Other health news in brief
Fitness and sleep lower the risk of cancer
A 10-year study of almost 6,000 women found that significantly fewer cancers occurred in those who were physically active. But sleeping less than seven hours a night wiped out the benefits of exercise and increased the risk of cancer.
"Current findings suggest that sleep duration modifies the relationship between physical activity and all-site cancer risk among young and middle-aged women," said research leader Dr James McClain, from the US National Cancer Institute.
Doctor 'ignored' penicillin allergy
A doctor killed an elderly patient by ignoring instructions that he was allergic to penicillin and prescribing the drug, a British court heard yesterday.
Dr Mitra Nikkhah (41) is accused of manslaughter through gross negligence after David Townsend went into anaphylactic shock and died after taking medication she had prescribed. The court heard Mr Townsend and his wife Joan both told Dr Nikkhah that he was allergic but she could not find any information on the surgery's computer about his condition and so prescribed the medication anyway.
The doctor, who now lives and works in Dubai, was working as a locum doctor at the St Budeaux Health Centre in Plymouth, Devon.
Teaching about communication
Release Communication Intervention, the not-for-profit social enterprise which says it teaches parents and children the practical skills and techniques they need to overcome communications difficulties, has announced the opening of a new school in Rathfarnham.
For further information log onto www.release.ie.