World of Health

Some kidney diseases are the result of hereditary factors. For example, polycystic kidney is a genetic disorder in which many cysts form in the kidneys.

The cysts formed in this disease can slowly replace much of the tissue mass of the kidneys, reducing kidney function and lead to kidney failure.

Some kidney problems may arise when the child is still in the womb of the mother. They are examples of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease, a rare form of polycystic kidney problem and other problems that hinder development of normal formation of the nephron. The signs of kidney disease in children vary.

A child may have an abnormally slow growth, often vomit or have back pain or pains in the side. Some kidney diseases may be “silent” for months or even years.

It is possible that some hereditary diseases of the kidneys are not detected until adulthood. The most common form of polycystic kidney was once called “adult polycystic kidney disease” because the symptoms of high blood pressure and kidney failure can not occur until patients are 20 or 30 years old.

But with advances in imaging technology, doctors have found cysts in children and adolescents before they present symptoms

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).

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.