Too posh to push: There is no evidence to support the "too posh to push" argument, according to an analysis of NHS hospital data.
Over the past two decades, the rising rate of Caesarean section delivery has led to some concern. Some experts have blamed the rising rate on wealthy women requesting Caesareans to avoid pain associated with natural delivery. The study found that women living in the poorest areas of England were less likely to have an elective Caesarean, but otherwise increasing affluence was not associated with having a section.
Lung cancer stigma: The stigma attached to patients with lung cancer can have serious consequences on people's lives. According to new research, anti-smoking campaigns can often add to this stigma by reinforcing the view that patients are to blame for their disease. Whether they smoked or not, patients with lung cancer feel particularly stigmatised because the disease is so strongly associated with smoking. Images of "dirty lungs" aim to put young people off tobacco but they can be upsetting. In contrast, publicity about the Machiavellian role of the global tobacco industry may achieve more, the authors state.
Home monitoring: Patients with high blood pressure (hypertension) who monitor their blood pressure at home have better control of their condition, according to a new study. Researchers analysed blood pressure monitoring studies involving nearly 3,000 people with hypertension. They found that blood pressure was lower in people who had home blood pressure monitoring than in those who were seen in the healthcare system.
Spiritual healing: If shamanism is your thing, you may be interested in catching up with the Australian spiritual healer, Michelle MacEwan, who is currently in Ireland. MacEwan promises that you will meet and learn to work with your spirit through ceremony, visioning, story-telling and other Celtic traditions. Introductory talk tonight at 7.30 p.m., admission is €20 and a one-day workshop on Sunday, June 20th, cost €135. Both in Coach Centre, 44 Westland Row, Dublin. Booking on tel: 01 6612215. See www.blackwallabylodge.org.au
Wet Beds: Of course it's a PR exercise on behalf of a drugs company but the spin-off of tomorrow's National Dry Night may well be to reduce the stigma associated with bed-wetting for many children. Reducing drinks after 6 p.m. is one obvious tactic but some children need more than that. There may also be psychological or medical problems. Look out for information desks in shopping centres throughout the country this week. See also www.mynightowl.ie