A brief round-up of this week's other news.
Asprin-related child death
An analysis of aspirin-related deaths in US children under five years suggests that child-resistant packaging lowered their death rate by approximately 34 per cent from levels that would be expected in the absence of safety measures. The authors of the study say current measures are only partially effective in reducing the risk of unintentional drug poisoning. They suggest the situation could be improved by developing packaging that is child-resistant but easier for adults to use, thus increasing consumer acceptance..
Cancer support for young people
CanTeen Ireland is a nationwide support group for people between the ages of 12 and 25 who have or have had cancer. Its goal is to help and support young people with cancer through peer support, group meetings and activity weekends.
It has launched a 15-minute video, Cancer, So What? This is What We Say! featuring members of the group who tell the CanTeen story in their own words.
According to co-ordinator, Evelyn Griffith, there is no dedicated unit for teenagers with cancer in the Republic and many young people might otherwise go through their illness and treatment in relative isolation, out of contact with others who know exactly how they feel.
By making the video available in hospitals across Ireland, it is hoped that fewer young people will have to go through this difficult time alone. To find out more about CanTeen Ireland, visit www.canteen.ie
Hypertension and dementia
Hypertension is thought to be associated with an increased risk of both vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease. A study examined the effectiveness of blood pressure management in preventing dementia.The results revealed that the incidence of dementia decreased by 55 per cent in the long-term treatment group and the reduction was noted for both vascular and Alzheimer dementia cases. This study suggests treating 1,000 hypertensive patients for five years may prevent 20 cases of dementia. .
Vaccines warning
Parents and doctors have been warned against the use of unlicensed single vaccines against mumps and measles. The Eastern Regional Health Authority and the Irish Medicines Board are specifically concerned about the manufacture, testing and storage of Pavivac, a single vaccine against mumps and of Movivac, a single vaccine against measles. "There is insufficient information about these two vaccines to be able to offer the public any assurances about the safety, quality or efficacy of these products," according to Dr Marie Laffoy and Dr Joan Gilvarry.
Neither product is licensed for use here and parents are strongly urged to have their children vaccinated with the MMR vaccine, which will protect against measles, mumps and rubella.
Lifelines is compiled by Dr Muiris Houston