Herbs for Health

Centella asiatica Linn. (Bua Bok tea.)

2011-03-04T18:05:00.017+07:00

Medicinal Plants in Thailand.

Centella asiatica (Linn.) Urban
APIACEAE
Asiatic Pennywort, Tiger Herbal
Thai name : Bua Bok

Perennial creeping herb. Leaf simple, alternate, kidney-shaped, 2-5 cm in diameter. Inflorescence in axillary umbel; flowers small, violet. Fruit dry, dehiscent.
Fresh leaf: treatment of sore throat, thirst; antipyretic, diuretic, antidiarrheal; externally used for burns and wounds. Preparation: grind 1 handful of well-cleaned fresh leaves with small amount of water, put on the affected area or squeeze and use only watery juice. Active constituents are madecassic acid, asiatic acid and asiaticoside, which are astringent and stimulate tissue repairmen! at affected area, lower the probability of keloid formation, inhibits growth of Staphylococcus spp., possess antifungal activity against tinea versicolor and reduce inflammation. Commercialized product as anti-inflammatory cream for surgical wounds.

By: Medicinal Plants in Thailand
Volume 1

Ayurvedic herbs center

Deadly disease major threat to global public health

2010-10-17T13:44:00.002+07:00

By Ania Lichtarowicz
Health reporter, BBC News
The number of cases of a deadly disease has more than doubled in the last decade, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Dengue outbreaks are now a major threat to global public health.

Dengue is spread by mosquitoes

The UN health agency warned that unless countries act now then the situation will only get worse.

Two fifths of the world's population are at risk of the disease, with the majority living in the Asia Pacific region.

Cases double

Dengue is a serious flu-like illness that is transmitted by mosquitoes, and can develop into dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal.

The disease is spread by the aedes aegypti mosquito.

The WHO has warned that the increased number and size of dengue outbreaks in some countries in the Western Pacific region, as well as cases recorded in previously unaffected areas, are signs that firmer action cannot be delayed.

“The fight against this disease is everybody's problem.”

End Quote Dr. Shin Young-soo WHO regional director, Western Pacific

The WHO's regional director for the Western Pacific, Dr Shin Young-soo, said:

"National resources need to be mobilized to sustain dengue prevention and control, and the disease's profile needs to be raised on the global health agenda to stimulate the interest of international agencies and donors.

"The fight against this disease is everybody's problem."

The number of cases in the Western Pacific Region has more than doubled over the past 10 years.

There has been a significant increase in many countries this year alone.

The Lao People's Democratic Republic and the Philippines appear to be particularly affected.

2.5 billion at risk

Two-fifths of the world's population is at risk of the disease.

Out of these 2.5 billion people, more than 70% live in Asia Pacific countries.

The warning was delivered at the WHO's Regional Committee for the Western Pacific.

Dengue fever

Disease is spread by mosquitoes

Found in tropical and sub-tropical climates

No specific treatment or vaccine is available

500,000 people hospitalised each year

Children are most at risk of dying

Source: WHO

The increased number of outbreaks may be caused by a number of factors; including higher temperatures and rainfall which produce perfect breeding conditions for the mosquitoes that carry the disease.

Growing populations, particularly in cities, and greater international travel by infected individuals could also explain the rise.

The WHO says there is as yet no clear evidence that the increase in cases was due to global warming.

But changes in climate do affect mosquitoes which spread the disease.

At a local level eliminating breeding sites like water jars, building sites and discarded garbage is essential in reducing the number of mosquitoes.

But a concerted international effort is vital, with urban planning and improving sanitation essential to reducing the number of dengue cases.

Prostate disease

Early Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

2010-10-11T20:44:00.001+07:00

By Trevor Mulholland

Early symptoms prostate cancer is very rare. If the condition is at its earliest stage, chances are, there wouldn't be any sign at all. In majority of early stage cases, cancer in the prostate is often diagnosed accidentally either by prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test or a digital rectal examination (DRE) which could be part of a routine checkup. Because of the increased attention given to the disease, most men, especially those who are aged 45 and above, often go for routine tests to make sure that their prostate glands are in good health.

The use of tests to evaluate early symptoms prostate cancer became more common during the 1990s. Statistics have shown that death rates due to cancer of the prostate have declined following the increased use of these diagnostic methods. Despite their apparent usefulness, the scientific community has been divided on whether it is advisable for men to undergo such tests even with the absence of symptoms.

PSA and DRE methods have potential problems attached to them. For one, these screening techniques are not 100 percent accurate. A person's PSA level can become irregular due to reasons other than cancer. Medications and other health factors might cause this, which in turn could result to faulty evaluation. The DRE, primarily used to detect irregularities in the shape, texture and size of the prostate, might also be misinterpreted since the irregularities might be caused by other prostate conditions.

Several medical societies have advised against the use of routine testing during the early stages since inconclusive results might lead to anxiety or confusion. If the results are normal, a patient might get a false sense of security that could lead to neglect or eliminate caution all together. Furthermore, a man who gets a positive result from a PSA or DRE test might opt to get a biopsy despite the minor risks and discomfort associated with the process.

Some experts are recommending that routine examinations be offered to patients only if they are aged 50 and above. Except for men who belong to high risk groups, routine prostate cancer testing is not recommended to men who are below the age of 50. For high risk individuals, like those who have first degree relatives with prostate cancer, testing should be done as early as at age 45. Yearly monitoring is also recommended to these individuals since their chances of having the condition are higher than the ordinary man.

Before deciding on whether to get a PSA or a DRE test to confirm early symptoms prostate cancer, factors such as age and health should be considered. If a man is young and is genetically predisposed, then early tests are recommended since he would have a better chance of treating the disease if it is caught early. If a patient is old and in poor health, then he needs to discuss his options first with his physician. There might not be any need for tests since prostate cancer is a slow developing condition. It might not become a problem and the person might even die of other causes before it can even impact his life.

Prostate cancer

Protein cocktail is 'elixir of life'

2010-10-06T19:39:00.001+07:00

BBC News
A cocktail of amino acids - the building blocks of proteins - is the latest contender in the age-old search for the elixir of life.

Scientists gave mice drinking water laced with three amino acids. They said the rodents lived significantly longer than other mice fed a normal diet.

Glass tubes containing powdered amino acids

The research, reported in a scientific journal, has yet to be tried in people.

The study leader said a large patient trial was needed to provide evidence to convince doctors.

In experiments, middle-aged healthy male mice were given drinking water containing the amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine.

Dr Enzo Nisoli, of the University of Milan, and colleagues, said it increased the average lifespan of the mice by 12% and boosted their fitness and co-ordination.

They wrote in their paper, published in Cell Metabolism: "Our study offers a rationale for deeply exploring the role of amino acids in prevention and control of age-related disorders in humans."

The amino acids - three of the 20 that make up proteins - have been shown to extend life span in yeast. However, the precise role of these amino acids in humans is unknown.

They are used by bodybuilders to maintain muscle tissue and can be bought in health food stores and online.

Health Products Store

Fats and sugars

2010-10-01T19:58:00.002+07:00

BBC news
These foods, although an important energy source, often contain few other nutrients, so it's healthier to limit their consumption.
What are they?

This group, which includes foods such as cakes, biscuits, sweets, sugar-sweetened drinks and crisps, makes up the smallest section of the Food Standards Agency's 'eatwell plate'.

Fat facts

Fat transports the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K around the body
It can often improve the flavour and perception of foods, increasing their palatability
It supplies essential nutrients such as fat-soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids (EFAs)
EFAs must be supplied from the diet, and are thought to have a positive effect on heart health and the immune system
It has a key role in membrane structure
It cushions, and so protects, the internal organs
It's stored in adipose tissue (a thick layer of tissue under the skin) as a long-term fuel reserve. Excess fat may also accumulate around your organs, especially in the abdominal cavity

Fat is a concentrated source of energy. Just 1g provides nine calories - more than double the calories in 1g of protein or carbohydrate.

This means it's much easier to consume too many calories when eating high-fat foods. People trying to manage their weight should reduce fatty foods to help cut calories. We all need some fat in our diets, but small quantities of EFAs are the key to good health.

The two types of fat

Fat can be divided into two main groups - saturated and unsaturated.

Saturated fat is generally solid at room temperature and is usually from animal sources. It's found in lard, butter, hard margarine, cheese, whole milk and anything that contains these ingredients, such as cakes, chocolate, biscuits, pies and pastries. It's also the white fat you can see on red meat and underneath poultry skin.

The vaue of saturated and unsaturated fat in our diets isn’t fully understood yet but generally, eating too much saturated fat is associated with increased blood cholesterol concentrations and an increased risk of heart disease. Eating less helps to minimise the risks it poses to heart health. Polyunsaturated fats contain inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids and it’s the balance of these with omega-3s which is important.

Trans fats, or hydrogenated unsaturated fats, are used in the food industry but are increasingly recognised as being unhealthy.

Unsaturated fat is usually liquid at room temperature and generally comes from vegetable sources. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are both included in this group. Unsaturated vegetable oils are generally a healthier alternative to saturated fat and can be found in sesame, sunflower, soya and olive oil, soft margarine and in foods such as oily fish, including mackerel, sardines, pilchards and salmon. Where possible, you should ensure the fat you eat is unsaturated.

Did you know...?

A jam doughnut contains 10.9g fat
A slice of malt loaf contains 0.7g fat
A teaspoon of peanut butter contains 5.4g fat
A pint of whole milk contains 22.8 g fat
A handful of mixed nuts contains 21.6g fat

How much is enough?

Government guidelines recommend fats make up no more than 35 per cent of the energy in your diet, and that saturated fats should provide less than 11 per cent of total energy intake.

For the average woman, this means about 70g of total fat a day; for men, roughly 95g.

The latest National Diet and Nutrition Survey showed that, on average, UK adults consume about the right amount of fat, but that the intake of saturated fats is currently too high for good health (at present they provide about 13 per cent of total energy).

To reduce the amount of fat in your diet, try the following:

Look for alternatives to cakes, biscuits and savoury snacks, which are often high in fat - try fresh fruit, dried fruit and cereal-based products
Trim any visible fat off meat and poultry
Buy lean cuts of meat and reduced-fat minces
Poach, steam, grill or bake food rather than fry it
Swap whole milk for semi-skimmed or skimmed
Opt for low-fat dairy products
If you use lard, butter or hard margarine, switch to vegetable oil and low-fat spreads

Sugary foods

There are two types of sugar - those found naturally in fruit and milk (which are fine and don't need to be cut down) and those that are added to the diet.

These added sugars can be found in a variety of foods including confectionery, soft drinks, desserts and breakfast cereals. Added sugars are a great source of energy, but provide no other nutrients.

Sugary foods and drinks pose a threat to dental health, especially if consumed between meals.

Even the sugars in honey and fruit juices can cause tooth decay if good oral hygiene isn't followed and you consume a lot of these foods.

Only have sugary foods at mealtimes, when other dietary and oral factors can help to minimise the risk they pose to your teeth.

Sugary drinks have been identified as a possible cause of obesity. These drinks do not trigger the same sense of fullness as food with similar calories, increasing the risk of overeating.

How to reduce consumption of sugary foods

Swap sugary drinks for water, low-fat milk or artificially sweetened drinks to reduce your calorie intake
Try swapping sugary snacks for fruit or bread-based options such as fresh whole fruit or teacakes/malt loaf
Try to halve the amount of sugar you put in hot drinks, or cut it out completely
Buy reduced-sugar varieties of jam and marmalade
Choose tinned fruit in natural juice rather than syrup

Dr Gill Jenkins last medically reviewed this article in January 2010.

Liver detoxification

Migraine cause 'identified' as genetic defect

2010-09-27T16:57:00.001+07:00

BBC News
Scientists have identified a genetic defect linked to migraine which could provide a target for new treatments.

A flawed gene found in a family of migraine sufferers could help trigger the severe headaches, a study in Nature Medicine suggests.

Migraines cause throbbing pain

Dr Zameel Cader of the University of Oxford said the discovery was a step forward in understanding why one in five people suffer from migraines.

The World Health Organization rates it as a leading cause of disability.

“We have now made a major step forward in our understanding of why people suffer with migraine.”

End Quote Dr Zameel Cader, MRC

A migraine is a severe, long-lasting headache usually felt as a throbbing pain at the front or on one side of the head.

Some can have a warning visual disturbance, called an aura, before the start of the headache, and many people also have symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light during the headache itself.

Until now, the genes directly responsible for migraine have been unknown.

In this study, scientists including some from the Medical Research Council's Functional Genomics Unit at the University of Oxford found a gene known as TRESK was directly attributable as a cause of migraine in some patients.

The study found that if the gene does not work properly, environmental factors can more easily trigger pain centres in the brain and cause a severe headache.

The international team used DNA samples from families with common migraine to identify the defective gene.

'Activate' gene

Dr Aarno Palotie, from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, said the breakthrough could eventually lead to new drugs which could switch off the pain of migraines.

"It opens new avenues for planning new research which possibly could then lead to new treatments... but of course it's a long road."

Dr Cader, one of the MRC researchers involved in the study, said: "Previous studies have identified parts of our DNA that increase the risk in the general population, but have not found genes which can be directly responsible for common migraine.

"What we've found is that migraines seem to depend on how excitable our nerves are in specific parts of the brain.

"Finding the key player which controls this excitability will give us a real opportunity to find a new way to fight migraines and improve the quality of life for those suffering."

He told the BBC's Today programme the research showed the defective gene in migraine patients was under-active, therefore causing the headaches.

"So what we want to do is find a drug that will activate the gene," he added.

Professor Peter Goadsby, trustee of The Migraine Trust, said: "The identification of a mutation in a gene for the potassium channel in a family with migraine with aura provides both a further important part of the puzzle in understanding the biology of migraine, and a novel direction to consider new therapies in this very disabling condition."

The Secret to Health

2010-09-23T16:57:00.002+07:00

Pressure sores
Dr Trisha Macnair,BBC News
Pressure sores, often known as bedsores or pressure ulcers, are areas of damaged skin and tissue.

What are pressure sores?

Pressure sores develop when compression of the skin in one area of the body cuts off the blood supply, usually when someone sits or lies in one position for too long.

Symptoms

A pressure sore may initially appear as a red area of skin that doesn't disappear after a few hours. It may feel tender and become painful and purple in colour.

An open sore may develop when an area of tissue dies, which can sometimes become infected.

In severe cases the sore increases in size and depth (sometimes remarkably rapidly) and may cause such destruction of the fat and muscle layers underneath the skin that the bones are exposed. Very large sores, where the nerves are destroyed, may be remarkably painless.

Sores often develop on the areas that take the pressure when we sit or lie down, such as the:

Hips.
Buttocks.
Base of the spine.
Heels.
Ankles.
Shoulders, especially where bony prominences aren't protected by much fat.

Causes and risk factors

Ulcers are most likely to affect those with poor mobility who spend prolonged periods in bed or a chair, particularly if they're unable to change their position. They are a common problem in hospitals especially when people are too unwell to get out of bed, or undergo a lengthy operation.

Older people are more likely to develop pressure sores, which are also caused by poor nutrition, anaemia, recurrent infection and poor circulation.

Treatment and recovery

Treatment of pressure sores includes relieving pressure and keeping the sore clean. Dressings are used to encourage healing and antibiotic therapy can treat infection.

Removal of dead tissue, skin grafting and plastic surgery may also be required. It's important to improve nutrition and treat any underlying condition that's contributing to the problem.

The most important factor in preventing pressure sores is encouraging a person to change their position regularly throughout the day. Those unable to do this themselves should be moved at appropriate intervals (at least every two hours).

Special mattresses, such as air-filled alternating-pressure mattresses, and cushions that redistribute weight help to reduce pressure on sensitive areas. Protective padding of bony prominences should be also used.

Regular inspection of high-risk pressure areas is important to detect early signs and prompt medical care should be provided. Appropriate nursing care should be provided to ensure the skin is kept clean and dry.

A healthy diet that includes plenty of vitamin C and zinc is important to maintain healthy skin and may help prevent pressure sores developing.

Healthy blood

Virus 'link' to childhood obesity

2010-09-20T22:33:00.001+07:00

BBC news
A virus which causes respiratory infections has been linked to childhood obesity, in a study that is likely to reignite a controversial debate.

Previous animal research has implicated common viruses in weight gain, but the evidence has been disputed.

How the AD36 virus infects people and why it affects people differently is not known

The latest study, in Pediatrics, found that obese children with antibodies specific to a certain virus weighed 35lbs (15.8kg) more than those without.

Nothing has yet been proven on this theory, say UK experts.

Previous research has shown that chicken or mice injected with similar types of viruses showed a statistically significant weight gain.

A link between the AD36 virus (adenovirus 36) and obesity in human adults has also been written about previously.

But how AD36 infects people and why it affects people differently is still not known.

Antibodies found

In the University of California study of 124 children aged eight to 18, half of the children were considered obese based on their Body Mass Index.

“The study does add a little evidence to suggestions that AD36 may be implicated in some way with childhood obesity.”

End Quote Prof Julian Hamilton-Shield University of Bristol

The researchers found the AD36 antibodies in 19 of the children, 15 of whom were in the obese group.

Within the group of obese children studied, those with evidence of AD36 infection weighed an average of 35lbs more than obese children who were AD36-negative, says the study.

Jeffrey Schwimmer, lead researcher and professor of clinical paediatrics at the University of California school of medicine, said he hoped his research would change attitudes to obese people.

"Many people believe that obesity is one's own fault or the fault of one's parents or family. This work helps point out that body weight is more complicated than it's made out to be.

"And it is time that we move away from assigning blame in favour of developing a level of understanding that will better support efforts at both prevention and treatment.

"These data add credence to the concept that an infection can be a cause or contributor to obesity," he said.

Julian Hamilton-Shield, professor in diabetes and metabolic endocrinology at the School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, says the jury is still out on this idea.

"It's an interesting if small and non-definitive study. This does not show causation, just an association.

"For instance, it may be that obese people are at more risk of catching AD36.

"However, it does add a little evidence to suggestions that AD36 may be implicated in some way with childhood obesity," he said.

Quick weight loss

Depressed heart patients 'at risk'

2010-09-16T19:37:00.001+07:00

BBC News
The combination of depression and coronary heart disease in a patient could be much more deadly than either condition alone, researchers say.

French and British experts say people with both conditions could be four times more likely to die from heart or circulatory disease.

Experts studied the physical and mental health of 6,000 people over several years

The study, in Heart journal, tracked the mental and physical health of 6,000 middle-aged people over five years.

Experts said doctors must pay more heed to depression in heart patients.

Experts from the University College London and the University of Versailles followed the health of just under 6,000 male and female civil servants for an average of five and a half years.

The volunteers were taking part in the British Whitehall Study II, which is looking at social and economic factors in long-term health.

Exercise

They found people with heart disease alone had a 67% higher chance of dying from any cause than those without either heart disease or depression.

But the combination of heart disease and depression tripled the risk of death from any cause and quadrupled the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.

Amy Thompson, a senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, which partly funded the study, said: "This study builds on previous research which suggests that depression is linked to coronary heart disease.

"Enjoying regular exercise and eating a healthy, balanced diet can help if you are feeling low - so, good news for your mental health as well as your heart health.

"Whether or not you have heart disease, if you feel depressed it's essential to talk to your doctor."

STOP the suffering now!

Steaming hot tea linked to cancer

2010-09-10T14:40:00.001+07:00

BBC News

Drinking steaming hot tea has been linked with an increased risk of oesophageal (food tube) cancer, Iranian scientists have found.

The British Medical Journal study found that drinking black tea at temperatures of 70C or higher increased the risk.

The risk is linked to regularly consuming very hot drinks

Experts said the finding could explain the increased oesophageal cancer risk in some non-Western populations.

Adding milk, as most tea drinkers in Western countries do, cools the drink enough to eliminate the risk.

The oesophagus is the muscular tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach.

Oesophagus cancers kill more than 500,000 people worldwide each year and oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common type.

Tobacco and alcohol are the main factors linked to the development of oesophageal cancers in Europe and America.

But it has not been clear why other populations around the world have high rates of the disease although there has been a theory that regularly drinking very hot drinks damages the lining of the gullet.

A litre a day

Golestan Province in northern Iran has one of the highest rates of OSCC in the world, but rates of smoking and alcohol consumption are low and women are as likely to have a diagnosis as men. Tea drinking, however, is widespread.

The University of Tehran researchers studied tea drinking habits among 300 people diagnosed with OSCC and compared them with a group of 570 people from the same area.

Nearly all participants drank black tea regularly, on average drinking over a litre a day.

A regular habit of eating and drinking very hot foods and drinks could increase your risk of developing cancer of the oesophagus

Oliver Childs,
Cancer Research UK

Compared with drinking warm or lukewarm tea (65C or less), drinking hot tea (65-69C) was associated with twice the risk of oesophageal cancer, and drinking very hot tea (70C or more) was associated with an eight-fold increased risk.

The speed with which people drank their tea was also important.

Drinking a cup of tea in under two minutes straight after it was poured was associated with a five-fold higher risk of cancer compared with drinking tea four or more minutes after being poured.

There was no association between the amount of tea consumed and risk of cancer.

Because the researchers had relied on study participants to say how hot their tea was, they then went on to measure the temperature of tea drunk by nearly 50,000 residents of the same area.

This ranged from under 60C to more than 70C, and reported tea drinking temperature and actual temperature was found to be similar.

Tea lovers

Writing in the BMJ, the researchers led by Professor Reza Malekzadeh, said: "Our results showed a noticeable increase in risk of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma associated with drinking hot tea.

"A large proportion of Golestan inhabitants drink hot tea, so this habit may account for a substantial proportion of the cases of oesophageal cancer in this population."

Previous studies from the UK have reported people prefer their tea to be about 56-60C - cool enough not to be risky.

In a BMJ editorial, David Whiteman from the Queensland Institute of Medical Research in Australia said: "The mechanism through which heat promotes the development of tumours warrants further exploration and might be given renewed impetus on the basis of these findings."

Dr Whiteman advised tea-drinkers to simply wait a few minutes for their brew to cool from "scalding" to "tolerable".

Oliver Childs, a spokesman for Cancer Research UK, said: "Tea drinking is part of many cultures, and these results certainly don't point to tea itself being the problem.

"But they do provide more evidence that a regular habit of eating and drinking very hot foods and drinks could increase your risk of developing cancer of the oesophagus."

He added: "People in this region of northern Iran often drink very hot tea as part of their daily routine. We're a nation of tea lovers in the UK, but we don't tend to drink tea at such high temperatures and we usually add milk, which cools it down."

Prostate cancer

Link between bone drugs and oesophageal cancer

2010-09-07T10:14:00.001+07:00

BBC News
Long-term use of bone-strengthening drugs - used to treat fractures - may boost the risk of oesophageal cancer, Oxford University research suggests.

The study of 3,000 people found taking bisphosphonates for five years upped the risk from one in 1,000 to two in 1,000 for 60 to 79-year-olds.

The researchers said the risk was small, but reliable information on risks and benefits was needed.

The drugs work by strengthening the bones

But experts said for many, the case for taking the drugs "would be strong".

The findings, published in the British Medical Journal, were based on an analysis of anonymised GP records.

They contrast with previous research which found no increased risk for the bone-strengthening drugs.

'Talk to doctor'

“Anyone who is taking these drugs and is worried about their risk of cancer should talk to their doctor”

End Quote Dr Laura Bell Cancer Research UK

It is not known why the risk may be increased, although the drugs are known to irritate the oesophagus.

Thousands of stomach and colorectum cancers were also studied, but no increased risk was found.

Lead researcher Dr Jane Green said even if the findings were confirmed by other studies "few people" taking bisphosphonates would ever develop the cancer.

"Our findings are part of a wider picture. Bisphosphonates are being increasingly prescribed to prevent fracture and what is lacking is reliable information on the benefits and risks of their use in the long term."

About 600,000 people in the UK are currently taking the drugs - including a tenth of all women over the age of 70.

Dr Laura Bell, from Cancer Research UK, agreed the findings should be treated with caution, pointing out the risks were "still small".

"Anyone who is taking these drugs and is worried about their risk of cancer should talk to their doctor."

The National Osteoporosis Society said: "It is a case of balancing the reduced risk of fractures against the side effects of treatment.

"When you consider the fact that there are 230,000 osteoporotic fractures every year in the UK and 1,150 hip-fracture-related deaths every month, the case for treatment is strong."

Joint pain and stiffness

Don't let the bed bugs bite

2010-09-04T11:48:00.002+07:00

BBC News

Vampire fiction may be all the rage. But the true bloodsuckers after twilight are not charismatic updates of Dracula but tiny insects living in our mattresses, headboards and pillows. Yes, bed-bugs are back and pest controllers are warning of a global pandemic.

"Night night, sleep tight, don't let the bed-bugs bite…" It's long been a favourite rhyme to send children off to sleep. But with experts warning of a worldwide bedbug pandemic, will any of us be able to sleep once we've turned out the light, asks Tom de Castella.

A recent survey of a thousand pest control firms around the world by the University of Kentucky and the United States' National Pest Management Association, appears to show that the bed-bug problem is increasing everywhere.

"The results of the global study suggest that we are on the threshold of a bed-bug pandemic, not just in the United States, but around the world," said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NPMA.

A study led by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine last year found the number of complaints about bed-bugs in the capital grew annually by an average of 28.5% between 2000-2006. And there's no sign of the problem abating with Rentokil reporting the number of bed-bug call outs has gone up by 24% in the first half of the year.

Sniffer dog solution

Hotels in Britain have been using the 'first certified bed-bug sniffer dog in Europe' to seek out the creatures.

"It sounds like a gimmick," says Mark Astley, founder of the consultancy Trust K9.

Lola, a one year-old Jack Russell who was trained in the US, does not kill the bed-bugs but is able to find them far quicker than a human, Mr Astley says.

"Lola can do 200 rooms in a day. It only takes her three minutes to search a room whereas it might take me half an hour."

When she finds them she will paw at the area, allowing her handler to know the problem is bed-bugs and not some other infestation.

Some British hotels have even taken to employing the services of a sniffer dog in a bid to root out infestations of the tiny insects (see box, right).

The problem is already big news in America. The nation's Environmental Protection Agency last month warned of an "alarming resurgence" of bed-bugs, a creature the EPA says causes painful itching, allergic reactions, not to mention mental health problems and negative economic consequences. New York is the worst affected city with office buildings, cinemas and shops - including a branch of expensive lingerie chain Victoria's Secret - having to close.

Pop singer Lauren Hildebrandt detailed her trauma in a press release this week after being bitten by the insects while staying at an "upscale" New York retreat. "I couldn't sleep at night, because I kept thinking they were in my bed. I was unable to wear a bathing suit or even a tank top during this hot summer!"

Politicians have been forced to act. In the past week New York's state government has passed laws requiring landlords to tell prospective tenants of any bed-bug infestation within the past year, and ordering schools to inform parents of any outbreak.

Experts have known about the resurgence in bed-bug populations for the last decade but it's only now wider society has woken up to the problem, says Mike Potter, professor of entomology at the University of Kentucky. Part of that is because bed-bugs are not disease carriers like mosquitoes or rats. And then there's the fact that they are seen as a bit of joke.

“This is the most challenging pest problem for the developed world in a generation”

End Quote Professor Mike Potter University of Kentucky

"For years people have belittled the problem of bed-bugs but now they're beginning to understand this is serious," he says. "Sleepless nights, constant anxiety, the expense of extermination and then not knowing if you've got rid of them, all creates a huge amount of emotional stress that shouldn't be pooh-poohed."

Even the term bed-bug is misleading now with the creatures popping up in laundries, shops, children's nurseries, schools and hospitals. Bed-bugs may not be able to fly or jump but they have a natural ability to stow away in luggage, beds or sofas and come out to feed when they find themselves close to someone sleeping.

Prof Potter fears for the future unless urgent action is taken.

"There's absolutely no reason to think that this bed-bug problem is going to subside on its own. When you look at where we'll be in two years' time and the rate of increase it's going to be very serious. This is the most challenging pest problem for the developed world in a generation."

The bites were so itchy - I do have photos of the bites but they might seriously gross people out!”

End Quote Lauren Hildebrandt

But why are their numbers on the march again? Clive Boase, a British entomologist who runs a pest management consultancy, says we grew complacent after tackling the last great outbreak before World War II.

In the 1930s there were large swaths of London where every house was infested. It took an investigation by the Ministry of Health and the Public Health Act of 1936 to force councils to take action.

"Then from the late 30s their numbers declined. The introduction of DDT in 1946 is the reason normally given for wiping out bed-bugs but by then the problem had been more or less treated. DDT was just the final nail in the coffin for bed-bugs."

The 60s, 70s and 80s were the "golden years" in Britain with bed-bugs beaten back.

Battling bed bugs

Don't take in second-hand beds or mattresses
Don't allow clutter to build up where you sleep - it's a perfect nesting place for bed-bugs
When looking around rented accommodation watch out for tell tale blood spots/smears on sheets, and in the seams of furniture and upholstery
Don't wait to report a problem - nip an infestation in the bud before it grows
Bed-bugs are not thought to be able to bite through clothing. So as a last resort you can zip yourself up in a sleeping bag or an all over body suit
Call pest control to deal with an infestation

Climate change and growing international travel, have been cited as reasons for the bed-bug's comeback. But Mr Boase rejects both explanations.

It is far more likely that bed-bugs have become resistant to commonly used insecticides in the West, he argues. Interestingly the global survey showed pest control firms in Latin America and Asia where stronger, organophosphate chemicals are permitted, found it easier to control bed-bugs, he says.

Mr Boase says there is an urgent need to develop new, more effective bed-bug-killing insecticides which are also environmentally acceptable.

"We can still get rid of bed-bugs from premises here even with the problems we've got with resistance to insecticides. But we just need to work harder."

In the meantime householders need to be more vigilant in reporting the problem early.

Richard Mosely, technical manager at the British Pest Control Association, says the apparent harmlessness of the insect is another reason for their return. Because bed-bugs are not lethal like the hospital infections policymakers feel there's no need to act.

"You may not get the emphasis you would with MRSA. That is a killer. This bug draws blood but doesn't spread disease."

Blood disorders

Why garlic is good for the heart

2010-09-01T20:31:00.001+07:00

BBC News

The smell may be a healthy sign

Researchers have cracked the mystery of why eating garlic can help keep the heart healthy.

The key is allicin, which is broken down into the foul-smelling sulphur compounds which taint breath.

These compounds react with red blood cells and produce hydrogen sulphide which relaxes the blood vessels, and keeps blood flowing easily.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham research appears in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Our results suggest garlic in the diet is a very good thing

Dr David Kraus
University of Alabama

However, UK experts warned taking garlic supplements could lead to side effects.

Hydrogen sulphide generates a smell of rotten eggs and is used to make stink bombs.

But at low concentrations it plays a vital role in helping cells to communicate with each other.

And within the blood vessels it stimulates the cells that form the lining to relax, causing the vessels to dilate.

This, in turn, reduces blood pressure, allowing the blood to carry more oxygen to essential organs, and reducing pressure on the heart.

The Alabama team bathed rat blood vessels in a bath containing juice from crushed garlic.

Striking results

This produced striking results - with tension within the vessels reduced by 72%.

The researchers also found that red blood cells exposed to minute amounts of juice extracted from supermarket garlic immediately began emitting hydrogen sulphide.

Further experiments showed that the chemical reaction took place mainly on the surface of the blood cells.

The researchers suggest that hydrogen sulphide production in red blood cells could be used to standardise dietary garlic supplements.

Lead researcher Dr David Kraus said: "Our results suggest garlic in the diet is a very good thing.

"Certainly in areas where garlic consumption is high, such as the Mediterranean and the Far East, there is a low incidence of cardiovascular disease."

Judy O'Sullivan, a cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: "This interesting study suggests that garlic may provide some heart health benefits.

"However, there remains insufficient evidence to support the notion of eating garlic as medicine in order to reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease.

"Having garlic as part of a varied diet is a matter of personal choice.

"It is important to note that large amounts in supplement form may interact with blood thinning drugs and could increase the risk of bleeding."

Heart Care

Medicine errors 'could harm children'

2010-08-30T20:46:00.002+07:00

BBC News
Many parents are incapable of giving their children the correct dose of liquid medicines, claim Australian researchers.

Using household spoons to measure them out could mean a potentially dangerous overdose, they say.

Children under five are at the highest risk of accidental overdose.

Children under five are at the highest risk of overdose

The study, presented in Lisbon, tested 97 adults and found 61% measured the wrong dose - 17% measured an overdose and 44% did not give enough.

Dr Rebekah Moles, from the University of Sydney, recruited 97 people visiting day-care centres catering for under-fives from the city.

Of these, 53 were mothers, seven were fathers and the rest were day care staff.

“We were surprised and concerned to find that some people thought that medicines must be safe because you can buy them without prescription.”

End Quote Dr Rebekah Moles University of Sydney

The researchers quizzed the adults on a number of scenarios, asking them what they would do next.

For example they told the parent that their youngest child felt hot and irritable, but was still drinking, eating and playing.

Common over-the-counter medicines were made available, together with a selection of spoons and other dosing devices, and the volunteers chose at what point they would use a medicine, and measured out the dose themselves.

Dr Moles said: "Taking all the scenarios together, 61% of the participants would have given an incorrect dose, and only 75% were able to measure accurately what dose they intended to give."

In total, 17% measured out an overdose of the drug, and 44% did not give enough.

"We found that 7% would give a medicine without taking their child's temperature, and 46% would give medicine when the temperature was less than 38 degrees."

In total, only 14% managed the scenario correctly.

Secret shoppers

Dr Moles said that almost half of the 119,000 calls received by the New South Wales Poisons Information Centre, which handles emergency calls from across Australia, concerned accidental overdose in children, with 15% needing hospitalisation.

The vast majority of the calls about children involved under-fives, she said.

Presenting her findings at the annual conference of the International Pharmaceutical Federation in Lisbon, she said: "We were surprised and concerned to find that some people thought that medicines must be safe because you can buy them without prescription.

"For example, one parent said to us that if Panadol (a paracetamol-based painkiller) is available over-the-counter, administering a double dose couldn't do any harm."

She said: "There is an urgent need to review the use of children's over-the-counter medicines by parents.

"We are following up this research by using mystery shoppers to visit pharmacies and see what advice they are given when presenting similar scenarios."

Neal Patel from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, said that it was important for parents to give their child the correct dose.

He said: "If parents are unsure about dosing for children they should always consult the packaging information or seek advice from their local pharmacist."

"Medicines are always supplied in child-proof containers and parents can also help prevent accidental overdose by always keeping medicines out of the sight and reach of children"

Margaret Peycke, from the National Pharmacy Association, said: "Whether you are in Australia or the UK, medicines that are available to buy are safe if used correctly but there are some risks if they are not.

"The medicine should be administered carefully using the spoon or measuring device supplied, to ensure the child does not receive more or less than the recommended dose.

"Household spoons should not be used as a substitute as they do not measure amounts accurately unlike ones that come with the medicine."

Research at John Moores University in Liverpool, also to be presented at a conference this week, concluded that it was feasible to produce "mini-tablets", small enough for a younger child to swallow.

Ayurvedic medicine

Health officials find salmonella at US egg recall farm

2010-08-27T19:57:00.001+07:00

BBC News
US health officials say they have found salmonella in chicken feed used at two farms involved in a major egg recall.

"We do not know at this point how, when or where this feed may have been contaminated," said Jeff Farrar of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

More than 550 million eggs from Wright County Egg and Hillandale Farms in Iowa were recalled earlier this month.

More than 550 million eggs from Wright County Egg and Hillandale Farms were recalled this month

There have been some 1,400 more cases of salmonella-related illnesses than average in the US since 1 May.

Samples of salmonella were found at a feed mill which operates as part of the Wright County Egg facility and also provides feed to Hillandale Farms.

The DNA in the samples matched the DNA of the bacteria in the outbreak, but feed ingredients may not have been the originating point for the salmonella outbreak.

"This may well just be that the birds got in and contaminated or there's just contamination in the facility overall," said Joshua Sharfstein, FDA principal deputy commissioner.

"So we'll obviously be taking a look at everything, all the pieces of the puzzle as it comes together."

As many as 600 samples from 24 locations at the two farms are still being analyzed by investigators.

On 13 August Wright County Egg recalled 380 million eggs distributed under more than a dozen brand names. And on 21 August, Hillandale Farms, voluntarily recalled 170 million of its product.

The massive egg recalls came weeks after a new FDA rule came into effect tightening safety rules at large producers and required testing in poultry houses for salmonella bacteria, Reuters reported.

Experts say salmonella is spread most often by food contaminated by animal fecal matter.

The US Egg Safety Center has information on which eggs US consumers should avoid.

Cleansing the body

Drinking water before meals helps dieting, says study

2010-08-24T09:01:00.001+07:00

BBC NEWS
Drinking water before meals can help people to lose weight, says a US study.

Scientists from Virginia found that slimmers can lose an average of 5lb extra if they drink two cups of water three times a day before meals.

They tested the theory on 48 older adults, split into two groups, over 12 weeks.

Water contains no calories and drinking it makes us feel full

While drinking water can make you feel full on zero calories, say researchers, too much water can also lead to serious health problems.

The researchers presented their findings at the National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Boston.

All adults who took part in the study were aged 55 to 75.

The first group followed a low-calorie diet but did not drink any extra water before meals.

“People should drink more water and less sugary, high-calorie drinks. It's a simple way to facilitate weight management”

End Quote Dr Brenda Davy Virginia Tech

The second group followed the low-calorie diet but also drank two cups of water before each meal.

'No calories'

Over the course of 12 weeks, those drinking water lost about 15.5lbs while the others lost about 11lbs.

A previous study found that middle-aged and older people who drank two cups of water before eating a meal ate between 75 and 90 fewer calories during that meal.

Dr Brenda Davy, senior author of the study, from Virginia Tech, said it was the first randomised controlled trial looking at water consumption and dieting.

She said the reason water may be so effective is because it fills up the stomach with a liquid that has no calories.

"People should drink more water and less sugary, high-calorie drinks. It's a simple way to facilitate weight management," Dr Davy said.

Diet drinks and other drinks with artificial sweeteners may also help people reduce their calorie intake and lose weight, researchers said.

However, Dr Davy advised against drinks sweetened with sugar, because they are high in calories.

A regular can of fizzy drink contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar, she explained.

The study was funded by the charity, The Institute for Public Health and Water Research.

Immune support system

Dark chocolate can be good for the heart, study says

2010-08-19T10:50:00.000+07:00

BBC News
Older women who eat dark chocolate once or twice a week could be lowering their risk of heart failure, says a US study.

It found those eating chocolate once or twice a week cut the risk of developing heart failure by a third, but those eating it every day did not benefit.

Higher cocoa content in the chocolate is associated with greater heart benefits

The Boston study, in a journal of the American Heart Association, looked at nearly 32,000 Swedish women aged between 48 and 83 over nine years.

Dieticians say eating chocolate too often can be damaging and unhealthy.

The study notes that one or two 19 to 30 gram servings of dark chocolate a week led to a 32% reduction in heart failure risk.

This fell to 26% when one to three servings a month were eaten.

But those who ate chocolate every day did not appear to reduce their risk of heart failure at all.

“Whilst antioxidants in chocolate may be helpful to your heart, they can also be found in fruit and veg - foods which don't come with the saturated fat and high calories”

End Quote Victoria Taylor British Heart Foundation

The researchers conclude the protective effect of eating chocolate reduces as more or less is eaten than the optimum one to two servings a week.

'Flavanoids'

Too much chocolate is unhealthy because it contains high levels of sugar and fat which can make people put on weight, the researchers say.

But chocolate also contains high concentration of compounds called flavonoids which can lower blood pressure and protect against heart disease, previous studies have found.

The researchers behind this study say this is the first time long-term effects related specifically to heart failure have been shown.

Dr Murray Mittleman is study leader and director of the Cardiovascular Epidemiology Research Unit at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre in Boston.

He said: "You can't ignore that chocolate is a relatively calorie-dense food and large amounts of habitual consumption is going to raise your risks for weight gain.

"But if you're going to have a treat, dark chocolate is probably a good choice, as long as it's in moderation," Dr Mittleman said.

Cocoa content

Differences in chocolate quality will affect the study's implications, the authors say. Higher cocoa content is associated with greater heart benefits.

Although the chocolate consumed by the Swedish women in the study was milk chocolate, it contained a high concentration of cocoa solids - about 30%.

This is equivalent to dark chocolate by UK standards.

Dark chocolate can contain as much as 75% cocoa while standard milk chocolate may have 25% or less cocoa.

Victoria Taylor, senior dietitian at the British Heart Foundation, said the study showed the importance of finding the right balance in our diets.

Body detoxifying, Detoxify the body

Childhood stress leads to adult ill health, studies say

2010-08-15T23:29:00.001+07:00

BBC News

Adversity and stress early in life leads to long-term ill health and early death, a group of psychologists warn.

A series of studies suggest that childhood stress caused by poverty or abuse can lead to heart disease, inflammation, and speed up cell ageing.

Stress in childhood has long-term effects say psychologists

The American Psychological Association meeting heard that early experiences "cast a long shadow" on health.

One UK expert said more and more evidence was suggesting a physical impact of stress in childhood.

In one study, researchers from the University of Pittsburgh looked at the relationship between living in poverty and early signs of heart disease in 200 healthy teenagers.

“Interactions with others then become a source of stress, which can increase arousal, blood pressure, inflammation levels and deplete the body's reserves”

End Quote Professor Karen Matthews Study leader

They found that those from the worst-off families had stiffer arteries and higher blood pressure.

A second piece of research by the same team showed children from poorer homes were more likely to interpret a series of mock social situations as threatening.

They also had higher blood pressure and heart rates and higher hostility and anger scores during three laboratory stress tasks.

It backs other research showing a link between a stressful childhood and future cardiovascular disease, said study leader Professor Karen Matthews.

She said unpredictable and stressful environments lead children to be "hyper vigilant" to perceived threats.

"Interactions with others then become a source of stress, which can increase arousal, blood pressure, inflammation levels and deplete the body's reserves.

"This sets up risk for cardiovascular disease."

Abuse

Another study presented at the conference showed that childhood events such as the death of a parent or abuse can make people more vulnerable to the effects of stress in later life and even shorten lifespan.

Researchers at Ohio State University looked at a group of older adults - some of whom were carers for people with dementia.

They measured several markers of inflammation in the blood which can be signs of stress, as well as the length of telomeres - protective caps on the ends of chromosomes which have been linked to age-related diseases.

The 132 participants also answered a questionnaire on depression and past child abuse and neglect.

A third study reported some sort of physical, emotional or sexual abuse during childhood.

Those who did face adversity as children had shorter telomeres and increased levels of inflammation even after controlling for age, care-giving status, gender, body mass index, exercise and sleep.

Study leader Professor Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, said: "Our latest research shows that childhood adversity casts a long shadow on one's health and can lead to inflammation and cell ageing much earlier than for those who haven't experienced these events.

"Those reporting multiple adversities could shorten their lifespan by seven to 15 years," she added.

Dr Andrea Danese, a clinical lecturer at the Institute of Psychiatry in London, said such studies had to be interpreted carefully because there is a chance that people do not recall their childhoods accurately and you can only show an association not prove causality.

"But that doesn't mean I don't believe these results.

"The evidence is quite consistent.

"It's already been established that childhood stress has an effect on mental health and it now seems like it has an enduring effect on physical health."

Healing meditation,Alternative healing

Pregnant women told not to fast during holy Ramadan

2010-08-12T20:09:00.002+07:00

By Divya Talwar
BBC Asian Network

Pregnant women who fast during Ramadan could be putting the health of their unborn baby at risk, according to a new study.

Fasting during the month is one of the five pillars of Islam, although pregnant women are exempt if it poses a risk to their health.

Fasting is not advised in pregnancy

However, some Muslim women still choose to fast, despite the health implications.

Aanisa Butt, 32, fasted during both of her pregnancies.

"I wouldn't fast every day, I would do one day of fasting followed by a day of rest. Doing alternate days helped me keep my energy levels up," she said.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and a time when Muslims across the world fast from dawn until sunset.

"When Ramadan falls in the summer, it can be really difficult to stay without food and water the whole day and if you're pregnant it is even more hard," said Aanisa.

"But I wasn't worried about my health or my baby's. I think Allah gives you strength and he protects your unborn child."

Although Aanisa gave birth to two healthy sons, if women fast for long hours during their pregnancy it can result in problems for their unborn child.

A study by scientists in the United States, based on census data from the US, Iraq and Uganda, found that pregnant women who fast are likely to have smaller babies who are more prone to learning disabilities in adulthood.

The researchers from Columbia University found that this trend was most marked if mothers-to-be fasted early on in their pregnancy and during the summer when longer days meant they went more hours without food.

Religious leaders say pregnant women shouldn't attempt to fast as it puts the health of their unborn baby at risk.

Exempt

Imam Madani Abdur Rahman, from London, says Islam does give pregnant women options.

"We have to assess the situation, if the doctor says fasting could cause problems for the mother or her baby, then women should not fast. Health must always come first," he added.

Pregnant women who request an exemption from fasting are expected to make up the days they have missed after the baby is born.

Nuala Close is a nurse at Barts and London Hospital. She says many women do not make use of this provision.

"If women are exempt from fasting they have to make it up at another time, like once they've finished breastfeeding or in the lighter hours.

"But what we are actually finding is that pregnant patients don't actually like to do this and so often they will try to fast during Ramadan as normal."

For Aanisa, having to make up the days later was one of the main reasons she chose to fast in her pregnancy.

"I find it really difficult to make up the time afterwards especially because no one else in the family is fasting. So I try to do as many as I can during the month," she said.

Scholars say if pregnant women cannot fast after Ramadan for any reason, then they can give money to charity instead.

However, since fasting during the month is seen as an integral part of Muslim culture, many women may feel guilty if they do not observe Ramadan.

Health professionals warn that pregnant women should seek advice if they decide to fast.

"Where Ramadan now falls in August, that is a long time of daylight hours where people will be fasting, that will have a detrimental effect on pregnant women, said Ms Close.

"Pregnant women should discus this with their midwife because it can be very dangerous, not just for the women but also for the unborn child."

Heart cholesterol, symptoms heart diseases

Brain creates 'new' nerve cells

2010-08-09T19:11:00.000+07:00

BBC News

A store of regenerating cells has been found in the human brain

Researchers have discovered a type of brain cell that continuously regenerates in humans.

A pool of "resting cells" migrate to create new nerve cells in the part of the brain which deals with smell.

The system has been shown in mice and rats but it was believed it did not exist in the human brain.

Experts said the findings, published in Science, opened up the potential for research into repairing brains in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.

The researchers from the University of Auckland, New Zealand and the Sahlgrenska Academy in Sweden showed stem cells rest in certain areas of the brain, just beneath large fluid-filled chambers called ventricles.

But then they needed to work out how they got to the right part of the brain.

This study is exciting because it reveals a group of brain cells in the adult human brain that are continuously regenerating

Dr Mark Baxter, Oxford University

In many species, it was known that a tube filled with brain fluid enabled these cells to travel to the olfactory bulb - the region of the brain that registers smells - turning into nerve cells as they went.

But until now, this system had not been shown in humans.

Using several techniques, including a powerful electron microscope, the team identified the tube, and showed it contained stem cells as well as cells which were gradually turning into nerve cells as they travelled along.

The researchers said the addition of new nerve cells in the olfactory bulb in humans helped the system respond to different stimuli throughout a person's life.

Brain repair

Experts said the findings could be important for future research into brain cell repair in patients with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and, importantly, that studies in mice would be applicable to humans.

Dr Mark Baxter, Wellcome Trust senior research fellow at Oxford University, said: "This study is exciting because it reveals a group of brain cells in the adult human brain that are continuously regenerating.

"This opens another direction by which we may discover ways to repair human brains that are damaged from injury or diseases, and underscores the importance of animal research in guiding biomedical research in humans."

Professor Sebastian Brandner, head of the division of neuropathology at the Institute of Neurology, University College London, said it has been known for decades that such cells were present in mice and rats.

"Understanding stem cell biology is essential to study brain repair in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and it is even possible that stem cells are the source of some brain tumours."

Professor Clive Ballard, director of research at the Alzheimer's Society, said: "For the first time, this study demonstrates that stem cells are routinely involved in replenishing nerve cells in at least one part of the adult human brain.

"This process raises exciting new questions for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, such as whether stem cells could be stimulated into action when the brain has been injured.

"These findings are the first step to unlocking potentially exciting new treatments."

Memory concentration,how to improve memory

Chilblains

2010-08-06T10:49:00.002+07:00

BBC News, Healthy
Cold weather causes this painful swelling of toes and fingers.

What are chilblains?

Chilblains (which also go by the medical name 'perniosis') are more common in older people, but anyone can be affected. They're most common in colder environments, especially when the climate is damp.

Causes and risk factors

Chilblains are caused by an abnormal response of the blood vessels to cold exposure, particularly when conditions are also damp or humid. The cold causes localised patches of intense swelling in the deeper layers of the skin, triggering the immune system cells to flood in around the blood vessels, which also become swollen.

Symptoms

Symptoms develop 12 to 24 hours after exposure to the cold. The extremities become very itchy, then swollen and red. Painful, burning reddish purple plaques or lumps form, and there may also be blisters and ulcers in more severe cases.

Treatment and recovery

Although a number of different medical treatments have been tried, there is little reliable evidence to show they work and so prevention is most important. This usually involves changing your behaviour. Many people rest their hands or feet against a radiator to warm them up when they're cold, but reheating rapidly like this can cause damage to tissues already stressed by the cold, and can trigger chilblains.

It's best to warm cold hands and feet up slowly. Alternating putting them in and out of warm water then cold water is one easy way of rewarming them safely. Another is by rubbing your wrists together to stimulate the circulation to the hands.

It's important to make sure your fingers and toes stay warm. So always carry a pair of cotton gloves with you, and long socks are probably better than short ones.

Regular exercise, not smoking and a healthy, low-fat diet are essential for strong circulation. Make sure your shoes fit well and feel comfortable. If they rub, the skin may become damaged or infected, making it more vulnerable to chilblain damage.

Some people develop frequent and severe chilblains, and need medication to keep the blood vessels open, maintaining blood flow to the extremities in the cold. Recurrent severe chilblains may also occasionally be a sign of an underlying condition such as connective tissue disorders (for example systemic lupus erythrematosus.)

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Trisha Macnair in October 2009.

Improve your memory

Congenital heart defects

2010-08-02T21:25:00.002+07:00

BBC News, Health
About 30 per cent of children will, at some time, have an innocent murmur. When is it something more serious?

What are Congenital heart defects?

Congenital heart defects are present in about 6 out of 1000 of babies. They take the form of holes between the chambers, blockages in the pathways from the heart to the lungs or the body, or abnormal connections between the chambers and vessels of the heart.

Causes and risk factors

Causes are thought to include:

Development problems during pregnancy, sometimes as a result of a viral infection such as rubella contracted by the mother
Alcohol, illegal drugs and over the counter medicines can also cause defects
Maternal diabetes
Genetic conditions, such as Down’s syndrome

Treatment and recovery

Diagnoses can be made by scans taken during pregnancy but are usually made in the first days or weeks after birth. Diagnosis may not though be made until much later in life.

Holes in the heart can occur:

In the upper chambers (atrial septal defects)
In tower chambers (ventricular septal defects)
Between all four chambers (atrioventricular septal defects).
In the great artery, which is called patent ductal arteriosus. The holes are part of the circulation system in the foetus but should close up after birth.

More complex conditions include Tetralogy of Fallot, which is one cause of the symptom, cyanosis. Babies suffering from this problem are commonly known as ’blue babies’. In Tetralogy of Fallot, the baby has a large hole in the heart, allowing blood to pass from the right ventricle to the left without going through the lungs. There is a narrowing at or just below the pulmonary valve, the right ventricle is more muscular than normal and the aorta lies directly over the hole - the ventricular septal defect.

Babies may have rapid breathing or fall unconscious. Older children may become short of breath and faint. Surgery may be needed to increase blood flow to the lungs with a shunt, linking the aorta and the pulmonary artery. The child is able to develop and the defect can be corrected later.

An arterial switch operation may be necessary to reconnect the arteries correctly. With holes in the heart, oygenated, red blood which has come from the lungs passes into the right side of the heart where it mixes with bluish blood and is sent back to the lungs. The heart is put under extra strain, potentially causing it to enlarge and causing high blood pressure and blood vessel damage. Growth and nourishment are affected.

Holes in the heart are closed with one or two patches and the single valve is divided into two. Blood circulation should be returned to normal but the reconstructed valve may not work normally.

If the defect is too complex to repair in infancy a pulmonary artery band may be surgically used to reduce blood flow and high pressure in the lungs - pulmonary hypertension. The band is later removed and surgery carried out.

An obstruction, called stenosis, can be of the valves between the upper and lower chambers of the heart. More frequently, the obstruction is between the ventricles and trunks coming from them, ,either the valve to the lungs or the valve to the body. Balloon valvuloplasty (where a balloon is threaded through a dilated heart valve) is usually used to correct pulmonary valvular stenosis but open heart surgery may be necessary.

Only severe aortic stenosis requires surgery and some children may have the condition without showing any symptoms. The obstruction can also be within the vessels themselves. In this case the narrowing is within the artery and effects supplies of blood to different parts of the body. This defect may not be picked up for many years.

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Trisha Macnair in February 2009.

Heart health,heart attack,symptoms heart diseases

Addiction drugs may boost weight loss

2010-07-30T18:43:00.001+07:00

By Emma Wilkinson
Health reporter, BBC News

A combination pill of two drugs used to treat addiction may help people lose weight, say US researchers.

The Lancet reports that Naltrexone, commonly used to treat alcoholics and heroin addicts, and the anti-smoking drug bupropion led to greater weight loss than diet and exercise alone.

It is thought the treatment may help beat food cravings.

People can struggle to stick to diets and exercise to lose weight

However, one UK expert said he would like to see much higher weight loss for the drug to be used in clinics.

Professor Nick Finer, an obesity expert from University College London (UCL), said the drug may prove more useful if researchers can better identify who would benefit.

“This is the first drug I'm aware of that targets both the appetite and reward centres in the brain”

End Quote Professor Frank Greenway Study leader

In the study, 1,700 overweight and obese adults were all offered a weight-loss programme with diet and exercise advice.

Two-thirds were also given the combination treatment (in one of two doses) and a third were given a placebo, or dummy pill, to take twice a day.

Only half completed the trial, which lasted a year.

Overall those taking the treatment lost an average of 5% to 6% of their weight depending on the dose, compared with 1.3% in the placebo group.

The researchers said if only those who completed the trial were included, weight loss was 8% of body weight for those on the anti-addiction drugs.

The treatment was not without side effects which included nausea, headaches, constipation, dizziness, vomiting and a dry mouth.

'Better control'

The drug is designed to target both the parts of the brain controlling appetite but also reward.

Regulators in the US are currently looking at whether the treatment, which will be marketed as Contrave, should be licensed.

Study leader Professor Frank Greenway, from Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Louisiana, said although 5% may not seem like a huge weight loss, it could make a real difference in terms of health risks.

"I think the weight loss we saw was significant even if it might not be as much as many people would like to see," he said.

Lose weight quick, Body detoxification, blood sugar levels

Education 'helps brain compensate for dementia changes'

2010-07-26T18:21:00.002+07:00

By Caroline Parkinson
Health reporter, BBC News
People who stay in education for longer appear to be better able to compensate for the effects of dementia on the brain, a study suggests.

A UK and Finnish team found those with more education were as likely to show the signs of dementia in their brains at death as those with less.

The effects of dementia were seen across those studied

But they were less likely to have displayed symptoms during their lifetime, the study in Brain said.

Experts said scientists now had to find out why the effect occurred.

Over the past decade, studies on dementia have consistently shown that the more time you spend in education, the lower the risk of dementia.

But studies have been unable to show whether or not education - which is linked to higher socio-economic status and healthier lifestyles - protects the brain against dementia.

Compensation

The researchers in this study examined the brains of 872 people who had been part of three large ageing studies.

Before their deaths they had also completed questionnaires about their education.

The researchers found that more education makes people better able to cope with changes in the brain associated with dementia.

“Start Quote Education in early life appears to enable some people to cope with a lot of changes in their brain before showing dementia symptoms”

End Quote Dr Hannah Keage Cambridge University

Post-mortems showed the pathology - signs of disease - in the brains of people with and without long educations were at similar levels.

But the researchers found those with more education are better able to compensate for the effects of the condition.

It also showed that, for each year spent in education, there was an 11% decreased risk of developing dementia.

Dr Hannah Keage of the University of Cambridge, who co-authored the study, said: "Previous research has shown that there is not a one-to-one relationship between being diagnosed with dementia during life and changes seen in the brain at death.

"One person may show lots of pathology in their brain while another shows very little, yet both may have had dementia.

"Our study shows education in early life appears to enable some people to cope with a lot of changes in their brain before showing dementia symptoms."

'Dementia resistant'

The researchers used data from the Eclipse collaboration, which combines the three European population-based longitudinal studies of ageing from the UK and Finland which have assessed people for up to 20 years.

Professor Carol Brayne, who led the study, said: "Education is known to be good for population health and equity.

"This study provides strong support for investment in early life factors which should have an impact on society and the whole lifespan.

"This is hugely relevant to policy decisions about the importance of resource allocation between health and education."

Ruth Sutherland, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society, said: "This is the largest study ever to confirm that hitting the books could help you fight the symptoms of dementia in later life. What we don't know is why a longer education is so good for you.

"It could be that the types of people who study longer have large brains which adapt better to changes associated with dementia.

"Another reason could be that educated people find ways of managing or hiding their symptoms."

She added: "We now need more research to find out why an education can make the brain more 'dementia resistant'. Until then the message appears to be stay in school."

Rebecca Wood, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Research Trust, added: "During dementia, proteins build up in the brain and nerve cells become damaged. This research suggests that education is not able to stop the damage but enables the brain to cope better and alleviate its impact. "

Mental health

Bone 'turnover' link to diabetes

2010-07-23T19:31:00.002+07:00

BBC News The skeleton has a key role in regulating blood sugar and may be the underlying cause of diabetes in some people, say US researchers.

A study in mice found that the breakdown of old bone to make way for new bone growth also helps to keep a healthy level of glucose in the blood.

The skeleton is under constant renewal as new bone is grown and old bone broken down

A hormone called osteocalcin seems to be the link, it showed.

The Columbia team, writing in Cell, say the findings may lead to better drugs to help control Type 2 diabetes.

Study leader Dr Gerard Karsenty, from Columbia University Medical Center, had already done work showing osteocalcin, which is released by bone, can regulate glucose levels.

It switches on the production of insulin in the pancreas which in turn improves the ability of other cells to take in glucose from the blood.

But in the latest study, he found that osteocalcin only works when bone is being broken down during its natural turnover.

Further tests on osteocalcin and glucose levels in a small group of patients with a genetic defect in their bone turnover supported the initial findings in mice.

'Important implications'

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the condition and is caused when the body no longer properly responds to insulin leading to out of control blood sugar.

“Start Quote Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet and being more physically active can help to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes”

End Quote Dr Victoria King Diabetes UK

The results suggest that for some people, diabetes may be triggered by changes in the skeleton.

Also drugs designed to stimulate this link between bone and insulin may lead to better treatments for type 2 diabetes, he adds.

One important consequence of the finding is that bone-strengthening drugs used in conditions such as osteoporosis may interfere with this process and cause problems with blood sugar.

"This research has important implications for both diabetes and osteoporosis patients," he said.

"First, this research shows that osteocalcin is involved in diabetes onset

"Secondly, bone may become a new target in the treatment of type 2 diabetes as it appears to contribute strongly to glucose intolerance

"And finally, osteocalcin could become a treatment for type 2 diabetes."

Dr Victoria King, head of research at Diabetes UK, said: "The research is interesting and this area of investigation could open up the possibility of more targets for drugs to treat or prevent type 2 diabetes."

But she warned the research was in the very early stages.

"What we do know at this stage is that lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet and being more physically active can help to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and can also help people diagnosed with the condition to manage it more effectively."

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