Hello and welcome to this week’s round-up on the biggest news stories in the world of health. From medical breakthroughs to scorching weather conditions, this week’s round-up certainly has a wide breadth of topics to take on. So, without further ado, let’s begin.
New breakthroughs in research
This week has been great for research breakthroughs. Just today, researchers from Cambridge and Toronto have announced that there has been new progress in understanding the causes motor neuron disease and a rare form of dementia. They have found a protein that cause brain cells to die in both conditions and are cautiously optimistic about how this breakthrough can help further research and improve treatments.
In addition to this, scientists have begun work on a skin implant which could help aid the detection of cancer. The implant reacts when elevated levels of calcium are present in the body, which is linked to some cancers. The research is still in its infancy, however scientists are hopeful that the technology will be successful and help in the fight against cancer.
Finally, a new drug, named Erenumab, has been developed which has been seen to help combat migraines. It has managed to work where other drugs have failed and takes the form of a monthly injection. Early signs of the drugs success are promising and, if the costs a justified, could be offered as a treatment plan for patients on the NHS.
Dealing with the weather
Now, April really is turning the heat up. You’d be forgiven for forgetting that it was snowing only about a month ago. With the new weather comes new problems; for starters, how is anyone expected to get any sleep in this heatwave? Well, if you’re struggling to get some z’s, take a look at these helpful tips and get that well needed sleep!
We all know exercise is good for the mind and body, but in this weather the thought of exercise can definitely be daunting. If you need some tips and tricks for getting the most out of your exercise in this heat, then this guide is exactly what you’re looking for. Let’s not forget that the London Marathon is also taking place this weekend, with many runners taking part to raise money for all manner of charities. With runners and spectators from across the world attending the event, staying safe keeping hydrated should be at the top of your list. If you’re running the marathon, we wish you all the best of luck!
Finally, with the hot weather comes hay fever. As the sunnier weather brings with it the risk of higher pollen counts, hay fever is a real concern for many people across the UK. If you suffer with hay fever, there are things you can do to help minimise the problems you face in this heat and enjoy the sun just like the rest.
Being prepared or pregnancy
Before, during and after pregnancy, how you look after your body is extremely important. The latest research that has found many UK women are not “nutritionally prepared for pregnancy” should be alarming news.
The research found the health of both parents before conception plays a key role in healthy pregnancies as well as the child’s long-term health. However, the research found that many women were not in a healthy place because of their diet. And the problem didn’t just sit with women; it was also found in a related review that linked male obesity with adverse effects to a child’s development.
If you are worried about your diet or have any health tips you would like to share, head to talkweight.
The truth behind being a patient
Being a patient can be tough, but it appears that it’s becoming more difficult. This is down to the fact that there are unprecedented numbers of patients living with multiple conditions at once, leading many to label being a patient as a full-time job, due to the amount of appointments and screenings they have to go through.
The researchers behind the study have stated that the NHS and other health systems are not prepared to take on these new developments – with many doctors and nurses all too often focussed on a single condition. This is turn leads patients to a prolonged time in the system, with multiple appointments with different specialists, adding additional strain not only to the patients but the NHS system as well.
And that’s it for this week’s round-up. If you want to continue to conversation, head over to the talkhealth forums!
talkhealth
This is the talkhealth blog spot, where we post on a wide range of health conditions, topics, issues and concerns. We post when we see something that we believe is of interest to our visitors. Our posts do not reflect any particular view or standpoint of talkhealth, but are merely to raise attention and awareness.
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