More health news in brief.
HSE reminds those at risk to get flu vaccine
The HSE yesterday reminded everyone at risk of influenza this winter to get the vaccine. This year's national Flu Vaccination campaign is targeting the three key at-risk groups for influenza - everyone aged over 65, healthcare staff and carers, and younger people with long-term illnesses such as asthma, heart problems, etc. The HSE's website, www.immunisation.ie, provides details on the flu vaccination.
Cancer linked to meat and dairy
Meat and dairy products may increase the risk of prostate cancer by raising levels of a cell-growth hormone, new research suggests.
Scientists found a significant association between blood levels of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) and the likelihood of men being diagnosed with the disease. For those in the top fifth of the normal range, the risk went up 40 per cent compared with those at the bottom end of the scale. Previous studies have shown that IGF-1 levels are higher in individuals who consume a lot of meat, milk, butter and cheese. A link between IGF-1 and prostate cancer has been suspected before, but convincing evidence for it has been lacking. By combining results from 12 separate blood sample studies, the authors of the new research were able to identify the trend more clearly.
Xpress centre
Medical care at Xpress Med Urgent Care Centre in Dublin's Smithfield is provided by A&E consultants, not doctors as was stated in a panel in last week's supplement.