Thursday, December 23, 2004

National and International News



Family cancer service is expanded

A new service providing testing, care and support for people with a family history of cancer is to be expanded.

BBC Health News 28/12/04


Dry, Cracked Hands May Be Dermatitis

Hands that are red, cracked, itchy or sore may be more than just a cold-weather problem with dry skin. It could be a sign of dermatitis, or eczema, according to the December issue of the Mayo Clinic Health Letter.

Reuters 28/12/04



Morning-after pick-me-ups

SMOOTHIES are always best made when you’re ready to drink them — they can be made virtually while you wear a blindfold. They don’t need any fancy preparation, especially these three which use fruits you can keep in your freezer (they’re cheap and nutritious because they are frozen soon after being picked, so their vitamin and mineral values are usually higher than so-called fresh).

The Times 28/12/04


Staying a lively party person

Keeping up with the disco party crowd can wreak havoc on your body. Here's some top tips for staying with the pace, and feeling better the morning after too

The Times 28/12/04


Spread of TB

Amidst your paean of praise for medical success in this country (leading article, December 13), you say: Only Aids remains a pandemic that appears to defy attempts to halt the fast mutating virus. If only. Cases of tuberculosis, partly fuelled by HIV-Aids, have increased by 40 per cent in the last decade in the UK and have doubled in London. Worldwide numbers are set to rise from eight million cases a year in 2000 to ten million in 2010. All this despite a vaccine and effective treatment.

The Times 28/12/04



Police chiefs attack 24-hour drinking

BRITAIN’S two top police officers say that plans for the 24-hour licensing of pubs and clubs should be abandoned because they will cause more binge drinking, not less, as the legislation is intended to do.

The Times 28/12/04


A Question of Health: Is my obsessional cycling affecting my sexual prowess?

I am a keen (some would say obsessional) cyclist. Recently, I think my sexual performance has been affected by long cycle rides, and I wonder if you have any suggestions about how I can both keep fit and stave off impotence.

The Independent 28/12/04


Women unaware of chance to beat cancer

Women at high risk of breast cancer are missing the chance of preventative treatment because doctors are not telling them about a research trial which could help them avoid the disease, it was claimed yesterday.

The Telegraph 28/12/04


Nanotechnology boost for medical diagnosis

Don't tell Prince Charles, but scientists in the US have turned to nanotechnology in the fight against cancer. While HRH's worries over the science of the very small sparked headlines last year about the world being consumed by "grey goo", doctors at Harvard medical school have been injecting magnetic nanoparticles to track tumours.

The Guardian 28/12/04
Daily Mail 28/12/04


Asbos: two steps to prison for a non-jail offence

The courts are sending people to prison for breaching the terms of antisocial behaviour orders even though their original offences, such as begging or prostitution, do not carry a prison sentence, according to a new survey.

The Guardian 28/12/04


Nick Johnstone: Blue notes

It drives me up the wall when I hear people who have never experienced clinical depression say things such as, "Oh, I'm really depressed today, my washing machine packed up last night", or, "I feel so depressed, the cash machine swallowed my bloody card this morning". The term "depressed" is casually misused all the time. Depression is an illness. Hearing someone use the term flippantly is deeply offensive. Just because it's an illness of the mind associated with "low" moods doesn't give you the excuse to use it as a shorthand when someone asks you how you are. Would you dream of saying, "God I'm so broken leg today, my train was delayed", "I feel really glaucoma this evening, I need an early night", or, "I feel so cervical cancer, my credit card is maxed out". Thought not.

The Guardian 28/12/04


Is this the future?

There's some good news for 2005, says Dr Ann Robinson - we may be closer to winning the fight against cancer. But the bad news is that bird flu could be on the way - and there are only enough supplies to treat one in three of us.

The Guardian 28/12/04



Health alert over flat screen TVs

Workers in factories that make flat screen televisions could suffer long-term health damage, say scientists.

BBC Health News 28/12/04



Technique to detect cancer spread

A technique for determining whether cancer has spread could save many patients from surgery.

BBC Health News 28/12/04


Test to spot early liver disease

A technique for identifying early liver damage could help improve detection of the deadly condition cirrhosis.

BBC Health News 28/12/04


Religious Affiliation May Lower Suicide Risk

Depressed men and women who consider themselves affiliated with a religion are less likely to attempt suicide than their non-religious counterparts, according to new study findings.

Reuters 27/12/04


HPV Prevalent in Sexually Active Teenage Girls

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which is linked to an increased risk of developing cervical cancer, is "extremely common" in sexually active adolescent women in the US, a new study shows.

Reuters 27/12/04


Many Poor Women Uninformed About Cancer Screening

According to a survey of low-income, rural women over age 40, nearly 7 out of 10 say their physicians have never prompted them to get a mammogram.

Reuters 27/12/04


UN Warns of Possible Epidemics in Quake-Hit Asia

The United Nations warned on Monday of epidemics within days unless health systems in southern Asia can cope after more than 15,500 people were killed and hundreds of thousands left homeless by a giant tsunami.

Reuters 27/12/04


Twice-Daily Insulin Not Ideal for Diabetic Kids

For preschool children with type 1 diabetes, twice-daily insulin injections do not adequately control blood sugar levels, researchers report. They found these kids had frequent and prolonged episodes of either low or high blood sugar.

Reuters 27/12/04


Depression Often Afflicts Heart Failure Sufferers

About 1 in 5 people suffering from heart failure become clinically depressed, and four factors seem to increase the risk, researchers reports.

Reuters 27/12/04



A feast for expanding waistlines

A fat pile of diet books will be arriving on the shelves this spring - but will any of them really work? Judith Woods finds that the key to losing weight is anything from eating coconut to body-clock watching and the lean cuisine of wartime favourites

The Telegraph 27/12/04


Obesity 'could delete generation'

Britain faces 'losing a generation' of children to obesity-related disease, the Duchess of York has warned.

BBC Health News 27/12/04


Hope for mass-produced lab blood

A method for producing red blood cells in the laboratory could one day help solve the shortage of donated blood.

BBC Health News 26/12/04


Target found to stop gallstones

Scientists believe they have found a target in the body that could stop gallstones from being formed.

BBC Health News 26/12/04



Worm inspires 'comfortable' test

Scientists are developing a new way of carrying out internal examinations on patients - based on a wriggling worm.

BBC Health 26/12/04


NHS needs data on GPs

Your report (Doctors failing 3m patients, December 18) exaggerates the scale and extent of the problem of underperforming doctors. We want to reassure the public by reiterating what Janet Smith stated in her recent report - that the majority of doctors provide good quality care. Surveys consistently show high levels of trust in GPs by their patients. Let us not do down the good work done by the majority of GPs, by the actions of Harold Shipman, a criminal who happened to be a doctor.

The Guardian 27/12/04


Anti-smoking drive targets families

An emotive image of grieving children laying flowers beside their father's grave is one of the central features of a new anti-smoking campaign aimed at families.

The Guardian 27/12/04


On-the-spot fines for parents of yobs

PARENTS of children accused of antisocial behavour will face on-the-spot fines of up to 40 pounds under new police powers launched this week.

The Times 27/12/04
The Telegraph 28/12/04


Distant relatives face cancer risk

Even distant relatives of cancer victims have a higher than average chance of suffering the disease themselves, researchers said.

Daily Mail 27/12/04
The Times 28/12/04
The Guardian 28/12/04


TV campaign to help smokers quit

A reality TV advertising campaign has been launched in an effort to encourage smokers to quit.

Daily Mail 26/12/04
The Independent 26/12/04
Daily Mail 26/12/04
BBC Health News 26/12/04


Actor's battle with skin condition

Heart-throb EastEnders star Michael Higgs has spoken for the first time about how his scaly skin nearly ruined his life.

Daily Mail 26/12/04


Reid praises NHS staff

Health Secretary John Reid has thanked NHS staff for their hard work over the last year.

Daily Mail 26/12/04


Prisons smoking plan 'warped'

The Government was accused of having "warped priorities" after it emerged that ministers are spending 1.5 million to find the best way to stop prisoners smoking.

Daily Mail 26/12/04


'Dirty' firms fight right-to-know

Some of Britain's biggest polluters are trying to block new "freedom of information" rules which will force them to release confidential data about radioactive leaks, air pollution and their role in causing global warming.

The Independent 26/12/04


With you in a flash - the official speed-trap map

The location of every speed camera in Britain will be published by police this week as the Freedom of Information Act takes effect. The internet speed-trap "map" has been condemned as a charter for excessive speed.

The Independent 26/12/04


Revealed: the UK's secret terrorism agency

Ministers are secretly establishing an "Armageddon agency" to respond to devastating terrorist attacks on Britain, The Independent on Sunday can reveal.

The Independent 26/12/04


Scotland slaps higher fees on English medical students

ENGLISH students at medical schools in Scotland are to be charged up to 15,000 for their degrees — more than seven times what Scottish or other EU undergraduates will pay. Welsh and Northern Irish students will also be affected.

The Sunday Times 26/12/04


Baby dies after birth at stars’ maternity unit

Baby dies after birth at stars’ maternity unit Lois Rogers, Medical Editor A NEWBORN baby has died after being treated in the maternity unit of the private Portland hospital in London. It is the third death involving the unit in the past five years.

The Sunday Times 26/12/04



Milburn health vouchers battle

ALAN MILBURN, Labour’s general election supremo, is set for a new year clash with John Prescott, the deputy prime minister, and other leading cabinet colleagues over plans to “privatise” key social services.

The Sunday Times 26/12/04
The Telegraph 26/12/04
The Times 27/12/04
The Guardian 27/12/04


Chaos looms as new law opens up state secrets

From the sinking of the Belgrano to the real reason Britain invaded Iraq, they are the controversies that have fuelled conspiracy theorists - some for a few months, others for decades. In one of the biggest changes in the relationship between the governed and the government, next weekend Whitehall may finally start giving up some of its deepest secrets.

The Observer 26/12/04


MMR parents win legal victory

Up to 100 families who allege that their children were damaged by the MMR vaccine are to receive legal aid to sue the drugs companies behind the controversial inoculation.

The Observer 26/12/04


Mental patient charged with stabbing spree

Man to face court accused of rampage which left one dead and five hurt.

The Observer 26/12/04
The Independent 24/12/04
The Guardian 24/12/04


The acid test

All our Yuletide feasting not only boosts our waistlines,but also raises our uric-acid level. Dr John Briffa reports on the blood's own dietary marker.

The Observer 26/12/04


EU rules threatening to sweep away vitamin pills

Vitamin supplements used by thousands of Britons, from pregnant women to people warding off winter colds, are to be swept from shop shelves from the new year under controversial European Union safety regulations.

The Observer 26/12/04


Deer sanctuary increases concern over TB scourge

A deer sanctuary run by the League Against Cruel Sports is at the centre of allegations that it is a breeding ground for deadly tuberculosis, casting a cloud over the organisation's vision for a sustainable future for the animals after hunting is banned.

The Observer 26/12/04



How Labour conspires in Britain's vice

Alcohol consumption in this country soars by 41 per cent during December, according to the think-tank, the Policy Exchange. To be honest, I am surprised that the rise is so modest. Based upon my daily peregrinations around what is misrepresented in the popular imagination as "London's fashionable West End", I would say that the majority of the country is legless, or laid low by killer hangovers, from the end of November until the second week in January.

The Telegraph 26/12/04



Blacks and Asians? No, they're 'visible minority ethnics' say police

The Metropolitan Police will no longer describe black people as black, as part of a new attempt to counter charges of racism in the force. Both black and Asian people will in future be referred to as "visible minority ethnics".

The Telegraph 26/12/04


Investigation reveals a catalogue of bad management at 'crippled' health trust

A damning report into three NHS hospitals has found that dozens of patients may have died needlessly over a five-year period while doctors squabbled among themselves and managers failed to act.

The Telegraph 26/12/04


Anorexia linked to child dancers

Children who dance are more at risk of having eating disorders like anorexia when they grow up, research has found.

BBC Health News 26/12/04


Christmas care for the homeless

Last year, health visitor Claire McCullough met a young man at the Crisis Christmas shelter who was down on his luck. She helped him out, and ensured he was given the care he needed.

BBC Health News 26/12/04


Arms firms plan to thwart disclosure law

Arms manufacturers and other companies are seeking to frustrate Britain's freedom of information act.

The Guardian 24/12/04


Hear, hear - you're pregnant!

A care assistant who mysteriously went deaf almost nine months ago has regained her hearing after discovering she is pregnant.

Daily Mail 25/12/04


Most 'get as much sleep as ever'

Britain's adult population is getting just as much sleep as it was nearly 40 years ago, according to research.

BBC Health News 25/12/05



Older mums likely to live longer

Women who continue having children late in life may live longer than those who have their kids young, research finds.

BBC Health News 25/12/04



Councils fear rise in binge drinking

Councils in London today warned that there could be an increase in binge drinking and antisocial behaviour if they are not given the resources to enforce new alcohol licensing powers.

The Guardian 24/12/04


In Bethlehem a child is treated...

In a village near Bethlehem, BBC Today presenter Edward Stourton meets a Palestinian Christian doctor whose clinics sometimes offer the only hope for women and children caught in the intifada and finds how funding from Merlin helps fill a medical services vacuum

The Telegraph 24/12/04


MPs call for CAP cash to finance war on Aids

A campaign to transfer billions of pounds from the European Common Agricultural Policy to people in the Third World is being launched today by more than 100 MPs in collaboration with local churches.

The Telegraph 24/12/04


Most Over-40s Engage in Sex, But Problems Common

A global survey of sex behavior after age 40 reveals that most people continue to have sex. However, aging romantics tend to encounter problems in their lovemaking.

Reuters 24/12/04


Pimecrolimus Cream Quickly Eases Eczema in Infants

Pimecrolimus cream provides rapid relief of symptoms and helps promote sleep in young children with eczema, German researchers report.

Reuters 24/12/04


Breast Cancer Diagnosis May Not Affect Job

Contrary to some beliefs, women who return to work after being diagnosed with breast cancer are not typically demoted or otherwise discriminated against in the workplace, new study findings show.

Reuters 24/12/04



Anesthetic Gel Eases Injection Pain for Kids

Applying a topical anesthetic half an hour beforehand reduces pain for children getting a measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) shot, according to a report by Canadian researchers.

Reuters 24/12/04


Scientists 'map' key brain genes

US scientists have mapped a key network of gene "switches" in the brain which could aid neurological research.

BBC Health News 24/12/04


Diabetes Raises Mortality After Coronary Bypass

People with type 2 diabetes have a higher likelihood of dying shortly after undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery, even when a number of risk factors are taken into account, new study results indicate.

Reuters 24/12/04


Modern footballs 'not much safer'

Heading a modern-day football is not significantly safer than an old-style leather ball, a study by ballistics experts has found.


BBC Health News 24/12/04


Increased Arthritis Pain May Be Due to Fracture

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have an increase in pain at a single site could be suffering from a stress fracture, especially if they have a history of steroid use, UK researchers report in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.

Reuters 24/12/04


Mifepristone Effective as 'Morning After' Pill

When taken within five days after unprotected sex, mifepristone works as well for emergency contraception as the approved drug levonorgestrel, UK researchers report.

Reuters 24/12/04


PEG Helps Speed Spine Healing in Dogs

Dogs with severe accidental spinal cord injuries resulting in complete paralysis, appear to recover more quickly and completely when they're given injections of polyethylene glycol (PEG), investigators report. They hope these results lead to better treatment for humans with spinal cord injuries.

Reuters 24/12/04


Night Shift Linked to Late Pregnancy Loss

Pregnant women who regularly work the night shift may have an increased risk of a miscarriage late in pregnancy or a stillbirth, a new study suggests.

Reuters 23/12/04


Alcohol May Boost HIV Risk from Oral Sex

Lab experiments show that cells that line the mouth become more susceptible to infection with HIV when they're exposed to alcohol.

Reuters 23/12/04
BBC Health News 24/12/04


Women Doctors at Heightened Risk for Suicide

Physicians -- especially female physicians -- face a higher suicide risk than the general population, according to a new report.

Reuters 23/12/04


Men Prone to Cancer from Hepatitis C

People infected with the hepatitis C virus risk developing liver cancer, and now Japanese researchers have identified several factors that increase that risk. Being male, advancing age, high liver enzyme levels and low cholesterol levels all increase the likelihood of liver cancer occurring in someone with hepatitis C but no current symptoms, they report.

Reuters 23/12/04


DNA Stool Test Promising for Cancer Detection

A non-invasive test that detects mutated tumor DNA in feces may be a useful method of screening for colorectal cancer, according to new research findings.

Reuters 23/12/04


No, Most Hockey Parents Are Not Super Aggressive

Although media images of the irate "hockey dad" might suggest otherwise, most hockey fathers -- and mothers -- seem to value their children's learning experience over their win records, a new study suggests.

Reuters 23/12/04



Substantial Bone Loss Seen with Depo-Provera Use

The results of a new study confirm that using the contraceptive Depo-Provera is associated with bone loss.

Reuters 23/12/04


U.S. Urges Limiting Use of Pfizer's Celebrex, Bextra

U.S. health regulators recommended on Thursday that doctors limit prescribing painkillers like Pfizer Inc.'s Celebrex and Bextra, in light of recent evidence that they may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Reuters 23/12/04


Early Bronchiolitis Tied to Adult Lung Problems

Infants who come down with a respiratory virus infection that causes inflammation of the lungs -- a condition called bronchiolitis -- are more likely to have respiratory symptoms and asthma in adulthood than are those without such a history, according to Spanish researchers.

Reuters 23/12/04


FDA Urges Limited Use of Pfizer's Celebrex, Bextra

U.S. health officials on Thursday called on doctors to limit prescribing Pfizer Inc. painkillers Celebrex and Bextra in light of recent evidence that they may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Reuters 23/12/04



Rush to shred Whitehall files, Tories say

The number of Whitehall files being shredded has increased markedly ahead of new legislation coming into effect, the Tories reveal.

The Telegraph 23/12/04
The Independent 23/12/04
The Independent 23/12/04
The Independent 23/12/04
The Guardian 23/12/04
BBC Health News 23/12/04
Daily Express 23/12/04
Daily Mail 23/12/04


Painkiller stocks hit by supply problems

The NHS was today warned that stocks of a common painkiller used by thousands of patients may reach a "critical level" within weeks.

The Telegraph 23/12/04
Daily Mail 23/12/04
BBC Health News 23/12/04
The Guardian 24/12/04
The Telegraph 24/12/04
Daily Mail 24/12/04
Daily Mail 24/12/04


50 years of transplants celebrated

Patients who have benefited from donated organs were celebrating 50 years since the world's first successful transplant operation.

Daily Mail 23/12/04


Transplant family's Christmas hope

A family whose four sons were diagnosed with the same potentially life-threatening disease are celebrating Christmas with a sense of hope that they never anticipated at the start of this year.

Daily Mail 23/12/04


Stress warning to festive revellers

Christmas and New Year's Eve can be a killer time for anyone with a potentially fatal susceptibility to stress, researchers have warned.

Daily Mail 23/12/04


'Get tough' plea over staff attacks

Union leaders called for tough new laws to protect health workers and punish their attackers.

Daily Mail 23/12/04
The Guardian 23/12/04


Doctor accused of hospital rape

A doctor has been charged with rape at a London hospital.

Daily Mail 23/12/04


Greying hair provides cancer clue

Scientists have got to the root of the problem of greying hair. A gradual loss of colour-regenerating stem cells appears to be responsible, they said. But knowing why we go grey is not likely to lead to miracle "youth" treatments anytime soon.

Daily Mail 23/12/04
BBC Health News 24/12/04


'Faulty wiring' stress death link

Stress can prove fatal for people with 'faulty wiring' between the brain and the heart, research has suggested.

BBC Health News 23/12/04


Liver patients' billboard appeals

Waiting for an organ to become available can be a long and traumatic experience for patients who need a life-saving transplant.

BBC Health News 23/12/04


Hospital suspends 'no Welsh' plan

An English hospital has suspended plans to stop treating Welsh patients who have waited more than three months.

BBC Health News 23/12/04


Adolor Drug Fails European Trial

Adolor Corp. said on Thursday its experimental treatment for post-operative bowel obstruction did not confer a significant benefit in a late-stage clinical trial in Europe, sending its stock skidding.

Reuters 23/12/04



Stem cell research set for funding boost

Plans for a 100m fund to exploit medical discoveries from stem cell research are being developed by entrepreneurs and the government to launch next year.

The Guardian 23/12/04



New plans to improve special needs education

The children's minister, Margaret Hodge, today announced that the specialist schools programme would be expanded to include special educational needs (SEN) as a new category.

The Guardian 23/12/04


Coming next from Michael Moore: Sicko, the film

He doesn't do undercover. And he is not someone who easily melts into the background. But when an industry thinks it is about to become the latest target of the film maker Michael Moore, precautions have to be taken. According to the Los Angeles Times, at least six of America's largest pharmaceutical firms have issued internal notices to their workforces warning them to be on the lookout for "a scruffy guy in a baseball cap" who asks too many questions.

The Guardian 23/12/04


Doctor jailed for faking children's jabs blood tests

A doctor whose clinics gave thousands of children separate jabs in the wake of the MMR triple vaccine scare was jailed yesterday for faking results of blood tests to conceal the fact some inoculations had been ineffective.

The Guardian 23/12/04
The Telegraph 23/12/04
BBC Health News 22/12/04
Daily Mail 22/12/04


Labour plans flood of bills for third term

Programme includes reform of schools, Lords, welfare and health

The Guardian 23/12/04


Care home head gets 14 years for abuse

The principal of a Catholic-run care home was jailed for 14 years by Judge Simon Lawler QC, who described his crimes as one of the "worst cases of child abuse to ever come before the courts", it can be reported.

The Guardian 23/12/04


The best present at Christmas

Last weekend Amanda Wyer, 31, rushed to the bathroom with stomach pains – and half an hour later she had given birth to a baby boy. She had no idea she was pregnant. Still in shock, she tells her story

The Telegraph 21/12/04


Radio waves from mobiles damage DNA, study finds

Radio waves from mobile phones harm cells and damage DNA, according to a four-year European study.

The Telegraph 22/12/04
Reuters 22/12/04


Drivers given one-legged drugs test

Police will be able to test drivers suspected of getting behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs with a series of tests including standing on one leg.

The Telegraph 22/12/04
The Telegraph 23/12/04


Tomatoes allergy killed mother

A "dynamic, bubbly" mother of four died after an allergic reaction to tomatoes in a pasta sauce.

The Telegraph 23/12/04
BBC Health News 22/12/04


Psychiatric patient killed ex-lover hours after release from hospital

A psychiatric patient killed his former girlfriend in a frenzied stabbing hours after he was discharged from hospital.

The Telegraph 23/12/04


Asylum reforms 'unacceptable'

Now that David Blunkett has been brought down by his attempt to fast-track an immigration case, it seems a good moment to remember his failed attempt this spring to stop the courts from ruling on asylum and immigration appeals.

The Telegraph 23/12/04


Japan Says Person Had Bird Flu Virus, No Contagion

Japan's Health Ministry said on Wednesday that at least one person had been infected with the bird flu virus after an outbreak among chickens in February but that there was no chance that this person would infect others.

Reuters 22/12/04


Brain Area May Control Urge to Hoard

Researchers may have located the area in the brain that separates the stamp collectors from the pack rats.

Reuters 23/12/04


More Pregnancies, and False Alarms, in Winter

Sales of pregnancy tests typically soar in the first months of the year, as more women than usual tend to become pregnant -- or just think they are, according to Inverness Medical, the makers of the Clearblue Easy pregnancy tests.

Reuters 22/12/04



Aspirin Underused by People with Diabetes

Daily aspirin is usually recommended for people at increased risk for heart disease, and people with diabetes come into that category. While the proportion of diabetic patients who take aspirin has increased in recent years in the US, new research indicates that some are still not doing so.

Reuters 22/12/04


High Blood Sugar, as Well as Low, Slows the Mind

Many people with diabetes find that they become mentally and physically sluggish during periods when their blood sugar level rises in the course of their daily routines, investigators report.

Reuters 22/12/04


FDA Says AstraZeneca Crestor Ad Is Misleading

A newspaper advertisement for AstraZeneca Plc's cholesterol drug Crestor that touts patient safety is misleading and should no longer be published, regulators warned in a letter released on Wednesday.

Reuters 22/12/04


Men with Prostate Cancer Can Stick to Low-Fat Diet

After being diagnosed with prostate cancer, men are capable of adhering to a low-fat diet for at least a year if they receive good counseling and support, a new study shows.

Reuters 22/12/04


Novartis Says FDA OKs Treatment for Active Bladder

Drug maker Novartis AG on Wednesday said U.S. regulators approved its drug for the treatment of an overactive bladder.

Reuters 23/12/04


Weight Loss Surgery Has Lasting Benefits

Gastric bypass surgery and similar operations for severe obesity lead to long-term weight loss, and people who have undergone such a procedure have lower risks for heart disease and diabetes than conventionally treated individuals, according to a new Swedish study.

Reuters 23/12/04


Exercise Not Enough to Offset Obesity Health Risks

Regular exercise is not enough to offset the health problems associated with obesity - but that shouldn't stop people who are overweight from working out, according to a study to be published in Thursday's New England Journal of Medicine.

Reuters 23/12/04
Daily Mail 23/12/04
BBC Health News 24/12/04


Research fears over Kelly's views

Scientists have expressed concerns that new education secretary Ruth Kelly's religious views could hamper vital scientific research.

BBC Health News 22/12/04


City fast-tracks 1,000 patients

The first transfer of NHS outpatients to the private sector to purge waiting lists is to take place in Glasgow.

BBC Health News 22/12/04



GPs urged to ask MPs on smoke ban

Welsh doctors are being urged to write to their MPs and ask them to support a ban on smoking in public places by the British Medical Assocation (BMA).

BBC Health News 23/12/04


Toys have lasting impact on brain

Toys that stimulate a young child's mind could permanently boost their brain function, according to research.

BBC Health News 23/12/04


Stem cell lung therapy progress

Stem cells could be used to treat a killer lung disease, say experts.

BBC Health News 23/12/04


Patients cannot 'cling to life'

The idea that terminally ill cancer patients can put off dying in order not to miss significant events such as birthdays, weddings or Christmas is a myth, scientists have said.

Daily Mail 23/12/04



GP cleared of indecent assault

A family GP walked free from court after being cleared of groping a semi-naked woman patient during a sore throat appointment.

Daily Mail 22/12/04



Scientists study genetic health

Scientists have been given more than 4 million to investigate the extent to which conditions like heart disease and depression are hereditary.

Daily Mail 23/12/04
BBC Health News 23/12/04


'Science cuts threaten medicine'

Closing university science departments is threatening the future of medicine in the UK, it was claimed.

Daily Mail 23/12/04
The Guardian 23/12/04
Daily Express 23/12/04
BBC Health News 23/12/04


Cleaning link to breathing problems

Bleach, paint stripper and carpet cleaners used in the home can cause wheezing and asthma in children, new research suggests.

Daily Mail 23/12/04
Daily Express 23/12/04
BBC Health News 23/12/04


Cash boost for alternative medicine

Efforts to improve the regulation of complementary and alternative medicine have been given a 900,000 boost.

Daily Mail 22/12/04
The Guardian 23/12/04
The Telegraph 23/12/04
BBC Health News 22/12/04


Cheshire and Mersey News

Organ scandal parents' new anguish

FAMILIES of dead children stripped of their body parts in the Alder Hey organ scandal have voiced their anger after it was revealed that the shamed pathologist at the centre of the case would escape prosecution.

Wirral Globe 22/12/04


Disabled unfairly treated says probe

WIRRAL council has admitted failing disabled motorists following a special Globe invest-igation.

Wirral Globe 22/12/04


Job help for kids in care

VULNERABLE youngsters are to be given city council apprenticeships to keep them off the dole queue.

Liverpool Echo 22/12/04


Blues stars spread more festive cheer

EVERTON stars played Santa Claus for the day by dishing out presents to youngsters at Alder Hey.

Liverpool Echo 22/12/04



26,000 bill for having heart attack on holiday

A RETIRED computer engineer who underwent emergency heart surgery on holiday fears he could lose his home after his insurance company refused to pay a £26,000 medical bill.

Daily Post 22/12/04


Missing Sarah found thanks to ECHO appeal

A MISSING pregnant woman who needed urgent medical attention has been found thanks to the ECHO.

Liverpool Echo 22/12/04


Father delivers son Jamie on living room floor

JAMIE DUGGAN was in such a rush to be born that his father turned midwife and delivered him on the living room floor.

Liverpool Echo 23/12/04


Social workers call off strike after four months

A STRIKE which has blighted Liverpool's social services for four months has finally ended.

Daily Post 23/12/04


'Dr Frankenstein' is not prosecuted

FAMILIES involved in the Alder Hey organ retention scandal say they have been left distraught by the decision not to prosecute disgraced pathologist, Professor Dick van Velzen.

Weekly News 22/12/04



NHS rap to help ease A&E services

HEALTH chiefs are spreading the message that patients should seek out an alternative to using the Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments of hospitals - by coming up with a toetapping rap jingle.

Weekly News 22/12/04


Shredding is simply good housekeeping

SHREDDERS at some of our public authorities may be working overtime - but they insist we shouldn't be concerned.

Chester Chronicle 23/12/04



Documenting 175 years of care at the end of an era

A BOOK documenting 175 years of West Cheshire Hospital has been launched by a staff member.

Chester Chronicle 23/12/04


Woman, 56, dies days after discharge from virus ward

A PATIENT has died after being discharged from an infected winter vomiting virus ward at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

Chester Chronicle 23/12/04


Government delay over health centre

FUNDING for a proposed medical centre has been put back until next year.

Weekly News 22/12/04


Cumbria and Lancashire News


Reminder about morning-after pill

BLACKBURN with Darwen Primary Care Trust has issued a reminder to the public about the availability of emergency contraception during the festive party period.

Lancashire Evening Telegraph 22/12/04


'Watch for ice' alert

AMBULANCE bosses are urging people to take extra care after yesterday's cold snap left them dealing with scores of people injured in the icy conditions.

Lancashire Evening Telegraph 22/12/04



Nurses deserve Christmas treat

IN response to the letter published December 15, headed 'Pay nurses extra for festive working'.

Lancashire Evening Telegraph 22/12/04


Greater Manchester News

Tonic from Jay Jay

Children who have to spend Christmas in hospital had their spirits raised when they met their Bolton Wanderers heroes on Tuesday.

Bolton Evening News 22/12/04



I am overwhelmed

AFTER going for a routine mammogram at the Popham Centre at Fairfield Hospital, it was found that I had breast cancer and I was transferred to the Royal Bolton Hospital where I had major surgery. I can not thank all the staff enough. From walking into the Popham Centre to coming out of the Royal Bolton, the quality of nursing was excellent. I thank God for the NHS.

Bury Times 24/12/04


Medics set for busy weekend

MEDICAL professionals and the emergency services are bracing themselves for an increase in drink-related incidents this Christmas weekend.

Bury Times 24/12/04


Proper treatment saved baby Ruby

I WOULD like to express my thanks to the doctors, midwives and nursing staff for the excellent care given to my daughter when my granddaughter, Ruby Fay Kirk, was born on Nov 29.

Bury Times 24/12/04


New surgery fills dentist demand

A PRESTWICH dentist has filled a gaping need by doubling the number of his NHS clients at a stroke.

Bury Times 24/12/04


Heart op delight for parents of tiny Ruby

DELIGHTED parents Peter and Jane Kirk can now enjoy the happy Christmas they feared would never be after their newborn daughter underwent a life-saving heart operation.

Bury Times 24/12/04



Smokers told: Stub it out to get a job

SMOKERS looking for a job have been dealt a double blow following a survey of 500 employers by a Manchester recruitment agency.

Manchester Evening News 24/12/04



Mum saved by her angel Gabriella

GABRIELLA Hearth saved her mother's life after she became seriously ill.

Manchester Evening News 24/12/04


Hospital staff get healthier

FEWER hospital staff are taking time off sick, according to new figures.

Bolton Evening News 24/12/04


Transplant girl's perfect Christmas

WHAT a difference a year makes! Last Christmas Kirsten Clayton was so weak that her only glimpse of Santa was through the glass of her hospital isolation room.

Manchester Evening News 24/12/04



Doctor denies crash charge

A DOCTOR from Bolton appeared before magistrates at Rochdale to deny charges of careless driving after a crash in hospital grounds.

Bolton Evening News 24/12/04



Alert on cancer painkiller shortage

CANCER patients could be facing the holiday period in pain because of dwindling stocks of a vital drug.

Manchester Evening News 24/12/04


Teams are winners with hospital kids

THE entire first teams of Manchester City and Bolton Wanderers ended up in hospital - for the best possible reasons.

Manchester Evening News 23/12/04


Kidney swaps a success for 50 years

IT was once considered a medical miracle - and now today marks the 50th anniversary of the first successful organ transplant.

Manchester Evening News 23/12/04



Household chemicals 'linked to childhood breathing problems'

BLEACH, paint stripper and carpet cleaners used in the home can cause wheezing and asthma in children, research suggests today.

Manchester Evening News 22/12/04



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