Many holidaymakers are being given ineffective or potentially dangerous drugs when they visit chemists abroad, says the UK Consumers' Association. Of 54 chemists in Barcelona, Cairo and Istanbul visited by researchers, only one in four sold drugs which were entirely appropriate. To treat diarrhoea, three Egyptian pharmacies sold an antibiotic which is largely ineffective against the condition and which has been banned in many countries. For simple chest infections, several chemists sold products potentially harmful to people with high blood pressure, and one pharmacy sold a cough suppressant containing oxeladine, which is banned in many countries because of fears it may cause cancer. When travelling abroad, it is advisable to take a comprehensive first aid kit, with medicines for common complaints such as diarrhoea. (BBC Health)
What is "normal" sexualised behaviour in a child or adolescent? How do we recognise abnormal or worrying behaviour? What should guide our response to sexualised behaviour in children who have been abused? These issues will be addressed at a conference organised by CARI (Children at Risk in Ireland Foundation) for professionals working with children, including health workers, teachers and parents' groups. "Meeting the Needs of the Sexualised Child," on May 22nd at Dublin City University, will feature a keynote presentation by Dr Tony Baker, an expert on child sexual abuse, and workshops. To book, phone 01-8308529, fax 01-8306309, or email info@cari.ie. Website: www.cari.ie
When runners collapse or get sick after a long race, it seems logical to give them fluids. However, according to a US report on seven marathon runners who collapsed and vomited after their races, the problem could be too much water rather than too little. All the runners had taken too much water, causing sodium levels in the blood to fall. Excess water is then absorbed into the blood, and fluid can build up in the lungs (pulmonary oedema), which may signal brain swelling. The treatment is an intravenous solution containing high amounts of sodium. --(Reuters)
How do the media deal with mental health issues? What language is used? "To change public attitudes we need to change the language," said Dr Kate Ganter at the launch of a one-year MediaWatch campaign to analyse the media's attitudes towards mental health issues, by observing the way they are reported and depicted. People are invited to email examples of mental health issues being portrayed in inappropriate ways (or in positive or insightful ways) in the news media, magazines, film or TV to mediawatch@irishpsychiatry.com
Hormonal changes in men over 50 can lead to enlargement of the prostate, known medically as benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH). According to several European trials, the herbal remedy saw palmetto can inhibit the growth of the hormone metabolism which leads to BPH, and is as effective as orthodox drug treatments. A 1993 German study found saw palmetto, which is a small palm with fan-shaped leaves and dark red fruit, was effective in 80 per cent of cases. Saw palmetto is available in an organic herb tincture from health food shops.