Dementia. Does ginkgo biloba help?
The herbal remedy ginkgo biloba is widely used to prevent and treat dementia, but does it work? In a recent study of over 3,000 people 75 years and older with normal mental function, ginkgo was not found to prevent dementia from developing. No benefit from taking it...
Asthma and COPD. Problems with puffers widespread
Up to 90% of people with asthma and COPD are not using their puffers correctly, according to the National Asthma Council. A new video is now available online to demonstrate correct step-by-step use for all types of puffers. Incorrect use is especially common in the...
Reflux in infants. Thickeners not effective
A recent review of all the available research on the use of thickeners in infant formula has found that they only have a small effect on gastric reflux. This effect may be of ‘questionable clinical significance’. Up to 40% of infants regurgitate after feeding and...
Breast cancer and young women
Women between 20–40 years should know the normal look and feel of their breasts and report any unusual changes to their GP. This is the advice of the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre (NBOCC) in its recent Cheeky Checkup campaign. About 700 women under...