World of Health

For those that suffer from diabetes, a new electronic pancreas device may be a godsend.

The prototype for the gadget which is used for treating Type 1 diabetes has been tested on 17 children in Cambridge and electronically monitors blood sugar levels so that the perfect amount of insulin can be injected into the blood.

At the moment the new gadget requires a nurse in order for the insulin device to be programmed, but it does raise the question of if an automated device can be used in the future to control diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is one of the most common childhood diseases that carries with it long term problems and the number of children that will be affected by the disease is expected to continue to rise, after doubling over the last ten years.

Those that are affected by Type 1 diabetes have an immune system that attacks the cells in the pancreas responsible for making insulin.  When the body does not have insulin it cannot regulate sugar levels within the blood which leads to serious health problems.

Type 1 diabetes brings with a lifetime of insulin injections and at the moment the only alternative to taking injections is an insulin pump which releases insulin into the body slowly and continuously throughout the day.

They are about the size of a mobile phone and can be used with approval from the NHS on people that have problems controlling diabetes with regular injections.

Laser eye surgery patients are becoming less focused on price and more interested in equipping themselves with detailed information regarding the laser used during their treatment and the credentials of their surgeon, a recent study has shown.

Recent research from laser eye surgery specialists Optimax reveals that visits to their website’s Laser Comparison page have multiplied since the feature was introduced in January 2010, suggesting an increased interest in the final result and greater general awareness about the procedure.

Encouraged by consumer advice to make their choice of laser provider based on careful research rather than the ‘bargain’ prices sometimes used in advertising, consumers are now taking more time to differentiate between the laser systems used at the various clinics, and are more likely to question a laser clinic’s record of successful treatments.

The laser providers’ comparison table considers factors such as the regularity of servicing, frequency of laser upgrades along with the medical background of the doctors operating them.

It also shows typical success rates for the three main laser systems used in most UK laser eye surgery clinics, based on independent studies of results from each.

Dr Malcolm Samuel, Medical Director at Optimax says; ‘Patients choosing a laser eye surgery clinic should look for the latest available technology, and check the qualifications and experience of their surgeon’. He adds; ‘The majority of Optimax surgeons are fellows of the Royal College of Ophthalmology, all of whom are highly experienced laser specialists. Our laser technology is constantly reviewed and updated.’

Use of the internet is also believed to be a major factor in the emergence of ‘clued up’ laser eye surgery candidates, who make their booking having already done extensive online research regarding their options and are familiar with the medical terms involved.

View the Laser Eye Surgery Comparion information here – http://www.optimax.co.uk/laser_comparison.aspx

Millions of people over the age of seventy may be eligible for the shingles vaccine.  The news comes after the independent committee of the government that focuses on immunization recommended the vaccines use.

The committee states that there are benefits to be gained for the elderly by protecting them against the virus that leads to a painful skin ailment.  It is possible that a large scale vaccination program might be enacted by the end of 2010 if a cost-effective way to distribute it is developed.

Most of the reports about the new shingles vaccine were spurred after the JCVI (Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation) made a short statement.  The responsibility of the committee is to advise the government on ways to prevent the spread of disease via vaccinations.

The short statement from the committee advised the government that the elderly should be vaccinated against shingles after reviewing a suitable amount of economic, medical, and epidemiological evidence.  After its review, it found that adults between the ages of 70 to 79 would benefit from the vaccine.

Shingles is caused by the virus herpes zoster and results in a painful sin rash.  It is usually the result of a reactivation of the same virus that causes chickenpox in children.  Thus, anyone who has suffered from chickenpox in the past is at risk for shingles although it usually occurs in those over the age of 60.

Symptoms include a rash that develops into blisters that are often quite painful and oftentimes debilitating.

Very low calorie diets are far more effective at tackling obesity than conventional diets, potentially putting an end to losing battles among drastically overweight Britons.  That is the conclusion of a recent year-long trial amongst Britons.

Statistics show that more than one in five women in the UK are overweight, whilst one in six men have a body mass index (BMI) of over 30.  A healthy weight BMI should be between 20 and 25.

In a 12 month study, adult men and women with a BMI at or above 35 were entered into a clinical trial of different diet interventions with the aim of achieving a five per cent weight loss. An initial test was comprised of eating 600 less calories per day than the recommended daily allowance for men/women. Those who failed to achieve the 5% weight loss were then put on either the low carbohydrate, high protein diet (LCHP) or a very low calorie diet (VLCD). The latter eating plan drastically cuts the amount of calories consumed by relying on a diet of milkshakes.

At the end of the year-long trial, the average weight loss for the Very Low Calorie Diet was 31 kilograms, compared to just four kilograms for the low carb/high protein diet, one of the country’s current fashionable eating fads.

The very low calorie programme, known as LighterLife, was also twice as successful as those who stuck with eating just 600 less calories per day, which reduced obese Brits’ weight by an average of 18kg. It also resulted in increased cardiovascular benefits and improvements in cholesterol.

The study was led by Professor Iain Broom, the director of the Centre for Obesity Research and Epidemiology at Robert Gordon University and a professor of metabolic medicine at the University of Aberdeen.Professor Broom said: “This shows how a very low calorie diet can provide excellent weight loss for obese people in both the short and long term, including those patients who have failed other dietary approaches.  The cholesterol benefits are also considerable, as are the lean body mass results which demonstrate that patients see the very same changes in their body composition as those on a conventional diet – there was no difference in the amount of lean body mass change, suggesting that cardiac muscle was not affected by VLCD therapy.”

The study supports what LighterLife seeks to achieve with every client who undertakes it, greater weight loss results and an immediate solution to the side effects of obesity such as high cholesterol and restricted movement. It demonstrates that for people living with obesity a very low calorie diet can be the solution they’ve been looking for.

For more information visit www.lighterlife.com

A new approach in combining propolis and essential oils with Vitamin C could bring relief from the ‘common cold’, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia and other viral and bacterial infections of the ear, nose and throat.  The basis of the idea is to combine Apitherapy (products from bees) with Aromatherapy resulting in very effective products with a great synergy and enhanced effect.

A couple of examples for clearing the nose and throat are as follows.

Using a combination of concentrated antiviral red propolis, rosemary and eucalyptus essential oils can help free a blocked nose. The ingredients  act together as an antiviral, anti-inflammatory, decongestant and expectorant thus helps to free up the nose, relieve the throat and boost resistance.

A recent clinical study conducted on 430 patients appears to show the effect of concentrated propolis on Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) disorders is increased when accompanied with vitamin C. The authors also suggest that the decrease in viral and bacterial concentrations in the nose and throat may be attributed to the anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties of the product in which concentrated propolis is combined with vitamin C.

A combination of antibacterial brown propolis, rosemary and eucalyptus essential oils can help bring throat relief. The constituents act together as an antibacterial expectorant that helps to ease an infected respiratory tract, help you cope when your cold ‘goes to your chest’ and help prevent more serious complications including bronchitis and pneumonia. The syrup is particularly soothing to sore throats and both capsules and syrup are suitable for children and adults. In one study, a team of researchers highlighted that a preparation based on concentrated brown propolis and vitamin C greatly reduced the number and severity of airway infections in a study conducted on 430 people using placebos.

Propolis is a natural resin collected by bees from plants that has been recognised for decades for its antiviral and antibacterial properties. Due to its biochemical complexity, it has multiple properties and has shown to be antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-viral and anti-bacterial. Its effects appear to be both preventive and therapeutic and particularly well adapted for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections.

Scientists have proposed that those with a high level of Vitamin D in their blood are less likely to end up with bowel cancer, versus those with lower levels.

The study, which was published in the British medical Journal, found that those with a high level had a 40% less risk of developing the cancer.

The study looked at 1,248 people that were diagnosed with bowel cancer, and a control group of 1,248.

Scientists carried out the research at the International Agency for Research on Cancer in France and at the London Imperial College.

The results of the study were released following increased concern that rickets is occurring more often because of vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D is usually found in sunlight but can also be consumed in a small variety of foods such as cod liver oil and oily fish.

The research team stated though that although a lack of Vitamin D may heighten the risk of bowel cancer there is still not any proof that Vitamin D supplements will reduce the risk.  Scientists stated instead that more studies will need to be completed first.

Science programme manager for World Cancer Research Fund, Dr Panagiota Mitrou, stated that the study was the largest of its type concerning bowel cancer and that there is a growing amount of evidence that suggests Vitamin D and bowel cancer are linked.

Mitrou continued to say the next step is to complete further clinical studies to ascertain if Vitamin D supplements can help lower the risk of developing bowel cancer.

Lloydspharmacy has launched The ‘Chances Are… Calculator, a new web tool which allows people to work out how many of their work colleagues is carrying a sexually transmitted disease, drinks too much alcohol or is depressed, and designed to stimulate debate and make health risks more relevant by applying nationally representative data to the workplace.

The calculator asks visitors to provide information about the type of workplace they are employed in, along with the gender split and age profile of their workmates. It then raids its database to calculate how many colleagues have Chlamydia, how many men are likely to develop erectile dysfunction, how many are likely to suffer a stroke, how many have raised cholesterol, how many are hazardous drinkers and much more.

In many cases information is provided about the condition or the issue and guidance is provided about what can be done to reduce risk factors.

The calculator is available here – http://calculators.lloydspharmacy.com/chances/

With Tinnitus Awareness Week approaching on 8 February 2010, the British Tinnitus Association has agreed that the The Sound Asleep Pillow (www.soundasleeppillow.co.uk) can be a  key distraction method for sufferers of tinnitus and that the product can be highly effective in reducing the symptoms of tinnitus.

Tinnitus is a sensation of hearing noise in the absence of an external sound. Sufferers cite ringing, whistling, and buzzing sounds as the most common noises which can cause sleep deprivation, mood swings and affect overall quality of life.  For many, peace and quiet is the perfect antidote to daily stresses – this is not the case for tinnitus sufferers.  Tinnitus is now one of the most common health problems facing the UK with almost five million suffering from the condition at some point in their life. Working in loud environments, such as night-clubs and family history can cause the onset of tinnitus. As there’s currently no cure for the condition and very few treatments on offer which actually work, doctors often advise patients to simply listen to music or the radio whilst falling asleep.

The Sound Asleep Pillow, ensures people who suffer from the condition are distracted from the noise and can peacefully fall asleep. This revolutionary ‘pillow with a speaker’ allows users to comfortably listen to the recordings of their choice without disturbing their partners or having to use headphones.  Made from high quality materials, the Sound Asleep Pillow adapts to the natural body shape by providing superior comfort and support for the perfect night’s sleep. Its soft filling means the speaker is undetectable and unnoticeable to the touch.

As well as a remedy for tinnitus, numerous research studies have shown the effectiveness of background noise for also calming restless sleepers and insomniacs. The Sound Asleep Pillow allows users to listen to whatever they want in the least intrusive, most convenient way possible.

David Baguley, Consultant Audiological Scientist, Head of Audiology at Cambridge University Hospitals and professional advisor to the British Tinnitus Association, commented: “When we go to bed we are surrounded by quiet. But due to the lack of external noise people with tinnitus can find that their ‘tinnitus noise’ becomes much starker. This can lead to sufferers feeling more vigilant and alert which stops them from sleeping.  If a tinnitus sufferer is receiving treatment for their condition then the British Tinnitus Association advises that a device such as a pillow speaker could help to relieve symptoms of tinnitus in the quiet of the night.”

Baguley added however: “It is extremely important that anyone with tinnitus seeks professional advice so that they can access the correct care for their condition. If a sufferer is receiving treatment then they could try using a pillow speaker to help alleviate the noise of tinnitus at night.”

And for those unlucky enough to sleep next to teeth-grinders, serious snorers or sleep talkers, the ‘Sound Asleep’ Pillow can provide welcome respite and distraction. The brand new, Memory Foam Pillow is the newest addition to the Sound Asleep range.

The ‘Sound Asleep’ Memory Foam Pillow costs £30; and the ‘Sound Asleep’ traditional pillow costs £15, but may be cheaper in some stores, e.g. Amazon (see below).

A new study has found that the benefits of moderate exercise are ruined if you regularly sit at your desk during work of spend hours in front of the television.

The study, which was published yesterday in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, found that a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of developing diabetes and heart disease by about 25%, as it reduces the ability of the body to burn fat and shuts off the bloodstream’s vital enzymes.

Additionally, the study found that for every extra hour a woman sat and watched television their risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes rose by about 26%, despite how much moderate exercise they also undertook throughout the day.

The report has spurred doctors to recognize the need for a campaign against such lifestyles claiming that that ‘muscular inactivity’ has become as large of a problem as lifestyles that do not involve exercise.

Vice-chairwoman of the National Obesity Forum Jane DeVille-Almond stated that employers need to become aware that there are many damaging effects to workers who have sedentary lifestyles.

DeVille-Almond continued to state that employees need to be conscious of this fact and schedule time for small exercises and breaks throughout the day, as part of a regular work programme.

She also stated that taking the time to perform simple exercises throughout the work day can help in ways, such as moving at least once per hour or standing up while on the phone so that the pattern of sitting is broken.

Danish scientists have made a major breakthrough in the battle against Rheumatoid Arthritis. Experts believe that a key ingredient contained in a sub-species of rosehip could help reduce tenderness in joints for thousands of people in the UK who suffer from the debilitating disease .

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease more serious than osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear of the joints. Over nine million people in the UK have arthritis and there are around 12,000 new RA cases a year . This latest study which shows amazing results, is a continuation of extensive research into anti-inflammatory efficacy of GOPO® – the active compound contained in the product known as LitoZin.