Health Zone: Medical Notes.

SWIMMING is one of the best ways of keeping fit and is the second most popular recreational activity after walking.

It is proven to improve health and stamina by exercising the heart and muscles without placing undue stress or trauma on the limbs.

Now active swimwear specialist MARU has developed a new range of swimsuits that are far more chlorine resistant than traditional suits and therefore last much longer.

And they are offering them free to eight lucky Mirror readers.

Send your name and address on a postcard to The Mirror/Maru Swimwear Offer, Talbot PR, Myers Farm, Jeffrey Hill, Longridge, PR3 2TU. Don't forget to state your sex and size. Women 26ins to 40ins bust, men 24ins to 38ins waist.

For your nearest Maru stockist, call 0115 985 1212.

A NEW drug hailed as a major breakthrough in the treatment of multiple sclerosis provides little benefit to patients, according to new research.

Copaxone is said to prevent relapse in patients with the relapsing-remitting form of the disease.

But according to the Drug And Therapeutics Bulletin, the evidence is "both limited and unconvincing".

And there is no real proof that the drug prevents or slows progression of disability.

Copaxone costs pounds 6,650 for a year's treatment. It is still awaiting approval by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence.

PILES are a painful and embarrassing condition which affects one in four adults in the UK.

The manufacturer of Germoloids, an over-the-counter treatment, has set up a Piles Helpline staffed by healthcare professionals offering information and advice.

Call 0845 6010901 between 7.30am and 11pm.

Callers can get a free copy of the leaflet: Haemorrhoids Facts Not Fiction.