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A councillor has warned that the cost of treating people with dementia could go up significantly over the next few years. Dr David Salter, cabinet member for social care at Plymouth City Council, said that about 2,900 people in the city suffered from the degenerative illness in 2008. However, he believes this figure could increase to more than 3,100 within the next two years, the Plymouth Herald reports. This, he warned, would significantly add to the cost of looking after dementia sufferers, which means that existing care services need to be reformed. Indeed, Dr Salter said more than £1.7 million of extra funding will be required if changes are not made fairly soon. 'This issue isn't going to go away,' Dr Salter insisted. 'It's of huge national importance and costs more than heart disease, strokes and cancer put together.' Official figures show that about 570,000 people in England live with dementia, although the NHS expects this figure to double over the next 30 years. While there is no cure for the condition, people can take various steps to manage it and ensure they are well looked after. For example, wearing an Alzheimer's alert bracelet will ensure that any doctor who treats a person with dementia is instantly aware of their condition. 
While there are many ways to manage Alzheimer's disease, such as wearing a medical alert bracelet, science is no closer to finding a cure. However, one expert believes progress could speed up rapidly if more funding was diverted towards dementia research. Rebecca Wood, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Research Trust, stated that not so long ago, cancer was almost a taboo subject, but changing attitudes led to it moving firmly into the spotlight. Speaking to BBC News, she said this led to a significant upturn in the amount of funding for cancer research and the development of lots of new treatments. Ms Wood said that dementia too was once considered a taboo subject by some, although society is now becoming more willing to talk about the condition. Nevertheless, she believes this is not being reflected in the amount of funding dementia research receives, which means a cure is still not in sight. 'We boast some of the world's most influential scientists,' she commented. 'Only lack of funds holds us back.' According to figures from the Alzheimer's Research Trust, only 2.5 per cent of the government's medical research budget is used on studying dementia. By contrast, a quarter is spent on cancer research. 
People in the UK do not know enough about bowel cancer, a healthcare expert has warned. According to Dr Chris Steele, public awareness on issues such as skin cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer is very strong. However, he said the same level of awareness doesn't extend to bowel cancer, as this has not had the same level of publicity. This is despite the fact that, according to Cancer Research UK, it is the third most common type of cancer in Britain. Dr Steele is taking part in the Beating Bowel Cancer 'Be Loud Be Clear' campaign, which has been designed to encourage more people to get themselves tested for signs of the illness. 'If you get tested early you'll get diagnosed early, then you'll get treated early and you'll be cured,' he commented. Should you or anybody you know develop a long-term illness such as cancer, it could be prudent to ensure they wear a medical alert bracelet. If they need instant treatment in an emergency situation, this can be a quick way of letting medics know about the cancer and what type of treatment they are receiving. 
When you suffer from diabetes, you have to manage your condition carefully and look after yourself. That's why taking steps such as wearing a diabetic bracelet can be so important, as it means you're prepared for any emergency situation that could arise. With that in mind, it's worrying to learn that many diabetics are intentionally skipping their insulin injections, sometimes on a regular basis. Researchers at the US-based Loyola University found that more than half of people in America with diabetes have occasionally failed to take their insulin shots. Lead researcher Mark Peyrot warned that this trend could be more common than doctors believe. The study showed that some diabetics are skipping their injections because they feel embarrassed, while others think it will interfere with their daily lives. Students were found to be especially likely to miss the odd jab, although researchers found older people and those with disabilities are much better at sticking to their prescribed treatments. More than two million people in England now live with diabetes, although the NHS believes many more may have the condition without realising it. 
The government is putting £800,000 towards a new initiative designed to make us all healthier. According to public health minister Gillian Merron, there are lots of simple ways in which we can improve our physical wellbeing. For instance, she recommended that parents ditch the car and walk their children to school at least one day a week. Ms Merron said this is an 'easy way' for youngsters and mums and dads to be more active. The government is investing £800,000 in the Walk Once a Week scheme currently being run by charity group Living Streets, which rewards those who do walk to school with a collectable metal badge. Tony Armstrong, chief executive of Living Streets, commented: 'We hope that schools and local authorities up and down the country will get involved, and get more children up and down the country walking.' He added that the initiative allows parents to spend quality time with their kids and helps to cut congestion, pollution and carbon emissions. This coincides with the launch of the Let's Dance with Change4Life campaign, a government-backed project that promotes dancing as a way of staying fit and healthy. Of course, regular physical activity is no guarantee of avoiding illness, so those who do have chronic health conditions can take positive steps to look after themselves. For example, wearing medical alert jewellery can be a great way of letting doctors know about your health at any time, while everyone else just thinks you're wearing a pretty nifty-looking accessory. 
Youngsters with diabetes may often take positive measures such as wearing a diabetic bracelet, but one charity believes many lack basic knowledge on managing their condition. According to Diabetes UK, diabetic children need better access to psychological and educational support. This, it said, would make them more aware of the symptoms of diabetes, what types of food they should eat and how they can manage their condition. The charity warned that failure to manage type two diabetes increases the risk of encountering other health problems, such as a stroke or heart disease. Jane-Claire Judson, national director of Diabetes UK Scotland, told the Herald that coping with the condition as a child or young person can be 'a great challenge'. 'While many young people have a positive approach, others are struggling to find the support they need to minimise the impact diabetes can have on their future,' she commented. The charity recommends that diabetics wear medical alert jewellery containing details of what type of treatment you are on. If you wear it around a pulse point such as your neck and wrist, medics will realise straight away that you are diabetic if you are being treated in an emergency. 
With heart disease forcing many to watch their diets and take steps such as wearing a medical alert bracelet, experts are looking at more and more ways of tackling this growing health problem. According to figures from the British Heart Foundation, about one in five men and one in seven women in the UK die of heart disease. One idea that has just been proposed to help cut this statistic is encouraging people to reduce their salt intake. Indeed, the European Society of Cardiology wants the EU to introduce new laws to limit the amount of salt that can be put into processed foods. 'The case for population-wide salt reduction is now compelling,' said spokesman Professor Frank Ruschitzka. He was speaking after researchers at the University of California estimated that reducing salt intake by 3g a day could go a long way towards cutting the number of heart disease cases, heart attacks and strokes. 'A reduction of salt intake not only lowers blood pressure but also prevents cardiovascular events,' Professor Ruschitzka added. 
Derek Hunter's emphysema was so bad that he could not leave the house and had no quality of life at all. However, his fortunes changed when he underwent a heart and double lung transplant - a procedure which saved his life. All this happened in the late 1980s and now - 20 years later - Mr Hunter is still going strong. 'I was able to do anything and am still living life to the full,' he commented. Speaking to the Lancashire Evening Post, he said he enjoys lots of activities including pool, snooker and darts. Mr Hunter added that he has even taken part in the British Transplant Games and came away with some medals. 'My transplant gave me back my life,' he said. Of course, if you have had a transplant and need to take medication as a result, it could be wise to wear a medical alert bracelet. If you need emergency care, you need whoever is treating you to know about your health status straight away - and this is a simple way of being prepared at all times. According to NHS figures, more than 3,500 organ transplants were carried out between April 1st 2008 and March 31st 2009. 
A diabetic bracelet could become an increasingly common sight in hospital wards, after new figures revealed that a fifth of all patients are diabetics. An audit of 200 NHS hospitals found that this is twice the proportion that had previously been estimated. Professor Anthony Barnet of the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust has blamed this development partly on people's unhealthy lifestyles. He warned that obesity rates in Britain are getting increasingly worse, which in turn is driving up the number of people with diabetes. Since many diabetics can suffer subsequent health problems such as a diabetic coma or kidney failure, Dr Barnet believes the problem is putting a considerable strain on NHS resources. 'The situation we are facing as a country is absolutely terrifying,' he commented. Cathy Moulton, care advisor at Diabetes UK, added that more needs to be done to raise awareness of diabetes and how it can be prevented. This, she said, could include encouraging people to make positive lifestyle changes. 
A cancer charity has welcomed ongoing progress in treating the disease, but said the rate of improvement needs to speed up. According to Against Breast Cancer, cancer survival rates in the UK are a lot better than in other westernised countries. However, the charity warned that financial restrictions are impeding the rate of progress in Britain. 'We are making progress, but it is slow,' a spokeswoman said. Figures from Against Breast Cancer show that about 41,000 new cases of the condition are diagnosed every year. The disease is also the single most common cause of death among females aged between 35 and 54. Indeed, about 13,000 patients die of breast cancer each year. However, people with cancer can take a number of positive steps to manage their condition. For instance, it could be a good idea to sport a medical alert bracelet, as this will instantly let a doctor or paramedic know about any illness and what type of treatment the patient is receiving. 
Teachers could now have a new way of predicting which pupils are most likely to have trouble learning at school. A study by a team at Imperial College London, published in the journal Pediatrics, showed that ambidextrous kids are more likely to have mental health issues and problems in the classroom. In particular, children who can confidently use both hands were said to be more susceptible to conditions that could lead to them wearing a medical alert bracelet, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and dyslexia. The scientists behind the research now believe the findings could help teachers and doctors to spot those youngsters who may be likely to develop these conditions. Lead researcher Dr Alina Rodriguez said: 'Mixed-handedness is intriguing - we don't know why some people prefer to make use of both hands when most people use only one.' However, she insisted the findings do not mean that all ambidextrous children have or will have problems at school. Indeed, being mixed-handed can be a major asset in sports such as tennis, as stars such as Luke Jensen and Maria Sharapova have proved. 
We're often told about the advantages of eating a healthy diet, but it's one of those messages that sometimes needs to be repeated. After all, the temptation to eat the wrong food can leave us open to all kinds of illnesses, whereas eating properly can make you less likely to encounter future problems. That's why the Alzheimer's Society has just reminded people about how good food can help stave off dementia. In particular, it believes antioxidants found in fruit, vegetables, tea and red wine can help prevent oxidation - a process closely linked with cell damage and ageing. 'A healthy diet is an important way to reduce your risk of developing dementia,' a spokesman said. Of course, if you do go on to develop the degenerative illness, you can manage the condition in various ways. For example, you can wear an Alzheimer's alert bracelet, which is a subtle and stylish way of letting doctors know about your medical status. While this will not attract attention in your day-to-day life, it could be a lifesaver if you ever need emergency treatment. 
News that multiple sclerosis (MS) sufferers could be treated with new tablets has been hailed by a charity dedicated to tackling the condition. The MS Society described this development as 'fantastic news' for people with MS, as this is the first time that oral therapies have been made available for them. According to Dr Doug Brown, biomedical research manager at the charity, MS affects individuals in many different ways and is a very unpredictable condition. As a result, it can have a 'huge impact' on quality of life, partly because you never know just when an MS attack may occur. 'They also don't know what that MS attack will entail,' Dr Brown continued. Indeed, he noted that there are a number of symptoms associated with MS, such as loss of sight, extreme fatigue and bowel and bladder problems. If a person you love does go on to develop MS, it could be a good idea to equip them with a medical alert bracelet. This can be an instant and effective way of letting doctors know about their condition if they are ever receiving emergency treatment. 
We've all heard the warnings about how smoking can cause lung cancer, but we don't tend to hear much about what happens if you keep smoking after you get the disease. That's an oversight that the University of Birmingham has sought to correct by examining data about the survival rates of cancer patients following their diagnosis. Scientists discovered that those who kicked the habit are about twice as likely to survive for five years as those who carry on smoking. So if you're a cancer patient who enjoys a fag every now and then, it's certainly in your best interests to stop. And you can take further positive steps to manage your condition such as wear a medical alert bracelet. This could be a potential lifesaver if you need emergency treatment, as they tell doctors and paramedics straight away if you have any underlying health issues. According to figures from Cancer Research UK, lung cancer is the second most common cancer to be diagnosed in Britain. 
Movie star Britt Ekland has called on people to raise money and help dementia sufferers in Britain. The ex-wife of Peter Sellers, who is best known for starring with Roger Moore in The Man With The Golden Gun, is launching this year's Bupa Great South Run. Bupa has chosen the Alzheimer's Society as its nominated charity for the second year in succession, and Ekland hopes participants will be able to raise over £1 million. The funds would be a great help to those with the condition, such as those who wear an Alzheimer's alert bracelet to manage their condition. Ekland herself has been personally affected by the illness, as her mother had dementia. 'It is heartbreaking to watching someone you love gradually lose their memory and skills,' she commented. The movie star said she 'thrilled' that the Alzheimer's Society will be receiving from money from the run this year, adding that it will improve the lives of lots of people with the illness. 
Many people who believe they suffer from food allergies may get some good news if they ask their doctor for tests. Researchers from the University of Portsmouth found that only around one in ten of the adults who believe they suffer from some form of food allergy actually do so. The report, commissioned by the Flour Advisory Bureau, reveals that although 20 per cent of adults believe they have food allergies, most of them have diagnosed the problem themselves. In reality, only 1.4 - 1.8 per cent of adults in the UK have a food allergy, meaning many people are unnecessarily restricting their diets. Dr Carina Venter recommended that anyone who believes they have a food intolerance should seek advice from a medical professional, rather than guessing what the problem is and making unnecessary and possibly unhealthy changes to their diet. 'Our concern is that people are self-diagnosing allergies which is very unreliable and could even mask a different illness which would remain undiagnosed and untreated,' Dr Venter added. Although the findings may lead to some people discovering they do not have the allergies they believe they suffer from, they will not help people who have genuine allergies. Reactions to peanuts or shellfish can lead to serious medical problems and sufferers should consider wearing an allergy bracelet with details of their condition engraved on it, to ensure medical professionals know what they are dealing with. 
People who suffer from multiple sclerosis may soon be able to benefit from a new treatment, the findings of a study suggest. Many of the drugs for the condition currently on the market have unpleasant side effects, but a report published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicates that Cladribine may be different. Researchers from Queen Mary, University of London carried out a trial designed to ascertain how effective Cladribine may be in the treatment of MS. They discovered evidence that it could help to reduce relapse and deterioration of the debilitating neurological condition, without the same side effects as existing treatments. Perhaps the biggest benefit of Cladribine is that it can be administered in tablet form - a first for MS treatment and a development which could help to improve the quality of life of people with the disease. The study's results and the news that Cladribine could be on the market by early 2011 were welcomed by Doug Brown, the MS Society's biomedical research manager. 'Availability of oral therapies will give people greater choice and being able to take a tablet instead of unpleasant injections will come as welcome relief,' said Dr Brown. Anyone undergoing treatment for MS may benefit from wearing medical alert jewellery, detailing their condition and the drugs they are taking, to ensure medical professionals are fully informed in the event of an emergency. 
An NHS official has urged the fashion industry to play a part in cutting skin cancer rates in Britain. Figures from NHS Ashton, Leigh and Wigan in Greater Manchester show that the number of skin cancer cases in the area has trebled in the last 13 years. Glen Berry, assistant director of health development at the trust, said this is very concerning, but believes positive action to tackle this trend can be taken. For instance, he told the Leigh Journal that the fashion industry could do more to promote the 'pale and interesting look'. 'It is a pity that so many people think it necessary to risk their health just to follow fashion and have a tan,' Mr Berry said. He added that sunbed salons should also make sure they only allow over-18s to use their facilities and make sure prominent health warnings are in place. The government has already proposed banning under-18s from using sunbeds, while celebs such as Nicola Roberts of Girls Aloud have also backed the idea. If a person does develop skin cancer, it could be a good idea for them to wear a skin cancer bracelet, as this can be a subtle and stylish way of letting emergency medics know about their condition and what treatment regime they are on. 
Stressed people don't often tend to put exercise and healthy eating at the top of their agenda. Indeed, Heart Research UK has just said those suffering from stress tend to do the exact opposite, living off convenience food and takeaways, smoking more and not doing enough physical activity. But according to the charity, this could lead to these people becoming far more vulnerable to major health problems. 'More and more research has shown that stress is linked to heart disease and heart attacks,' said Denise Armstrong, lifestyle manager at Heart Research UK. She is therefore urging people to try to tackle stress by making time for relaxation, exercise and eating a healthy balanced diet. Ms Armstrong was speaking after researchers at University College London concluded that there is a clear and identifiable link between stress and heart problems. British Heart Foundation figures show that about 86,000 people in the UK die from a heart attack each year. Of course, it's not just stress that can create heart problems - it could be a hereditary condition in your family. If you are affected by heart problems, wearing medical alert jewellery could be a good step to manage the condition. After all, if you end up in an emergency situation, you want medics to be aware of any long-term health issues you may have. 
A hospital in London is facing tough questions after a patient was mistakenly given penicillin, despite the fact she was wearing an allergy alert bracelet to say she is allergic to the drug. Cancer patient Jean Seymour was receiving treatment to remove internal blockages at Chase Farm Hospital in September last year when the blunder occurred. According to her son David, the 82-year-old went into a state of shock after being given the drugs and was very distressed. He told the Enfield Independent that he complained to the hospital straight away, but has still not received the results of an investigation more than four months after the incident. 'To say I am disgusted by their attitude is mild,' he commented. 'It is outrageous.' A Chase Farm Hospital spokeswoman said an investigation was carried out, while policies to avoid a repeat of this scenario were swiftly put in place. She insisted that Mr Seymour had been kept up to date with ongoing developments, but was not sent a full copy of the report because it contained confidential staff information. Mrs Seymour has since died from stomach cancer, which NHS figures indicate affects about 8,200 people in the UK every year. 
Cancer survivors often choose to wear cancer bracelets after they have recovered, either to raise awareness of the illness or provide useful information to medics in an emergency situation. However, they have long lamented the lack of long-term assistance they get from the NHS. Indeed, Macmillan Cancer Support recently claimed that lots of cancer survivors are suffering needlessly because they are being deserted after their initial treatment is over. But the government has just unveiled a new policy which will enable cancer survivors to have their own personalised assessment and care plan. They will also be offered information on the long-term effects of living with and surviving cancer, as well as support to self-manage their condition. Macmillan chief executive Ciaran Devane said: 'In the past patients felt abandoned when their treatment ended, but the NHS should now support them through all their health and care related needs.' A recent survey by the charity found that 94 per cent of cancer survivors would expect a full assessment of their ongoing needs, while 89 per cent expect to get a personalised care plan once their treatment is over. 
While many of us are more health-conscious than we used to be when we carry out our weekly shop, we often tend to rely on advertising blurb rather than actual scientific data. That's why the British Heart Foundation (BHF) has said it believes we need to be encouraged to get used to reading food labels. This would make us far more aware of what we are actually eating, which in turn may help to tackle chronic health issues such as heart disease. However, the BHF believes there is also a lot of uncertainty about what certain terms on food packaging actually mean. 'People get a bit confused between the terms poly and monounsaturates,' said spokeswoman June Davison. If you do go on to develop a serious condition as a result of a poor diet, wearing medical alert jewellery can be a good way of managing your illness, as it would ensure doctors are aware of your health status in an emergency. But prevention can be just as good as a cure, so watching what you eat remains one of the most effective ways of staving off illness. 
People who wear an Alzheimer's alert bracelet could be set to benefit from a new awareness drive. American bass guitar player Stuart Hamm has collaborated with British musician Andy Edwards to record an album and video to raise the profile of the degenerative condition. Proceeds from the record will be donated to the Alzheimer's Research Trust, which said the money they raise will make a huge difference. 'Dementia research is making progress but it is hugely underfunded,' said chief executive Rebecca Wood. 'There are 700,000 people in the UK living with this dreadful condition and this number is expected to double within a generation.' Andy added that he was motivated to start the project after seeing how his mum was affected by dementia. He said it was shocking and heartbreaking to witness the deterioration of such a strong and caring person. According to stats from the Alzheimer's Research Trust, just 2.4 per cent of the government's medical research budget is used for tackling dementia. 
People across Britain are being urged to set themselves a challenge to support the UK's three million diabetics. Many of those with diabetes where a diabetic bracelet to manage their condition and ensure they are properly treated in an emergency. But charities such as Diabetes UK regularly carry out research in an attempt to come up with new forms of treatment. However, the group needs a constant influx of funds to ensure the research continues, so it has just launched a new fundraising drive. Diabetes UK wants people to challenge themselves in any way they want to, such as losing a certain amount in weight or even spending a day in silence. Sponsor money gained from these trials will then go towards the various studies that are taking place, potentially improving the lives of millions of diabetics in Britain. Dominic Littlewood, the consumer affairs expert from The One Show, is among those taking part in the campaign. The broadcaster, who himself has type 1 diabetes, will trek through some of the most exotic and arduous terrain in Thailand in the name of charity. 
Bowel cancer affects about 37,000 people a year in the UK, but experts have come up with one way of cutting this figure. Many of us enjoy a large glass of wine each day, but often fail to consider the alcohol content of our daily tipple. The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) is not saying you should go without a drink, but simply take a closer look at how much alcohol it contains. Estimates from the group suggest that switching to a lower alcohol alternative could reduce a person's risk of developing bowel cancer by seven per cent. Dr Rachel Thompson of WCRF said: 'Of course, this does not just apply to wines. 'You can also reduce your cancer risk by switching from premium strength lager to weaker alternatives.' She added that if people don't want to cut the number of drinks they have, this would be a good positive step to take for the sake of their health. If you do go on to develop bowel cancer, wearing a medical alert bracelet could be a good way to ensure peace of mind and proper treatment. After all, it's a quick and easy way of telling healthcare services about your health in an emergency. Bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in Britain, although NHS figures show that about 80 per cent of cases develop in people who are aged over 60. 
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