Smoking does not make you happy

Smokers experienced lower average levels of pleasure and life satisfaction compared with non-smokers. – If you are planning to ignore the messages of national No Smoking Day on 12th March by claiming that smoking is one of the few pleasures left to you, then recent research from the Peninsula Medical School in the South West of England may make you think again.

GSK statement on MHRA Seroxat investigation

No suicides were reported in any of the nine paediatric trials conducted by GSK. – GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) notes the conclusions announced by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) regarding its investigation into disclosure of paediatric trial data for the anti-depressant medicine Seroxat (paroxetine).

Listening to a cell phone distracts drivers

Carnegie mellon study shows just listening to cell phones significantly impairs drivers; Brain imaging reveals drivers are distracted even if they don’t talk. – Carnegie Mellon University scientists have shown that just listening to a cell phone while driving is a significant distraction, and it causes drivers to commit some of the same types of driving errors that can occur under the influence of alcohol.

Helping older people live safely and independently

Complex interventions such as preventive home visits and community-based care after hospital discharge can help improve physical function and maintain independent living in older people, according to a Bristol University study of more than 90,000 older people published in this week?s edition of the Lancet. – Complex interventions such as preventive home visits and community-based care after hospital discharge can help improve physical function and maintain independent living in older people, according to a Bristol University study of more than 90,000 older people published in this week’s edition of the Lancet. The authors also advise against withdrawal of existing well-developed services for older people.

Snoring linked to cardiovascular disease

Loud snoring with breathing pauses is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and increased health care utilization – Loud snoring with breathing pauses is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and increased health care utilization, according to a study published in the March 1 issue of the journal SLEEP.

1 in 3 women has pelvic floor disorder, overactive bladder or incontinence

Kaiser Permanente study found that one-third of women suffer from one or more pelvic floor disorders, which include symptoms such as the frequent urge to urinate, dropped pelvic organs, and incontinence. – A new study by Kaiser Permanente found that one-third of women suffer from one or more pelvic floor disorders, which include symptoms such as the frequent urge to urinate, dropped pelvic organs, and incontinence. The study, which consists of the broadest age range of participants to date, of which 80 percent of the 4,000 women studied had given birth.

New York unveils electronic health record technology

New York City’s Electronic Health Records Set New Standard for Health Care Nationwide; Technology Will Help Transform System of Disease Care into One of Preventing Disease. – New York’s Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas R. Frieden unveiled the City’s next-generation electronic health records (EHRs), already in use at more than 200 primary-care providers across the city that care for more than 200,000 New Yorkers.

Patients are benefiting from the new GP contract, says BMA, UK

The new GPs’ contract is benefiting patients as it has enabled GPs to spend more time with them, the British Medical Association (BMA) has said. – General Physicians (GP) are spending more time with their patients and the work they do has become more complex, GP leaders said in response to the National Audit Office (NAO) report on the GP contract in England.

72% rise in clostridium difficile linked deaths

This is the fourth annual report on deaths in England and Wales involving MRSA and the third annual report on deaths involving Clostridium difficile. Data for 2006 are published for the first time. – The number of deaths involving Clostridium difficile continued to rise between 2005 and 2006, while deaths involving MRSA levelled out, according to new figures published by the Office for National Statistics in Health Statistics Quarterly 37 spring 2008.

Baxter recalls remaining heparin sodium vial products

Baxter International on thursday recalled nearly all of its heparin blood-thinning products six weeks after they were linked to severe allergic reactions in some patients. – Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX) announced that the company is proceeding with the voluntary recall of all remaining lots and doses of its heparin sodium injection multi-dose, single-dose vials and HEP-LOCK heparin flush products.

Health Newstrack