Women who take epilepsy drugs with the Pill may be reducing the contraceptive effect, according to the British Epilepsy Association, which is running a campaign to raise awareness among patients and doctors. In one study more than 25 per cent of women taking anti-convulsive drugs became pregnant, despite taking oral contraceptives. The combination of the medication can increase the risk of congenital defects and low birthweight in the baby. A British study of GPs found only 50 per cent were aware of the potential problem. Experts advise women with epilepsy to consult a doctor before stopping or altering any medication. (BBC Health)
Liquorice could be bad for your blood pressure, say researchers in Iceland, who found eating even small amount of liquorice each day causes a noticeable increase in blood pressure. Liquorice contains a chemical which affects the hormones which help to regulate blood pressure. Avoiding liquorice may be harder than you think - it is added to tobacco before it is made into cigarettes and used in dark beers, such as malt brews. (Reuters)
Suicide rates are affected by the moon and changes in seasons, according to the findings of a Finnish study of 1,400 suicides. The suicide rate, which rises as winter turns into spring and summer turns into autumn, could be linked to changes in light and temperature which disturb the human body clock, suggests a researcher at the Finnish National Public Health Institute. Peaks were found at the phase of the new moon in autumn and during the full moon in spring and autumn. (Annual meeting of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, Edinburgh)
Since the foundation of the State, more than 100,000 Irish children have been adopted or fostered in Ireland and abroad. The Natural Parents' Network of Ireland (NPNI) is a self-help group for women and men who were parted from their children by adoption. Its members include parents who have successfully established relationships with adult children and those who are beginning the search for their natural children. The NPNI offers sup- port and practical information on searching, in its meetings at 8 p.m. in the Carnegie Centre, 21- 25 Lord Edward Street, Dublin 2, on the second Friday of each month. Further information from NPNI, PO Box 6714, Dublin 4.
Children should be cautious when exercising in hot or humid weather. Because the surface area of their skin is greater in proportion to their body size, they are more sensitive to climate changes, making them warmer on hot days, according to a report published in the US journal, Paediatrics. Parents should also be aware that children sweat less than adults, so their bodies cool less easily through evaporation, and they are consequently vulnerable to heat exhaustion. A journal report also expresses concern about increasing competition and pressures on children involved in sport and warns of the dangers of pushing children into specialising in a single sport before adolescence.
Exercise may cancel the benefits of taking fish oil. A US study found taking fish oil supplements, which contain omega-3 fatty acids, and exercising, can each reduce the risk of heart disease, by reducing the amount of fat in the blood - but that doing both may negate the cardiovascular benefits of either treatment alone. The researchers stress people should continue to exercise and take fish oil supplements despite these findings, since both provide other health benefits. (Journal of Applied Physiology)
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