Weight loss: There is good news for serial dieters in a European study into the effects of an increase in consumption of carbohydrates alongside a simultaneous reduction of fat. Volunteers from five European countries reduced their fat intake by 10 per cent, replacing it with a similar percentage increase in carbohydrate. Compared with another group who continued their normal intake of fat, the carbohydrate group lost moderate amounts of weight. They also managed to maintain this weight loss.
Both simple carbohydrates (sucrose) and complex carbohydrates (pasta and pulses) produced sustainable weight loss in the CARMEN study. (International Journal of Obesity).
Lead poisoning: Researchers from the University of Cagliari Italy and the National Cancer Institute in the US have discovered that men working in industries with high levels of occupational lead exposure have twice the average rate of brain cancer. The increased risk is limited to workers at the highest level of lead exposure, employed in industries such as lead smelting, lead battery manufacturing and printing (Safety & Health Practitioner).
Women alcoholics: Recovering female alcoholics can find encouragement on their journey in sobriety with the support group, Anew (Able and New Women). Set up in 1994, Anew now runs 11 group meetings throughout the country. They are in Dublin; Cork; Athlone, Co Kildare; la, Co Mayo; Dungloe, Co Donegal; Monaghan town and Navan, Co. Meath. Contact Anew at P.O Box 46,?Navan, Tel:?046-21279 for details and times of meetings.
Boosting the liver? The liver? can often be the most abused organ over the festive period. Symptoms of an underperforming liver include drab skin, headaches, tiredness and indigestion.
As the detoxification centre for the body, the liver performs vital functions such as storing vitamins and minerals. Milk Thistle Complex is one blend of herbs recommended to restore the liver to its optimum function.
New start: Looking for a new focus, career or personal plan for 2001? If so, consider taking one of the following courses at Chrysalis Holistic Centre, Donard, Co Wicklow. Your Best Year Yet (January 19th- 21st) aims to help you identify your top 10 goals for the year. Cost £190.
Another course, Find Your Purpose (February 2nd-4th) is about uncovering hidden talents and changing limiting pattern. Cost ? £160.
And Career Change and Life Planning(February 16t18th) is a workshop to help you develop a personal strategy for life change. Cost £195. Tel: 0?540471[
HRT research: A study into the effects of hormone replacement therapy (RT) on the progression of coronary artery disease failed to show any benefit.
Women with existing heart disease who took both oestrogen alone and in combination with progesterone for an average of 3.2 years had no reduction in the risk of heart attack.
However, other studies have shown the benefit of HRT in the primary prevention of coronary heart disease. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Compiled by Dr Muiris Houston and Sylvia Thompson
lifelines@irish-times.ie
