Err on the side of caution and consult your doctor if you are worried about your child's health, is the expert advice given in a new booklet for parents. Tots' and Toddlers' Health: Coping with Illness and Accidents at Home gives tips on how to deal with common conditions such as ear infections or croup - and what to do in an emergency. Send a stamped (45p) A5 envelope to Tots' and Toddlers' Reader Offer, c/o WarnerLambert Consumer Healthcare, United Drug House, Tallaght, Dublin 24. The support group Children in Hospital Ireland also provides information for parents (including a Preparing your Child for Hospital leaflet and a new Parent Advice booklet). Tel 018780448/fax 01-8735737.
Contrary to common belief and previous research, neither stressful events nor a woman's "fighting spirit" has any impact on the likelihood of developing or dying from breast cancer - say new studies. However, research published in The Lancet found that while a positive approach to cancer did not affect the chances of survival, feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and depression at the time of diagnosis negatively affected breast cancer. An editorial in the current British Medical Journal concludes there is no good evidence of any link between stressful life events and breast cancer. It also points out that recriminations over real or imagined stress may be counter-productive for individuals with cancer and for their families.
Irish coffee could be a new treatment for stroke. This is the surprising conclusion of researchers at the University of Texas, who induced strokes in laboratory rats and found an alcohol and coffee combination protected the brains of stroke victims. It was the combination of the two substances which caused the dramatic effect they say, but other scientists, although intrigued, warn of the dangers of stroke sufferers self-medicating. More research is to take place. (BBC)
Vegans - vegetarians who do not use any animal products - do not consume enough calcium to prevent osteoporosis in later life. According to a US study, vegan diets (which exclude dairy products) are not likely to provide enough calcium, even if vegans avoid substances which increase calcium loss, such as salt, protein and caffeine. Experts suggest adults need 1,000 to 1,300 milligrams of calcium per day - which is the amount contained in three to four-and-a-half-cups of milk or yoghurt. Although some vegetables contain calcium, the amounts are small - one serving of broccoli contains as much calcium as a quarter of a cup of milk. Calcium supplements are recommended for vegans or anyone whose diet contains low levels of the essential mineral. (Purdue University Department of Foods and Nutrition)
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