Healthwise    July 2009      

Healthwise is a regular column written especially for laterlife.com members and visitors. Welcome to healthwise 112.

For previous articles in the healthwise series visit 'more healthwise'

 NEWS AND VIEWS

Hope for arthritis sufferers

Researchers have reported good results from a new drug that can stop the development of rheumatoid arthritis. This auto-immune disease is different from osteo-arthritis (which is due to general wear and tear) and it's causes are still a mystery. There are over half a million rheumatoid arthritis suffers in the UK, many of which have to stop work because of the illness.

The new drug, MabThera (rituximab) was used in conjunction with methotrezate, the standard treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. In the trials, conducted through the University of Leeds, 30.5 per cent of sufferers found their joint damage stopped after six months of taking the combination drugs.

It is hoped that the drug may be approved for use on the NHS within 18 months.

Music soothes the heart

We all know stress is bad for you. Now the University of Pavia in Italy has found that music really can help recovery for people who have suffered a heart attack or stroke.

They have found that playing a combination of fast and slow music can be used to help control the cardiovascular system and have real affect on blood pressure and heart rate.

They are now investigating the official use of a music programme to treat heart attack victims.

Cancer drug fights ageing

A chemotherapy drug used to treat precancerous lesions has been found to also reduce the signs of ageing on the skin including wrinkles and liver spots.

The drug Fluorouracil is used to treat head and neck tumours and colon cancers, and after its use doctors have reported a marked reduction in patients’ wrinkles. It is thought this is because the drug stimulates the skin to repair itself in what is called a “wound response”.

Coffee can be good for you

The British Coffee Association says there is still a common perception that drinking coffee is bad for you. However, new research now confirms that coffee is an important fluid in the diet and may also have a number of health benefits.

They say the benefits of drinking more coffee are particularly relevant to the over 50s, with studies suggesting coffee may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and type 2 diabetes. In the case of the latter, an American study found that men and women who drank more than four cups of coffee per day had a 67% less risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who drank no coffee.

They also say there is evidence that coffee may also benefit certain cases of heart disease, liver disease and even some cancers.

There is more information on www.britishcoffeeassociation.org

Exercise in front of a mirror

A Teesside University study says running in front of a mirror at a gym improves performance and outcome.

The study said watching your reflection as you run on a treadmill helps you co-ordinate your limbs and run more smoothly with less risk of damage.

It was found to be especially useful for beginners so that they can develop a good style and technique.

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

Cure for jet lag
A new study is giving hope to people who suffer badly from jet lag.

Stem cell implants for diabetes (Type 1)
A research project has brought hope that stem cell transplants can free patients with Type 1 diabetes from daily insulin injections.

New test for prostate cancer
Distinguishing aggressive tumours from cancers that will not cause significant problems has been a key challenge in prostate cancer.

Keep laughing
Laughter can help cut the risk of heart attack

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