National and International News
Beta-blockers 'blot out memories' - BBC Health News 29/07/05
A common blood pressure drug could help people who have witnessed traumatic events, such as the London bombings, to block out their distressing memories.
Plan to tighten drug procedures - BBC Health News 29/07/05
A tightening of the prescription rules for controlled drugs has been proposed by ministers to prevent a repeat of the Harold Shipman killings
NHS savings 'may harm patients' - BBC Health News 29/07/05
The push for a more patient-centred NHS could be compromised by plans to restructure local health bodies, according to experts.
IVF multiple embryo use reviewed - BBC Health News 29/07/05
The UK's fertility watchdog is to consider whether women undergoing IVF should only be able to have one embryo implanted at a time.
Threat of drug-resistant viruses - BBC Health News 29/07/05
Viruses that evade destruction by commonly used drugs are a real and worrying possibility in the future, warn UK health experts.
Fake drugs find leads to recall - BBC Health News 29/07/05
The UK's medicines watchdog is recalling a batch of a cholesterol-lowering drug after fake tablets were discovered.
Babycam TV helps bed-bound mums - BBC Health News 29/07/05
A hospital camera network which lets bed-bound mothers see live pictures of their premature babies is helping save lives, according to medical staff.
Troubleshooter targets NHS record - BBC Health News 29/07/05
A troubleshooter team is to be created to ensure Scottish health boards tackle poor performance, the health minister has revealed.
Clark doctor queries GMC position - BBC Health News 29/07/05
A doctor disciplined over his role in the Sally Clark baby death case says the General Medical Council may not be best placed to deal with such cases.
Heart pills recalled as fakes are uncovered - Daily Mail 29/07/05
A specific batch of cholesterol-lowering pills was recalled today after the discovery of a fake version of the drug.
Bone marrow stem cells spark fertility hope - Daily Mail 29/07/05
Stem cells from bone marrow may serve as a source of egg cells and may lead to new fertility treatments, scientists in the U.S. have revealed.
Health food store fined for mouse infestation - Daily Mail 29/07/05
A leading health food store has been fined £10,000 after food hygiene inspectors found a mouse infestation at its Worcester branch.
Study into stroke survival rate - Daily Mail 29/07/05
Black people who suffer a stroke are more likely to survive than white patients, researchers have said.
Review may limit embryo implants - Daily Mail 29/07/05
Women having IVF treatment in the future may only be able to have one embryo implanted at a time in efforts to reduce multiple births, it has been announced.
NHS 'complaints culture' attacked - Daily Mail 29/07/05
Encouraging patients to complain more will not improve the NHS, a leading medical journal has been claimed.
Love easier to get than electrician - Daily Mail 29/07/05
Finding a date is easier than finding an electrician, according to a poll published by a major energy supplier today.
Lifespan control gene family found - Daily Mail 29/07/05
Scientists have discovered a whole family of genes that appear to control lifespan, it has been revealed.
Fake medicine find leads to recall - Daily Mail 29/07/05
A specific batch of cholesterol-lowering pills has been recalled after the discovery of a fake version of the drug.
Cleaning 'stressful for one in 20' - Daily Mail 29/07/05
One in 20 Britons are neurotic about cleaning, according to a new survey.
Britain doubles disease donations - Daily Mail 29/07/05
Britain has announced it is doubling its official support for the Global Fund to fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Antibiotic-resistant TB spreading - Daily Mail 29/07/05
Health protection experts have been battling a potentially fatal strain of tuberculosis which has infected more than 200 people, it has emerged.
Acupuncture 'reduces headaches' - Daily Mail 29/07/05
Using acupuncture to treat patients with headaches reduces their attacks by almost half, researchers have said.
Tooth decay treatment denied to NHS users - Daily Mail 29/07/05
A technique used to treat tooth decay should not be used in the NHS in England and Wales, experts ruled today.
IVF review may limit embryo implants - Daily Mail 29/07/05
Women having IVF treatment in the future may only be able to have one embryo implanted at a time in efforts to reduce multiple births, it was announced today.
Dying man loses right to be fed battle - Daily Mail 29/07/05
The General Medical Council won its appeal today against a court ruling which gave terminally-ill Leslie Burke the power to stop doctors withdrawing food and drink when his illness reaches the final stages.
Dentists 'horrified' by Tweenies song - Daily Mail 29/07/05
Children's TV favourites The Tweenies came under fire today for appearing to be encouraging youngsters to eat sweets "the whole day through".
Top brands targeted on junk food's list of shame - Daily Mail 29/07/05
McDonald's, Kellogg's, Coca-Cola and Walkers are being targeted for a clampdown on junk-food advertising.
Younger Americans, Especially Men, Most Likely To Skip Health Insurance - Medical News Today 29/07/05
In 2002, about 10 percent of Americans age 18 and over agree with the statement "I'm healthy enough that I really don't need health insurance," and about 24 percent agree with the statement "Health insurance is not worth the money it costs," according to a new analysis from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
Piot Warns Full Impact of HIV/AIDS Yet To Be Seen as International AIDS Society Conference Ends in Brazil - Medical News Today 29/07/05
The full impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic has not yet been seen, as a record five million new HIV cases were reported worldwide last year and China and Central Asia are experiencing new outbreaks of the disease,... UNAIDS Executive Director Peter Piot said at the 3rd International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment, which ended Wednesday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the AP/News24.com reports.
Pharmaceutical Direct-to-Consumer to Evolve Holistically, Europe - Medical News Today 29/07/05
Restrictions against using brand names have rendered pharmaceutical Direct-to-Consumer Advertising (DTCA) in Europe an informative rather than promotional exercise. DTCA is now broadening its scope, evolving from its narrow publicity orientation to a more comprehensive approach focused on improved patient outcomes and value addition.
OmniMD releases new version of EMR (Electronic Medical Records) with some exciting new features and services - Medical News Today 29/07/05
OmniMD, a developer of HIPAA compliant EMR solutions has launched its new release, Version 6.0, with wealth of new features, modules and services making it one of the most comprehensive integrated EMR solutions in the marketplace.
Study Highlights Need for GPs to Address Growing Smoking Problem - Medical News Today 29/07/05
The British Journal of General Practice (BJGP) has reported research showing that increases in respiratory symptoms are more likely to be due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) than asthma, indicating a growing problem in smoking-related complaints.
Genes that extend lifespan discovered - Medical News Today 29/07/05
Mice, rats, worms, flies, and yeast all live longer on a low-calorie diet, which also seems to protect mammals against cancer and other aging-related diseases.
Don't come back from holiday with more than you bargained for - Sexual Health - Medical News Today 29/07/05
For Sexual Health Week (30 July - 7 August) Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) and Solihull Primary Care Trust have joined forces to hand out sexual health packs to young holiday makers at Birmingham International Airport.
Des Moines Register Editorial Showed 'Surprising Ignorance' on Sex Work, Trafficking, HIV/AIDS - Medical News Today 29/07/05
A July 13 editorial in the Des Moines Register displayed "a surprising ignorance on the issues surrounding prostitution and trafficking in persons, as well as HIV/AIDS," John Miller, director of the... Department of State Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, says in a Register letter to the editor (Miller, Des Moines Register, 7/27).
Consultants' leader comments on latest star ratings, UK - Medical News Today 29/07/05
Commenting on the latest publication of NHS Trust star ratings, Dr Paul Miller, chairman of the BMA's consultants' committee, said: “Clearly, the public has a right to know how well its hospitals are performing..."
Broccoli attacks bladder cancer cells - Medical News Today 29/07/05
Researchers have isolated compounds from the vegetable broccoli that they believe may help prevent or slow the progress of bladder cancer.
Brazil, Botswana Sign HIV/AIDS Prevention Accord - Medical News Today 29/07/05
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Botswana President Festus Mogae on Tuesday signed a technical cooperation agreement to fight HIV/AIDS,... Xinhuanet reports.
U.S. Infant Mortality Rate Increases in 2002 for First Time in 40 Years, Annual Kids Count Report Says - Medical News Today 29/07/05
The US infant mortality rate increased in 2002 for the first time in more than 40 years to seven deaths per 1,000 live births, according to the annual... Kids Count report released on Tuesday, the Baltimore Sun reports (Anderson, Baltimore Sun, 7/27).
Using ultrasound to describe subtle heart muscle motions - Mayo Clinic - Medical News Today 29/07/05
By using sound waves Mayo Clinic researchers have described subtle changes in the motion of the heart that are measurable by ultrasound and may improve understanding of heart function, and possibly be a noninvasive aid in predicting impending heart damage including heart attacks.
Protein controls metabolism and circadian rhythms - U of T research - Medical News Today 29/07/05
University of Toronto researchers have gained new insight into how a specific protein may control circadian rhythms and metabolic processes, which has implications for treating cholesterol-related diseases.
Malaria mechanism revealed - Medical News Today 29/07/05
By determining the molecular structure of a protein that enables malaria parasites to invade red blood cells, researchers have uncovered valuable clues for rational antimalarial drug design and vaccine development. The findings are reported in the July 29 issue of the journal Cell.
IVF Twins More Likely To Be Born Premature Than Naturally Conceived Twins, Review of Studies Says - Medical News Today 29/07/05
Twins conceived by in vitro fertilization are about 1.5 times as likely to be born premature as twins conceived through sexual intercourse, according to a review of studies published in the July issue of the... American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reuters Health reports.
Female genital mutilation could cause infertility, The Lancet - Medical News Today 29/07/05
Girls who have undergone genital mutilation in childhood could be at risk of infertility later in life, suggests a study in this week's issue of THE LANCET.
Discovery of new dopamine action may yield alternative psychiatric drugs - Medical News Today 29/07/05
Duke University Medical Center researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which chronically high levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine exert their effects on the brain.
Discovery could be key to bioterrorism defense - Research team isolates receptor for deadly viruses - Medical News Today 29/07/05
A collaborative research team from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU), the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have made a major breakthrough in efforts to combat two deadly viruses that could be engineered for use as bioweapons.
Depression linked to previously unknown dopamine regulator - Hope for potential new target for antidepressants - Medical News Today 29/07/05
Researchers from Harvard Medical School have found a molecule that is unexpectedly involved in dopamine signaling, and in a manner that supports the potential of dopamine as an alternative target for treating depression.
Critical step traced in anthrax infection - Pore protein plays active role in toxins' entry into cells - Medical News Today 29/07/05
Scientists at Harvard Medical School (HMS) have revealed details of a key step in the entry of anthrax toxin into human cells. The work, which grew out of an ongoing effort to produce a better anthrax therapeutic, shows that the protective antigen component of the bacterial toxin plays an active role in transferring the other two components of the toxin through the cell membrane.
Anti-inflammatory function of Alzheimer's disease drugs revealed - Medical News Today 29/07/05
The mechanism in anti-Alzheimer's disease drugs that inhibits the production of a destructive, inflammation-causing protein in the brain has been revealed by researchers at the Hebrew university of Jerusalem.
Study finds multiple markers for breast and ovarian cancer - Medical News Today 29/07/05
Scientists from the Uppsala Branch of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (LICR) have made a promising discovery that could improve the early diagnosis of breast and ovarian cancers through a simple blood test.
Stress slows wound healing; oxygen helps - Medical News Today 29/07/05
Wound healing is slow when an animal is stressed, but extra oxygen almost completely reverses the effect, according to researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Do free drug samples influence residents' prescribing decisions? - Medical News Today 29/07/05
When a pharmaceutical company puts drug samples into the hands of residents as a form of marketing, how does it influence their prescribing behavior? To what extent are treatment decisions based on which samples are available and further, what are the implications for patient care as well as resident education?
Acupuncture cuts tension headache rates by almost half - Medical News Today 29/07/05
Acupuncture in patients with tension-type headache: randomised controlled trial BMJ Online First.
Black people more likely to survive a stroke than white people - Medical News Today 29/07/05
Survival differences after stroke in a multiethnic population: follow-up study with the south London stroke register BMJ Online First.
BMJ highlights lack of international cooperation to investigate scientific fraud - Medical News Today 29/07/05
This week, the BMJ expresses concern about the validity of a paper it published in 1992 written by Dr Ram B Singh of Moradabad, India.
U.S. Democrats attack FDA chief on safety issues - Reuters 29/07/05
The head of the Food and Drug Administration came under attack on Tuesday from U.S. Democrats who said the agency needs more power to order safety warnings on prescription medicines.
Hyperactivity drug hardly affects kids' growth - Reuters 29/07/05
Pooled data from 13 trials indicate that, overall, long-term Strattera therapy for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder has a little effect on children's height and weight.
Not all cancer patients improve lifestyle - Reuters 29/07/05
Many cancer survivors celebrate their recovery by eating better, exercising more and making other lifestyle improvements, but some do not, according to new study findings.
Senate advances bill to restrict cold medicines - Reuters 29/07/05
The Senate judiciary committee on Thursday unanimously approved a bill that would limit access to common cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine, an ingredient that can be used to make the highly addictive drug methamphetamine.
Topiramate lowers weight and blood pressure - Reuters 29/07/05
The antiseizure drug topiramate, sold under the trade name Topamax, reduces body weight and blood pressure in obese patients with high blood pressure (hypertension), according to the results of a study published in the American Journal of Cardiology. Adverse effects were "generally mild to moderate."
Knee pain often accompanied by other aches - Reuters 29/07/05
Older adults' knee pain is usually not an isolated problem, but is more often part of a constellation of chronic aches, a new study suggests.
Elderly diabetics more at risk of bone fractures - Reuters 29/07/05
People in their 70s have a more than 60 percent higher risk of fractures if they also have type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease, according to new study findings.
Dad more involved if paternity is confirmed early - Reuters 29/07/05
Among unwed parents, fathers whose paternity is established in the hospital, rather than after their newborn's mother is discharged, are more likely to support the child and to be involved in the child's life, new study findings show.
Good bacteria useful for ulcerative colitis - Reuters 29/07/05
Consuming a mixture of eight good, or "probiotic," bacteria reduces symptoms in patients with ulcerative colitis that doesn't respond to conventional medications, new research suggests.
Heart pills taken by millions recalled as fakes are found - The Times 29/07/05
THOUSANDS of packets of an anti-cholesterol drug taken by millions of Britons as a treatment for heart disease are to be recalled after the discovery of counterfeit pills awaiting distribution to NHS patients.
Doctors get final say on treating the dying - The Times 29/07/05
DOCTORS, not patients, should have the final say in deciding whether to withdraw life-sustaining treatment from terminally ill people, the Court of Appeal ruled yesterday.
Bone marrow could hold key to turning back clock on fertility - The Times 29/07/05
STEM cells that are made in the bone marrow of women could provide their ovaries with fresh eggs to extend fertility and postpone the menopause, according to research that could revolutionise reproductive medicine.
How ovary top-ups might work [graphic] - The Times 29/07/05
How ovary top ups might work.
IVF embryo limit to reduce multiple births - The Times 29/07/05
WOMEN having fertility treatment could be limited to only a single embryo implanted into the womb, under proposals designed to cut the number of multiple births.
Health fears over plans to relax law on pollution - The Times 29/07/05
THE Government is proposing to remove air pollution controls from thousands of small businesses as part of its deregulation strategy.
Court throws out dying man's right to be fed - The Independent 29/07/05
Doctors have the right to withdraw food and drink from dying patients if they believe it to be in their best interests, the Court of Appeal has ruled.
'Health disaster' fear if pollution curbs go - The Guardian 29/07/05
The government is proposing to remove pollution controls from thousands of small businesses as part of its deregulation strategy, threatening its own targets on air quality.
'One embryo' rule to cut multiple births in IVF - The Guardian 29/07/05
Women undergoing IVF treatment may be restricted to having only one embryo implanted at a time in an effort to reduce the number of multiple births.
Doctors win appeal over rights of the terminally ill - The Guardian 29/07/05
A legal challenge by a man with a degenerative brain disease, who feared doctors might end his life prematurely by cutting off artificial food and water, need never have been brought, three appeal court judges ruled yesterday in a case which has brought fresh scrutiny to the rights of the terminally ill.
Warning of drug resistance - The Guardian 29/07/05
Health watchdogs yesterday warned of "a worrying new trend" in viruses that are becoming resistant to drugs.
Patient choice in jeopardy as NHS woos private sector - The Guardian 29/07/05
A huge shake-up in NHS care outside hospitals in England was announced yesterday, just five years after the last changes were introduced.
Cheshire and Mersey News
Abortion rate rockets in NW - Liverpool Daily Post 29/07/05
A HUGE rise in the number of abortions in Merseyside and Cheshire prompted new calls last night for a cut in the 24-week time limit.
999 staff resented woman as chief - Liverpool Daily Post 29/07/05
AN INVESTIGATION into a crisis at Mersey Regional Ambulance Service found staff resented being led by a woman, the Daily Post can reveal.
Police to launch crackdown on under-age drinking - Liverpool Daily Post 29/07/05
POLICE and trading standards officers in Merseyside are to take part in a major regional crackdown on under-age drinking.
Flu vaccine licence hopes - Liverpool Daily Post 29/07/05
HOPES that Chiron's Liverpool factory could soon resume full production of its flu vaccine Fluvirin were raised after US inspectors said the firm had made "substantial progress" in its recovery from a contamination crisis.
Hidden illness robs sight - Liverpool Daily Post 29/07/05
A MAJOR initiative was launched in Liverpool yesterday to raise awareness of glaucoma.
Boozing hits binge levels - Bootle Times 28/07/05
SEFTON is one of Merseyside's binge-drinking hotspots, a new survey reveals.
Service wins 'zero' stars - Bootle Times 29/07/05
MERSEY Regional Ambulance Service offers a 'zero' star service, new NHS ratings reveal.
No stars for ambulances - Crosby Herald 28/07/05
MERSEY Regional Ambulance Service offers a 'zero' star service, new NHS ratings reveal.
Patients take right steps to boost health - Runcorn & Widnes Weekly News 29/07/05
HALTON heart patients are discovering the benefits of regular exercise as they embark on their weekly walk.
Moving on - Runcorn & Widnes Weekly News 29/07/05
HOSPITAL boss Ian Dalton has announced he is to quit after just two years as chief executive.
One in 10 of us will die from booze - Warrington Guardian 28/07/05
ALARMING figures show that up to one in 10 people in Warrington will die from an alcohol-related disease.
No stars for ambulance service - Runcorn & Widnes World 28/07/05
AMBULANCES serving Halton scored zero in the latest NHS performance tables, published today (Wednesday).
Cumbria and Lancashire News
Nurse stole £1,300 from patient - Lancaster Guardian 29/07/05
NURSE Hannah Marie Hughes stole more than £1,300 and a mobile phone from a patient at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary, a court heard.
Trust stripped of one of its stars - Lancaster Guardian 29/07/05
THE NHS Trust, which runs the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI), has slipped further in this year's NHS performance ratings to only one star.
College could use hospital buildings - Ormskirk Advertiser 29/07/05
THE Ormskirk Party has asked for empty hospital buildings to be used in Edge Hill's controversial expansion plans.
I flew to Poland to visit dentist - Lancashire Evening Post 29/07/05
A man today told how he saved £240 at the dentist –by flying to Poland for treatment.
TB alert at children's ward - Lancashire Evening Post 29/07/05
At least 100 people, including 50 children, are at the centre of a TB alert in Preston today.
The 600 teenage abortions shock - Lancashire Evening Post 29/07/05
One in every 66 girls under 18 in Preston had an abortion last year, shock new government figures have revealed.
Tragedy of dad who didn't want to leave hospital - Wigan Observer 29/07/05
A father-of-two in psychiatric care was so terrified of being discharged that he took his own life, an inquest heard.
Hospital loses star for budget deficit - Chorley Guardian 29/07/05
HEALTH chiefs in charge of Chorley hospital have voiced their disappointment at losing a 'star' in the national independent performance ratings published by the Healthcare Commission today
We're so lucky to have our NHS [letter] - Blackburn Citizen 28/07/05
MANY people criticise the work of the NHS. This letter is in response to those who complain.
Greater Manchester News
Scandal of the jobless doctors - Manchester Evening News 29/07/05
DOCTORS across the north west who are trained at a cost of millions of pounds can't find jobs.
Abortions increase linked to career women - Manchester Evening News 29/07/05
MORE women aged 20 to 30 are having abortions in Greater Manchester.
Shipman families welcome drug curb - Manchester Evening News 29/07/05
THE families of mass murderer Harold Shipman's victims today backed a crackdown on the prescribing of controlled drugs aimed at preventing a repeat of his killing spree.
