Natural Remedies for High Blood Pressure

What is High Blood Pressure?

 

 

 

Also known as: Hypertension

 

According to the American Heart Association, nearly one in three adults in the United States has high blood pressure. But nearly one-third of those people don't know they have high blood pressure, because it's a silent disease. People can have high blood pressure for years without experiencing symptoms or knowing they have it.

 

The upper or first number in a blood pressure reading is the systolic pressure and the lower or second number is called the diastolic pressure. According to National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute guidelines:

• Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg.
• Prehypertension is systolic pressure that's between 120 to 139 or diastolic pressure between 80 and 89.
• Stage 1 hypertension is systolic pressure between 140 to 159 or diastolic pressure between 90 and 99.
• Stage 2 hypertension is systolic pressure higher than 160 or diastolic pressure of 100 or higher.

High Blood Pressure Symptoms

 

High blood pressure usually doesn't cause any symptoms in the early stages. Symptoms associated with high blood pressure can include:

 

 

• Dizziness or dizzy spells
• Headache
• Nosebleeds

 

Causes of High Blood Pressure

 

In most cases of high blood pressure, the American Heart Association says there is no one identifiable cause. This kind of high blood pressure is called primary hypertension or essential hypertension. It is usually a combination of factors, such as:

 

 

 

• Weight. The greater your body mass, the more pressure there is on your artery walls. That's because more blood is produced to supply oxygen and nutrients to tissues in your body.
• Activity level. Lack of physical activity tends to increase heart rate, which forces your heart to work harder with each contraction.
• Tobacco use. Chemicals in cigarettes and tobacco can damage artery walls.
• Sodium intake. Excessive sodium in the diet can result in fluid retention and high blood pressure, especially in people sensitive to sodium.
• Potassium intake. Low potassium can result in elevated sodium in cells, because the two balance one another.
• Stress. Stress can raise blood pressure.
• Alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol intake can, over time, increase the risk of heart disease.
• Age. The risk of high blood pressure increases as you get older.
• Family history. High blood pressure often runs in families.

 

High blood pressure can also be caused by an underlying condition, such as kidney disease, hormonal disorders, thyroid disease, adrenal gland disease, and the use of certain drugs, such as oral contraceptives, or herbs such as licorice. This type of high blood pressure is called secondary hypertension. 


Natural Remedies for High Blood Pressure


Lifestyle changes and natural remedies may help to control high blood pressure, but your doctor may also recommend medication to lower high blood pressure. It is important to work with your doctor, because untreated high blood pressure may damage organs in the body and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, brain hemorrhage, kidney disease, and vision loss. See a drawing of a hypertensive heart.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)


There is some evidence that the supplement CoQ10 may help to reduce high blood pressure.

A 12 week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 83 people with systolic hypertension examined the effect of CoQ10 supplements (60 mg twice daily). After the 12 weeks, there was a mean reduction in systolic blood pressure of 17.8 mm Hg in the Coq10-treated group.
Another study conducted at the University of Western Australia looked at the effect of CoQ10 on blood pressure and glycemic control in 74 people with type 2 diabetes. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 100mg CoQ10 twice daily, 200mg of the drug fenfibrate, both, or neither for 12 weeks.
CoQ10 significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure(mean reduction 6.1 mm Hg and 2.9 mm Hg respectively). There was also a reduction in HbA1C, a marker for long-term glycemic control.

To learn more about CoQ10, read the Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) fact sheet.

Garlic

In a meta-analysis of seven randomized controlled trials of garlic supplements, three trials showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure and four in diastolic blood pressure. Researchers concluded that garlic powder supplement may be of clinical use in patients with mild high blood pressure.
Garlic supplements should only be used under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner. Garlic can thin the blood (reduce the ability of blood to clot) similar to aspirin. Garlic may interact with many drugs and supplements such as the prescription "blood-thinners" drugs such as Coumadin (warfarin) or Trental (pentoxifylline), aspirin, vitamin E, gingko. It is usually recommended that people taking garlic stop in the weeks before and after any type of surgery.

To learn more about garlic, go to the articles about garlic.
Hawthorn

The herb hawthorn is often used by traditional herbal practitioners for high blood pressure.
In a randomized controlled trial conducted by researchers in Reading, UK, 79 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to receive either 1200 mg of hawthorn extract a day or placebo for 16 weeks. Medication for high blood pressure was used by 71% of the patients.

At the end of the 16 weeks, patients taking the hawthorn supplement had a significant reduction in mean diastolic blood pressure (2.6 mm Hg). No herb-drug interactions were reported.

Fish oil

Preliminary studies suggest that fish oil may have a modest effect on high blood pressure. Although fish oil supplements often contain both DHA (docohexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), there is some evidence that DHA is the ingredient that lowers high blood pressure. Learn more about fish oil.

Folic acid

Folate is a B vitamin necessary for formation of red blood cells. It may help to lower high blood pressure in some people, possibly by reducing elevated homocysteine levels.

One small study of 24 cigarette smokers found that four weeks of folic acid supplementation significantly lowered blood pressure. Learn more about folic acid.

10 Alternative Household Cleansers

White Vinegar

A natural disinfectant and deodorizer, white vinegar can be used as an all-purpose cleaner on most surfaces around your home. Try mixing a solution of half water and half vinegar in a spray bottle, and use it to cut grease and remove mildew and other stains from all your bathroom and kitchen surfaces. Vinegar can also be used as an effective and hypoallergenic fabric softener; add 1/2 cup to every load during the rinse cycle.

Baking Soda

Baking soda has already earned its reputation as a great natural deodorizer, but did you know it can also be used as a gentle and effective household scouring agent? For instance, to treat hardened stains on easily scratched surfaces like stovetops or refrigerator shelves, try sprinkling baking powder directly on top of the stain and scrub with a damp sponge until clean. You can also use baking soda to deodorize and remove some of the buildup from a dishwasher's interior; simply pour a cup of it into the machine and run the rinse cycle.

Lemon Juice

This natural disinfectant and bleaching agent has a variety of uses both in and out of the kitchen. To sterilize wooden cutting boards, rub the cut side of a lemon half over the entire surface of the board, then rinse with hot water. If you need to tackle a stain (on clothing or another surface), try mixing lemon juice with baking soda to make a paste and apply it to the spot; wipe away after 10 minutes. Due to its highly acidic nature, lemon juice can even be used to dissolve soap scum, hard water deposits, mold and mildew. Plus, even the peel can be put to good use; grinding the peel of an entire lemon through a garbage disposal will freshen its blades and the drain below.

Borax

Valued for its deodorizing and disinfectant properties, Borax (sodium borate) is an excellent multipurpose cleaner that's especially well suited to cleaning painted and wallpapered surfaces. For an effective floor and wall cleaning solution, mix 1/3 cup of Borax into 1 gallon of warm water, then add one tsp of liquid dish soap. To use the substance as a tile grout cleaner, combine 1/4 cup of Borax with 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1 spoonful of hot water to form a paste; apply to the grout, scrub and rinse thoroughly. Borax can most likely be found in the cleaning aisle of your local supermarket.

Washing Soda

Available in the laundry aisle of most supermarkets, washing soda not only boosts the power of regular laundry detergent (add ½ cup to each load of laundry along with your regular detergent), it can also be safely used to clean bathroom and kitchen surfaces, cookware, plastic appliances and concrete floors. (Do not use this substance on fiberglass or aluminum surfaces, as it may cause discoloration.) Simply dissolve 1/3 cup of washing soda into a gallon of warm water, and apply to the desired surface with either a sponge or scrubbing brush as appropriate.

Isopropyl Alcohol

Who knew this medicine-cabinet staple could have so many practical uses around the house? Use it to disinfect and clean grime from often-handled phones, computer keyboards, doorknobs and switch plates, as well as to remove dust from decorative candles (alcohol won't ruin the wick, as water might). Rubbing alcohol is also effective at combating fresh ink stains on clothing or carpets; try using a soaked cotton ball to blot away the spots. (Isopropyl alcohol may not be safe to use on all materials; do a test on a discreet area of the item before tackling larger stains.)

Cornstarch

An excellent oil absorber, cornstarch can be mixed with water to form a paste to clean grease from stovetops, vent hoods, cabinetry and other grease magnets around the kitchen. You can also use cornstarch to deodorize and refresh carpeting; sprinkle a liberal amount over rugs or carpets and wait 20 minutes before vacuuming away.

Mineral Oil

Put down the Pledge! This all-natural substance can be used to give all your furniture a good shine; use it straight, or add a few drops of essential oil or lemon juice to add a pleasant scent. You can also use mineral oil to rehydrate wooden cutting boards and prevent splits and cracks, which can harbor dangerous bacteria. Simply use a clean cloth to rub the oil into the board, working in the direction of the grain; let it absorb for several minutes, then wipe off excess oil with a clean, dry cloth.

Coarse Salt

This natural abrasive is ideal for scouring dried- or burned-on food from your cookware; it's also an effective polishing agent for copper pots and pans: Just sprinkle salt on the cut side of a lemon half and rub on the copper surface until shiny. You can also use salt to clean up fresh spills in the oven; sprinkle some on stains to absorb grease and moisture, then wipe off with a damp cloth.

Toothpaste

Good for more than polishing up your pearly whites, toothpaste can also be used to remove tarnish and restore shine to silver. Discover a water stain on your wooden coffee table? Dab a bit of toothpaste on the spot, allow it to dry, then wipe away to eliminate the mark.

Recycling strategies

Recycling strategies

Ongoing education and promotion of recycling initiatives and policies are crucial to eliminate contaminates, improve collection rates and instil a culture of sustainable behaviour. Regular monitoring, review and adjustments are also a critical ingredient for making sure the system works well, suits the workplace environment and reflects industry best practice.



In the office

Reuse or recycle printing cartridges

– All toner cartridges from printers, photocopiers and fax machines are now recyclable, as are most printer ink cartridges. Send cartridges back to the supplier or manufacturer or use a Cartridges 4 Planet Ark collection outlet. There are a number of outlets where you can take cartridges, including Australia Post, Harvey Norman, Tandy or Dick Smith.

Reduce paper waste

– Use multi-page, duplexing or double-sided printing and copying. Investigate the paper saving settings and functions within the print options on your printer, fax and copier. Print on demand, only when needed. Promote electronic document storage and dissemination. Use and purchase office equipment with network or file storage capability.

Manage and plan for "life"

– Look at ways to extend the life and value of existing resources and materials. Recycle and redeploy unspent or partially used materials.

Improve collection rates

– Promote and provide recycling facilities. Place them in obvious and convenient locations, at the waste source. Office paper is easily handled and reprocessed yet much is still lost to landfill. Do an audit of paper use and disposal, and set targets for reducing waste.

Use products

– Do some research before purchasing new office equipment. Confirm availability of consumables based on recycled elements. For example some printing cartridges are produced with recycled materials and recycled papers are also available. Confirm the equipment supports the use of products and carry out tests to see which product performs best.

See the easy guides and "Waste reduction and recycling in offices" fact sheet for more information.



In industry

Cleaner Production case studies



Hundreds of NSW companies are discovering that Cleaner Production not only protects the environment but also significantly reduces operating costs.



These case studies demonstrate how each of the companies participating in the program have not only significantly reduced their financial return but have also improved their environmental performance through Cleaner Production initiatives, clearly a win for industry and a win for the environment.



Aircraft manufacturer flying high with Cleaner Production - Hawker de Havilland

Water heater company turns up the heat on Cleaner Production - Rheem Australia

Cleaner 'business as usual' for supply chain and logistics company - Siemens Dematic

Green printing reaps dividends - Focus Press

Industrial estate cleans up over $1.2 million in savings - Fairfield City Council and Smithfield Wetherill Park Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Cleaner production a conduit for sustainability - Vinidex

Ozone company cleans up the laundry - O3 Wash

Cleaning the way to a sustainable future - JohnsonDiversey

Concrete recycling scheme ideal solution for waste - Pumperdump

Cleaner way forward for anodising company - Universal Anodisers

Liquid Composites: search for a 'better way' boosts efficiency - Licotec

Diving deep in search of a sustainable future - Thales

Dairy gains for the environment through increased productivity - Drury dairy farm

Dairy profits from planning and innovation - Hurrell dairy farm

Virtual Manufacturing: big saving opportunities for tooling industry - Austool

Recycled timber dunnage a win for shipping industry - Illawarra S & N Enterprise

Waste reduction and avoidance

Waste reduction and recycling go hand-in-hand. Understand and explore the waste issues and recycling opportunities in specific industry sectors:


Waste Reduction in Office Buildings : Guide for Tenants and Building Managers

Auto dismantlers

Auto servicing & mechanical repairers

Builders

Car yards

Composites industry

Concreting

Dry cleaners

Food sense (hospitality industry)

Foundry industry

Landscaping

Marinas, boatsheds and slipways

Mobile businesses

Painters

Photographic film & paper processors

Printers

Retail food businesses

Service stations

Shopping centre management

Small factories

Smash repairers

Are Plastic Containers Safe?

Our homes are full of plastic, and the kitchen is no exception. The problem: Chemicals in plastic containers and other kitchenware may leach into the foods or drinks that they're holding. Scientific evidence suggests that some of these chemicals may be harmful to people, especially infants and children.


Researchers are still debating whether phthalates and BPA actually cause these health problems and, if so, how much exposure is necessary to trigger them. While these issues are being figured out, some experts recommend taking a preventive approach: "Minimize contact of food with problematic plastics as a precautionary measure to protect your health," suggests Rolf Halden, PhD, adjunct associate professor of environmental health sciences at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Here are six simple tips for reducing your exposure to the potentially harmful chemicals in plastics.





1. Know the code. Look on the bottom of your plastic to find the recycling symbol (a number between 1 and 7 enclosed in a triangle of arrows). The code indicates the type of plastic you are using and can give you important clues about safety. "We generally say 1, 2, 4 and 5 are considered to be the safest," says Sonya Lunder, senior analyst at the Environmental Working Group. Try to avoid using plastics with 3 or 6, as these leach chemicals that may be harmful. Number 7 is an "other" category that includes BPA-containing plastics called polycarbonates. These plastics, which you should avoid, will have the letters PC printed underneath the 7.

2. Reconsider the microwave. Heat can increase the rate at which chemicals like BPA leach from plastic. Containers labeled "microwave safe" have been tested by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and found to leach extremely small amounts, which the FDA has determined to be safe. However, some experts advise people to keep plastic out of the microwave altogether. "I don't microwave anything in plastic," says Lunder. "It's really easy and fast to put my food into a ceramic or glass container and heat it that way." And never put plastic wrap on top of your food in the microwave, since it can melt. Use wax paper or a paper towel instead.

3. Use it for its intended purpose. Plastics that are designed for single use should only be used once. "Plastic breaks down over time," Lunder explains. "Some aren't designed to withstand heating and cooling." Most plastics with recycling code number 1 are intended for single use, such as disposable water bottles. And that takeout container from six months ago? Toss it. In general they're fine for refrigerating leftovers, but aren't designed for heat exposure or long-term use.





4. Wash by hand. Only put plastics into the dishwasher if they have a dishwasher safe label. If you want to be extra-cautious, wash all plastics by hand or use only glass and ceramic plates and dishes. In the dishwasher, plastics are exposed to detergents and heat, which may accelerate the leaching of BPA from food containers.

5. Do not freeze. Only put plastics in the freezer if they have a freezer-safe label. Freezer temperatures can cause plastics to deteriorate, which increases the leaching of chemicals into the food when you take containers out of the freezer to thaw or reheat.

6. Don't panic. Cutting down on exposure to potentially harmful chemicals in plastics can benefit your health. But as Dr. Halden reminds us, "Many things in your life pose a much higher risk than exposure to plastics, such as smoking, poor diet and even driving a car."

Autism Symptoms and Early Signs

Understanding Autism
Autism is not a single disorder, but a spectrum of closely related disorders with a shared core of symptoms. Autism spectrum disorders appear in infancy and early childhood, causing delays in many basic areas of development such as learning to talk, play, and interact with others.

 

The signs and symptoms of autism vary widely, as do its effects. Some autistic children have only mild impairments, while others have more obstacles to overcome. However, every child on the autism spectrum has problems, at least to some degree, in the following three areas:

Communicating verbally and non-verbally

Relating to others and the world around them
Thinking and behaving flexibly

There are different opinions among doctors, parents, and experts about what causes autism and how best to treat it, and much that we still don’t know. But on one fact, everyone agrees: early and intensive intervention works. For children at risk, it can make all the difference.

Signs and symptoms of Autism

If autism is caught in infancy, treatment can take full advantage of the young brain’s remarkable plasticity. If detected by 18 months of age or even earlier, intensive treatment may even be able to rewire the brain and reverse the symptoms.

 

 

 

The earliest signs of autism involve the absence of normal behaviors—not the presence of abnormal ones—so they can be tough to spot. In some cases, the earliest symptoms of autism are even misinterpreted as signs of a “good baby,” since the infant may be very quiet and undemanding. However, you can catch warning signs early if you know what to look for.

 

 

 

Some autistic infants don't respond to cuddling, reach out to be picked up, or look at their mothers when being fed.

 

 

 

Early signs of autism in babies and toddlers

 

Doesn’t make eye contact (e.g. look at you when being fed).

 

Doesn't smile when smiled at.

 

Doesn't respond to his or her name or to the sound of a familiar voice.

 

Doesn’t follow objects visually.

 

Doesn't point or wave goodbye or use other gestures to communicate.

 

Doesn’t make noises to get your attention.

 

Doesn’t respond to cuddling.

 

Doesn’t imitate your movements and facial expressions.

 

Doesn’t reach out to be picked up.

 

Doesn’t play with other people or share interest and enjoyment.

 

 

 

 

 

The following delays warrant an immediate evaluation by your child’s pediatrician.

 

By 6 months: No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions.

 

By 9 months: No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions.

 

By 12 months: Lack of response to name.

 

By 12 months: No babbling or “baby talk.”

 

By 12 months: No back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing, showing, reaching, or waving.

 

By 16 months: No spoken words.

 

By 24 months: No meaningful two-word phrases that don’t involve imitating or repeating.

 

Signs and symptoms of autism in older children

 

As children get older, the red flags for autism become more diverse. There are many warning signs and symptoms, but they typically revolve around impaired social skills, speech and language difficulties, non-verbal communication difficulties, and inflexible behavior.

 

 

 

Signs and symptoms of social difficulties in autism

 

Basic social interaction can be difficult for children with autism spectrum disorders. Many kids on the autism spectrum seem to prefer to live in their own little world, aloof and detached from others.

 

 

 

Appears disinterested or unaware of other people or what’s going on around them.

 

Doesn’t know how to connect with others, play, or make friends.

 

Prefers not to be touched, held, or cuddled.

 

Doesn’t play "pretend" games, engage in group games, imitate others, or use toys in creative ways.

 

Has trouble understanding or talking about feelings.

 

Doesn’t seem to hear when others talk to him or her.

 

Doesn't share interests or achievements with others (drawings, toys).

 

Signs and symptoms of speech and language difficulties in autism

 

Children with autism spectrum disorders have difficulty with speech and language. Often, they start talking late.

 

 

 

Speaks in an abnormal tone of voice, or with an odd rhythm or pitch (e.g. ends every sentence as if asking a question).

 

Repeats the same words or phrases over and over.

 

Responds to a question by repeating it, rather than answering it.

 

Refers to themselves in the third person.

 

Uses language incorrectly (grammatical errors, wrong words).

 

Has difficulty communicating needs or desires.

 

Doesn’t understand simple directions, statements, or questions.

 

Takes what is said too literally (misses undertones of humor, irony, and sarcasm).

 

Signs and symptoms of nonverbal communication difficulties in autism

 

Children with autism spectrum disorders have trouble picking up on subtle nonverbal cues and using body language. This makes the "give-and-take" of social interaction very difficult.

 

 

 

Avoids eye contact.

 

Uses facial expressions that don't match what he or she is saying.

 

Doesn’t pick up on other people’s facial expressions, tone of voice, and gestures.

 

Makes very few gestures (such as pointing). May come across as cold or “robot-like.”

 

Reacts unusually to sights, smells, textures, and sounds.

 

Abnormal posture, clumsiness, or eccentric ways of moving (e.g. walking exclusively on tiptoe).

 

Signs and symptoms of inflexibility in autism

 

Children with autism spectrum disorders are often restricted, inflexible, and even obsessive in their behaviors, activities, and interests.

 

 

 

Follows a rigid routine (e.g. insists on taking a specific route to school)

 

Has difficulty adapting to any changes in schedule or environment (e.g. throws a tantrum if the furniture is rearranged or bedtime is at a different time than usual).

 

Unusual attachments to toys or strange objects such as keys, light switches, or rubber bands.

 

Obsessively lines things up or arranges them in a certain order.

 

Preoccupation with a narrow topic of interest, often involving numbers or symbols (e.g. memorizing and reciting facts about maps, train schedules, or sports statistics).

 

Spends hours arranging toys in specific ways, watching moving objects such as a ceiling fan, or focusing on one specific part of an object.

 

Repeats the same actions or movements over and over again, such as flapping hands, rocking, or twirling (known as self-stimulatory behavior, or “stimming”).

 

Common self-stimulatory behaviors:

 

• Hand flapping
• Rocking back and forth
• Spinning in a circle
• Finger flicking
• Head banging
• Staring at lights
• Moving fingers in front of the eyes
• Snapping fingers
• Taping ears
• Scratching
• Lining up toys
• Spinning objects
• Wheel spinning
• Watching moving objects
• Flicking light switches on and off
• Repeating words or noises

Remembering Princess Diana

A decade later, the memory of her remains, but how much else has changed. After the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997, Princes William and Harry (then aged 15 and 12, respectively) marched through central London, their little heads bowed, toward their mother's funeral. Today, with the sun shining bright on the day of a memorial service marking the 10th anniversary of her death, things couldn't have felt more different.

Loud cheers from the crowd got cheeky smiles and a wave from the same two Princes today as they made their way out of Guards Chapel, near Buckingham Palace, after the service. Elton John, who sang sad songs at Diana's funeral, strode out to the kind of applause he'd have been more used to on stage. Even Gordon Brown, as fresh a British Prime Minister as Tony Blair was when Diana was killed, got his own big cheer. (The cool Scot responded with a nod.)



This was a day of remembrance, yes, but not really a day of grieving. Unlike the flood of despair that poured forth in 1997, this time around there was barely a tear. Along the pavement towards Guards Chapel, some stared off into the distance, while others warbled to the hymns piped out over loud speakers from inside the service. Done with humming, "The Lord's My Shepherd," Londoner John Santos fondly remembered "an outstanding woman with a common touch." Showing up today, he said, was simply to make sure that "won't be forgotten."



Harry seconded that. "To us, just two loving children, she was quite simply the best mother in the world," the younger Prince said of his mother with the crowds outside now listening in silence. Losing her, he said, was "indescribably shocking and sad." But his message, met with applause, was clear: "She made us and so many other people happy. May this be the way that she is remembered."



A couple of miles down the road, in the gardens of Kensington Palace, Diana's old home, those memories were very much alive. If the crowd gathered at the chapel was reserved and respectful, this was the place for Union Jack-covered folding chairs — and a strong sense of many people's still very protective stake in Diana. Here, as one sign pinned to the Palace's thick, black, gilt-edged gates read, was "The People's Memorial." Depending where you looked, amid the pink paper hearts and purple balloons, Diana was "The People's Princess," "The Queen of Hearts" or "England's Rose."



Out of earshot of the royal family, this was also the place to deal in harsher, edgier thoughts. Rosemary, a Londoner in her 50s who declined to give her last name, insisted that Diana "got a raw deal." Another woman lamented her "appalling treatment from day one of her marriage." Laminated newspaper stories smearing Prince Charles were pinned to the gates. One banner, screaming "LONG LIVE THE QUEEN/DIANA FOREVER," was far less polite about Charles and Camilla, Charles' life-long love who is now his wife. The reason a decade hasn't dimmed Diana's memory, said a third woman, "is that she epitomized every facet of human frailty, and reached out in a very hostile world."



But you couldn't help feel life has moved on since 1997. Outside the chapel, joggers passed one way through the crowds, newspaper sellers another. In the gardens at Kensington, a handful of rugby players from England's national team were even running through drills ahead of next month's World Cup. The Princes, both fans of the game, would surely have smiled at that.

my test

THE PRINCESS OF WALES