Stockholm: Researchers at Lund University have found evidence that vinegar can be used as appetite suppressant.
As well as reducing the body’s insulin response to a carbohydrate meal, inducing a feeling of ‘fullness’ other health benefits include lowering of cholesterol levels, improving circulation and countering fatigue. Scientific research published over the past two years has also shown that acetic acid in vinegar is effective against high blood pressure.
Nottingham: A 15-minute test which examines the blood for tell-tale chemicals that indicate a patient has had a stroke has been launched in the UK. Fast diagnose means faster treatment and improves a patients chance of survival.
The Triage Stroke Panel measures several biomarkers in a small sample of a patient’s blood and gives a score within 15 minutes. Following a stroke, multiple biomarkers — or chemicals — are released into the blood. Triage Stroke Panel test scores range from one to 10, with a high score suggesting the patient has had a stroke. A low reading means a stroke can be ruled out and other problems investigated. Around 60,000 people die as a result of a stroke each year in England and Wales, but until now there has been no rapid diagnostic test available. Doctors rely mainly on the detection of symptoms and imaging procedures, although signs of some forms of stroke cannot be seen on a CT scan until 12 to 24 hours later.
However, drugs should be given within a few hours of the onset of a stroke to be most effective.
Professor Philip Bath of Nottingham University said: ‘The discovery of biomarkers in the blood is a potentially major breakthough. Faster diagnosis can reduce the risk of irreversible brain damage and improve the chances of recovery.’ The test, made by Americanbased company Biosite Incorporated, is portable and can be used in a GP’s surgery as well as hospital.
London: One in four Britons regular binge drinks, according to research by healthcare company BUPA Wellness.
The UK Government’s safe drinking limit recommends that women should drink no more than two to three units of alcohol and a day and men no more than three to four units. But according to BUPA Wellness nearly one in three men and one in five women drink at least double the ‘healthy’ amount of alcohol on a night out. This means 11million Britons risk their health by binge drinking, says a study.
The figures come a month before much-criticised liberalisation of the UK’s drink licensing hours come into force. Police, doctors and the judiciary have repeatedly criticised the move, fearing it will worsen the problem of binge drinking.
Alarmingly, the research – carried out for the health assessment company BUPA Wellness – suggests millions expect to drink even more once the law is relaxed.
Each drink or unit is the equivalent of a half pint of beer, pub measure of spirits or a small glass of wine.
But the poll of 2,000 men and women found one in four was drinking more than double the recommended limits on a single night out. This is classed as binge drinking.
Around one in three men (29 per cent) and one in five women (20 per cent) said they regularly drank to excess on nights out.
Young men were found to be most likely to binge drink, with 47 per cent of those aged 18 to 24 classed as binge drinkers.
But there was widespread denial about levels of drinking. Almost three- quarters (69 per cent) of those who clearly drank too much insisted they were not binge drinkers.
Two out of three said they were not concerned about how much alcohol they drank.
The new licensing laws, which come into effect on November 24, will allow pubs and clubs to serve drinks for longer.
One in six (16 per cent) of those surveyed believe the extended opening hours will encourage them to drink more.
Business also pays the price for binge drinking. Fifteen per cent of drinkers took at least one ‘ hangover day’ off work each year. Some said they took as many as five.
Two out of five of those surveyed claimed they were ‘ confused’ by the Government’s advice on safe drinking.
New York: US cosmetic surgeons have a new speciality, the voice lift, surgery that turns back the voice to a younger age.
Ageing men and women who have already had surgery to take off the years are now having operations on the vocal cords to get rid of their ageing voice.
The surgery was first pioneered to restore the voices of people who had lost their voices through injury of diseases such as cancer.
Ageing vocal cords, like other muscles loose their elasticity, so in the voice lift operation, surgeons either inject fat into the muscle or tighten up slack muscle.
Dr Robert Sataloff, Professor of Otolaryngology, the medical specialism that includes head and neck surgery, at Thomas Jefferson University says that this surgery is becoming increasingly common.
Copenhagen: Scientists have discovered how patients can ‘regrow’ their own livers in a new technique that can help those waiting for liver transplants and liver diseases.
In the procedure doctors remove healthy cells from a patient’s own liver, grow them for up to a week in a laboratory — and then infuse them back into the liver where they continue to multiply.
There is also an enormous demand for livers, and doctors say that is likely to increase dramatically because of rising rates of obesity, heart disease and hepatitis C.
Until now it has not been possible to grow liver cells in the laboratory but the new surgical technique allows the new liver cells to grow rapidly when put back into the liver.
The method was reported to the recent United European Gastroenterology Conference in Copenhagen by doctors from the Hospital St Antoine in Paris.
Surgeons cut off some of the blood supply of the liver where the cells are infused, and this forces that part of the liver to work rapidly to make new cells. The procedure is known as embolisation.
So far, only animal trials have taken place, involving the removal of cells. But human trials are expected to start in the next few weeks on new-born babies with major liver failure who might otherwise die.
London: Nine out of ten UK women are unaware of the natural alternatives to conventional Hormone Replacement Therapy currently available on the NHS, according to a survey by www.ElixirNews.com.
The findings are confirmed by Dr John Moran, an expert in the menopause treatment in Londons Wimpole Street said the results revealed that most GPs were adopting a one size fits all approach to the menopause.
Dr Moran said: Most of the women I see come to me because they are not happy with the HRT they have been prescribed. Most of the time it is not the GPs fault, it is simply that they do not have enough time to sit and listen to the patient they may only have five or ten minutes whereas it takes an hour to ask the detailed questions required for proper treatment.
Without listening you cannot possibly understand the patients concerns and anxieties at this stressful time in their life. Some women feel particularly vulnerable as their children may have left home and they might be suffering from empty-nest syndrome and their parents may be unwell. The menopause marks the start of the time when women are at an increased risk of heart attack and osteoporosis. The symptoms of the menopause can also be very distressing. Hot flushes, for example, interrupt sleep, which in turn causes tiredness.
The danger of this one size fits all approach is that some women, particularly those in the peri-menopause may be getting too much oestrogen from conventional HRT which may make some of their symptoms worse, such as fluid retention and headaches, even though the hot flushes may be relieved. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends the lowest possible doses of the HRT hormones to be taken for the shortest possible time in the light of recent research. Patients may also may be prescribed anti-depressants which is not the best treatment for the menopause which is mainly due to plummeting levels of oestrogen. Its not surprising with all the symptoms of the menopause that a women becomes depressed and this depression is often relieved by the correct dosage of bio-identical oestrogens and natural progesterone and giving the patient time to talk about their concerns.
Recent studies have shown that the longer a women is exposed to oestrogens the higher the risk of developing breast cancer but only by a very small percentage. One of the alternatives to conventional HRT are bio-identical oestrogens which are given in lower doses and tailor made to suit each individual woman and balanced by the correct dose of nature progesterone and supplemented when necessary with testosterone. There are also other plant-based products such as phytooestrogens that are useful in the peri-menopause particularly in women with more frequent hot flushes. Unfortunately these are not available on the NHS.
Contact details:
Dr John Moran, RD, MBBS, DPsSC, DFFP, P.G.Dip Nutr.MED
Holistic Medical Clinic
30A Wimpole Street
London W1G 8YA
T: +44 (0)20 7935 4870
doctor@hmc-holistic.demon.co.uk
Read about nutrients that can help you get through the menopause:
London: Health officials are advising that all vulnerable people in the UK such as the over-65s, asthma and diabetes sufferers and those with serious heart or lung conditions should ensure they get the standard flu vaccine from their GP to help protect them from the killer Avian bird flu.
Whilst a flu jab is an advisable preventative measure there is a lot more we can do to protect and boost our bodys immune systems. For example, by eating superfoods and taking supplements that contain powerful antioxidants, substances that can protect our body from infections. These supernutrients not only have the potential to help you be healthier and look younger for longer but will give you the best possible chance of fighting off viral infections such as colds and flu this winter.
In Japan, for example, doctors are combating heart disease by prescribing CoEnzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a fat-soluble vitamin-like substance produced by our own bodies. This substance is an essential component of the mitochondria, the energy producing unit of our cells, where it helps produce the bodys fuel. The role of CoQ10 is similar to that of the sparkplug in a car engine.
Low levels of CoQ10 have been linked to several diseases, in particular congestive heart failure. Ageing humans have been found to have 57% less on average compared to young adults. But there is increasing evidence that it can help prevent and even reverse several diseases of ageing heart failure, gum disease, muscular dystrophy, diabetes and chronic fatigue. In healthy individuals its effectiveness can be experienced in the gym where it can assist in cardio-vascular endurance.
Antioxidants help the body defend itself against attack from free radicals, the unstable molecular structures, caused by pollution, stress, smoking and drinking to excess, that damage cells and which scientists believe are the trigger for cell mutations that cause cancer and other ageing diseases.
Nutritionist Sally Beare, author of The Live-Longer Diet (www.piatkus.co.uk) says: In order to stave off degenerative diseases and enjoy optimum health, we have to get the full range of nutrients. These include at lest seven to twenty minerals, thirteen vitamins, eleven essential amino acids and two essential fatty acids (essential meaning that they are essential for health and cannot be made by the body). At the absolute minimum, we should eat at least five portions of fresh fruits and vegetables every day, and preferably ten. Yet most Western diets include far less than this, and the UK Food Standards Agency found that only 36 per cent of people in the UK are even aware of the recommendation.
Ideally, antioxidants should be consumed as part of a well-balanced diet, but since many processed foods are deficient, dietary supplements should be considered. Anyone who is pregnant or taking pharmaceutical drugs for a serious illness should consult their doctor before taking supplements as some can interact with medication.
Included in the list of supernutrients are foods that release energy slowly into the blood stream, those with a low Glycemic Index, that keep energy levels constant and prevent tiredness and the onset of diabetes. Oats are one of the best sources and it also lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. Other superfoods to include in your diet are eggs, one of the best sources of protein; green tea to protect against heart disease and cancer; nuts such as brazils that contain selenium which protects against cancer and improves thyroid function and walnuts for a healthy heart and olive oil and soya to reduce cholesterol.
Eating oily fish regularly helps protect the brain and has the added bonus of giving us beautiful skin. Mackerel, herrings, tuna, salmon, sardines and anchovies all contain omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) as do flax seeds (linseed) and flaxseed oil.
New York dermatologist, Dr Nicholas Perricone (www.www.nvperriconemd.co.uk) describes DMAE, a substance found in abundance in wild Alaskan salmon, as “the magic bullet” for skin. In his book, The Perricone Promise, he explains how you can look 10 years younger in 28 days by eating supernutrients, including salmon and DMAE and have a healthier brain and slimmer body at the same time. DMAE is also a building-block of the brain neuro-transmitter acetylcholine which declines with age and causes a deterioration in muscle-tone as well as brain function leading to Alzheimers.
He says: Looking good and having a positive body image is not vanity; its your road to a long, healthy and happy life.
The most important dietary antioxidants are found in the more colourful varieties of fruits and vegetables such as:
Red/Orange: Tomatoes, strawberries, oranges, carrots, sweet potato, pumpkin, red and orange peppers, and salmon are rich in vitamins A, C and E.
Green: Cabbage, spinach, avocado, kiwi fruit and peas are rich in vitamin A.
Yelow: Lemons, melons, mangoes, yellow peppers and grapefruit are all rich sources of Vitamins A and C.
Purple: Blueberries, blackcurrants, red cabbage and beetroot are excellent sources of vitamins A, C and E.
White: Garlic, onions, cauliflower and walnuts are rich in vitamins A, C and E.
The amount of antioxidants they contain is calculated by a scale known as oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC). For more information read The Oracle Diet by Michael van Straten (Kyle Cathie)
TOP FOODS ON THE ORAC ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY SCALE
ORAC units per 100 grams (about 3.5 ounces)
Fruits ORAC Units Vegetables ORAC Units
Prunes 5,770 Garlic 1,939
Raisins 2,830 Kale 1,770
Blueberries 2,400 Spinach 1,260
Blackberries 2,036 Brussels sprouts 980
Cranberries 1,750 Alfafa sprouts 930
Strawberries 1,540 Brocolli 890
Raspberries 1,220 Beetroot 710
Red grapes 739 Onion 450
Kiwi fruit 602 Red bell peppers
Pink grapefruit 483 Eggplant 400
These are the main antioxidant supplements:
Alpha-Lipoic Acid taken in combination with acetyl-L-carnitine, an amino acid that assists the transport of fat into the mitachondria of the cell. It is found in spinach, liver brewer’s yeast, beef and potatoes.
Amino Acids the 23 amino acids are the building blocks of the body and made up of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen that make proteins to form muscles, hormones, enzymes, skin, hair, organs and bones. The most important are : L-Arginine – helps reduce angina, high blood pressure and glaucoma and increases lean muscle. Found in oats, grains, fish, red meat, Brazil nuts, almonds, peanuts and gelatine. Carnitine – detoxing and fat burning and reduces cellulite. Also found in yeast, dairy products, liver and red meat. Acetyl-L-carnitine – aids brain function and has also been shown to reverse damage to brain cells brought about by poor nutrition and even alcohol abuse. Tests on Alzheimer’s patients have shown it can improve memory function in combination with with phosphatidyl serine, alpha lipoic acid and Gamma Lineolic Acid. Cysteine -breaks down toxins in the liver and also helpful to cancer patients. In laboratory tests it has been shown to extend the life of some animals. Found in eggs, wheatflour, Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds and oats. L-Glutamine – assists the repair of the stomach lining damaged by excessive alcohol and also helps counter cravings for alcohol. It is found in cabbage, barley and potatoes. Glutathione -helpful in rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, cancer and Parkinson’s Disease often have low levels of this amino acid. It is most effective when taken with alpha lipoic acid and found in fish, meat, fresh fruit and vegetables. Glycine – helpful for gout sufferers and reduces the symptoms of schizophrenia and osteoarthritis. It is found in sunflower seeds, almonds, walnuts, buckwheat and gelatine. Serine – works on the brain memory neurotransmitters acetylcholine and dopamine to aid memory. Found in almonds, walnuts, gelatine and eggs.
Beta-carotene – found in carrots and other highly coloured vegetables and fruits. An antioxident that is thought to help fight cancer.
Bioflavinoids – a chemical found in fruits and vegetables: apricots, plums, blackberries, strawberries, green tea, rosehips, green peppers, green beans, broccoli, red cabbage, grapes, cherries, rhubarb, red wine, lemons,oranges. Quercetin, the most active of the citrus bioflavonoids has anti-inflammatory properties and helps allergic reactions. Also beneficial in diabetes as it helps prevent damage to blood vessels by excess sugar in the body. Grapes, particularly grapeseeds and red wine are a good source of the bioflavonoids proanthocyanidins
CoEnzyme Q10 – a fat-soluble vitamin-like substance present in every cell of the body. It also occurs naturally in a number of foods, including organ meats, soy oil, sardines,
DMAE or dimethylaminoethanol (chemical name deanol) – a compound found in high levels in oily fish such as anchovies, sardines and salmon. It is also produced in small amounts by the human brain. It is sold as a food supplement to boost brain function and is thought to be helpful in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Doctors are also looking at its role in treating poor memory and Alzheimers Disease, as well as some movement disorders. Many nutritionally oriented physicians prescribe DMAE along with another memory enhancer, the dietary supplement phosphatidylcholine.
Evening Primrose oil and fish oils: Alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), an amega-3 oil, and gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), an amega-6 oil are naturally occuring fats with ani-inflammatory effects. It is important to pick a fish oil that has been purified and contains a high dose of Eicosapentaenoic acid(EPA). Oils made from fish rather than livers are preferable because of the levels of toxins.
Glucosamine – a natural substance in the body vital to the health of joints and cartilage and is often sold in supplements with Chondroitin.
Proanthocyanidins(a class of plant flavonoids) – found in grapes, grape seeds and red wine and help to prevent hardening of the arteries.
Vitamins and Minerals – these work together to aid a large number of biological processes. As well as being found in our food they can be taken as a multi-supplement and should include A, the Bs B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B8 (biotin), B9 (flate, folacin, folic acid), B12 (cyanocobalamin), C (Absorbic Acid), D (Calciferol), E (Tochopherol) and K (Phylloquinone) and the minerals calcium, chromium, magnesium, iron, selenium and zinc.
Modena: Impotence may be an early warning of heart disease even in men who appear healthy.
Researchers at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia in Italy studied 143 men with similar coronary risk factor scores, 70 of whom were impotent. Those with erectile dysfunction had higher levels of C-reactive protein, which is associated with damaged arteries.
The researchers said the smaller arteries supplying blood to the penis suffer obstructions earlier than the larger ones connected to the heart. They called for erectile dysfunction to form part of a general assessment of heart disease risk.
London: A parrot which died in quarantine in Britain was carrying the lethal H5N1 strain of bird flu, a variant of the type that has killed more than 60 in Asia.
The bird, an import from Surinam inSouth America, is thought to have caught the disease from Taiwanese finches in the same Essex quarantine centre. Tests are being carried out to see if they were carrying the virus.
The strain of flu which killed the parrot is identical to the one which has ravaged bird flocks in China and neighbouring countries. The finches, and all 148 parrots in the same consignment, have been destroyed.
All 2,000 birds in quarantine around the country will now be checked before they are cleared for import.
All staff in the quarantine centre involved have been given anti-viral drugs to protect them from infection.
Experts stressed that infections of humans with the H5N1 virus are very rare. Almost all the people in the Far East who caught it were in close contact with infected birds. But experts fear the virus may mutate into a type that could spread quickly from person to person.
Such a mutation is thought to have caused the 1918 flu pandemic which killed millions around the world.
The Government plans to vaccinate everyone in Britain against the bug. It has put a firm on standby to produce a jab as soon as a pandemic emerges and the exact strain causing it has been identified.
Other protection will come from the anti-viral drug Tamiflu, which can reduce symptoms, and a more basic vaccine which is already available.
H5N1 bird flu has so far been confirmed in Romania, Turkey, Russia and Croatia and there have been suspected cases in Greece, Macedonia and Bulgaria. But weekend tests on a duck in Sweden proved negative.
London: People born in the 1930s were the first to see a dramatic increase in life expectancy, according to a new survey being presented to the UK’s Institute of Actuaries this week.
The single biggest leap is recorded among those who are now just past, or just approaching, their 74th birthday. The increase is put down to better medical care, greater wealth and smaller families.
A woman now aged 74 can expect to live to nearly 90, while a man will on average reach his 87th birthday, according to the study for the savings industry. The numbers dying at 70 will continue to decline by 3.5 per cent a year over the next two decades as medical science and general health care improves, the report says.
Stephen Richards, co-author of the report said that people born in the 1930s had a better chance of living longer because of the advances in the treatment of respiratory diseases such as tuberculosis in their early years. There was also a very strong fall in heart disease from 1975 onwards.Seventy-somethings have also adopted healthier lifestyles, including better diets and giving up smoking, as well as being too young to serve inthe second world war.
New York: A new US study has concluded that a diet high in fat and low in carbohydrate may prevent the build up of a brain protein common in those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
In the latest study mice not people were tested on a high-fat, low-carb ‘ketogenic diet’. Scientists found that amounts of the brain protein amyloid-beta were reduced in the mice on the ketogenic diet. Their findings contradict previous studies which have shown that fatty diets and the resulting high cholesterol levels and obesity can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s.
In Alzheimer’s deposits of amyloid-beta, called plaques, build up in the brain interfering with the transmission of messages between cells and can eventually kill them.
The research was carried out by team research company Accera in the US and published in the journal Nutrition and Metabolism.
When carbohydrates are very low and fat is high, compounds called ketone bodies are generated. These could play a role in the reduction in amyloid-beta seen in the mice used in the study. Other research has shown improvement in patients with mild Alzheimer’s who were given a diet to raise ketone bodies.
London: Retiring early is not linked to longer life, finds new research published online by the UK’s British Medical Journal.
There is a widespread perception that early retirement is associated with longer life expectancy and later retirement is associated with early death. But no consensus has been reached on the effect of early retirement on survival.
The study took place in the US state of Texas and involved over 3,500 employees of the petrochemical industry who retired at 55, 60, and 65. Participants were monitored for up to 26 years to assess whether there was any survival advantage of early retirement.
After adjusting for factors such as sex and socioeconomic status, the researchers found that employees who retired at 55 had a significantly increased mortality compared with those who retired at 65. In fact mortality was almost twice as high in the first 10 years after retirement at 55 compared with those who continued working.
In contrast, employees who retired at 60 had similar survival to those who retired at 65.
Although some workers retired at 55 because of failing health, these results clearly show that early retirement is not associated with increased survival, conclude the authors. On the contrary, mortality improved with increasing age at retirement for people from both high and low socioeconomic groups.
New York: Smoking cigarettes lowers intelligence, according to a study conducted by the Universityof Michigan.
Scientists studied 172 men – 66 of whom smoked – and gave them scores based on how quickly and accurately they responded to the tests. All smokers were allowed to smoke during the sessions, and it was found that in all the tests, smokers scored lower than non smokers.
The impact on memory, problemsolving and IQ was most pronounced among those who had smoked for years. Robert Zucker, a professor of Psychology at the University of Michigan, said: ‘The exact mechanism for smoking’s impact on the brain’s higher functions is still unclear, but may involve both neurochemical effects and damage to the blood vessels that supply the brain.’
The study adds to a growing body of evidence that smoking may affect mental ability. Last year, researchers found that it could increase the risk of dementia later in life.
Dr Jennifer Glass, of the University of Michigan’s Department of Psychiatry, called for more research to confirm the findings and to look at whether women smokers suffer similar memory problems.
Tokyo: Coenzyme Q10, a nutrient produced by the body, is now regularly being prescribed by doctors in Japan to combat heart disease.
Also known as CoQ10, it is an essential component of the mitochondira, the energy producing unit of the cells.CoQ10, is involved in the production of ATP, the fuel that runs all body processes. The role of CoQ10 is similar to that of the sparkplug in a car engine.
Cardiologist and researcher Dr. Peter Langsjoen ranks the discovery of the nutrient known as coenzyme Q10 as one of the biggest advances of this century. Langsjoen
an expert in congestive heart failure and disease of the heart muscle carried out research on 424 patients with six different types of cardiac disease whch he treted with CoQ10 over more than a decade. All were shown to have improved heart function, enhanced quality of life and decreased medication requirements.
Langsjoen believes his research refutes the common assertion that a stiffening of the heart muscle is irreversible.
But the father of coenzyme Q10 research and the world’s leading researcher on coenzyme Q10 is without a shadow of a doubt, Dr. Karl Folkers, now in his nineties.
In 1958, Folkers was the first to elucidate the structure of coenzyme Q10 and worked tirelessly to prove its benefit in heart disease as well as many other conditions. Folkers biopsied heart tissue from patients with various heart diseases and showed CoQ10 deficiency in 50 to 75% of cases. He also proved the effectiveness of CoQ10 in treating seriously ill congestive heart failure patients who were unresponsive to any other treatment.
Dr. Steven Sinatra, author of A Cardiologist’s Prescription for Optimum Wellness, (Lincoln Bradley, 1996) says that as a traditionally trained cardiologist he was not the least bit open to nutritional therapies, but after reviewing the research, he started to use it in his practice. He has now treated over 1,000 patients with coenzyme Q10, with excellent results.
Sinatra points to over 50 major research articles published in reputable journals on the use of CoQ10 in cardiac-related diseases, especially congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathy (a disease affecting the heart muscle). Researchers estimate that if doctors gave coenzyme Q10 to 1,000 patients with congestive heart failure for one year, it could reduce hospitalization for the condition by 20%.
Although some cardiologists are using it, Sinatra adds, the vast majority either know nothing about it or have a bias against it because it is not a drug. Dr. Langsjoen and Sinatra have formed a national coalition of cardiologists to disseminate information on CoQ10.
CoQ10 is bright yellow, almost orange, in color and is available in capsules or tablets at health food stores. It is best absorbed in soft gelatin capsules that contain an oil base. Otherwise it is wise to take it with olive oil or flaxseed oil. The dosage ranges from 30mg to 300mg with the usual dosage being 30mg three times a day. Although its safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been proven, it has an excellent safety profile, with no serious side effects with long-term use.
Research has also shown CoQ10 is a useful adjunct in the treatment of gum disease, muscular dystrophy and diabetes. It is also an immune stimulator and antioxidant. It can reduce the heart toxicity of cancer drugs like Adriamycin. It has caused a partial remission in a small number of breast cancer patients. It is also very useful in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.
London: Nine out of ten UK women are unhappy with the way they are treated by GPs when they seek treatment for symptoms of the menopause. Many feel they are being prescribed anti-depressants instead of HRT by doctors who are too busy to listen, according to a survey by ElixirNews.com
A majority of women 90%, in a nationwide survey of 2,000 women, aged between 45 and 55, who sought advice for symptoms of the menopause said that their GP spent 10 minutes or less making a diagnosis. And 60% said that doctors were either indifferent(40%) or unsympathetic (20%).
Twenty-five percent of those interviewed are currently receiving HRT treatment on the NHS, but only 10% had received follow-up blood-tests to see how their HRT was reacting to their body chemistry.
Seven of 10 of all those who responded said they would go to a private doctor where more bespoke treatments are available, if they could afford it.
90% of the total interviewed said they were worried about taking HRT following recent scare stories linking HRT and cancer and of those not on HRT 20% said they had stopped taking it because of their fears. One in three women who had visited their GP to discuss HRT said they had been prescribed anti-depressants by GPs. Nine out of ten women said they were unaware of the alternatives to the synthetic HRT available on the NHS, such as pills, patches and gels made from bio-identical oestrogens, given in lower doses and derived from plant products.
Dr John Moran, an expert in the menopause treatment in Londons Wimpole Street said the results revealed that most GPs were adopting a one size fits all approach to the menopause.
Dr Moran said: Most of the women I see come to me because they are not happy with the HRT they have been prescribed. Most of the time it is not the GPs fault, it is simply that they do not have enough time to sit and listen to the patient they may only have five or ten minutes whereas it takes an hour to ask the detailed questions required for proper treatment.
Without listening you cannot possibly understand the patients concerns and anxieties at this stressful time in their life. Some women feel particularly vulnerable as their children may have left home and they might be suffering from empty-nest syndrome and their parents may be unwell. The menopause marks the start of the time when women are at an increased risk of heart attack and osteoporosis. The symptoms of the menopause can also be very distressing. Hot flushes, for example, interrupt sleep, which in turn causes tiredness.
The danger of this one size fits all approach is that some women, particularly those in the peri-menopause may be getting too much oestrogen from conventional HRT which may make some of their symptoms worse, such as fluid retention and headaches, even though the hot flushes may be relieved. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends the lowest possible doses of the HRT hormones to be taken for the shortest possible time in the light of recent research. Patients may also may be prescribed anti-depressants which is not the best treatment for the menopause which is mainly due to plummeting levels of oestrogen. Its not surprising with all the symptoms of the menopause that a women becomes depressed and this depression is often relieved by the correct dosage of bio-identical oestrogens and natural progesterone and giving the patient time to talk about their concerns.
Recent studies have shown that the longer a women is exposed to oestrogens the higher the risk of developing breast cancer but only by a very small percentage. One of the alternatives to conventional HRT are bio-identical oestrogens which are given in lower doses and tailor made to suit each individual woman and balanced by the correct dose of nature progesterone and supplemented when necessary with testosterone. There are also other plant-based products such as phytooestrogens that are useful in the peri-menopause particularly in women with more frequent hot flushes. Unfortunately these are not available on the NHS.
17 October 2005: Nine out of ten UK women are unhappy with the way they are treated by GPs when they seek treatment for symptoms of the menopause. Many feel they are being prescribed anti-depressants instead of HRT by doctors who are too busy to listen, according to a survey by the anti-ageing health web site, www.elixirnews.com.
A majority of women 90%, in a nationwide survey of 2,000 women, aged between 45 and 55, who sought advice for symptoms of the menopause said that their GP spent 10 minutes or less making a diagnosis. And 60% said that doctors were either indifferent(40%) or unsympathetic (20%).
Twenty-five percent of those interviewed are currently receiving HRT treatment on the NHS, but only 10% had received follow-up blood-tests to see how their HRT was reacting to their body chemistry.
Seven of 10 of all those who responded said they would go to a private doctor where more bespoke treatments are available, if they could afford it.
90% of the total interviewed said they were worried about taking HRT following recent scare stories linking HRT and cancer and of those not on HRT 20% said they had stopped taking it because of their fears. One in three women who had visited their GP to discuss HRT said they had been prescribed anti-depressants by GPs. Nine out of ten women said they were unaware of the alternatives to the synthetic HRT available on the NHS, such as pills, patches and gels made from bio-identical oestrogens, given in lower doses and derived from plant products.
Dr John Moran, an expert in the menopause treatment in Londons Wimpole Street said the results revealed that most GPs were adopting a one size fits all approach to the menopause.
Dr Moran said: Most of the women I see come to me because they are not happy with the HRT they have been prescribed. Most of the time it is not the GPs fault, it is simply that they do not have enough time to sit and listen to the patient they may only have five or ten minutes whereas it takes an hour to ask the detailed questions required for proper treatment.
Without listening you cannot possibly understand the patients concerns and anxieties at this stressful time in their life. Some women feel particularly vulnerable as their children may have left home and they might be suffering from empty-nest syndrome and their parents may be unwell. The menopause marks the start of the time when women are at an increased risk of heart attack and osteoporosis. The symptoms of the menopause can also be very distressing. Hot flushes, for example, interrupt sleep, which in turn causes tiredness.
The danger of this one size fits all approach is that some women, particularly those in the peri-menopause may be getting too much oestrogen from conventional HRT which may make some of their symptoms worse, such as fluid retention and headaches, even though the hot flushes may be relieved. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends the lowest possible doses of the HRT hormones to be taken for the shortest possible time in the light of recent research. Patients may also may be prescribed anti-depressants which is not the best treatment for the menopause which is mainly due to plummeting levels of oestrogen. Its not surprising with all the symptoms of the menopause that a women becomes depressed and this depression is often relieved by the correct dosage of bio-identical oestrogens and natural progesterone and giving the patient time to talk about their concerns.
Recent studies have shown that the longer a women is exposed to oestrogens the higher the risk of developing breast cancer but only by a very small percentage. One of the alternatives to conventional HRT are bio-identical oestrogens which are given in lower doses and tailor made to suit each individual woman and balanced by the correct dose of nature progesterone and supplemented when necessary with testosterone. There are also other plant-based products such as phytooestrogens that are useful in the peri-menopause particularly in women with more frequent hot flushes. Unfortunately these are not available on the NHS.
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Further information:
www.ElixirNews.com
Avril OConnor
T: +44(0)20 7569 8676
Dr John Moran
30A Wimpole Street
London W1G 8YA
T: 020 7935 4870
Chicago: Eating fish at least once a week may keep you brainy in old age, research from Chicago suggests.
A study of about 4000 senior citizens of Chicago where many were loosing brain function such as memory and speed of thinking, revealed that those who ate fish once a week, slowed the decline by 10%. It was 13% slower among those who consumed at least two fish meals a week. The difference is the equivalent of being three to four years younger, say the researchers.
This new research confirms previus studies that have shown the importance of fatty acids to the brain. Previous research has hinted that omega-3 oils may be useful for improving cognitive skills and behaviour in other groups. Two UK studies suggested benefits in schoolchildren.
Eating fish is already known to improve the health of the heart. But most people do not eat enough of it. In the UK, on average, people eat a third of a portion a week well below the recommended amount for keeping a healthy heart. The UK Food Standards Agency advises that boys, men and women past reproductive age eat up to four portions of fish a week, and that women of child-bearing age eat up to two portions.
In the Chicago study, residents over the age of 65 living in one district were each tracked for six years. They were interviewed and given four standard cognitive tests at the start of the study, after 3 years and at the end. The tests included measures of immediate and delayed memory, cognitive speed and attention. Their eating habits were established by questionnaire.
At this point there are so few studies done that we cant say for sure that eating fish preserves your thinking with age, admits Morris. But she adds: It does look promising, and theres a good biological mechanism.
She notes that recent studies have shown that elderly rodents given an omega-3 oil fatty acid called DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) exhibit better communication between the neurons in their brains.
London: A new anti-wrinkle cream which contains natural ingredients and claims to be as effective as Botox has been launched.
Natralox, produced by Australian manufacturer, Skin Elements, says that in trials, wrinkles were reduced by 50 per cent in one month of use. Natralox smoothes existing facial wrinkles and delays the appearance of premature skin ageing.
One of the key patented ingredients in the product is Argireline®, a unique hexapeptide that has been scientifically proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles by up to 50% in 30 days,in tests. The product is also completely free from chemical preservatives, chemical UV-absorbers, parabens and artificial fragrances.
Argireline®, works in a similar way to Botox®, however Botox® works by paralysing the muscle, while Argireline® only inhibits it, gently relaxing facial muscles. This helps prevent the deepening of existing wrinkles and new ones. This process not only improves the appearance of existing wrinkles by up to 50% but it also helps to prevent the formation of new lines and wrinkles, says Skin Elements.
Botox® injections costing £240-£400 per treatment temporarily paralyze the facial muscles so that they cannot be used to make facial expressions. Botox® requires painful injections that immediately and completely, but temporarily paralyze the muscles. Gradually the expressions come back as the Botox® wears off. In comparison Natralox is painless, non-invasive and a whole lot cheaper!
Natralox is available at selected health food stores, pharmacies and beauty salons throughout the UK, at a recommended retail price of £49.95. Further information is on the following web site: www.planetblueshop.com
Fort Lauderdale: Melatonin has been named the top anti-ageing drug in a list of 10 recommended by the US’s Life Extension Foundation, leading experts on anti-ageing therapies.
The availability of these hormones and supplements varies from country to country and some are only available through prescription from a qualified physician.
Anyone embarking on a life extension programme using hormones and supplements is advised to seek a blood test from an anti-ageing physician to check their biomarkers so that the correct levels of supplementation are taken.
LIFE EXTENSION DRUG NUMBER 10
SYNTHETIC HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE
Injections of synthetic human growth hormone have been used by geriatric physicians to rejuvenate aging men by increasing their muscle mass, strength, flexibility, and coordination.
Growth hormone deficiency is a major cause of the decline in immune function and protein synthesis with advancing age in both muscle and neurologic tissues. Recent findings suggest that growth hormone may be an effective treatment for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease as well as early senile dementia caused by a decline in brain cell energy metabolism. We will soon be reporting on clinical benefits reported with growth hormone therapy in both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s patients.
If growth hormone were not artificially overpriced because of the FDA restriction of its sale in the United States, we might have placed it higher on our list. It doesn’t cost any more to synthesize growth hormone than it does to synthesize insulin. Without FDA interference, most aging Americans could easily afford injections of growth hormone in an attempt to slow aging. The need to inject growth hormone also limits the availability of this highly potent life extension drug.
The current cost of synthetic human growth hormone ranges from $12,000-225,000 annually.
LIFE EXTENSION DRUG NUMBER 9
PIRACETAM
The most frequently used offshore drug to boost short-term memory and overall cognitive function is piracetam.
There are more than 800 published studies documenting the ability of piracetam to promote youthful neurologic function, including enhanced cellular protein synthesis and interhemispheric and intercellular communication.
Stroke victims might avoid paralysis and death if given drugs like piracetam after entering the hospital. Even in patients who suffered stroke-induced brain cell injury years ago, there is evidence that piracetam may help to improve the functioning of these damaged cells. Piracetam can be ordered in Europe.
LIFE EXTENSION DRUG NUMBER 8
DHEA
Because of some recently published studies in elderly humans, the news media have been touting the multi-faceted anti-aging benefits of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone).
DHEA is now fulfilling much of the promise indicated in the animal studies that Saul Kent and The Life Extension Foundation have been informing our members about since 1975.
For those suffering from adult-onset diabetes, atherosclerosis, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, or any form of autoimmune disease such as multiple sclerosis or lupus, DHEA replacement therapy is highly recommended.
DHEA can be expensive for people who need high doses, but for most people it is reasonably priced. We recommend blood tests to measure the effect that DHEA supplementation has on your DHEA serum level. While these tests currently cost $55-$110, they can save you money by enabling you to lower your daily dose of DHEA. Men should also have more regular PSA (prostate specific antigen) tests to make sure they do not have prostate cancer.
It is regrettable that we have had to advise men with prostate cancer to avoid DHEA because it could increase testosterone (and subsequently dihydrotestosterone levels), which could accelerate the proliferation of prostate cancer cells. For all men taking DHEA, we suggest supplementation with SERENX (saw palmetto extract) to block the conversion of testosterone into the more dangerous dihydrotestosterone.
SERENX (also called PERMIXON) has not been listed in the top ten because it is not an appropriate therapy for most women. However, for men over 40, we strongly recommend the daily intake of 1 -2 capsules of low cost SERENX to prevent benign prostatic hypertrophy and possibly prostate cancer.
If DHEA was completely free of side effects, and did not require blood testing, LEF says it would be listed higher. It is a well substantiated life extension therapy that can help to protect us against many of the degenerative diseases associated with aging, and may have an effect on aging itself.
LIFE EXTENSION DRUG NUMBER 7
VINPOCETINE-HYDERGINE
These two drugs provide a wide range of anti-aging effects in brain and other cells that you cannot easily obtain with any other therapy.
Vinpocetine and/or Hydergine have been shown to:
* improve blood supply to the brain
* increase the amount of oxygen delivered to the brain
* increase oxygen use by the brain
* enhance metabolism in brain cells
* protect the brain from damage during periods of decreased and/or insufficient oxygen supply
* slow the deposit of age pigment (lipofuscin) in the brain
* prevent free radical damage in brain cells
* increase intelligence, memory, learning, and recall
* enhance the use of glucose by brain cells
* increase ATP levels in the brain
* stop blood from becoming sticky
* raise brain levels of serotonin
Vinpocetine is rather expensive (at 20-40 mg a day), which is one reason we don’t list it any higher. Vinpocetine has been on the world market since the early 1980s, but as far as we know, has yet to be entered in the FDA’s new drug approval quagmire. The cost of this periwinkle herbal extract would be very little if the FDA didn’t interfere with the shipment of drugs from overseas companies. We are currently seeking a standardized periwinkle extract that we could sell as a low cost nutrient just as we do with acetyl-l-carnitine and melatonin.
Hydergine is more affordable at effective dose ranges of 4 to 12 mg a day. Most generic brands of ergoloid mesylate are comparable to the Sandoz “Hydergine” brand.
LIFE EXTENSION DRUG NUMBER 6
LIFE EXTENSION DRUG GH3 or K.H.3
GH3 and K.H.3 are popular products whose active agent is procaine, an anti-aging compound discovered in the 1950s by Romanian physician Ana Asian. Both GH3 and K.H.3 suppress monoamine oxidase (MAO) levels. Elevated MAO destroys the essential neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. GH3 or KH3 also suppress elevated serum cortisol levels, which has been linked to several of the degenerative diseases of aging. There are better cortisol suppressing therapies such as low dose RU486, but at this time, RU-486 is not available to Americans.
GH3 and K.H.3 can be taken every day including the days you take deprenyl, which is a selective MAO inhibitor. An appropriate dose of these drugs is one to two GH3 or KH3 tablets daily. Some doctors believe you should take a five day break from these drugs once a month to avoid too much monoamine oxidase suppression, but our review of the scientific literature does not support the need for taking such a break.
LIFE EXTENSION DRUG NUMBER 5
CENTROPHENOXINE
Lifespan studies have documented specific anti-aging properties for the combination of DMAE and p-chlorophenoxyacetate, the two active ingredients that make up centrophenoxine, a potent life extension drug sold under several names, including Lucidril.
Centrophenoxine has extended the lifespan of laboratory mice and has been shown to reduce a type of cellular debris called lipofuscin (aging pigment) in the neurons that populate our brain and central nervous system. The excessive accumulation of lipofuscin with advancing age has been linked to age-related neurologic diseases.
Centrophenoxine speeds up information processing in the brain and enhances brain cell uptake of glucose. Brain cells use glucose to produce the energy they need to perform their neurological functions and to maintain cell viability.
Some People cannot tolerate even one tablet a day of centrophenoxine, while others can take 1-4 tablets a day and experience dramatic cognitive and energy enhancing effects.
Centrophenoxine can be ordered from European sources at affordable prices.
LIFE EXTENSION DRUG NUMBER 4
PHOSPHATIDYLSERINE
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is sold as a drug in Europe at outrageously high prices. The standardized PS extract now available as a dietary supplement is less expensive than the European “drug”, but is still a pricey item.
We have written extensively about the anti-aging benefits of PS later in this September edition of Life Extension Update and want to reiterate that PS may produce a cumulative effect that could enable people to reduce their dosage of the drug after attaining the desired cognitive enhancing benefits.
Standardized PS extract is contained in the new COGNITEX and is available in bottles of 100 mg soft-gel caps.
LIFE EXTENSION DRUG NUMBER 3
DEPRENYL(Also known as Eldepryl)
This was a hard one to call. A good argument could be made for deprenyl being Life Extension Drug Number 2, but we based this decision strictly on the published evidence we have today. A new study tomorrow could cause us to move deprenyl to number 2.
Deprenyl has produced dramatic life extension effects in animals, but we are fairly certain that deprenyl alone will not do as well in humans. The reason for this is that in rats, the elevation of monoamine oxidase (MAO) plays a greater role in the aging process than in humans. Deprenyl is a potent, selective inhibitor of MAO-B, the type of MAO that damages brain cells during “normal” aging.
Life Extensionists take deprenyl to help prevent Parkinson’s disease and the symptoms of aging that are very similar to those suffered by Parkinson’s patients. There is solid evidence that deprenyl protects many types of brain cells from premature aging and death. There is also evidence that deprenyl boosts cellular production of SOD and catalase, the natural antioxidant enzymes that are depleted in aging.
Our current protocol calls for 2-5 deprenyl tablets (5 mg) a week for those in their 40s. The older you are, the more deprenyl you should take, but it is advisable not to take more than one 5-mg tablet (or capsule) of deprenyl a day unless you have the early symptoms of Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease. In this case, you should take 10 mg of deprenyl a day under the supervision of a physician.
LIFE EXTENSION DRUG NUMBER 2
ACETYL-L-CARNITINE
There are too many new studies appearing in the scientific literature about acetyl-l-carnitine for life extensionists not to take this enhanced amino acid compound that enters the blood stream and penetrates cell membranes more effectively than regular I-carnitine.
Acetyl-l-carnitine is beneficial to heart muscle cells, immune function and probably enhances energy production in every cell of the body. The multi-faceted benefits of acetyl-l-carnitine in brain cells makes it the single most important supplement we can take to maintain and improve overall neurological function.
Acetyl-l-carnitine has been shown to improve neurological function even after we stop taking it, suggesting that acetyl-l-carnitine may re-program neuronal and neurotransmitter functions to enable the brain to function in a more youthful, energetic state.
We suggest that healthy members go on at least two 50-day cycles (2 capsules each day) of acetyl-l-carnitine supplementation every year. If you can afford to take acetyl-l-carnitine more often, this should produce greater benefits.
LIFE EXTENSION DRUG NUMBER 1
MELATONIN
Melatonin is the most documented anti-aging therapy in the world.
It not only protects us against neurological aging, but possibly protects us against every age-related disease known to mankind. It is a highly potent antioxidant, has been shown to protect against various forms of cancer, and has extended lifespan in laboratory animals. Melatonin has also been used by physicians at high doses as an effective treatment for a wide variety of diseases. We will soon be carrying an exclusive story about one of these physicians who has been using melatonin for over 15 years in his research. There has been no evidence of toxicity in any of the published studies of melatonin that we have seen.
Melatonin costs very little. The Life Extension Buyers Club uses only ultra pure pharmaceutical-grade melatonin that costs us 40% more than lower grade melatonin. This ultra pure melatonin goes through additional purification processes that makes it almost 100% pure (99.8% to 99.9% certified purity), yet the cost for this premium melatonin is still less than $5.00 a month for most people.
There are still dedicated life extensionists who do not take melatonin because they think it is only useful for the treatment of insomnia. Melatonin is effective in about 80% of people suffering from insomnia, and is highly effective in preventing the symptoms of jet lag. However, we strongly suggest that people who do not suffer from insomnia take at least a 1 mg of melatonin every night. The cost of melatonin is too low for anyone seriously following a life extension program not to use it. A two-month supply of 1 mg melatonin capsules costs just $4.50
There are some people who should not take melatonin. Here are the conditions where melatonin might be contraindicated :
* children (unless recommended by a doctor)
* pregnant women
* people under the age of 30
* people with seasonal affective disorders (SAD)
* people with acute schizophrenia
* manic patients
* possibly those with ovarian or immune system cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma
All others should consider taking melatonin on a regular basis. You can order melatonin in bottles containing 1, 3 or 10 mg capsules from The Life Extension Foundation
Preventing Heart Attacks And Strokes
ASPIRIN
This is an extra added bonus to our top ten coverage of life extension drugs. Seventy-five percent of Americans die from heart attacks and strokes. There’s no point in taking all or any of the life extension drugs listed in this magazine if you’re going to drop dead of a heart attack or stroke caused by a blood clot that blocks your blood circulation before the anti-aging benefits of these drugs take effect.
Even if you don’t die immediately from a stroke, you stand an excellent chance of becoming partially or completely brain dead. If you don’t suffer from a stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) can cause chronic loss of neurological function as a result of decreased circulation to the brain.
One of the best ways of preventing heart attacks and thrombotic strokes is the daily intake of low-dose aspirin–1/4 to 1/2 an aspirin a day. Aspirin works by a mechanism that is different than anti-thrombotic nutrients, such as green tea extract, ginkgo, vitamin C, vitamin E, folic acid, etc. The nutrient that most resembles aspirin’s anti-clotting action is EPA/DHA fish oil supplements. We highly recommend fish oil supplements for a wide range of health benefits, but most People do not like the “repeating” that occurs after ingesting fish oil capsules and fish oil capsules are fairly expensive.
Alternative medicine practitioners are often biased against aspirin because of the side effects that chronic over-dosing of aspirin can produce. Two regular aspirin tablets contain 650 mg of salicylic acid and people in chronic pain have been known to consume 4-to-12 regular aspirin tablets a day and consequently suffer serious side effects. A baby aspirin tablet has only 81 mg of aspirin, which is all you need to protect you against heart attacks and strokes, and if you take it with a heavy meal, there is little risk of gastric irritation.
Aspirin is just too inexpensive and readily available for life extensionists not to take. Aspirin reduces overall cardiovascular disease risk, may lower colon cancer risk, and Durk Pearson and Sandy Shaw have uncovered evidence of a unique mechanism by which aspirin may slow the decline in protein synthesis during aging.
The Life Extension Foundation sells a fund-raising aspirin product called Healthprin. Each tiny heart-shaped tablet contains just 81 mg of aspirin, equal to just one-quarter of a regular aspirin tablet. Healthprin heart-shaped aspirin tablets are easy to break in half if you only want to consume only 40 mg of aspirin a day.
Tampa: People in stimulating jobs are less likely to get Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new report from the University of South Florida.
Lawyers, doctors and scientists are at lower risk compared to those who serve others such as barmen and waiters. Factory and manual workers who also take instructions from others are most at risk.
The study of more than 10,000 Swedish adults discoverd that those involved in complex work were at a lower risk of contracting all forms of dimentia.
Dr Ross Andel, the research leader said the findings indicated that complex mental exercises help delay the onset of dementia later in life.
Boston: Women who take the painkiller paracetamol, have higher blood pressure which may lead to stroke, according to new US research.
Although older women are more at risk, those suffering from arthritic pain are more likely to suffer, says the Nurses Health Study, which found women taking more than 500mg of paracetamol a day for five years were twice as likely to develop high blood pressure.
Those aged 50 and over were at slightly higher risk than those who were younger. Doctors say the findings may also apply to men.
Paracetamol is the world’s most widely-used painkiller. Most patients using it regularly take two 500mg tablets daily.
Dr John Philip Forman, of Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, said taking ibuprofen, another overthe- counter painkiller, also carried higher risks of hypertension.
He said: ‘In our study, women who took 500mg or more of paracetamol per day, on average, were about twice as likely to develop high blood pressure as women who did not use it.’
Dr Gary Williams, a rheumatologist from Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, California, said doctors were already under pressure to switch arthritic patients from prescription drugs called coxibs to safer alternatives to avoid possible heart problems.
But Dr Geoffrey Brandon, of the Paracetamol Information Centre, said that although the study showed an association between paracetamol and hypertension, there was no reason for women to stop taking the painkiller based on the findings. :
London: A DIY laser wrinkle buster has been invited by reserachers at the UK’s University of Sunderland.
The device, which has been called Restorelite, looks like a computer mouse, and uses infra-red light, which is held over the area to be treated for a few minutes at least twice a day. Tests have shown the device has a 90 per cent success rate in zapping facial wrinkles and bags. It is hoped the device will go on sale next year at a price of about $80.
The invention was developed as a result of tests to treat cold sores. It was discovered that certain wavelengths of infra-red light kept white blood cells alive in adverse environmental conditions, speeding up the healing process.
To treat wrinkles the device is used twice a day for several minutes.
North Carolina: A new study from the Wake Forst University Baptist Medical Centre has discovered that smoking can dramatically increase the risk of diabetes.
More than 900 smokers aged between 40 and 69, revealed that even those who did not have type 2 diabetes developed it fter five years of smoking.
The condition can cause blindness, heart disease and kidney failure.
Prague: There is a link between exposure to high levels of pollution and sperm damage, according to a report in the journal Human Reproduction.
Scientists in the Czech Republic studied 35 men in the district of Teplice where the air is polluted by coal-burning power stations. The research over a two year period discoverd a link between pollution and damage to the DNA in sperm.After the men were moved to cleaner air, sperm quality improved.
Another study of Italian motorway toll workers found that traffic pollution damaged the quality of sperm in young and middle-aged men.
The advice of experts is that men trying for a family should eat healthily, exercise, stop smoking and reduce alcohol intake.
Geneva: Action should be taken to reduce the impact of chronic diseases, experts at the World Health Organisation have demanded.
The World Health Organization says 36m deaths from heart disease, stroke, cancer and adult-onset diabetes could be prevented over the next 10 years.
Tobacco, poor diet and insufficient exercise are largely to blame for deaths from these preventable diseases, the WHO says. It warns that low and middle income countries are hardest hit.
The WHO is calling for a series of measures to be introduced in order to reach the target of cutting deaths by an extra 2% per year by 2015.
It says governments, private industries and ordinary people in communities all need to work to achieve the target.
Its report looks at the impact of chronic diseases on Brazil, Canada, China, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Russian Federation, the UK and the United Republic of Tanzania.
This says the main causes for increases in chronic diseases are people eating more foods which are high in fats and sugars, work and living situations becoming less active – and increased marketing of tobacco products to developing countries.
Chewing tobacco, as well as smoking it, is linked to disease. Simple measures could be used to tackle these factors, such as reducing salt in processed foods, improving school meals and taxing tobacco products, the report says.