Patients who show no physical symptoms for medical conditions they are convinced they have may need the help of a psychologist rather than a medical doctor.
Prof Issy Pilowsky, the Australian author of Abnormal Illness Behaviour (Wiley and Sons, 1997) will address a one-day conference on Psychology and Illness on Saturday, July 5th, in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin. Open to health professionals. Cost €100. Tel: 01 8092223.
Over the top with over-the-counter
Some 44 per cent of users of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines exceed the recommended dose, according to a large-scale survey by the American National Consumer League. Some 80 per cent never consult a health professional about the risks of OTC medicines and 45 per cent believe that it is safe to take two OTCs at once. Many contain the same active ingredients and by taking more than one patients can easily exceed the recommended daily dose.
No extra risk for obese patients
Despite a lack of convincing evidence, obese people are thought to be at a higher risk of complications after surgery than those who are not obese. However, researchers at Zurich University Hospital, Switzerland, who investigated about 6,300 patients undergoing general elective surgery found no difference in post-operative complications between obese and non-obese patients. The one exception was a slight increase in wound infection in people who are overweight. The authors conclude: "Obesity alone is not a risk factor for post-operative complications. The regressive attitude towards general surgery in obese patients is no longer justified."
Mean bosses mean bad health
A study has suggested that bosses judged to be habitually unfair and unreasonable are bad for employees' health. Researchers took the readings from blood pressure monitors worn by 28 female healthcare assistants every 30 minutes for 12 hours over three working days. The group registered a 15/7 mm Hg difference in blood pressure when working for a supervisor they considered unfair. An increase of 10 mm Hg in systolic (upper number) and 5 mm Hg in diastolic (lower number) blood pressure is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. The subjects registered a slight decrease in blood pressure when under the supervision of someone they considered fair. The authors conclude that the personal style of a boss can be a workplace stress sore, if perceived by junior staff to be unfair and unreasonable. A workplace "characterised by fairness, empowerment and consideration is likely to provide one inexpensive strategy for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disorders", they say.
Lifelines is compiled by Sylvia Thompson
lifelines@irish-times.ie