This week Lifelines looks at organic beef, a new campaign to get children to drink milk and the harmonisation of training standards for yoga teachers.
GO ORGANIC: Organic beef has more than double the amount of Omega 3 fatty acids than intensively farmed beef, according to a study by the University of Rostock, Germany. The study found that these health-enhancing nonsaturated fats made up 14 per cent of the total fat content of organic beef, as compared to 6 per cent of conventionally farmed beef. Organic beef was also found to have 10 per cent higher levels of Vitamin B12.
MILK'S THE ONE: As the new school year looms large, the National Dairy Council is encouraging children to drink milk every day at school. Highlighting its role in crucial bone formation among children, the NDC cites an Australian study which found a group of children given school milk were significantly taller and had stronger bones than a control group. The University of Sydney study looked at 750 10-year-old girls over two years.
THE YOGA YEAR: As the Department of Health finalises regulations for complementary therapists, the Yoga Federation of Ireland is keen to encourage all member organisations to work towards EU harmonisation of training standards. The YFI is hosting this year's agm on Sunday, September 5th in the Mullingar Park Hotel, Mullingar, Co Westmeath. See www.yfi.ie for more details.
SMOKERS TAKE HEART: Smokers will reduce their risk of lung cancer by including adequate antioxidants in their diet, according to a study from Finland and the United States. The study measured the intake of antioxidants, selenium, Vitamin E, Vitamin C and carotenoids and flavonoids (plant antioxidants) in a group of smokers and found that those with the highest intake reduced their risk of lung cancer by 16 per cent.
WORKPLACE HEADACHE: About half a million working days are lost in Ireland annually because of migraine. The average sufferer misses two working days and has reduced effectiveness in up to four more days. Migraine in the workplace is the theme of this year's Migraine Action Week, September 13th-19th. The Migraine Association of Ireland's main message is that productivity can be enhanced in a migraine-friendly environment. The helpline is 1850 200 378, 10 a.m.-4p.m. Monday to Friday.
GUM DISEASE: It's official: smoking causes gum disease. The American Surgeon General, Richard H Carmona has confirmed the suspicion of dentists worldwide that cigarette smoking causes periodontitis, the technical term for gum disease, which may result in the loss of teeth and bone.
lifelines@irish-times.ie
Lifelines is compiled by Sylvia Thompson and Dr Muiris Houston