This news might come as a shock to many people, but from the first of April 2009 prescriptions will rise by 10p from £7.10 to £7.20. The BMA (British Medical Association) hit out at the Government for not following the examples set by Northen Ireland, Scotland and Wales to abolish charges altogether.

Some things haven't changed such as "complex" NHS dental treaments these will be charged at the existing rate of £198. Everything else from X-rays to polish will increase by 0.30p while fillings and extractions will rise by £1.

People aged 60 or over, under-16s, those aged 16 to 18 in full-time education, people on benefits and pregnant women are also exempt.

The interesting facts behind these extra charges are that it's estimated prescription charges will contribute £437 million to the NHS in 2009/10, In England 89 per cent of prescriptions are dispensed for free. It's the 11 per cent which accumulate the £437 million for the NHS. From April 1, cancer patients will be eligible for free prescriptions.

If you lived in Scotland you would find your prescription reduced to £4 in April and abolished in 2011. Prescriptions are already free in Wales and will be free in Northern Ireland next year.

What will this mean in the future?

Every week we hear about people who resulted in removing their own teeth, due to being unable to get on a NHS practice will we see an increase in cases like this from people who can't afford the repair or prescription?

Or will we see a possible boost or demand in health supplements, people using natural remedies and well known such as glucosamine to help boost their body's natural defence system?

In a recent study scientists have found that working shifts can slow down the body’s metabolism, which in return can lead to an increase in weight gain. This doesn't come as a great surprise to most. Usually many people have undertaken some sort of shift work in their lives. The typical shift would run from 2:00pm until 10:00pm, upon finishing the shift many people would snack or possibly have a late supper before bed.

Researchers have discovered that working at night and sleeping during the day affects the body's natural rhythms and slows down the rate it burns energy. This then leaves the late snack or supper breaking down or being used as energy difficult often turning into excess weight.

Some health supplements do actually speed up the body's metabolism aiding slimming.

Everybody knows water plays an important role with health and general living. The British Dietetic Association’s recommended 2.5 litres a day but how many litres do you drink per day? A great way of remembering how much you have consumed is by keeping 5 elastic bands around a half litre water bottle. Each time you fill the bottle either move one of the bands to the bottom of the container or take it off.

Drinking 2.5 litres of water per day can be hard work and nothing more frustrating wondering if you have had enough or too little. Daily water intake is important as insufficient intake raises fat deposits in the body, also with reduced levels of water intake the kidneys and become strained and decreases the ability of the liver to metabolize fat.

Another benefit of water is if you take any health supplements or nutrients the water helps them to be absorbed by the body.

More than 700,000 people in Britain suffer from dementia, an estimated 417,000 of whom have Alzheimer's, the most common form.

Recent research have found that by consuming two glasses of apple juice per day could delay the onset of the disorder which affects aproximatly 400,000 people in just the UK alone.

Test were carried out on mice, apple juice reduces the production of a a small protien fragment called beta amyloid, which is commonly found is the brains of Alzhemier's sufferes.

As we know many people started their big diet on New Years Day or a few days later. 2009 has recently seen 200,000 people sign up to Mr Motivator on GMTV and the demand for slimming aids has been phenomenal.

Helping you to succeed we have created three simple points;

Balance
Getting fit isn't about being strict with your diet and lifestyle. Saying no to bacon butties and embracing a punishing fitness regimen will often make you binge and give up on the diet.

Free
One of the best methods to feel great and shape up is walking. Taking a 30 minute walk can help burns fat, builds muscle, increases metabolic rate, reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and stress. Something free which is good for you.

Motivation
Many people think loosing weight is simply about loosing weight. People set themselves targets 10 pounds, 1 stone, 2 stone. People often use these as mile stones but get frustrated when they are taking time to achieve. Setting yourself motivation targets such as walking a mile, running for 5 minutes will help you shift the weight but also give you instant motivation.