Compiled by Sylvia Thompson and Dr Muiris Houston.
CREATIVE HEALTH: Integrating the creative arts into healthcare is the aim of a report just published in Britain. The report, Creative Arts and Humanities in Healthcare: Swallows to Other Continents, is backed up by an action plan which encourages NHS Trusts to develop art strategies while also encouraging patients and carers to express their illness and experience through creative activities such as painting, poetry and collage. See www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk for full report.
SECOND-HAND SMOKE: Exposure to second-hand cigarette smoke increases the risk of cervical cancer, according to researchers at the John Hopkins School of Medicine. While an association between active cigarette smoking and cervical cancer had been established, the new data suggest that women who live with smokers have a 40 per cent greater risk of developing a tumour in the neck of the womb. "Taking steps to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke may help prevent cervical cancer," the lead author Dr Anthony Alberg said.
MAGNETIC MAGIC: Wearing a high strength magnetic bracelet reduces pain in people with osteoarthritis of the hip and knee, according to a new study published in the British Medical Journal. Researchers in Devon found a significant reduction in pain scores between patients wearing a standard (170m Tesla) magnetic bracelet and those given a dummy magnet. The authors emphasise that the benefits are in addition to existing treatment which should not be suddenly stopped without medical advice. The mechanism of action of the magnets is unknown and further work to replicate these findings is needed.
HEADLICE TREATMENT: Getting rid of headlice in school children is one of those irritatingly time-consuming activities that every family dreads. Choosing between herbal and chemical head lice treatments becomes another stressful task as often neither seems to do the job. Now, a new kit is available which promises to clear the whole family of headlice with four thorough combing sessions over two weeks. Bug buster kits are available (see www.chc.org/bugbusting) but the usual lice combs will do. The most important thing to remember is to thoroughly comb hair following shampoo and conditioning on day one, five, nine and 13. Only then, will you have removed all hatched eggs over the lifecycle of the headlice.