There is a greater risk of food poisoning during warm weather, and E.coli 0157 in particular is a growing problem. The number of reported cases in the Republic increased from eight in 1996 to 76 last year. E.coli can cause serious illness but simple measures can protect against it: store raw meat separately on the bottom shelf of the fridge; cook meats thoroughly; and wash your hands before and after handling food. For more information, contact the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (1800-336677).
Does what you eat play a key role in how clever you are? Brain imaging specialists in New Mexico have found a link between variations in the levels of two brain chemicals and the results of IQ tests. In tests on college students, the researchers found low levels of the chemical choline, combined with high levels of the chemical N-acetylaspartate (NAA), were associated with high IQ. It's possible, they conclude, that changing the balance of the chemicals with a dietary supplement could increase your intelligence. (New Scientist)
Regular physical exercise - even walking for 20 minutes a day five days a week, can reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure and heart disease in men, according to new studies. Japanese researchers found a 21-minute walk to work reduced the risk of hypertension in middle-aged men by 29 per cent and was also linked to lower weight. A US study of "physically capable" men aged 71 to 93 found the distance men walked each day was linked to their risk of heart disease - those who walked more than 1.5 miles had a "significantly" lower risk than those who walked under half a mile. --(Reuters)
Piles are a source of embarrassment - for more than 40 per cent of people in the Republic who suffer from them at some time in their lives. However, there is no need to feel embarrassed, and treatment (with free information leaflets) is available in any chemist. Although anyone can suffer from piles, pregnant women and people over 40 are particularly vulnerable. It is caused by constipation, pregnancy, childbirth and some types of heavy manual work and exercise. They can be prevented by a switching to a high-fibre diet, taking regular exercise, reducing your salt intake and drinking lots of fluids.
Babies born prematurely could be up to three times more likely to be treated for eating disorders such as anorexia (see above), according to a Swedish study. The research, published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, suggests a link between premature birth and small injuries to the brain which affect visual perception and appetite. A 1997 British study found the brains of young girls with anorexia had marked differences, possibly pointing to a biological cause for the eating disorder. --(BBC)