Body Mass Index
January 31 2013
The Body Mass Index formula created by scientists to calculate if someone is overweight traditionally divided the person’s weight in kilograms by their height in metres squared, with the aim of giving the individual a measure of their body’s fat level.
However, scientists are arguing that the chart has made tall people more overweight and those who are shorter not fat enough as it did not take into account a person’s weight tends to grow with their height, giving taller people more room to bulge.
Professor Nick Trefethen, a leading mathematician, has said: “The NHS relies on the BMI pervasively in all of its public discussions of obesity. We deserve an explanation of what justification they have for using this formula. BMI divides the weight by too large a number for short people and too small a number for tall people. So short people are misled into thinking they are thinner than they are, and tall people are misled into thinking they are fatter.”
Blocked Nose
January 29 2013
The common cold is the much discussed virus of the season; causing headaches, sore throats, blocked and runny noses.
The latter making you to want to blow your nose constantly to clear the stuffiness from your head but actually this could be making it worse. Studies have shown that blowing doesn’t work as the blocked nose is not caused by mucus but by the swelling or inflammation of the blood vessels in the nasal airway which is triggered by the infection.
Instead, it is best to blow one nostril at a time, gently, so as to not force infection-laden mucus into the sinuses. Decongestant can also help in the tablet or medical nasal spray form as they narrow the small blood vessels in the nose which reduces swelling and opens up the nasal airways so that you can breathe freely again. To prevent further infection to others around you the team also suggest putting tissues in the bin once you have used them and washing your hands to prevent transmission.
HIV Misunderstood
January 27 2013
HIV is still widely misunderstood in the UK with almost 50 per cent of people still not knowing how it is contracted.
Shockingly, out of 12,000 questioned in a survey by the National Aids Trust, 46 per cent incorrectly think you can get HIV by means such as being spat at, bitten, or stepping on a needle in the park. Deborah Jacks, chief executive at the National Aids Trust said: “We often read stories in the media about people having to take HIV tests after being spat at, bit or stepping on a needle in a park; however the risk from these activities is either non-existent or incredibly low. Misinformation about how you can contract HIV leads to anxiety and feeds stigma and discrimination towards people living with the disease. The stigma can be incredibly damaging. It is also an immense distraction from the overwhelming risk factor for HIV in the UK – unsafe sex.”
The study also revealed that only four out of ten people knew that 95 per cent of HIV infections in the UK are due to unprotected sex. Currently there is no cure for HIV but treatments are now more effective at assisting those with the virus to live longer.
Hospital Understaffing
January 23 2013
Seventeen NHS hospitals have been told their staffing levels are too low and therefore they do not have enough staff “to keep people safe and meet their health and welfare needs”.
Hospitals were not the only health care providers to be revealed as being understaffed; London Ambulance Service and eight mental health units were also warned about the safety of their staffing levels. The Care Quality Commission revealed its findings after its latest inspections following the growing concerns over the safety and dignity of NHS patients.
Jeremy Hunt, Health Secretary, said there was “no excuse” for hospitals not to provide adequate staff and he expected “swift action” to be taken by those who are failing. Katherine Murphy, chief executive of the Patients Association said: “It is a deeply worrying picture”.
Tomatoes Reduce Heart Attacks
January 17 2013
Researchers at Cambridge University have come up with a possible solution to cut heart attacks – Tomatoes.
Supplement Ateronon contains a chemical found in tomato skin, lycopene, which is known to break down fatty deposits in the arteries. The study found the capsule, which is equivalent to 6lb of ripe tomatoes, boosted blood flow and improved the lining of vessels in patients with pre-existing heart conditions.
Further studies are planned but Ian Wilkinson, of Cambridge University’s clinical trials unit says: “These results are potentially very significant but we need more trials to see if they translate into fewer heart attacks and strokes”.
