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Some older women in the UK being diagnosed with breast cancer may not receive much-needed therapy because of their age as opposed to the type of tumour, according to one expert. Arlene Wilkie, director of research and policy for Breast Cancer Campaign, referred to studies which appear to indicate that how old a patient is might be a deciding factor in whether they receive surgical treatment. New research from Breakthrough Breast Cancer found that women over the age of 80 are 40 times less likely to go under the knife than younger patients, which might include cancer alert bracelet wearers. Ms Wilkie noted that more studies were being carried out to investigate whether there is age discrimination involved in assessing if a cancer sufferer should be treated. According to recent figures around 80 per cent of those diagnosed with the illness are likely to be alive in five years' time, thanks to increased awareness about breast cancer and advances in therapies. 
The number of people being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes is increasing at a 'worrying rate', according to one Gloucestershire GP. Dr Dawn Harper said that the disease is more commonly found in older middle aged people when they have put on a bit of weight, although in recent times this has changed. She told alert bracelet wearers: 'What we're finding now is that Type 2 diabetes is being diagnosed in younger and younger people and it is simply because, as a nation, we are getting fatter and fatter.' Meanwhile, MSD, a research company which develops new drug treatments, published a new survey showing that 46 per cent of people in the UK believe that injections are the main therapy for Type 2 diabetes. Dr Harper indicated that this is not the case and suggested this may be one of the reasons why an estimated half a million people in Britain have diabetes but have not been diagnosed. She stated how many Type 2 sufferers may never need to inject themselves and could easily manage their condition through losing weight and eating healthily. 
Getting children into a regular bedtime routine may help with brain development and school performance, according to experts. Jessica Alexander of the Sleep Council told parents of young alert bracelet users that it is 'absolutely vital' they are enjoying a good pattern of slumber every night, at what is a crucial time in the body's evolution. She added: 'The habits of a lifetime can be laid down when you are young and it applies to sleep habits as well.' Furthermore, the expert proclaimed that a bedtime routine is as important as other factors of a healthy lifestyle such as a balanced diet or getting plenty of exercise. Meanwhile, a study conducted by SRI International research institute in the US revealed that children with consistent sleep patterns tended to perform better in school at subjects like maths, literacy and foreign languages. Ms Alexander argued that there is good evidence of poor sleep patterns being linked to factors affecting a child's education and suggested a lack of decent slumber can lead to a kid's mind wandering. 
People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are being told that they can lead a 'full and productive life' should they find effective ways of managing their condition. Neil Betteridge, chief executive of Arthritis Care, warned alert bracelet users that early diagnosis is the key to controlling symptoms before joint damage starts to occur. He advised RA sufferers of the importance of adopting a self-management plan incorporating daily activities and exercises such as swimming and dancing to help reduce pain. 'The good news is that for this type of arthritis there are now powerful new drugs with relatively little risk of adverse side effects,' he added. Indeed, scientists from the University of Lisbon have discovered an antibody which they said targets the root of the pain rather than just the symptoms. Mr Betteridge also called for government and health professionals across the UK to use every opportunity to raise awareness of the condition with employers, who previously have not understood the impact of RA on an individual at work. 
Pain may not be all in the head, after a new study revealed how depression could be linked to increased physical discomfort. Researchers from the University of Oxford led by Dr Chantal Berna analysed brain imaging to see how healthy people reacted when they were feeling down. Medical bracelet wearers were told that participants 'who were made sad by negative thoughts and depressing music' processed pain more emotively, which meant they found it more unpleasant and it had a greater impact on the individual. It is thought disrupted neurocircuitry in the brain, regulating emotion, leads to 'an enhanced perception' of discomfort. Furthermore, scientists suggested that pain may not be caused by depression, but could be the driver behind it. As Patient UK noted, while depression is a common word by many to describe their feelings from time to time, a true definition of a sufferer is one enduring a low mood and symptoms over a period of at least two weeks. Such problems can affect the day-to-day activities of a person if they persist. 
The chair of the National Obesity Forum believes it would be better if people wanted to lose weight for health or cosmetic reasons rather than financial gain. Dr David Haslam has suggested that being paid to shed pounds is not as sustainable as wanting to live longer, yet the GP admitted 'if it works, it works'. Medical alert jewellery owners were told the cornerstones to keeping off excess weight are always healthy eating and plenty of physical activity, but those with a fiscal incentive may go about it in whichever way they choose including diets that are not recommended by experts. 'If money is a motivation and then they stop getting paid and the scheme finishes, their motivation has gone,' Dr Haslam added. This follows research by NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent which revealed its Pounds for Pounds pilot initiative has had mixed results, with two-thirds of participants taking part failing to reach their targets. 
Breast cancer sufferers could find that a single dose of radiation during surgery is as effective as a long-term course of radiotherapy, according to a new study. Doctors have tested an approach involving applying one shot of the treatment to a tumour area and researchers indicate it could save around £15 million a year, the BBC reports. The study, published in The Lancet, suggested that damage to other organs such as the heart and lungs is avoided as it targets the specific area of concern rather than the whole breast as the current approach does. Cancer alert bracelet wearers were told the new procedure will be more convenient for patients and reduce waiting times for treatment. Breast Cancer notes that incidences of the disease in the UK have increased by 84 per cent since records began in 1971 and, since 1993, the average age of women being diagnosed has been 50 to 54. 
Bottling u p anger could lead to a range of serious health consequences, one expert has claimed. Medical alert bracelet wearers may be interested to learn that founder and director of the British Association of Anger Management Mike Fisher said it is better to show irritation than to internalise it. 'If we don't deal with our anger, it can cause physical and psychological illness,' he explained. 'If you keep anger in, you will get depressed.' However, Mr Fisher did advise that people should be aware of the impact their rage may have on those around them. While expressing resentment openly may feel 'fantastic' and 'fabulous' for the individual, he added, it can create problems with their friends and family. His comments followed a study published earlier this year in the journal Hormones and Behaviour, which stated previous research has found anger can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. 
A health o rganisation has claimed the choice of corporate sponsors for the FIFA World Cup sends out mixed messages to children. Harry McMillan, chief executive of MEND, raised concerns that brands such as Coca-Cola, Budweiser and fast food chain McDonalds will be affiliated with the tournament which kicks off on June 11th in South Africa. 'It is important that children and young people are made aware of the effects of eating unhealthy food, so they are able to make healthy and informed food choice,' he said. His worries echo those of the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), which believes that millions of youngsters will be subject to the marketing of such products that are high in salt, sugar and saturated fats. It called on football's governing body to consider ending its association with brands like these because, in continuing, FIFA is scoring an 'own goal'. The WCRF said that advertising of those items is linked to childhood obesity. 
A dementia expert has claimed that a patient's symptoms can sometimes be misunderstood. Penny Hibberd, director of Dementia Service Development Centre South East, said that prescribing sedatives should be a last resort and that they should only be used after consultation with a psychiatrist. Such treatment must also be given in tiny doses. She said that people are often just trying help when they offer a sedative, but are unaware of the real implications that could occur. 'Actually, it is really unhelpful and people with dementia can deteriorate really quickly and become very unwell with that sort of medication,' the expert added. This follows the launch of a national dementia strategy by the Scottish government, outlining plans to limit the use of psychoactive medication, while pledging to improve and develop the standards of care for patients. It is also looking to increase the number of people with the illness to be diagnosed and offer better access and support to patients, which may includes wearers of Alzheimer's alert bracelets. 
Asthma sufferers in Britain are apparently missing out on a new drug treatment that has been known to 'transform people's lives', because it is considered too costly for NHS resources. In response to the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence's decision not to approve omalizumab (xolair) for use in children aged six to 11, Asthma UK expressed its disappointment as studies show the medication to significantly reduce hospital admissions. The body, which is dedicated to helping the 5.4 million asthma sufferers in the UK, told medical bracelet wearers that research indicated the drug may help with the condition and 'end their dependency on the NHS'. Novartis, which manufactures xolair, stated that the drug could help 300 children in the age group who have severe symptoms of the chronic inflammatory disease. Asthma UK said that this medication remained a better alternative than needing to give oral corticosteroids, which is thought to increase the risk of potential side effects such as growth retardation, diabetes and even heart failure. 
Scientists in the US believe they have discovered a crucial piece in the jigsaw explaining the difference between the number of incidences of lung cancer in men and women. Medical bracelet wearers are being told that smoke exposure could alter both 'gene expression' and oestrogen metabolism, which may explain a recent increase in the number of non-smoking women developing the disease, according to researchers at the Fox Chase Cancer Centre. They have identified that the most affected gene is cytochrome P450 1b1, which is responsible for breaking down toxins and a key enzyme involved with oestrogen. Margie Clapper, who led the research team, said the discovery was unintentional but 'very exciting' and she believes that if problems are identified early enough, then medical professionals may be able to use treatments to block the gene in the future. According to Cancer Research UK, lung cancer is the second most common form of the disease with almost 40,000 people diagnosed every year, which equates to 109 new cases each day. 
Women are being advised that following a healthy balanced diet should mean they are able to get all of their essential nutrients from food sources rather than needing to rely on health supplements. Dr Carrie Ruxton, an independent nutrition adviser to the Health Supplements Information Service (HSIS), said it is very important to maintain a strong routine, not only as an influence on their own lives, but also potentially that of their children. Alert bracelet wearers were told that the role of supplements is supposed to be one that allows nutrient targets to be met in the short term while people are taking action to improve their diets. This follows a study, published in the journal Nutrition Bulletin, which found that women were consuming too much saturated fat and salt in their daily routine, but needed to eat more fruits, vegetables and oily fish. The investigation revealed that females in the UK were not getting the right amount of nutrients like vitamin D, which can affect pregnancy outcomes and even the wellbeing of children. 
People who suffer with chronic musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain, knee pain or neck trouble are being told that acupuncture can reduce the symptoms that bring discomfort. Dr Mike Cummings, medical director of the British Medical Acupuncture Society, was commenting on a study published in Nature Neuroscience which found that this method of treatment can trigger a natural painkilling chemical called adenosine. He said that the research is interesting and might indicate a key part of the mechanism of acupuncture in relieving such symptoms, but urged caution as the investigation was carried out on laboratory mice and hinted that there is a chance this may not be applicable to humans. Medical alert jewellery wearers were told that this course of therapy can reduce pain in 50 per cent of patients, but some people may not feel the benefits and this could be down to genetic factors, although there is little evidence to confirm this opinion as yet. 
Parents are being told that they can look after their own health as well as that of their children by making sport and exercise a family affair. Denise Lewis, who won a gold medal in the Heptathlon at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, suggested that the problem facing mothers and fathers is finding the time, but this could be overcome by spending time with the kids in such activities. This follows figures released by David Lloyd Leisure last week which revealed that one-fifth of children aged six to 11, which may include those who wear a child medical alert bracelet, do not receive any parental support in getting involved in sport outside of school. Lewis, who also won back-to-back Commonwealth titles in 1994 and 1998, suggests that it needs to become a 'lifestyle issue' and part of a family's lives in order to improve the situation. She also believes that sporting clubs and associations need to be thinking of new ways to get more people involved. 
Walking and taking part in exercise such as tai chi could be beneficial to people who have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to an expert. Lynda Scott-Williams, chief executive of the Arthritic Association, said that RA sufferers, which may include those who wear medical bracelets, should mix a healthy diet with gentle exercise and that martial art is seen as a good approach without getting fatigued. She also recommended including more fish and warned against eating red meat, tomatoes and 'any member of the nightshade family' as they can cause problems. In addition, those RA sufferers who feel they can try something more adventurous may want to try dancing. Meanwhile, a study from the Mayo Clinic in the US found the number of women suffering with the condition had increased by 2.5 per cent per year between 1995 and 2007, while there was a 0.5 per cent decrease in cases among males over the same period. 
People are being warned that a number of over the counter drugs that do not require a prescription may have the potential to give users adverse side effects. The US Food and Drug Association (FDA) has issued a warning for individuals, which may include those who wear medical bracelets, to people currently using a dietary supplement called Alli. This followed a review of cases into severe liver injuries involving people taking orlistat, which is an active ingredient in the drug. Dr Stephen Ryder of Core, the only charity in the UK to conduct research into gut, liver, intestine and bowel illnesses, suggested that many over the counter medications have the ability to cause side effects. However, he also noted that being overweight can be a key factor in the development of liver disease. Therefore people are being advised to stick to a healthy diet and limit the amount of alcohol they drink in order to avoid complications. 
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