Healthwise 96   March 2008

Healthwise is a regular column written especially for laterlife.com members and visitors by Jane Feinmann (acting health and features editor). Jane is an award winning medical journalist and author. 

Welcome to healthwise 96.  

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

Don't mix your painkillers

Two painkillers are not better than one, researchers have warned – at least when it comes to beating the pain of arthritis. New research shows that arthritis sufferers who boost the power of prescription drugs with an over the counter painkiller are putting their health at risk – causing extra side effects and toxicity that will reduce their quality of life. ‘If the drugs your doctor is giving you aren’t sufficiently strong to cope with the pain, talk to the doctor,’ is the message from researchers writing in the February issue of Arthritis Care & Research. The worst response is to top up prescription drugs with pills bought from the chemist.

Fruit juice warning

Gout used to be considered a health problem that afflicted elderly gents who overdid the port after dinner.   But a new study by the American College of Rheumatology suggests that fruit juice and sugar sweetened soft drinks do at least as much damage.  The warning to avoid too many sugary drinks as well as fruit juice and fructose-rich fruits such as apples and oranges is worth taking seriously: the researchers came to the conclusion after monitoring the health of more than 46,000 men over a period of 12 years.  The more fructose and sugary drinks were consumed, the more chance of getting the painful condition that particularly affects the feet and toes and is caused by a build up of crystals in the joints.   The good news if you’re a sucker for sweetened drinks is that diet soft drinks will not cause the harm.

Daily pinta advice

Drinking three glasses of fat free milk can head of high blood pressure in women, according to new research.    A growing number of women live with the problem, often without realising it, according to a new study published in the journal Circulation – and untreated, they are at increased risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney failure.    Scientists have found that aside from its benefits in keeping bones strong, low fat milk contains a wealth of essential vitamins including calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, protein and potassium – all of which help to reduce blood pressure.

Clever old us!

The older generation is getting smarter – or at least there are fewer over-70s falling victim to Alzheimer’s disease, according to a major new study.   The numbers of old people with dementia fell by more than 3 per cent between 1993 and 2003 – and better education, a gave the warning at the American International Stroke Conference better income and an improved diet could be behind this sign of better mental health.  Scientists say that over 70s are less likely to have dementia if they have a higher income, more formal education and have taken more care to protect themselves against risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking, all of which can damage the brain.   But the researchers say that older people should not rest on their laurels but act to protect themselves even further: doing crossword and other games that challenge the brain and regular physical exercise including walking, will all help to fend off those senior moments, it seems. 

Be aware of stroke symptoms

Most of us are aware of the importance of getting help at the first sign of a heart attack when minutes count.  But fewer realise the importance of calling 999 at the first sign of a stroke.  Yet there is a three-hour window of opportunity for acute stroke treatment that can prevent long-term disability.   Researchers gave the warning at the American Stroke Association’s annual conference 2008 last month.  The list of stroke symptoms that might be warning signs includes:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

Glucosamine – is it really good for joints?

It’s one of the most popular natural supplements that seem to have a genuinely scientific evidence base proving its efficacy.  It was only a matter of time before evidence emerged suggesting that it doesn’t work for all joints – and that’s now happened with a major study showing that it’s no better for arthritic hips than a sugar pill.   ‘It doesn’t do any harm,’ say the Dutch researcher – but those people who claim it works for them are probably experiencing a placebo effect.

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

Sunshine news

Getting sufficient exposure to sunshine could save your life, say scientists.

Soy helps midriff weight loss

Having a glass of soy milk every day may help 50-plus women avoid gaining fat around the middle, according to a report

Being specific keeps you on diet

Routine is a diet-killer because it’s human to like experiences less the more often they are repeated..

Got diabetes? Take a statin…

If you don’t take statins yet, you almost know someone who does. 

Men on HRT?

Should men take HRT to keep their bones strong?
 

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