September - 2018

Mediterranean diet 'may help prevent depression'

Eating a Mediterranean diet may help prevent depression, research suggests. But an expert in metabolic medicine says more rigorous, targeted trials are needed to confirm evidence of the potential link. The findings, in Molecular Psychiatry, come from a review of 41 studies published within the last eight years. A plant-based diet of fruit, veg, grains, fish, nuts and olive oil - but not too much meat or dairy - appeared to have benefits in terms of mood. Experts say trials ar

Ambulances not an A&E taxi service, NHS warned

An ageing fleet, high sickness rates and slow uptake of technology hampers the ability of the NHS to answer 999 calls quickly, a review says. The report produced for the regulator NHS Improvement found significant inefficiencies in England. If the problems are not addressed, it will be more difficult for ambulances to hit their targets, it said. In July eight out of 10 services missed their seven-minute target for answering the most life-threatening emergencies. 'Simply unacc

Yoghurts (even organic ones) 'full of sugar'

Many yoghurts are full of sugar and the public should not be lulled into thinking they are eating healthy products, researchers say. The conclusion comes after a study of almost 900 yoghurts on sale in UK supermarkets. The Leeds University-led research found that organic yoghurts were among the most sugary types - containing more sugar per 100g than cola. Only natural and Greek-style yoghurts could be classed as low in sugar. The study - published in BMJ Open - comes as gover

Targeted treatment for melanoma to be free on NHS

Hundreds of patients with a type of aggressive skin cancer will be offered a targeted therapy on the NHS in England and Wales, which reduces the risk of it returning. At present, they have to hope their cancer will not return after surgery. The drug has been shown to improve the survival of people with stage III melanoma, with a particular mutation. A skin cancer charity said making the treatment available on the NHS was "a huge step forward". Melanoma is the most aggressive

How can you get enough iron from your diet?

Do you often feel tired, short of breath or can you feel you heart beating away inside your chest? Have your friends commented that you look unusually pale? If so, you may have iron-deficiency anaemia, the world's most common nutritional disorder. In the UK, it is particularly common among young women. An analysis by the government's Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) on iron and health in 2011 indicated 21% of women aged between 19 and 34 had below recommended

Lack of exercise puts one in four people at risk, WHO says

Very little progress has been made in reducing levels of inactivity worldwide, experts have warned. A WHO report estimates that more than a quarter of people worldwide - 1.4 billion - are not doing enough physical exercise, a figure that has barely improved since 2001. Inactivity raises the risk of a raft of health problems, such as heart disease, type-2 diabetes and some cancers. High-income countries, including the UK, were among the least active. And women were found to be

Families 'can't afford to follow healthy diet guidance'

Up to 3.7 million UK children live in homes struggling to afford enough meat, fruit and vegetables to meet healthy eating advice, research suggests. The Food Foundation says the poorest fifth of homes with children would have to spend 42% of their disposable income (after housing costs) to meet guidance set out in the Eatwell Guide. The guide, from Public Health England, aims to help people get a balance of "healthier and more sustainable food" and is estimated to cost £5.99