Genetic Variation for Skin Cancer Risk Found within Same Gene as that for Obesity
An international research project published in the journal Nature Genetics has identified new variations in our genetics that might make some of us more vulnerable to malignant melanoma than others. The position of these genetic differences was also of interest. While some newspapers ran with headlines claiming there to be a genetic link between skin [...]
Banning NHS Gagging Clauses Hoped to Drive Up Standards of Care
Publicly discussing problems about the NHS may until recently have been blocked by employers, but the Government has now banned gagging clauses that have previously stopped staff speaking out about patient safety and care issues on leaving the NHS. In the past hundreds of departing whistleblowers have been silenced through these means as part of [...]
Improvements in UK Health Falling Behind Others in Europe
A new study suggests that with respect to health outcomes, the UK has not kept pace with some other countries. Information was collected in 1990 and again in 2010 to compare life expectancy, the leading cause of death and risk factors for disease and disability in the UK and other industrialised countries across Europe, as well as the US, Canada, and Australia.
The Mental and Physical Health Impact of Bullying
Bullying is unfortunately a frequent occurrence. A survey of teenagers by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 20% had been the victim of bullying during the previous year, while figures collected by the Workplace Bullying Institute showed almost a quarter of employees had experienced bullying at some point in their careers.
UK Children One Third Less Likely to Have Epilepsy than a Decade Ago
The number of young children with epilepsy has fallen by a third over the last decade. This is based on the findings of research that examined whether GP records showed a change in the number of children diagnosed or treated for epilepsy in the last ten years.
A Vegetarian Diet May Reduce Heart Disease Risk by One Third
Around 5% of the UK’s population is vegetarian and although there are a number of reasons why someone may avoid meat and fish, choosing to do so for health reasons is popular. While some remain sceptical over whether a vegetarian diet is indeed healthier, a new study provides extra evidence that being vegetarian appears reduces [...]
