Colitis and Crohn's disease are chronic illnesses for which there is no known cure. Known collectively as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), symptoms include pain, diarrhoea, fever and loss of appetite. Sufferers of IBD, including young children, may make up to 30 trips to the toilet every day. The Irish Society for Colitis and Crohn's Disease is hosting a public meeting at the Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Tallaght. Speakers at 2.30 p.m. on Saturday will include Prof Colm O Morain, gastroenterologist. For further information, contact the ISCC: tel 01-8721416 (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.) or fax 018735737.
Some diet supplements such as varieties of vitamin tablets and garlic capsules may not be very good for you, according to a survey by the UK Food Commission. Researchers found products were misleadingly labelled and some contained additives from insect secretions and carcasses, arsenic and colouring agents banned from most foods. €120, or cochineal, for example, is made from dead cactus beetles, and shellac is made from the secretions of tree-dwelling insects in India. High sodium levels were found in many products to make them fizz, but some carried no warning label for those on a low-sodium diet. (BBC)
If you feel tired all the time, and suffer from unexplained anaemia, this may indicate coeliac disease or gluten intolerance, according to a study published in the British Medical Journal. Sufferers of the disorder are allergic to gluten, which is found in grains including wheat, rye, barley and oats. Symptoms include diarrhoea, weight loss and chronic fatigue. Coeliac disease is prevalent in the west of Ireland and Italy, where one in 300 has the disorder - compared, for instance, to the UK, one in 1000 is thought to be affected.
Smoking 35 or more cigarettes a day may increase the risk of benign prostate enlargement, or hyperplasia (BPH), although consuming about two alcoholic drinks a day may reduce the risk, US researchers say. Previous studies have shown cigarette smoking is associated with a lower risk. Symptoms are a frequent need to urinate and difficulty in urinating. BPH, which is a common condition affecting men as they age, usually results in a prostate operation. (American Journal of Epidemiology)
Anxiety and stress experienced during pregnancy may affect fetal development and birth weight. A UK study of 100 women found those more anxious during pregnancy tend to have smaller babies. The researchers suggest maternal anxiety may cause reduced blood flow through the uterine arteries which, in turn, may affect foetal growth and therefore birth weight. However, high levels of maternal stress did not seem to increase the risk of obstetric complications. (Reuters)
New research at Queen's University, Belfast has found suntan lotions may carry a risk. The study into the chemical, PBSA, which is present in many sunscreens, found it damages DNA in a test tube - although there is no evidence it could penetrate human cells. However, scientists warned against throwing away sunscreens because the risk of skin cancer is greater if you go out in the sun without protection. (BBC)