Dame Judi Dench leads fight for government action after research shows 40 per cent of youngsters are exposed to smoke
By Jonathan Owen
Dame Judi Dench joined calls last night for a ban on smoking in cars, citing the dangers to the health of youngsters.
“Children are still being exposed to passive smoke, which is extremely harmful to developing lungs,” said the actress. Read the rest of this entry »
Including too many ready-made items in a Sunday roast could lead to excessive salt intake, says research from a health charity.
In a survey of 600 supermarket products, Consensus Action on Salt and Health (CASH) found that unnecessary amounts of salt are being hidden in certain items of prepared food.
But cooking and preparing fresh food reduces levels dramatically, it says. Read the rest of this entry »
Catholics give cautious welcome as Vatican overturns traditional teaching – but there is confusion and criticism
By David Randall and Genevieve Roberts
In a groundbreaking move, Pope Benedict XVI said yesterday that the use of condoms can be justified in some cases. He cited as an example male prostitutes seeking to prevent the spread of HIV, although some commentators interpreted his words as applying to all occasions where a condom is used to stop infection. Read the rest of this entry »
Garlic may be useful in addition to medication to treat high blood pressure, a study suggests.
Australian doctors enrolled 50 patients in a trial to see if garlic supplements could help those whose blood pressure was high, despite medication. Read the rest of this entry »
James Thomlinson has had lung problems all his life.
They began when he he was born prematurely by emergency caesarean and needed oxygen.
At four, he suffered from whooping cough He was diagnosed with pneumonia for the first time at seven.
Since then, he has had frequent chest infections including croup and chronic bronchitis – and at least 10 bouts of pneumonia. Read the rest of this entry »
A controversial scheme allowing girls as young as 13 to obtain the contraceptive pill from pharmacies is being piloted on the Isle of Wight.
Teenagers who approach a chemist for the morning-after pill will also be able to get a month’s supply of the contraceptive pill without seeing a doctor or informing their parents.
Isle of Wight Primary Care Trust said it would reduce unwanted pregnancies.
However, church and campaign groups have called the move “irresponsible”.
Ten of the Isle of Wight’s 30 pharmacies will be able to provide a month’s supply of the pill to a teenager without the need for a prescription. Read the rest of this entry »
