Prisoners in Irish jails are healthier than the population at large, according to a new survey. The General Healthcare Study of the Irish Prison Population found that prisoners' exercise patterns and blood pressure readings were lower than those of the general population. Just over half of male prisoners and one fifth of female prisoners take strenuous exercise at least three times a week. (Irish Medical Times)
New research from Australia points to a possible link between the use of mobile phones and damage to nerves in the scalp. In the current issue of Occupational Medicine, Dr Bruce Hocking of the Caulfield General Medical Centre in Victoria, has found scalp pain in up to 40 cellphone users. The symptoms include burning feelings or dull aches around the ear, the temple or back of the head. The researchers conclude that exposure should be minimised by keeping calls short. (Reuters Health)
Active men have one-half to one-third the risk of developing a duodenal ulcer over 20 years compared with their more sedentary peers. The study in the current issue of the Western Journal of Medicine didn't find any link between exercise and stomach ulcers. The researchers at the University of South Carolina in Columbia speculate that exercise may help the body deal with the physical effects of stress. (Reuters Health)
Some herbal medicines and prescription drugs may interfere with fertility, according to a US specialist. Writing in OBG Management, a journal for obstetricians and gynaecologists, Dr Richard A Blackwell said, "It has recently been demonstrated that echinacea, gingko biloba and St John's Wort have a negative effect on sperm production. Procardia, a calcium-channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure, is also known to interfere with fertility." (Health Central)
Researchers at the University of Chicago have found what appears to be a link between middle-age spread and men's sleep patterns. Older men (over 35) get less deep sleep than younger men (under 25), and therefore produce less growth hormore, leading to flab. (Health Central)
