15.07.08

Government's Chief Medical Officer calls for a ban on teenage drink driving

Today the Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson today called for a government ban on drink driving in teenagers. Currently teenagers have a 2 1/2 times greater chance of having a road traffic accident compared to other ages. In particular teenage boys, risk taking behaviour pushes those figures up. Currently 1 in 9 accidents while driving involve alcohol.

14 European countries already enjoy the lower maximum limit for alcohol while driving of 50mg/100ml. In England the upper legal limit for alcohol is 80mg/100ml

In the past proposals have been made suggesting that the limit be lowered to the 50mg/100ml level for teenagers. This would allow a half pint of lower strength beer or a small glass of wine.

Concern is that a zero alcohol limit may have pitfalls, for instance  when alcohol, is used in cooking or mouth washes, or there has been drinking the night before.

12.07.08

BMA announces proposals to decrease the level of smoking in young people

Despite Health of the Nation targets to reduce smoking in young people, the level of smokers in the country is still at 31% of all 20-34 year olds and the trend to quit has slowed. The majority of smokers start by the age of 25, therefore a major part of tobacco advertising is aimed at young people.

The BMA as published a report that urges the government to adopt a range of policies to help to reduce the number of children and young adults who take up smoking.

These include decreasing the number of shops licensed to sell tobacco, enforcing plain packaging for cigarettes with only a government health warning visible, setting a minimum price on tobacco and banning vending machines. Also suggested is preceding films that  portray positive images of smoking within their content with a government health warning on the dangers of smoking.

15.06.08

EATING A MEDITERRANEAN DIET REDUCES THE RISK OF DEVELOPING DIABETES

A study published this week in the British Medical Journal shows a clear relationship between eating a Mediterranean diet and preventing the onset of diabetes

Even in participants of the study who were overweight, older and who had a family history of diabetes, all of which predispose to developing diabetes showed a reduced incidence of the disease.

There is already well established evidence to show that eating a Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of developing coronary heart disease.

02.06.2008

GOVERNMENT PROPOSAL TO HOLD PARENTS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR CHILDREN'S DRINKING

Today's proposal follows a recent report from Alcohol Concern whose figures show an increase in the level of underage drinking in the 11-15 age group. Parents of children found drinking in public places will be asked to enter into a voluntary agreement with youth workers and to control their children or risk a fine of £1,000 or a community order.

Police will be given powers to confiscate alcohol from underage drinkers, consuming alcohol in public places. Consumption of alcohol will still be permitted in the home, where the hope is that better supervision would lead to a decrease in the amount consumed.

Also proposed is a 30% increase in tax on alcohol.

31.05.2008 

THE SWEET TASTE OF SUCCESS.

SUGAR COULD BE THE KEY TO HELPING

REDUCE NICOTINE CRAVINGS

A team of researchers at St Georges Hospital, London, lead by Professor Robert West are investigating a link between cravings for hunger and nicotine. The cravings for the two have very similar mechanisms, both producing strong desires. Over many years of smoking the body can become confused and loses its ability to differentiate between the two.

The urge to eat is often replaced by having a cigarette. It is very common for smokers to miss breakfast; in particular as nicotine is an appetite suppressant, an early morning cigarette can reduce the need to eat. Conversely, the need to smoke may be satisfied by eating something.

First day failures in quitting smoking are frequently due to missing breakfast (as many smokers habitually do), the hunger pangs subsequently multiplying the nicotine withdrawal cravings. Always eat regular meals during a quit attempt.

How does sugar help?  

Glucose is absorbed very quickly into the body and produces a mini “high” that can mimic that of nicotine. It has also been shown that levels of serotonin, a chemical produced by the brain responsible for the feeling of wellbeing can be influenced by sugar levels. If they drop, there can follow a corresponding fall in mood.

Pure sugar tablets, which can be purchased at many pharmacies contain only 10-12 calories each. If taken during a craving for nicotine, they could help reduce the need to smoke. Taking 10 tablets a day would only increase daily calorie intake by about 120 calories.

Who could benefit?

Anyone attempting to quit smoking, as an adjunct to other smoking cessation aids such as Nicotine Replacement Products, Zyban or Champix.

Anyone who was reluctant to use medication to help with their quit attempt, such as women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Glucose should not be used if you are Diabetic.

What about weight gain?

Nicotine is an appetite suppressant and also causes an increase in the body’s metabolism. Stopping smoking can therefore cause an increase in weight, even if you are not eating more than you did previously.

If you use Nicotine Replacement Products during your quit attempt, it will delay the onset of weight gain.

The habit of smoking is one which was initially “learnt” during the period when you first started smoking. It takes about 40 days to “unlearn” the habit. Many people find the need to be busy with their hands during this period.

It follows that it is important that if you are replacing the “hand to mouth” action of smoking, with that of food that you are careful about what you eat. Minimise hunger cravings by eating regular meals using plenty of “slow release” carbohydrates such as oats, brown bread, potatoes, brown rice and pasta. Use celery sticks and carrots or a handful of unsalted nuts or raisins as snacks. A cinnamon stick can make a great natural inhalator. Use glucose tablets as a supplement to this.

If you opt for Nicotine Replacement Products, the inhalator can be a great way of tackling the need to go through the action of putting something to your mouth.

Increase your exercise level as this will help burn off calories and is also a great stress buster for tackling those tense moments.

Remember, stopping smoking is the single most beneficial thing you can do for your health. If you do put on weight during your quit attempt, you can try at a later date to lose it. Even if you weigh more than you did before you quit, you will still have given your body its best chance at good health.

VARENICLINE (CHAMPIX) CAN IMPAIR DRIVING ABILITY

Varenicline can cause dizziness and drowsiness in some people. If using it as an aid to smoking cessation be careful about driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.

NICOTINE VACCINE OFFERS HOPE FOR SMOKERS

Nicotine vaccines may be helpful in reducing cravings for nicotine during an attempt to quit. Several drug companies are developing vaccines, but all require more extensive safety and efficacy testing before they can be released onto the market. Results of preliminary trials however are encouraging.

The vaccine requires you to have a series of injections, which stimulate the body to produce antibodies to nicotine. These will bind to the nicotine in the blood as you smoke and prevent the nicotine from entering the brain tissue, where nicotine has its pleasurable effects.

The vaccine could be helpful in preventing relapse in smokers who have recently quit and could also be used from the beginning of the quit attempt.

EARLY START FOR NRT IMPROVES QUIT RATE

Researchers in the USA have looked at 755 patients who started their NRT before their quit date rather than waiting until the day of quitting as is normally recommended. Both early on and six week after the quit date, the group who had started their NRT early had much better success rates than those waiting to start their NRT until the day of quitting.