Wide heels: Researchers have looked at whether or not wearing wide-heeled shoes has a similar effect on knee osteoarthtitis as narrow-heeled shoes. The results show that wide-heeled, women's dress shoes cause the same, if not greater, damage to knees as narrow-heeled shoes. The authors suggest that these findings may be significant in the development of knee osteoarthritis, as women tend to wear these wide-heeled shoes routinely and for longer periods of time. - (The Lancet)
Contraceptive implant: A study involving more than 16,000 women in eight different developing nations has found the contraceptive implant, Norplant, is as safe and effective as intrauterine devices (IUDs) or sterilisation. Norplant consists of six implants about the size of a matchstick that are inserted under the skin of the forearm. It prevents pregnancy by releasing the hormone, progestogen, into the body which inhibits ovulation. It is effective for five years.
The study found that Norplant is as effective in preventing pregnancy as other methods, with pregnancy rates in all groups running less than one per 100. There were no significant differences in the death rates or in the causes of death in the three groups. There was, however, a slight increase in the incidence of hypertension and gall bladder disease among Norplant users. Nevertheless, the authors conclude that Norplant was well tolerated, with 90 per cent of women continuing to use it each year. - (Obstetrics and Gynaecology)
Home cancer treatment: Researchers have compared chemotherapy given at home with outpatient treatment for colorectal cancer, looking in particular at patient compliance, safety, quality of life and satisfaction with treatment. In this study, published in the British Medical Journal, 42 patients with colorectal cancer were treated with chemotherapy at an outpatient clinic and 45 with the same diagnosis were treated at home. The authors concluded that home chemotherapy seemed an acceptable and safe alternative to hospital treatment for patients with this form of cancer. They also suggest that it may improve patient compliance and satisfaction. - (BMJ)
Travelling: Only 15 per cent of Irish people travelling to "at risk" destinations receive the necessary vaccinations to protect against contracting infectious diseases such as Hepatitis A and typhoid. "People don't realise the risks they are taking - nor do they understand how debilitating and long a bout of a disease like typhoid can be," says Dr David Thomas, president of the Irish Society of Travel Medicine.
The ISTM advises those planning a trip to an "at risk" country to visit their GP at least six weeks before travelling. "At risk" countries include Barbados, Cuba, Egypt, Kenya, Mexico, Singapore, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey and Vietnam. Find out more in a new free booklet, Passport to Health available from GlaxoSmithKline, Travel Health Bureau, 22 Killiney Towers, Killiney, Co Dublin (enclose s.a.e), or from www.travelvax.net
Developmental delay: Cornelia de Lange Syndrome is a rare genetic condition which results in mental and physical developmental delay. Children with this condition may have a number of symptoms including delayed speech, heart or digestive problems, hearing and sight difficulties, as well as small stature. The recently formed Irish CdLS support group can be contacted at Tel: 01 8487868. See also www.cdlsoutreach.org
Facelifts: Keen to find out more about the tucks and stretches of cosmetic surgery? The Harley Medical Group, 5 Herbert Place, Dublin 2, are holding a cosmetic surgery information day on Wednesday from 11 a.m. The day includes presentations on rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), breast surgery, laser hair removal, collagen, liposuction and endermologie (cellulite treatment). The cost is £5 per person (which will be donated to Barnardos.) Tel:1850 242442.
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