a problem — apart from brain fatigue in late afternoon — and that’s eye strain.

So how bad is eye strain for those of us who work on screens most of the day? Do we take the health of our eyes for granted? Are we uncomplaining martyrs to eye strain until something even more painful and debilitating turns up, usually out of the blue?

Are there strategies we can adopt to prevent it?

The main cause of computer users’ eye strain seems to be the result of constant close-focusing. When the eyes are looking at a distant object the muscles are relaxed and loose. When focused on something near they are contracted and tense. Over time, too much close work causes eye problems.

One of the simplest ways to counteract this tendency is by “palming visualization”, adapted from an exercise in the Bates Good Sight Without Glasses programme.

Palming is quite simple: when your eyes are strained, or preferably before, place the palms of your hands over your eyes so as to block out all light. Keep them there for a couple of minutes or so and you’ll find your eyes are quite refreshed.

Now, if you also visualize an object in the far distance, say, a tree, or a ship on the horizon, this will cause your eyes to focus into the distance thus unlocking the clenched effect of close viewing. This double exercise, repeated at 15 or 30-minute intervals depending on the severity of the problem, is very beneficial for eye strain.

It’s often said that dark green, leafy vegetables contain a substance, lutein, which prevents macular degeneration, particularly in older eyes. This is a common problem, apparently. So start digging up those cabbages.

Another tip for persisent problems with screen-induced eye strain is to buy a pair of magnifying glasses. These are just prescription-free reading specs with simple magnifying lenses, typically 2.5x. You can often pick them up in libraries, or even in gift shops these days.

There must be a lot of it about.

Nothing is worse than sore, painful feet and many women over 50 have to suffer this daily affliction. Too many years of wearing unsuitable shoes and spending hours on your feet as part of your work and home lives with little time to pamper yourself will eventually catch up with you.

Health issues such as poor circulation, diabetes and carrying extra weight can cause foot problems as well. Remaining mobile after 50 is crucial in terms of maintaining your health and enjoying a good quality of life, so place caring for your feet at the top of your agenda.

Bunions, hammer toes, corns and calluses can all be dealt with by a good chiropodist and it’s advisable to consult a professional to ensure that you’re wearing suitable shoes and using the best products available to help alleviate these kinds of problems.

There’s plenty you can do at home to improve the condition of your feet, however.

Firstly, invest in a foot spa. These can cost as little as £20 and provide sweet relief with settings for soothing warmth and gentle bubbles. You can always add a little essential oil to the water and enjoy the relaxing benefits of the natural aroma. Lavender and Rose Geranium will both offer relief from stress and strain and leave you feeling great.

Secondly, regularly remove dry, hard skin with the use of a pumice stone, a foot scrub and a foot file. Don’t let the problem build up and take the risk of suffering from painful, cracked heels. Whenever necessary, smother the feet in heel balm before bedtime, seal it all in with a pair of cotton socks and enjoy the results the following morning. Wearing open backed shoes is a definite No if you are prone to hard skin – opt for a comfortable pair of pumps or canvas slip ons instead.

Finally, remember to dry your feet well and use a good moisturiser on your feet after bathing or showering. There are plenty of non-greasy products on the market that offer intense moisturisation.

Many of us know that peppermint is good for a stomach upset and even freshens the breath — for a while, anyway.

Now scientists in the U.S. are claiming that it also increases alertness by as much as one-third.

More, it reduces tiredness by 15pc, they say.

Peppermint is obviously a herb you should have on your shelf, not to mention a box of mint teabags.

It can also easily be grown in small containers or a few feet of spare garden soil.

Peppermint is delicious in salads, soups and casseroles.