CRANBERRY BENEFITS: Already renowned as a treatment for urinary tract infections, cranberry juice is now heralded as a preventative treatment for gum disease (periodontitis).
New research suggests the anti-inflammatory effect may be attributed to compounds in the fruit which prevent bacteria from sticking to the teeth below the gum line.
This backs previous research which found that cells treated with cranberry juice showed significantly less inflammation than cells that were not treated.
Brushing, flossing and regular dental cleaning also reduce the risk of developing periodontitis.
UNHEALTHY FINANCES: Business leaders and investors have warned food companies that they must take seriously the financial risks of unhealthy food products. The not-for-profit organisation, International Business Leaders Forum, suggests in a new report that if food companies do not encourage people to eat healthier products, they might lose consumers' trust and be hit by heavier regulation.
In a survey of 25 companies including Unilever, Coca-Cola, Masterfoods/Mars and Aldi, not one explained in detail how it would respond to government and consumer concerns.
HEALTHCARE AWARDS: Friday is the closing date for the Irish Healthcare Pharmaceutical Awards. Entries for 10 categories, including Best Patient Education Project, Best Public Health Initiative and Medical Practitioner/Medical Practice of the Year, must be submitted to WHPR, 5 Ely Place, Dublin 2. Tel: (01) 6690030 or e-mail ken.rogan@ogilvy.com for last-minute entry forms.
SUMMER FEET: Keeping feet healthy and clean is more difficult in the summer, yet having your feet exposed to the air is the best way to keep them well.
A few tips to remember are to dry between the toes after washing and cut toe nails straight across.
Footwear should preferably be made of natural materials such as leather or cotton. And children's footwear should have laces or straps across the instep to allow for finer adjustment.
DIABETES DATA: The UK has one of the fastest growing rates of childhood type 1 diabetes in the world, according to new research. A study of 57 countries found that the annual increase for the UK was 4 per cent compared with 2.8 per cent worldwide and 3.2 per cent across Europe. The study, published in the journal Diabetic Medicine, was based on results from 1990 to 1999.
Lifelines is compiled by Sylvia Thompson