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 | health information
Health in the news
Here you will find an index of health news stories published by BUPA's health information team. All the stories are clearly dated with most recent news at the top of the list.
June 2006
9 June 2006
Premature or underweight babies are more at risk of hyperactivity
Babies born before they reach full term, or those with low birth weight, are up to three times more likely to become hyperactive and have short attention spans.
May 2006
26 May 2006
No link between low air pressure and DVT on long-haul flights
Reduced cabin pressure and oxygen levels associated with long-haul flights don't increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), according to a study published this month by the Journal of the American Association.
12 May 2006
Puppy fat is a myth that could put children's health at risk
The idea that puppy fat in children disappears in their teenage years is a myth. Weight problems are often established before teenage years and many overweight children aged 11 continue to be overweight through adolescence.
April 2006
28 April 2006
Socialising with friends and family could reduce the effects of Alzheimer's disease
Elderly people who see friends and family regularly may protect themselves from the effects of Alzheimer's disease, according to a study published online this month by The Lancet.
14 April 2006
Passive smoking could raise risk of developing type 2 diabetes
Breathing in other people's smoke increases the risk of developing diabetes. The study revealed for the first time the link between passive smoking and the onset of glucose intolerance - an early warning sign of type 2 diabetes.
March 2006
31 March 2006
Doubts raised over health benefits of omega-3 fats
Omega-3 fats may not be as beneficial to health as previously thought. Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in oily fish and some plant oils, is thought to protect against certain types of disease.
27 March 2006
Avian flu (bird flu)
Could bird flu outbreaks in Asia and other countries lead to a flu pandemic in humans? We answer your questions.
17 March 2006
Calcium helps reduce pregnancy complications
Women who take calcium supplements during pregnancy may be less at risk of suffering severe health complications.
3 March 2006
Diet supplements may ease osteoarthritic pain
Two popular dietary supplements, glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate, may relieve moderate to severe osteoarthritic knee pain.
February 2006
17 February 2006
Melatonin not effective in treating sleep disorders and jet lag
The complementary medicine, melatonin, does not seem to be effective in secondary sleep disorders and jet lag.
7 February 2006
Unplanned attempts to quit smoking more likely to succeed
Smokers who decide to quit on the spur of the moment are more likely to kick the habit than those who have a plan.
3 February 2006
Avian flu (bird flu)
Could bird flu outbreaks in Asia and more recently in Turkey lead to a flu pandemic in humans? We answer your questions.
January 2006
24 January 2006
Curry spice and cauliflower could help in the fight against prostate cancer
Turmeric, a spice commonly used in Indian cooking, may help to treat and prevent prostate cancer, according to a recent study.
6 January 2006
Alcohol adverts linked to drinking among young people
Watching alcohol adverts on television may make young people drink more alcohol, according to a recent study published in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.
December 2005
9 December 2005
Obesity before pregnancy linked to weight problems in childhood
Young children are far more likely to be overweight if their mothers were overweight or obese before they became pregnant, according to a study published in the journal Pediatrics.
November 2005
25 November 2005
Resistance to HIV drugs in UK increasing, and among highest in the world
People infected with HIV in the UK have some of the highest rates of resistance to anti-HIV drugs.
11 November 2005
Waist-to-hip ratio better predictor of heart attack risk
Measuring your waist-to-hip ratio is the best way to see if you're obese and at risk of having a heart attack.
October 2005
28 October 2005
Early retirement does not lead to a longer life
Workers who retire at 60 or even 55 do not live longer than those who work until 65. These findings contradict the widespread belief that early retirement is associated with longer life expectancy.
19 October 2005
Avian flu (bird flu)
Could bird flu outbreaks lead to a flu pandemic in humans? We answer your questions.
14 October 2005
New vaccine against cervical cancer virus
A new vaccine appears to be completely effective against the two most common viruses that cause cervical cancer
September 2005
30 September 2005
Light smoking triples death risk
Smoking just 1 to 4 cigarettes a day almost triples the risk of dying from heart disease or lung cancer.
16 September 2005
Smoking doubles the risk of blindness
Smokers are twice as likely to lose their sight compared with non-smokers as they grow older, yet most smokers have no idea that their habit could affect their eyes.
02 September 2005
Stress does not affect the success rate of IVF treatment
Being stressed about IVF does not appear to reduce the chance of it being successful.
August 2005
19 August 2005
Siestas may help to beat heatwaves
Continental-style siestas - which generally involve resting in the heat of the afternoon and working later into the evening - may be needed to help people cope with hotter summers in the UK, experts say.
03 August 2005
Acupuncture may cut rates of tension headaches
The effectiveness of acupuncture is controversial, but it may be an effective treatment for tension headaches.
July 2005
13 July 2005
Higher IQ and active youth reduce risk of dementia
A high IQ level and taking part in after-school activities as a teenager may reduce your risk of memory problems in old age.
June 2005
22 June 2005
Calcium and vitamin D reduce risk of PMS
Making calcium and vitamin D part of your daily diet may reduce the risk of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
May 2005
25 May 2005
Low GI foods good for your health
Adding just one low GI food item to each meal may have a positive effect on your blood sugar levels.
11 May 2005
Fish oils boost children's brains
Children's learning and behavioural problems at school may be due to a lack of fish oils in their diets.
April 2005
27 April 2005
Child footballers most at risk of injury
Elite child footballers who train intensively may be at greater risk of injury than elite child athletes, who swim, play tennis or do gymnastics, according to a new study.
18 April 2005
Alcohol lowers breast milk production
Drinking as little as two glasses of wine before breastfeeding may reduce the amount of milk mums produce.
6 April 2005
Exercise beats the blues
Exercise may be just as effective in treating depression as antidepressant medicines, according to a report from the Mental Health Foundation.
March 2005
23 March 2005
Fried food chemical is not cancer risk
A study has shown that eating foods that contain acrylamide - for example fried foods, crisps, coffee, chips and biscuits - does not increase breast cancer risk in women. This good news comes after an earlier study that showed that it does not cause bladder, bowel or kidney cancer either.
16 March 2005
Is laughter the best medicine?
Laughter may really be the best medicine, according to research presented to the American College of Cardiology. Laughing appears to boost your blood flow and may reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
9 March 2005
MRSA - the facts
Everything you need to know about MRSA: from how it is caught and how dangerous it is to how it is treated and what can be done to prevent it.
February 2005
25 February 2005
Avian flu (bird flu)
Could bird flu outbreaks in Asian countries lead to a flu pandemic in humans? We answer your questions.
23 February 2005
Early epidurals aren't caesarean risk
Early epidural pain relief during childbirth may not increase the risk of caesarean delivery.
17 February 2005
Clean teeth protect your heart
Taking good care of your teeth and gums could prevent you from having a stroke or heart attack.
02 February 2005
Weight gain linked to kidney stones
People who gain a lot of weight during adulthood may have a greater risk of developing kidney stones.
January 2005
26 January 2005
Red meat linked to increased bowel cancer risk
Eating a lot of red meat and processed meats may be associated with an increased risk of developing bowel cancer.
18 January 2005
Sleep longer, stay slimmer
Reduced amounts of sleep may be linked to being overweight and obese, according to a new study.
11 January 2005
Heavy drinking linked to increased stroke risk
A new study suggests that men who drink more than the daily recommendations of alcohol may be more likely to suffer from a stroke.
December 2004
23 December 2004
Is folic acid linked to breast cancer?
Mothers who take folic acid supplements during pregnancy may be more likely to die from breast cancer in later life, according to a new research.
15 December 2004
Leafy green veg may prevent cataracts
Eating leafy green vegetables may help prevent cataracts, according to a new study.
07 December 2004
Milk linked to ovarian cancer risk
A new study suggests that drinking lots of milk may increase a woman's risk of developing ovarian cancer.
November 2004
30 November 2004
Coughing? Take some chocolate
A new study suggests that an ingredient found in chocolate may be a more effective remedy than current medicines for persistent coughs.
23 November 2004
Vitamin E linked to shorter life span
New research suggests has shown that elderly people who take more than half the recommended daily dose of vitamin E may shorten their lifespan.
12 November 2004
Cigarettes and coffee may not be the perfect blend
New evidence suggests that smoking a cigarette while drinking a cup of coffee may damage your heart more than either vice alone.
04 November 2004
To sleep, perchance to learn
New evidence suggests that tasks we learn during the day may be processed by our brains during deep sleep.
October 2004
19 October 2004
Expanding waistline linked to asthma
New evidence suggests that carrying fat around the middle of your body may increase your chances of developing asthma.
11 October 2004
Vitamin supplements
Although we normally get most of the vitamins we need from our diet, many of us are choosing to take vitamin supplements.
01 October 2004
Red wine may protect the prostate
There is evidence to suggest that drinking red wine may reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
September 2004
24 September 2004
Walking linked with better mental ability
New evidence suggests that walking regularly may be linked with better mental ability and a lower risk of developing dementia in older men and women.
13 September 2004
Being unfit is more risky than being fat
There is evidence to suggest that getting fit is more likely to reduce your risk of heart disease than losing weight.
06 September 2004
Fast eating can cause indigestion
There is now evidence that eating quickly can increase a type of indigestion called gastrooesophageal reflux.
August 2004
31 August 2004
Sugary drinks increase weight gain and diabetes in women
Sugary drinks increase weight gain and type 2 diabetes in women, a study in the 25 August 2004 edition of the JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) has shown.
13 August 2004
New five-in-one vaccine
The UK Department of Health has announced that a new five-in-one vaccine is to be introduced. Here we explain the changes to the childhood vaccination programme.
3 August 2004
Reliable online health information
Recent news stories have highlighted the risks of following the wrong online health information. Here's BUPA's guide to finding relevant and trustworthy information among the bewildering choice of health websites.
July 2004
29 July 2004
West Nile virus explained
In recent years, West Nile virus has spread to North Africa, and there are concerns that it could reach the UK. How concerned should you be?
22 July 2004
Red meat linked to endometriosis
Women who eat a diet high in red meat may be at increased risk of endometriosis, a new study has found. The study, published in Human Reproduction also showed that eating a diet high in fruit and vegetables may reduce the risk of the condition.
7 July 2004
Healthy diets and lifestyles may reduce cancer risk
Post-menopausal women may reduce their risk of developing cancer by up to 35 percent if they follow eat a healthy diet and lead a healthy lifestyle.
June 2004
30 June 2004
How much fish can we eat safely?
Eating fish has many health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease. But there are also some potential health risks. Because of this, the UK Food Standards Agency has recommended that men eat no more than four portions of oily fish per week and women and children no more than two.
24 June 2004
Smoking cuts life by 10 years
Smoking cuts life expectancy by 10 years, reveal the results of a 50-year study. But the good news is that giving up at any age will add years to a person's life.
17 June 2004
Fruit may save your sight
Eating fruit has been found to reduce the risk of losing your eyesight in later life. In a study published in Archives of Ophthalmology, people who ate at least three servings of fruit per day were found to have more than one-third lower risk of developing an eye condition called age-related macular degeneration.
14 June 2004
Gene linked to prostate cancer
Researchers have discovered a gene that appears to be associated with prostate cancer and how fast it grows. It is hoped that a test for this gene's activity could be developed that could be used to identify prostate cancer and distinguish between slow-growing and fast-growing tumours.
May 2004
27 May 2004
Aspirin associated with lower breast cancer risk
Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been found to be associated with a reduced risk of developing breast cancer. In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) women who regularly took aspirin for pain relief were found to have a 20 percent lower risk than women who did not take the painkiller.
14 May 2004
Passive smoking increases miscarriage risk
Smoking is known to be unhelpful during pregnancy, but the effect of passive smoking was unknown. A joint American and Chinese study has found that if a pregnant woman's partner smokes, the risk of miscarriage is raised. And if the partner smokes more than 20 cigarettes a day, the risk is significantly increased.
6 May 2004
Children's blood pressure is rising
A US study has found that the rise in childhood obesity may also be partly responsible for a rise in children's blood pressures. This may have a bearing on the children's future health as high blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and stroke in later life.
April 2004
21 April 2004
Strict diet lowers heart risk
A small-scale study has found that a calorie-restriction diet (eating 10-25 percent less calories than average) produced large reductions in heart disease and diabetes risk.
16 April 2004
Alcohol linked to gout
Gout is a painful condition that affects the joints of men and women. It has always been thought that drinking alcohol raises your risk of developing gout, but the theory has never been proved. An american study has now shown this link to be true and appears show that the type of drink also makes a difference. Drinking beer appears to be more "risky" than drinking wine.
March 2004
26 March 2004
Falling heart disease deaths
The UK newspapers have been full of reports that heart disease deaths in people under the age of 65 years will be eradicated in the UK. This was based on projections of how quickly heart disease death rates in men and women under 65 years have been falling - and if they continue to fall at the same rate, they should reach zero by 2013.
15 March 2004
Acupuncture cuts migraines
A British study has looked at the effect of acupuncture treatment for migraines and headaches and has shown that acupuncture is an effective treatment that should be used more widely.
3 March 2004
Oestrogen-only HRT and stroke risk
An american study looking at the effect of oestrogen-only HRT on 11,000 women aged 50-79 years has been stopped a year early. The researchers discovered that the use of oestrogen-only HRT did not reduce the risk of developing heart disease, but it did increase the risk of developing a stroke.
February 2004
11 February 2004
Avoiding childhood obesity
Three UK royal medical colleges have warned that, if current childhood obesity trends continue, by 2020 one-third of all adults, one-fifth of boys and one-third of girls will be obese. This will raise their risks of developing heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. In this factsheet, BUPA explores the problem and what we can do about it.
January 2004
30 January 2004
X-rays and cancer risk from radiation
BUPA examines the risk of developing cancer from medical X-rays, CT scans and fluoroscopy procedures involving barium meals and enemas.
27 January 2004
Avian flu (bird flu)
BUPA's hot topic investigates avian flu (bird flu): what causes it, how it is caught (transmitted) and the latest travel advice.
21 January 2004
Do vitamins C and E reduce Alzheimer's risk?
Research suggests that vitamin C and vitamin E supplements, when taken in combination, may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. This article has more on the evidence and how to reduce the risk of dementia.
13 January 2004
Deodorants, antiperspirants and breast cancer risk
The UK press has been filled with reports of a study that has been claimed to link underarm deodorants and antiperspirants with breast cancer. The validity of these claims and current state of knowledge about the effects of deodorants is investigated in this article.
9 January 2004
Salt and stomach cancer risk
A new study suggests that a diet high in salt increases the risk of developing stomach cancer. These reasons why high salt intake might increase this risk, and how to reduce salt in our diets, are explored.
December 2003
19 December 2003
DVT risk and air travel
A study has revealed that up to 1% of all long-distance air travellers could develop symptoms of venous thromoembolism (deep vein thrombosis [DVT] or pulmonary embolism). This hot topic has more on the findings and how to minimise your risks.
11 December 2003
Antidepressants advice for children
New guidance on the use of antidepressants (SSRIs) for childhood depression suggests that most of these drugs (except Prozac) should be avoided if possible.
4 December 2003
Long-term HRT use, osteoporosis prevention and cancer risk
The UK Committee on the Safety of Medicines (CSM) has issued new guidance on the use of HRT suggests that long-term HRT use to prevent osteoporosis should be avoided whenever possible. The implications of this guidance and advice for women on HRT are explored in this article.
November 2003
26 November 2003
Vitamin D, sunlight and cancer
A letter was published in the 22 November 2003 British Medical Journal that argues that a lack of sunlight may be responsible for increasing the risk of developing certain cancers. This hot topic explores the argument, the role the vitamin D and sunlight in causing and preventing cancers.
13 November 2003
Fujian-like strain A influenza
There is concern in the UK regarding a strain of influenza (Fujian-like strain A influenza) that has reached Britain. It is a more virulent strain of the flu virus and experts believe that it might cause a flu epidemic.
4 November 2003
Cot death warning
One of the factors known to be linked to cot death (also known as sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS) is overheating in babies. Yet a recent survey by the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID) found a worrying lack of knowledge about baby heat issues among parents.
October 2003
28 October 2003
Cure for flu found?
British researchers appear to have found a potential treatment for flu that could stop people getting the most severe symptoms of the illness. The drug stops the body's immune system from overreacting to the virus, without affecting it's ability fight off the infection. The work has currently been carried out in mice, but it is hoped that human trials will start in 2004.
21 October 2003
Could coffee boost sperm?
Two studies have looked at the effects of coffee and marijuana on men's fertility by studying their sperm production and mobility. Coffee appears to have a positive effect on sperm, increasing their strength and endurance. In contrast, marijuana appears to make the sperm burn out before they reach the egg.
13 October 2003
Male pill on the way?
A male pill (hormone contraceptive) has been successfully tested in men. The contraception using a combination of combination hormones - testosterone and progestin - which are implanted into the skin and given as an injection every 3-4 months. In the future it may provide an alternative male contraception method to condoms and vasectomy.
6 October 2003
How good are sun lotions?
How good are sun lotions at protecting against UV light? Research suggests that lotions may be much less able to protect against harmful UVA rays than they are at screening out UVB rays. What's more, it's possible that people might be staying out in the sun longer because they think their skin is being protected, when actually they might be increasing their risk.
September 2003
30 September 2003
Should sunbeds be banned?
The safety of sunbeds has been a point of concern for some time, as it is thought that regular use is linked to an increased risk of skin cancer. In a bid to help protect public health, The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) has called on local authority leisure centres to ban their use. But how dangerous are sunbeds and could banning them really offer protection?
22 September 2003
Infertility tests and therapies questioned
Some fertility experts believe that reproductive problems may be caused by immunological abnormalities and have created a number of screening tests and treatments for this. A report by the UK Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), however, has cast doubt on a number of the methods and suggests the way they're marketed could be exploiting vulnerable couples.
16 September 2003
Jab to stop addictions?
In the future vaccines may be used to fight addictions to drugs such as nicotine and cocaine, cancers such as prostate cancer and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. But at what stage is the research, how successful are the vaccines and how long would it take before they become available?
8 September 2003
Heart drug shows promise
Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease, and is one of the major causes of death worldwide. A huge study called the EUROPA project, involving over 12,000 patients from 24 European countries, has discovered the use of an existing drug alongside current treatments could offer significant benefits for sufferers, reducing the risk of heart attacks and death. But how important are the findings, what is the drug and how soon will it be before people can benefit?
1 September 2003
Is red wine the key to long life?
Coping with impending old age is a natural part of the progression of life, but scientists in America hope that they could increase longevity and limit the effect of age-related illnesses through a simple pill that contains molecules found in red wine. But what has been discovered so far and how far away is any potential pill?
August 2003
26 August 2003
Could there be a breast cancer virus?
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer to affect women, with one in four of all cancers occurring in the breast and more than 40,000 women diagnosed each year in the UK. The causes of breast cancer are being researched and, according to a theory from scientists in Australia, one possible cause could be a virus. The Australian researchers say that the virus is similar to one that has been found to cause breast cancer in mice.
19 August 2003
HRT increases breast cancer risk
It was known that HRT increased the risk of breast cancer, but the Million women study has quantified the risk for oestrogen-only HRT and has shown that use of combined HRT is associated with a higher-than-expected increase in risk. So what does this mean to the thousands of women who take HRT?
8 August 2003
Could vitamins reduce the risk of cancer?
A poor diet and nutrient intake are already known to have links with illness and disease, but according to a new French study, taking a vitamin and mineral supplement could help reduce the risk of cancer. But what did the study actually involve? And is it really possible that a daily pill could provide all the health protection we need?
6 August 2003
Freebase nicotine increases addiction
Smoking is one of the leading causes of death in the UK and is known to be an addictive habit. According to new research from America, some cigarettes may be more addictive than others because they release more of a particularly potent form of nicotine, called freebase nicotine. So how does freebase nicotine work, and are some cigarettes more difficult to give up than others?
July 2003
28 July 2003
MMR/autism link is unlikely
New research suggests the rise in cases of autism since 1979 may not have been "real", but rather the result of better awareness, diagnosis and record keeping. It also suggests that some parental claims of a link between MMR and autism may have increased after the immunisation debate arose in 1997. But what do these findings really mean?
19 July 2003
Is junk food addictive?
Eating is a natural part of life, but according to researchers, some types of food eaten - namely sugary and fatty foods - may act like a drug and may be addictive. With obesity rising and junk food ever present, is it really possible that some people may be addicted to foods.
11 July 2003
DVT plane risk may be lower than thought
In recent years, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) has been dubbed "economy class syndrome", after being linked with cases in aeroplane passengers. But, new research suggests the risk might not be as bad as previously thought and that business class flyers are at the same risk as economy passengers.
7 July 2003
IVF and ICSI fears allayed by major study
There were few differences between babies conceived through the fertility methods IVF, ICSI and those conceived through natural methods. At the age of five, all the children were at the same stage in terms of IQ, physical growth, and emotional development. There was only a slight increase in risk of medical problems at birth in ICSI children compared to naturally conceived children.
June 2003
30 June 2003
How to reduce dementia risk
New research suggests that intellectual stimulation may reduce the risk of dementia. So, how was this conclusion reached and how does it relate to existing knowledge?
20 June 2003
Workplace stress scheme launched
Up to 13.4 million days a year are lost purely due to stress at work, causing ill health to scores of people and disruption to businesses. In a bid to help manage the problem and provide useful tools for bosses and workers, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched the pilot phase of an innovative project. But what will the scheme actually do, how can we reduce work stress, and are there other ways of relieving stress?
16 June 2003
Can cooking oil cause weight loss?
Excess weight and high cholesterol are key concerns, especially with their links to serious diseases such as heart disease. According to the latest research, blended functional oil could help reduce cholesterol, increase metabolism and aid weight loss in men. So, is there any truth in the research? Could oil really have fat-busting abilities and what's the best way to lower cholesterol?
5 June 2003
Chemotherapy combination proves effective
Each year 40,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in the UK. Many people receive chemotherapy treatment as a result, but according to researchers, hundreds more lives could be saved following the discovery of a powerful cocktail of drugs.
May 2003
30 May 2003
Is the Atkins diet safe?
The Atkins diet, which is based on consuming high levels of protein and low levels of carbohydrate, has become a popular weight loss approach among celebrities and the public. Two studies have been publicised as supporting the diet and confirming the weight loss ability. But is this really the case? Are there still safety issues and is the diet a suitable approach for long-term weight loss?
27 May 2003
How dangerous is passive smoking?
A new debate regarding the dangers of passive smoking has erupted following the publication of a study claiming it might not be as harmful as believed. But after all the documentation already available detailing the dangers, should the evidence be taken seriously?
20 May 2003
Are vitamin and mineral supplements safe?
Vitamin and mineral supplements are widely used to boost nutrient intake, particularly during illness or pregnancy. However the safety of some substances has come under fire, following the publication of an expert group report on dosage levels. But which supplements are affected and what does this mean for consumers?
12 May 2003
Fibre lowers bowel cancer risk
Cancer of the bowel is the second highest cause of cancer death in the UK, responsible for 16,170 deaths each year. Lifestyle and dietary habits are known to play a part and new research has added weight to the theory that a high-fibre diet can reduce one's risk of developing bowel cancer. So, what were the study findings, how much fibre is needed to produce the most benefit and what else can we do to reduce the risks of this disease?
2 May 2003
Breast screening proves its worth
Every year thousands of women are routinely screened for breast cancer. Early detection saves lives, yet the value of mammography has been debated. Important new research from Sweden has confirmed its benefits, showing a significant reduction in deaths after the introduction of screening. It's also raised the controversial issue of whether women should be screened from the age of 40.
April 2003
29 April 2003
Does TV watching harm health?
The incidence of obesity is rising in the UK, causing concern among experts and increasing the risk of serious disease for individuals. Relaxing in front of the television is a favourite pastime for many but, according to researchers it is not helpful to health. A study showed that regularly watching two hours of TV a day increased the risk of becoming obese by 23 per cent and the risk of developing diabetes by 14 per cent. So, should we switch off the TV completely or are there other ways of reducing the risks?
16 April 2003
Could painkillers offer breast cancer protection?
Aspirin and ibuprofen are best known for their painkilling abilities, but according to American researchers, they may also offer breast cancer protection for post-menopausal women. But do they really offer additional benefits? Is it safe to take the drugs regularly, and what do the experts make of this idea?
11 April 2003
Mixing foods may protect against cancer
Recently research on human cancer genes has found that foods that contain the mineral selenium and plant-based chemical sulforaphane in combination may have a 13 times greater ability to protect against cancer than when the food compounds are used separately. And, a different study has thrown light on the best form in which to buy such vegetables. Austrian research has suggested that frozen vegetables may sometimes contain more nutrients than fresh ones.
8 April 2003
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) - the continuing disease outbreak
Cases of the virulent Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, better known as SARS, are continuing to occur worldwide, particularly in South East Asia, where it first originated. But as the days pass and the cases mount up, how much more is known about it? What is the latest travel advice and how much of a threat is this unknown disease?
March 2003
27 March 2003
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) - the latest progress on mystery pneumonia bug
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), the atypical pneumonia virus dubbed the "killer bug", is continuing to be investigated by scientists worldwide and affect individuals in the Far East. Although the UK has remained relatively SARS-free, other countries haven't been so lucky. So, what's the latest situation? Is anything more known about it and has the travel advice changed?
20 March 2003
Mystery pneumonia - the facts about the "killer bug"
A pneumonia-like illness called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) has recently affected a number of people worldwide. It has been spread, in part, by international air travel. The illness, which can be fatal, had initially baffled medical experts and triggered a global health warning from the World Health Organisation (WHO). This prompted a barrage of news reports. But what is the real picture? Is the disease as infectious as had first been feared? What are the symptoms? Should international travel be avoided?
17 March 2003
Could aspirin reduce cancer risks?
Three recent studies appear to indicate that the painkilling drug aspirin could help in the battle against various forms of cancer, namely throat, mouth, oesophagus and colon. But is it a good idea to take aspirin as a preventive measure or should we wait for further investigations to be completed?
7 March 2003
How to combat obesity
Over a billion people worldwide are now overweight and 300 million are clinically obese. As weight soars, so too does the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke, yet simple diet and exercise adjustments could save lives. In a bid to combat the growing obesity epidemic, a new report has produced comprehensive guidelines for living. But what are the recommendations, how easy is it to put them into practice and are obesity and chronic disease really such threats?
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