December 2007
News Archive
News articles from December 2007
Can video games help kids get active? (27/12/2007)
New, active video games, such as those on the Wii console, use much more energy than old-style, sitting-down video games; but not as much as playing sport for real...
The best ways to give up smoking (27/12/2007)
Have you made a New Year's resolution to give up smoking? It won't be easy, but research shows that there are treatments that can really help. See what the studies say about the best way to quit...
Exercise linked to lower dementia risk for over 65s (27/12/2007)
Older people who do everyday exercise, like walking to the shops, are less likely to get a common type of dementia, according to a new study...
Five New Year's resolutions worth making (27/12/2007)
Healthy living is top of everyone’ s list of New Year’ s resolutions. But there’ s no point setting yourself impossible goals or spending a lot of money on things that may not work. Here are five simple things you can do that will improve your health in 2008, all based on good-quality medical evidence...
Miscarriage may affect women’s future pregnancies (21/12/2007)
A study suggests that women who've had a miscarriage or an abortion may be more likely to have a premature or underweight baby in future. But the study uses information from almost 50 years ago, when medical care was very different. So it's hard to know what it means for women today...
Private firms told to stop offering full body scans (21/12/2007)
Private firms should stop offering full body scans to healthy people with no signs of disease, says a committee that advises the government on the risks of radiation. They also say that anyone with symptoms who asks for a private scan should be told to see their GP instead...
Coping with illness at Christmas (19/12/2007)
Nobody wants to get ill over Christmas, when GP surgeries and pharmacies are usually closed. But if it does happen, a little forethought can help you avoid wasted hours in hospital casualty departments. Read our guide to getting treatment if you need it...
Brush up on first aid skills for Christmas (19/12/2007)
With more catering, more parties and generally more chaos at Christmas, it wouldn't be surprising if someone in your home suffers a minor injury like a sprain or a scald. Research shows that if minor injuries are treated correctly they will heal more quickly. Hopefully you and your family won’ t have any accidents but be prepared, with our guide to first aid...
Get the better of heartburn this Christmas (19/12/2007)
Roast dinner with potatoes, sausages and sprouts, followed by plum pudding and mince pies...it's no wonder that Christmas can leave you with an uncomfortable case of heartburn. Read our advice on how to cope...
Restrictions lifted on drug for poor vision (18/12/2007)
A decision to restrict the use of a Lucentis, a new drug for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), has been revised after criticism from patients. AMD is a common cause of poor vision...
Heart attack risk increases in winter (14/12/2007)
Heart attacks become more common as the cold weather sets in. If someone is having a heart attack, getting medical help quickly can mean the difference between life and death, so make sure you know how to recognise a heart attack and what you should do about it...
New guidelines on treating children with eczema (14/12/2007)
Children with eczema should have their treatment reviewed regularly, to make sure it is right for them and helps them live life to the full, according to new national guidelines...
Planned caesareans increase breathing problems for babies (12/12/2007)
Babies born by planned caesarean section are at higher risk of breathing difficulties immediately after birth, a new study shows. The risk is greater for babies born by caesarean at an earlier stage of pregnancy...
Mediterranean diet and exercise for a longer life (11/12/2007)
It's been well known for years that a balanced diet and regular exercise can help us stay healthy. But two new studies have now looked particularly at whether people live longer if they eat a Mediterranean-style diet and do regular exercise...
Keeping a healthy weight for a healthy pregnancy (06/12/2007)
Being very overweight during pregnancy increases a woman’ s chances of life-threatening illness or complications. A new report shows it may even increase the risk of a woman dying during pregnancy or childbirth. Women need help to manage their weight before and during pregnancy, the report’ s authors say...
Doctors warn about fake medicines (06/12/2007)
Doctors are warning the public about a growing internet trade in fake medicines. They also say that buying any prescription drugs online is unwise, unless you've had a proper consultation with a doctor first...
"Wear a helmet" experts tell skiers and snowboarders (04/12/2007)
Serious head and spine injuries are becoming more common among skiers and snowboarders, according to new research. If you have plans to ski this winter, wearing a helmet is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself...
Antibiotics for sinus problems 'don't work' (04/12/2007)
Doctors prescribe antibiotics to as many as 9 in 10 patients with inflamed sinuses (sinusitis). But for most of these patients, antibiotics do no good at all, according to a new study...
Bowel cancer test helps prevent emergency surgery (03/12/2007)
Having a test which can pick up early signs of bowel cancer can help detect the disease before it becomes a problem requiring emergency surgery, researchers say...
This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.
