Migraine affects approximately 300,000 people in the Republic and sufferers typically miss between 1.5 and 4.5 days from work each year. An Irish survey of migraine sufferers shows 59 per cent have never consulted their GP about the condition, the majority because they believed there was no effective treatment. However, over 80 per cent of GPs surveyed said they regard the new prescription-only medication, triptans, as effective and over 95 per cent say this treatment can significantly improve a sufferer's quality of life.
An international study into the anti-cancer benefits of the mineral selenium is to be launched by the UK Cancer Research Campaign, following a US study which showed that people who took 200 micrograms a day halved their risk of getting cancer. Selenium has an antioxidant effect when combined with vitamin E, and is found in meat, fish, grain and Brazil nuts. (BBC)
Galway gets the "Body and Mind Connection" next Sunday - with classes (such as bellydancing and ashtanga yoga), workshops (the Alexander Technique) and an alternative health exhibition. At the sports centre/New theatre, NUI, Galway. Cost: £25 for the day (including lunch) or £5 per class. For further information and booking, tel 087-6882839/fax 091750545.
Herbal products are widely used as dietary supplements, but many have not undergone clinical testing. The US National Cancer Institute has nominated four products: aloe vera (a cosmetic); kava kava (a mood elevator); ginseng (used for increased vigour); and milk thistle (considered to have anti-cancer and liver-protective properties), for testing by the National Toxicity Program. It has also recommended a substance, indole-3-carbinol, found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, and thought to inhibit cancer.
The risk of cerebral palsy in infants can be accurately identified by urine tests, according to researchers in Taiwan. The relative concentrations of two chemicals (lactate and creatinine) in a newborn's urine can be measured in a new test of infants who experience asphyxia during birth. This test enables early diagnosis, which is essential for new treatments of cerebral palsy (such as cooling the baby to minimise brain damage caused by restoring the oxygen supply). (New England Journal of Medicine)
Women who diet may lose more than weight, according to a US study, which found those who switch to a low-fat diet without taking adequate exercise can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. Women who participated in the study lost an average of 7 lbs over 18 months, while taking moderate exercise (and calcium supplements), but also lost twice the amount of bone mineral density of women who did not modify their diet or exercise pro- gramme. Women who increased their physical activity to a high level had significantly less bone loss than those with low levels of activity. (Eureka Alert)
What children eat is directly linked to their health as adults, according to a panel of paediatric nutrition experts. Evidence from animal studies shows early exposure to phytoestrogens (found in plants such as soy) may be beneficial - decreasing susceptibility to breast cancer in adult animals and reducing the size of prostate glands in rats.