On the face of it, it may seem puzzling that a one-off operation which severs the nerves connected to the kidney lowers high blood pressure. But it’s not so surprising if we remember the kidneys play an important role in … Read More
Poor sleep can lead to negative change in behaviour
Sleep is a hot topic at the moment, even though why we need it remains a mystery. But we do know lack of it promotes obesity and predisposes someone to Type 2 diabetes, and poor quality sleep may raise blood … Read More
There’s a diabetes drug that also helps to fight the flab
Many people with Type-2 diabetes will be taking the drug metformin because it helps the body respond to insulin, so stops blood glucose levels from soaring too high. In a new twist, a 15-year study of more than 30,000 people found it … Read More
We must probe the link between HRT and Alzheimer’s
As a woman who took HRT at the first sign of a hot flush I’ve wondered if my exposure to it for so long was a good thing. In particular, does HRT protect against dementia or not? The decision to take HRT … Read More
Limiting screen time may do wonders for teenagers’ sleep
Sleep problems again. This time in teenagers. The interesting aspect of this new study is that their sleep problems can be improved in just one week. How? Limiting evening exposure to screens, mobile phones, tablets and computers could do the … Read More
A simple blood test could replace use of cameras when colon cancer is suspected
These days the gold standard for colon cancer screening is optical colonoscopy, where the inside of the large bowel is viewed through a micro-camera. Patients have to complete day-long prep for this, ensuring their bowels are empty. Unsurprisingly this puts a lot … Read More
High-tech apps and sensors will help the elderly at home
The many new home apps have come at just the right time as the number of old people living longer increases. But as a result, diseases of old age, such as dementia, will rise in parallel. Home medical apps are … Read More
New blood test that can spot Alzheimer’s offers diagnosis hope
At the moment we can only detect Alzheimer’s once the destructive protein plaques are already formed in the brain. Too late. Any treatments we have are largely ineffective at this stage. We know, however, the first changes of Alzheimer’s happen … Read More
Do IVF children have a higher risk of developing cancer?
From its early hesitant beginnings in the late 1970s with the first ‘test tube’ baby, Louise Brown, IVF has graduated to an accepted way of conceiving a baby for many couples. But is there any difference in health risks between children born … Read More
Why calorie counting can be so inaccurate
You’ll be glad to hear calorie counting is outdated. So why do we continue to use it as a guide to healthy eating? Well, it’s simple. A number is very easy to assess, count and act on. Also, it’s entrenched. … Read More