This week's topics include quitting smoking, an oral health scheme and cannabis and psychosis.
QUITTING SMOKING: Nicotine replacement therapy is the most popular treatment choice among GPs for those quitting smoking. A survey into prescribing trends for medical card patients found that the number of patients receiving such therapy is greatest in January and February. Those in the 35-44 age group were the highest users of these smoking cessation products, according to a report in the Irish Medical Journal.
CUBAN CHALLENGE: The cancer support group, ARC, is seeking volunteers to join them on the seventh and final ARC Cuban Cycle Challenge from April 7th-17th next year. Training for the coast to coast cycle will begin soon so joining up may also provide an opportunity for pre-Christmas fitness which is never a bad thing. Tel: 01 8307333 to register. See also www.arccancersupport.ie
ORAL HEALTH SCHEME: A grant scheme to promote better oral health in the community has just been launched in Ireland. The grants, which will be distributed by DeCare International, are divided into three main categories - oral health education in general, increasing access to oral health in under-served communities and local community initiatives to promote overall health and vitality. The fund is €15,000 and grants will range from €500 to €3,000. Deadline for funding applications is December 14th. See www.decare.com for more details.
CANNABIS AND PSYCHOSIS: Frequent cannabis use during adolescence and young adulthood increases the risk of psychotic symptoms later in life, according to a new study. The risk of developing symptoms was much higher in young people with a pre-existing vulnerability to psychosis. The study took place in Germany and involved 2,437 people aged 14-24 years. Participants were assessed for substance use, predisposition to psychosis and psychotic symptoms, and were monitored for four years.The results showed that cannabis used moderately increased the risk of psychotic symptoms.
PARACETAMOL RESTRICTIONS: A study has followed up the effectiveness of legislation which has restricted the control and sale of paracetamol-containing products in the UK. It evaluated the number of fatal overdoses, large overdoses and paracetamol-related liver transplants. The results showed that suicidal deaths from paracetamol and aspirin products fell by 22 per cent in the first year; this reduction was maintained over the next two years. Similar but more restrictive legislation regarding the size of packs was introduced in Ireland around the same time as the UK initiative.
MEDICAL CONFERENCES: In the past 12 months the number of medical conferences held worldwide has jumped by 50 per cent. An inevitable side effect will be a drop of about a half in the attendance figures at most meetings. The question must be asked: will there be a 50 per cent increase in "proven benefit to health"?
Lifelines is compiled by Dr Muiris Houston and Sylvia Thompson