Dr Geoff Debelle, a child protection expert, expresses concerns about the impact of the Children and Social Work Bill on vulnerable children in the UK. He argues that the clause introducing local authorities' powers could lead to inconsistent practices and erode trust with these children.
A researcher argues that permitting some individuals to continue self-injuring in mental health units can be a more respectful and less harmful approach than traditional methods. This harm reduction strategy aims to reduce the risk of serious injury while acknowledging the individual's autonomy.
Research suggests that recreational amphetamine use may hasten the biological ageing of the heart, with effects seen in both men and women. The study found that amphetamine users showed signs of premature ageing of the heart, even after accounting for other cardiovascular risk factors.
The BMJ publishes a debate article on whether a dedicated tax is needed to fund the NHS, with proponents arguing it would reflect public wishes and provide welcome certainty. Critics, however, believe a hypothecated tax would not protect funding from economic uncertainty and that simpler solutions exist.
Experts warn that rising inequality is a major contributor to global problems such as populism, climate change and social instability. Decades of research have shown that tackling structural determinants of health can reduce health inequalities, but progress has been slow.
Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found that physically demanding jobs and shiftwork are associated with poorer egg quality and lower fertility rates in women. Women working in heavy-lifting jobs or evening/night shifts had fewer mature eggs, representing a nearly 9% reduction in total reserve of eggs.
Research finds that teen vaping acts as a 'one way bridge' to future smoking among those who have never smoked before. Vaping is also associated with an increased risk of smoking among teens who have previously smoked, possibly due to desensitization to cigarette health risks.
A study published in The BMJ found that internationally trained medical graduates care for patients with higher rates of chronic conditions yet have lower mortality rates than their US counterparts. International graduates also tend to be more expensive but save lives on average.
A study published in The BMJ found that continuity of care with a general practitioner is associated with lower hospital admissions for ambulatory care sensitive conditions among older patients. Patients who saw the same GP more frequently experienced almost 9-12% fewer admissions.
Research suggests that people infected with HIV may be more susceptible to developing diabetes, with a prevalence nearly 4% higher than the general public. Despite obesity being a key risk factor, the study found that HIV positive adults are at heightened risk of diabetes at younger ages and in its absence.
The total economic cost of smoking was US$ 1436 billion in 2012, equivalent to 1.8% of the world's GDP, according to a new study published in Tobacco Control. Developing countries accounted for nearly 40% of this sum.
Healthcare professionals have high variation in judgement when assessing the same claimant for disability benefits. The use of standardised approaches to guide judgment is strongly associated with higher agreement, highlighting the need for more research and improved assessment methods.
A study found that psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, may increase the risk of death from cancer types such as bowel, prostate, and pancreatic cancer. Higher levels of distress were associated with consistently higher death rates in these groups.
A study published in The BMJ found that hormone treatment among pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with a lower risk of pregnancy loss, but an increased risk of preterm delivery, gestational diabetes, and pre-eclampsia. Women treated with thyroid hormone had a lower risk of pregnancy loss compared to untreated...
Death clocks, which calculate an individual's life expectancy, are shown to be inconsistent and should come with a health warning. By adjusting for personal characteristics and circumstances, John Appleby found that life expectancy predictions varied widely, from 67-89 years.
A team of experts reviewed post-Ebola reports to identify key problems and recommendations for reform. They found significant gaps between proposed changes and actual action, particularly in strengthening compliance with International Health Regulations.
A group of UK and US respiratory doctors argue that President Trump should follow Margaret Thatcher's lead on ozone layer protection to reduce the impact of climate change. They suggest a series of policy actions, including investing in clean energy and green transport, to protect public health and prosperity.
The war on drugs has devastating effects on human rights and public health worldwide. Experts call for drug policy reform, citing mass incarceration's failure to deter drug consumption or trafficking. They also highlight the lack of access to medicines like morphine to treat pain in millions of people.
A study found that financial ties between researchers and the drug industry are associated with more favorable trial outcomes. The authors suggest that this could lead to biased evidence and call for increased transparency and disclosure of financial ties. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind these findings.
Researchers found that antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV infection may increase susceptibility to syphilis by boosting immune system activity and leading to more sexual partners. This could explain the rise in new cases of syphilis among gay/bisexual men over the past decade.
Research suggests that acupuncture can effectively treat infantile colic by reducing the frequency and duration of excessive crying in babies. The study involved 147 babies who received either standard care or tailored acupuncture treatment, resulting in a significant reduction in crying time for those who received acupuncture.
The James Bond series has conspicuously absent smoking-related imagery in only one film since its debut in 1962, according to a recent analysis published in Tobacco Control. Despite Bond himself no longer smoking, he is still exposed to second-hand smoke through his sexual partners and other characters.
A study published in The BMJ found that surgical patients with migraines are at a higher risk of stroke and hospital readmission. Patients with migraine with aura were found to be at the highest risk, with an estimated 6.3 strokes per 1,000 patients.
Coca-Cola's 'Happy Holidays' truck tour was criticized by public health experts for promoting sugary drinks to children. The UK government is introducing an industry levy on full sugar soft drinks as part of its childhood obesity strategy.
Gastroenterology experts argue that removing prescriptions for gluten-free foods would unfairly discriminate against people with coeliac disease. They highlight the high cost of such products (3-4 times standard prices) and limited availability in shops.
A government-backed policy to reduce salt intake by 10% over 10 years is projected to avert approximately 5.8 million disability-adjusted life years per year globally. The estimated average cost effectiveness ratio of the 10-year intervention is around $204 per DALY saved, comparable to many drugs used to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Research found that consuming high amounts of unprocessed red meat increases the risk of developing diverticulitis by 58%. Replacing daily portions with poultry or fish may lower this risk, with a 20% reduced risk observed. Insufficient dietary fibre intake and smoking are also thought to play roles in the development of the condition.
The 'test and treat' scheme aims to reduce GP consultations and antibiotic prescriptions, but lacks robust evaluation and may not be cost-effective. The NHS England plan is based on limited data from a small pilot, which raises concerns about its scalability and potential impact.
A systematic review of screening tests and interventions for type 2 diabetes prevention found low diagnostic accuracy, with lifestyle interventions showing a 37% reduction in relative risk. Population-wide approaches may be more effective than screen and treat policies alone.
A third of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in England are using private companies to screen patient referrals from GPs to specialist services. While some schemes aim to reduce costs, others improve referral quality. However, most CCGs lack evidence on whether their schemes have saved money overall.
A middle-aged woman developed hyponatraemia, a potentially life-threatening condition, after consuming excessive fluids and herbal remedies during the New Year period. Doctors warn of the potential harm of these treatments and advocate for caution.
The UK's abortion care system is facing a crisis due to an outdated law and inadequate access, according to an expert. Women seeking abortions face challenges including inequitable access, lack of trained staff, stigmatization, and exceptionalism.
A study found that over half of Brazilian women aged 18-39 avoided pregnancy due to the Zika epidemic. The authors urge the government to review reproductive health policies and improve access to safe and effective contraceptives.
Grapes are the third most common cause of food-related choking after hot dogs and sweets in young children. The small airways, lack of teeth, and easily distracted nature make them prone to choking hazards.
Preliminary research suggests that using a commercial brand of mouthwash can help kill off gonorrhea bacteria and control its spread. Daily rinsing with the product reduced viable gonorrhoea in the throat by 52% compared to saline solution.
Research published in Thorax found a significant association between high dietary processed meat intake and worsening asthma symptoms. Participants who consumed four or more weekly servings of cured meats experienced the greatest worsening of symptoms.
A recent BMJ study dispels the myth that Santa only visits well-behaved children. Instead, research suggests socioeconomic factors play a significant role in determining whether Santa will visit a child. The study found that pediatric wards in areas of higher socioeconomic deprivation were less likely to receive Santa visits.
US women saw a sharp increase in breast cancer gene testing after Angelina Jolie's article, with daily rates rising 64% immediately. However, there was no change in overall mastectomy rates, suggesting that celebrity endorsements may not effectively target high-risk groups.
A study published in The BMJ found that sustained enjoyment of life over several years is associated with lower mortality. Researchers analyzed data from 9,365 participants aged 50 and older, finding a dose-response association between sustained wellbeing and reduced risk of death.
A study found that 40% of participants could smell the distinct odor in their urine after eating asparagus, while 60% were unable to detect it. The researchers identified 871 genetic variants linked to asparagus anosmia and suggest future research on sense of smell receptors.
A study found that playing Pokémon Go increased daily steps by 955 additional steps in the first week, equivalent to half of the WHO's recommendation for physical activity per week. However, this effect was not sustained beyond six weeks of game playing.
A comprehensive review of homeopathy in livestock found that many clinical trials have methodological limitations, making it difficult to draw conclusions about its effectiveness. The review suggests that more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of using homeopathy in food-producing animals.
A pooled analysis of available data reveals that shock-absorbing insoles do not prevent injuries or stress fractures. In contrast, foot orthotics have been shown to reduce the risk of overall injury and certain types of leg and foot pain by up to 41%. However, the quality of the evidence varies, and further rigorous research is needed.
A recent study published in BMJ Global Health reveals that children from low-income countries are at a significantly higher risk of dying after emergency abdominal surgery. The likelihood of dying is up to 7 times greater than for children from rich nations.
A study of over 10,000 adults and teens found that most people wrongly believe that tobacco additives are the main source of harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke. In reality, the chemicals produced by burning cigarettes pose a greater risk to health.
The Practical Approach to Care Kit (PACK) provides a generic framework for customizing healthcare solutions in individual countries or states. By empowering health workers, PACK aims to improve primary care and address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in low-income countries.
Research found that US school shootings were lower in states with mandatory background checks on gun purchases and higher spending on mental health services and public education. The study analyzed media coverage of school shootings between 2013-2015, finding a link between state-level factors and the frequency of these incidents.
A study published in BMJ Global Health found that women living in developed Western nations with a strong Catholic heritage are less likely to breastfeed. The research suggests that breastfeeding promotion policies should be adapted to better fit prevailing cultural and religious norms.
Research found that pubic hair grooming is associated with a heightened risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections, particularly among high frequency and intensity groomers. Grooming was linked to an 80% increased risk of infection, with certain practices causing higher risks for specific infections.
A case report highlights the risks of water intoxication in patients with urinary tract infections. Doctors recommend reevaluating hydration advice due to a lack of evidence, citing a high mortality rate for hyponatraemia.