A round-up of this week's other health stories in brief
• Female knees:Knee implants designed just for women are now available in the UK.Pioneered in the US, the knee implants are thinner, provide a better fit and offer a "less bulky" kneecap.
Researchers believe the design leads to improved movement and the implants could last longer than traditional ones.
Several NHS and private hospitals are now offering the Gender Solutions implant, made by Zimmer.
Howard Ware, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust, said the implant was an advance in orthopaedics.
"It replaces the thighbone portion of the knee and is based on years of research showing that a good implant fit is about shape as well as size," he said. "This implant will allow for a better range of motion because it is tailored to closely fit the female anatomy."
• Hip Fracture Risk: The risk of hip fracture appears to be reduced by oral vitamin D supplements only if they are accompanied by additional calcium, according to a report in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Supplementation should be targeted at individuals with insufficiencies, according to Dr Steven Boonen from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium. This includes individuals older than 75 years; those who are institutionalised or home bound; and patients with a diagnosis of osteoporosis.
• Mental Health Conference:Grow, the community-based mental health organisation, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a conference on Wednesday, May 30th in the Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny, Co Donegal. The keynote speaker is Prof Pat Corrigan from the University of Illinois. Grow members will also speak about their experiences. Tel: 074-9161628.
• Gender Control:There's a gap between men and women when it comes to getting "bad" cholesterol under control, a new study suggests.
In an analysis of data from nearly 200 US health plans, researchers found that women with diabetes or heart disease who are at elevated risk of a heart attack were less likely than men with these conditions to have their LDL cholesterol down to recommended levels.
Among 46 commercial managed care plans, 47 per cent of women with a history of heart problems had their LDL under control, versus 56 per cent of men. Of patients with diabetes, 39 per cent of women and 44 per cent of men had optimal LDL levels, according to findings published in the journal Women's Health Issues.
• Farm Benefits:Consumption of farm milk appears to reduce the risk of asthma and allergy, according to findings from a European study. "All the children drinking unpasteurised farm milk and eating other farm-related dairy products showed the same level of protection against asthma and allergies, regardless of whether they were living on a farm or not," lead author Dr Marco Waser, from the University of Basel in Switzerland, said. The benefits were greatest when the milk began to be consumed during the first year of life, he added.
• Pregnant Gathering:Over 1,000 pregnant women in South Africa set a new world record on Saturday for the largest gathering of women due to give birth. "We were a little bit concerned having all these pregnant women under one roof, but we are happy that none of them went into labour," said organiser Projeni Pather.
• Free From Range:Supermarket chain Tesco has extended its specialist coeliac range, Free From, to over 113 lines. The own-brand range now includes an additional 51 new products which are either gluten, wheat or milk free. All Tesco's Free From products use a clear labelling system on front of packs to assist customers, according to Tesco.
• Over 50s Show:The Flora pro-activ Over 50s Show, Ireland's leading lifestyle event for older people, will take place this Saturday and Sunday, May 26th and 27th, in the University of Limerick Arena. More than 100 exhibitors will provide advice on areas such as health, holidays, pastimes, fashion and beauty.
There will also be free cholesterol and blood pressure testing and a talk from gardening guru, Gerry Daly.
Admission is €5. Free entry is available at www.seniortimes.ieor with the Limerick Leaderon May 12th, 19th and 26th