Healthwise    November 2010  

Healthwise is a regular column written especially for laterlife.com members and visitors. Welcome to healthwise 128.

For previous articles in the healthwise series visit 'More Healthwise'  

NEWS AND VIEWS
FROM THE WORLD OF MEDICINE AND HEALTH

We should all be delighted at the advances now being made by scientists, researchers and the medical profession. For 2010 we will continue to highlight some of the latest developments in health and medicine. 

Healthwise 128

Aspirin for cancer

A report from Oxford University says that taking a low dose of aspirin every day can help cut the chance of developing bowel cancer by a quarter.

The information follows a trial where people took 75mg of aspirin for five years and were then followed up for 20 years afterwards.

Other research has indicated that aspirin can help with a range of diseases from heart disease to dementia. More trials are planned.

Distant health checks

A system has been demonstrated in San Diego which links a mobile phone to a monitoring system which can check various cardiac performances plus brain and muscle activity.

The mobile heart monitoring system transmits signals from a wireless electrocardiogram or heart monitoring sensor system to a mobile phone which can then forward continual information to a medical team.

It is part of ongoing research into mobile health to provide long-term monitoring of at-risk patients so that they can maintain their mobility and comfort. In the future it is hoped that patients who need constant monitoring may no longer be compelled to stay in hospital and could be monitored at home.

Simple blood test for kidney problems

Just one blood test could provide enough information to identify people’s risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD).

A study carried out at the national Heart, Lung and Blood Institute in Framingham, America, showed that there were three clear biomarkers in a single blood sample than can be used to identify a high risk of CKD.

The study might also help to provide clues into how CKD develops. However, the study was limited to participants of European ancestry and more research is needed to see if the results are also applicable to multi –ethnic populations as well.

Beneficial ingredients for toothpaste.

An average human has around 1,000 different kinds of bacteria in their mouth thanks to the optimum conditions of warmth and moisture.

A study in General Dentistry has disclosed that toothpaste that contains triclosan and copolymer is better than regular fluoride toothpaste in killing this bacteria.

Triclosan helps to inhibit plaque and gingivitis and copoplymer helps to keep the triclosan in the mouth for as long as possible.

Problems with estrogen therapy found in mice

A study just released indicates that estrogen therapy, used by women going through the menopause, can cause a type of ovarian cancer to grow five times faster.

The information has been issued by the University of Colorado Cancer Centre. Professor Monique Spillman, who led the research, said the study examined the effect of ERT in mouse models where it was clear that estrogen replacement substantially increased the growth rate of the tumors.

However the study only looked at the effect of estrogen replacement therapy in mice that already possessed certain ovarian cancer cells. It did not test whether the estrogen replacement actually could cause the development of these cancer cells. The study also dealt only with estrogen replacement, which is linked to higher risks of ovarian cancer, not combined estrogen/progesterone therapy which is used with women who retain their uteruses.

If in any doubt about any of the information covered in healthwise articles and it's relevance for you, consult your GP.

IN THE PREVIOUS EDITION

Better use for beta blockers.
Studies showed that Beta Blockers can slow down the spread of breast cancer

Benefits from salty water
An injection of salty water and steroids may ease 'frozen shoulder'

Olive oil - something to get your teeth into.
Olive oil mouthwashes might be on the way!

Don't mix your medications
Many people take aspirin and ibuprofen at the same time.