More health news in brief.
Club foot device avoids need for surgery
A baby has been fitted with a skateboard-like device to correct his club foot without the need for surgery. James Boorah, now seven months, was fitted with the boots-and-
bar device when he was 10 weeks old as part of a medical procedure called the Ponseti method.
It enables his left foot, which was turned inwards when he was born, to gradually straighten without the need for an operation.
His parents said it was a relief that James would not need surgery thanks to the device which he has to wear 23 hours a day. "Because he is just a baby, it is not too restrictive. It means he won't need to go into hospital for an operation which can only be a good thing," his father said.
Fourth edition of medicine book
Irish Medicines Formulary(IMF), the evidence-based book of information for prescription medicines marketed in the Republic, has just published its 4th Edition. This edition explains how prescription drugs in Ireland are priced. The new edition also includes a concise illness definition for every drug listed. The official Irish Medicines Board (IMB) green Quality Defect Card now accompanies the yellow Adverse Drug Report Card in the book. Further information at www.formulary.ie
Serving up higher chance of cancer
People who eat a fry every day could have a 63 per cent higher chance of developing bowel cancer, the World Cancer Research Fund said yesterday. Eating processed meats increases the risk while extra calories can lead to obesity, it said.