Other health stories in brief
OBESITY LINK: Obesity alone does not lead to early death or critical illnesses but the risk trebles if a patient has diabetes, experts said yesterday.
The link between obesity and type 2 diabetes is well established but now researchers insist obesity alone is not a predictor of life-threatening illness or early death.
A study published in the journal Critical Care said people suffering diabetes were three times more likely to develop critical illness and die younger than those who did not have the condition. But obese people who did not have diabetes had the same risk of dying or of falling critically ill as non-obese patients who did not have the condition, they said. The authors said the relationship between obesity, diabetes and critical illness was complex, but obesity on its own did not lead to very poor health. The experts were Katarina Slynkova and colleagues from the University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital and researchers from Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, in the US.
AGE BEFORE SEX: A large number of Britons would be prepared to give up sex if it meant they would live to be 100, according to a new survey. The Mori research found that 40 per cent would pass on the passion for longevity, although far more women (48 per cent) were willing to make the sacrifice than men (31 per cent). However, nearly all (94 per cent) would not give up their friends or family to reach their century while a half thought scientists should keep trying to prolong people's lifespans.
Bupa commissioned the survey as part of a debate on the implications of an ageing population.
MENTAL HEALTH DAY LECTURES: In recognition of World Mental Health Day on Tuesday, October 10th, the Irish College of Psychiatrists will hold three public lectures at the National Library between 6pm and 8.30pm. The Taoiseach will attend and Senator Mary Henry will chair the lectures on the World Mental Health Day theme of The media matters - the importance of responsible media coverage of mental health and suicide. Speakers include Prof Patricia Casey, consultant psychiatrist; Deirdre Deegan, author/writer on mental health issues; and Caroline McGuigan, a service user. For further information contact the Irish College of Psychiatrists, tel:
01 4022346 or e-mail: icpsych@eircom.net
NETWORK FOR WORK: Suppliers of medical supplies, medical appliances and medical equipment, food and food equipment, office supplies, utilities and a wide range of other services are invited to apply for a Network & Getwork event in Belfast on October 10th where they can pitch for some of the £250 million spent on products and services by the Regional Supply Services (RSS).
The RSS buys on behalf of HPSS (Health & Personal Social Services) organisations. Fifty companies will be chosen to do an individual 15-minute pitch to the relevant procurement officer from the RSS.
It is the latest major procurement organisation to take part in the InterTradeIreland Network & Getwork programme run by the Dublin Chamber of Commerce and the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI). To submit applications by Friday, September 29th, contact www.networkandgetwork.com or Sorcha@dublinchamber.ie or tel: 01 6447200.
VACCINE APPROVAL: Gardasil, the first vaccine to prevent cervical cancer, has been approved for sale in the European Union.The move, which had been expected after a panel of European experts endorsed the vaccine in July, clears the way for Gardasil's launch before the end of October and brings mass vaccination against the killer disease a step nearer.
Gardasil is a new kind of vaccine that prevents cervical cancer by protecting against the sexually transmitted human papilloma virus (HPV) which can trigger tumours. It is already approved in the US and several other countries. It will be sold in Europe by Sanofi Pasteur MSD, a joint venture between Merck and Sanofi-Aventis.
PLOUGHING ADVICE: The Irish Cancer Society will have a marquee at the National and World Ploughing Championships in Tullow, Co Carlow, from Wednesday to Saturday. The marquee, which will be situated in the indoor exhibition arena, will be staffed by specialist nurses and health promotion advisers who will offer free advice, information and support on all areas relating to cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and support to visitors.