Health

[SteveH]

Asthma: Scientists find new cause of lung damage

UK scientists say they have found a new cause behind much of the damage asthma causes.

Cells lining the airways are squeezed to destruction during an attack, their research shows.

And drugs to prevent this, rather than manage its aftermath, might break the cycle of harm, the Kings College London researchers told the Science journal.

The airways of people with asthma are sensitive to triggers such as pollen, pets and exercise....

They become inflamed or swollen, causing symptoms including coughing, wheezing and breathlessness.

Existing drugs or inhalers can reduce this inflammation and help keep the airways open.

But repeated attacks can cause permanent scarring and narrowing of the airways.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-68731197

[SteveH]

Do you have type 2 diabetes? Here's how you should be eating

Cookbook author and restaurateur Katie Caldesi's husband Giancarlo was diagnosed over 10 years ago, she shares her secret to eating well

A cookbook author and restaurateur has shared the secret to eating well with type 2 diabetes, and a low-carb diet seems to be the way forward. When Katie Caldesi's husband, Giancarlo, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes more than a decade ago, they 'didn't take it seriously' at first.

cont https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/do-you-have-type-2-diabetes-heres-how-you-should-be-eating/

[Hugo]

When I was first diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes I immediately gave up eating chocolates and cakes which I loved and found it easier than expected.    We sent off for a few books on eating with Diabetes and one, an American one was rubbish and it went in the bin.  The other was helpful and I'm sure that Katie Caldesi's book would be a good help to anyone who has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes,

[SteveH]

Professor Tim Spector explains simple change that could aid weight loss
He said it could also improve blood sugar levels and help with heart health

An expert in nutrition has explained a simple change to your eating habits that could aid weight loss and improve heart health. Professor Tim Spector, professor of genetic epidemiology at King's College London and founder of the Zoe health app, espoused the benefits of intermittent fasting during an episode of his podcast.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKrG7gMzAQY

While speaking with fasting guru Gin Stephens on his show, which can be found here, he claimed that this specific manner of consuming food can profoundly impact weight reduction. It comes after contentious preliminary studies recently presented at the American Heart Association (AHA)'s Epidemiology and Prevention, Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Scientific Sessions, suggested those who ate their entire day's worth of calories within an eight-hour window - a form of intermittent fasting - faced a 91% increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/professor-tim-spector-explains-simple-28983167?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

[SteveH]

Wales sees massive spike in dangerous 100-day cough that leaves people 'feeling awful'
Cases of whooping cough are at their highest levels for nearly a decade

Whooping cough is on the rise again after March saw the highest rate of the potentially ?dangerous? disease for ten years, Public Health Wales warned. Statistics revealed there were more cases in Wales in one week of March 2024 than the whole of 2021 and 2022 combined.

Now pregnant women and those with young children are being urged to get a vaccine as the disease, also known as the 100-day cough, continues to spread in the community. Public Health Wales figures show there were 55 reported cases of whooping cough in 2021, 55 in 2022, and 199 in 2023.

But in the four weeks from March 4 there were 315 cases. This included 122 cases in a single week, starting March 11, - more than 2021 and 2022 combined. The actual numbers are likely far higher as many cases go unreported.

Regional figures aren?t available for 2024, but North Wales, the area covered by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, had the joint highest number of whooping cough cases in Wales in 2021, the highest number in 2022, and the second highest number in 2023.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wales-sees-massive-spike-dangerous-29059914

[SteveH]

NHS issue norovirus warning as cases soar - and urge Brits to stay at home

Scientists from the UK Health Security Agency say the miserable weather in spring may be to blame for rise

Brits who have been struck down by a nasty bug causing vomiting and diarrhoea, are being advised to stay away from work or school, due to an increase in cases.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported that norovirus cases are higher than expected for this time of year, attributing the spread of the illness to the dismal weather. Government testing labs have recorded norovirus cases at 75% above the five-year average for the same four-week period,

The UKHSA is currently investigating the cause, suggesting "multiple factors" may be contributing to the unexpected numbers, including changes in testing since the Covid pandemic and the chilly spring weather.

Norovirus can lead to dehydration in addition to vomiting and diarrhoea, so it's crucial to keep hydrated if you're affected. Those in vulnerable groups, such as young children and older or immunocompromised individuals, are particularly at risk.

If you have norovirus, the NHS asks that you stay off school or work until two days after you have stopped being sick or had diarrhoea, as this is when you're most infectious. It's also important not to visit hospitals or care homes during this time. Washing your hands with soap and cleaning surfaces will bleach-based products will help stop the bug from spreading - but don't just rely on hand sanitiser, as this does not kill norovirus.

Read more  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/nhs-issue-norovirus-warning-cases-29199279

[SteveH]

Saliva tests carried out at home are better at identifying men who are at higher risk of prostate cancer than the standard blood test, new research suggests.

The at-home test could identify genetic factors which make men more likely to develop the disease which claims around 12,000 lives a year in the UK.

The study was carried out by the Institute of Cancer Research, London, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.

They hoped the findings could "turn the tide on prostate cancer".
cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cw44e32veg3o


Melanoma skin cancer cases rising in UK
A cancer charity is warning people to do more to protect themselves from the sun as the number of melanoma skin-cancer cases in the UK continues to rise.

Cancer Research UK predicts there will be a record 20,800 cases diagnosed this year – up from a yearly average of 19,300 between 2020 and 2022.

Its analysis shows rates rose by almost a third, external between 2009 and 2019 - from 21 to 28 cases per 100,000 people.

The rise in diagnoses is due partly to a growing ageing population and an increase in awareness of the signs of skin cancer.
cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2ll0eywz37o

[SteveH]

How your diet can influence anxiety levels: Foods to eat and those to steer clear of

Several studies have shown certain foods and drink can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/how-your-diet-can-influence-29279598

[SteveH]

Pins and needles warning - look out for these two things, says doctor

The condition is common, but it may be hiding an underlying illness in some cases

cont https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/pins-and-needles-warning-look-out-for-these-two-things-says-doctor/

[SteveH]

A just in case warning ................

An invasive species of mosquito has set up home in 13 countries in the EU, including France, Spain and Greece, with experts linking their presence to a rise in dengue fever in Europe.

Climate change is creating favourable conditions for the tiger mosquito to spread, said the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

As far north as Paris, where the Olympic Games will take place at the end of July, authorities have been monitoring and trapping the insect.

The ECDC has warned international travel will further increase the risk of more European outbreaks.

It has advised people to remove stagnant water from gardens or balconies, where mosquitoes can breed, and use repellent as well as screens on windows and doors.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce5520m6x2go

[SteveH]

HAYFEVER suffers have been warned by an expert ahead of the "worst week of the year so far".

Many weather forecasters have predicted very high pollen counts across parts of north Wales over the next few days.

The very high pollen count is in effect from today (June 18) until Thursday (June 20) in North Wales.

As temperatures look set to rise, so does the pollen count, leading to a warning from allergens expert Max Wiseberg.

"The first very high pollen counts of the year are forecast for Wales from today and for the following three days," he said.

cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/24394053.hayfever-sufferers-warned-ahead-high-pollen-count/

[SteveH]

Three popular sunscreen lotions offer less protection than they claim, according to consumer organisation Which?

Which? carried out spot-checks on 26 sunscreens. Three lotions, from Calypso Sun, Bondi Sands and Asda did not pass all the tests - but others, including some cheaper options from supermarkets Aldi and Lidl, did.

Asda questioned the validity of the Which? tests, saying independent tests of the same batch had confirmed the lotion provided the level of protection on the label.

Calypso Sun said all products were carefully tested and passed European Union standards.

Which?, external says these products failed some of its checks:

Calypso Sun Press & Protect Sun Lotion SPF30

Asda Protect Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF 30 High

Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Face Sunscreen Lotion

Lotions that passed the tests included:   https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgeevnvj997o

[SteveH]

The UK is at a "tipping point", with low uptake of routine vaccinations putting children at risk of catching severe diseases, health officials say.

Stalling vaccination rates against some diseases, such as whooping cough and measles, means population immunity is no longer high enough to stop outbreaks.

Latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), for January-March, show a small increase in some vaccinations, including a 0.3% rise in pre-school booster jabs given to under-fives.

But targets are still being missed.

The World Health Organization (WHO) target is for 95% of under-fives to be vaccinated.

And for the six-in-one jab - against whooping cough, polio and tetanus - and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine this was exceeded in Scotland and Wales.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3ggge56x1qo

[SteveH]

Recent research by Well Pharmacy revealed that nearly eight in ten young Brits find it 'normal' or 'acceptable' to get sunburned on holiday. Among 18 to 24-year-olds, almost a third think a 'bit of sunburn is fine', and nearly 20% believe it’s okay because 'red skin eventually turns brown'.

Overall, 15% of this age group consider getting sunburned as just 'part of being on holiday', and 17% only apply sun cream 'when they remember'. The research indicates a concerning trend as two-thirds of Gen Z have been sunburned at least once in the last year, with 11% ending up in the hospital due to severe burns.

Millennials aren’t much better, with 15% of those aged 25 to 34 having been to hospital for sunburn at least once in the past year. Overall, two-thirds of Brits have a relaxed attitude towards sunburn while on holiday, with 69% of men and 54% of women accepting red skin while away.

Sun safety tips cont https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/young-brits-show-a-casual-approach-to-sunburn-despite-health-risks-study-finds/

PS
From experience, the slower you tan, the longer it lasts, also you loose most of your holiday tan on the air conditioned plane on the way home.......... 

[SteveH]

Dr Amir Khan has revealed the secret to looking and feeling good for longer – and it's something many people grow in their gardens. The TV doctor singled out one food group as being particularly beneficial for our health.

He said: "So, it's all the things we've talked about – good quality sleep, good quality food. If you want a food that's really going to make you live longer and look younger, what you need to eat more of is berries."

Speaking on the Private Parts podcast on YouTube last year, he explained that blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries are "full of antioxidants". Now, this is a term we often hear, but what are antioxidants and what do they actually do?

Read more  https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/tvs-dr-amir-khan-says-these-fruit-will-help-us-live-longer-and-look-younger?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589