Compiled by Dr Muiris Houston and Sylvia Thompson
ASPIRIN USE: Long-term, regular aspirin use might be linked to pancreatic cancer in women, a major study has shown. It found that women who reported more than 20 years of regular aspirin use had a 58 per cent increased risk of the disease compared with women who never took more than two aspirin per week. Aspirin is known to prevent colon cancer and is routinely prescribed to prevent recurrence of heart attack and stroke.
FALLING SPERM COUNTS: Sperm counts in the UK have fallen by almost a third in 13 years, a study has found. The findings were based on an analysis of 16,000 sperm samples from 7,500 men attending a fertility clinic and showed that the average sperm count fell by 29 per cent between 1989 and 2002. The researchers recommend that further studies be undertaken to find out whether sperm quality has also decreased.
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: Work stress can cause relapse in people with multiple sclerosis. Recent research found that stress in the previous four weeks caused a significant number of people with the neurological condition to relapse. Work was the second most frequent cause of stress reported.
SUPPLEMENTING MEDICATIONS: Common prescription migraine medications may not work or may even be dangerous when taken alongside certain popular herbal supplements. Some supplements including Ginkgo biloba, Ginseng, Echinacea, St John's Wort and Valerian might actually trigger or worsen migraine in some susceptible people by interacting with prescribed drugs such as Triptans and Amitriptyline, according to research from the University of Utah, in the US.
Research scientist Dr Carla Rubingh urges patients to tell their GPs if they are taking supplements and urges GPs to be more aware of possible interactions.
ST VALENTINE'S DAY: Looking for a novel way to celebrate St Valentine's Day? How about taking a float? First developed in the 1950s, floatation tanks are enjoying somewhat of a resurgence and are renowned to promote physical and mental relaxation. Oasis Floatarium in The Mall, Beacon Court, Sandyford, Dublin is offering two floats (sorry, couples can't float together in the same tank) for the price of one until the end of February (€60). Booking on tel: 01 2952512. See also www.oasisfloatarium.com
YOGA CLASSES: Yoga enthusiasts keen to develop their discipline further may be interested in two forthcoming workshops. From February 21st to 23rd, Ashtanga Yoga tutor Michael Gannon will give classes and workshops at the School of Ashtanga Yoga, Blackrock, Co Dublin. Cost: 25 per class/70 per workshop. Booking on tel: 087 2376383. On February 28th and 29th, Yoga Therapy Ireland is running a weekend of Scaravelli Yoga, a style which focuses on "feeling more and doing less by experiencing the powerful action of gravity and breath" in the Marino Institute of Education, Dublin. Cost 80 per day. Booking on tel: 01 2352120.