St John's Wort, the herbal remedy widely used to treat depression, may have serious consequences for people taking certain prescription medicine, warns the UK Medicines Control Agency, based on a report by the independent Committee on Safety of Medicines. Women taking the contraceptive pill are advised to stop taking the herb as it may prevent the pill from working. Patients taking warfarin for blood clots, digoxin for a heart condition, anti-convulsants for epilepsy, theophylline for asthma or bronchitis, or HIV medication should also stop taking St John's Wort, says the agency, as it can reduce the effectiveness of the medicines.
The first 3D ultrasound scan in the Republic is now available at the Coombe Women's Hospital. The high-tech 3D ultrasound gives a much clearer image of the baby's skin than the usual 2D image, and can identify problems such as cleft lip and palate. It will also make the diagnosis of uterine abnormalities easier, but will only be used when additional information, not easily available from the 2D scan, is required.
Vitamins may protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultra-violet rays, according to a small US study. Scientists found that taking 25 mg of beta-carotene and 335 mg of vitamin E reduced sunburn in fair-skinned people. They also discovered the effect is cumulative - the longer you take the vitamins, the better the protection. (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition)
The Pain Gone electronic pen has been described as a "miraculous painkilling device". It appears to work on humans and animals to relieve pain quickly and without side-effects. The pen, invented in Denmark, is used to treat conditions such as arthritis, backache and sports injuries by sending a tiny electric current to the nerves which send a message to the brain to release endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. Already used in hospitals in the Republic, it is now available by mail order. For more details: GM Healthcare, 31 Parnell Ave, Mervue, Galway. Tel: 091-757510.
Osteoporosis, the brittle bone disease, is likely to increase in the Republic as the population ages, but its onset is not inevitable, said Prof Moira O'Brien, president of the Irish Osteoporosis Society at the launch of the first osteoporosis treatment plan for doctors. Although 60 per cent of adult bone mass is laid down in the skeleton during teenage years, a recent National Nutrition Survey showed 75 per cent of teenage girls do not get enough calcium. The key factors in prevention are diet (especially the intake of calcium and vitamin D); exercise and hormones. The Department of Health recommends three servings of a dairy product (milk, yoghurt or cheese) every day.
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