The power of the Aspirin

The humble aspirin seems to have another trick up its sleeve. It seems that not only is aspirin good at helping to prevent blood clots as well as relieving pain and inflammation it has now been found to help women cut the risk of breast cancer as well. A recent study suggests that aspirin could help with breast cancer by helping hormone treatments work more effectively. But Cancer Research has aired on the side of caution by highlighting a side effect of taking too much aspirin which also includes stomach ulcers.

Aspirin 'can cut risk of breast cancer'

Taking aspirin could significantly reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, a new study suggests.

With over 100 women diagnosed with the cancer in Britain every day, the news offers fresh hope for the prevention and treatment of the disease.

Recent studies have already indicated that taking aspirin regularly could help prevent strokes and heart attacks, on top of its intended role of stopping pain.

Now scientists have concluded aspirin could offer 'significant protection' against breast cancer and cut the risk of contracting the disease by 20%.

Ian Fentiman, who led the study, explained that aspirin could also be used to treat women with breast cancer by aiding hormone treatments to be as effective as possible.

However, experts are still unsure as to the quantities that should be taken and warn women not to start taking aspiring or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) until the long-term side effects are known.

Cancer charities welcomed the news, but reiterated the warning over side effects.

Dr Kat Arney, from Cancer Research UK, commented: 'Drugs like aspirin are often touted as 'wonder-drugs' and we have seen repeatedly from studies like this that there can be a range of positive effects. But, as with any drug there can be significant side effects from long term or heavy use - such as stomach ulcers - so we certainly wouldn't recommend that people take large doses without medical advice.'

Source: marieclaire.co.uk

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(c) Vegetrition Ltd.
Fine tuning for a healthier lifestyle

A healthier 2008

Welcome to readers, here is wishing you a healthy 2008!

At the moment, a lot of our friends are suffering from the current spate of virus infections.

These range from heavy flu-like symptoms, to a very chesty cough. Of late there have been incidents of Norovirus too. A few of these are listed below.

We encourage you to eat healthy - fresh fruits and vegetables, stay warm, and drink plenty of fluids to help you get through this current cold period.

• Heavy Cold

Providing symptoms akin to a flu, the heavy cold can force a patient to spend around 3 days in bed, with severe aches and a high temperature. The symptoms pass away quickly, leaving behind a normal cold with runny nose, sore throat etc. 

• Influenza

Basically the flu. It is a virus that can be deadly to the elderly, and the NHS assists with free vaccines for those at risk. Aches and pains, and high temperatures render the patient bedbound for a long time. 

There is currently an increase of cases in the USA, and one particular strain is causing hospitals much cause for concern. There are some reports of this passing to the UK, with victims suffering 3 to 4 days in bed before becoming mobile.

• Norovirus
  

Norovirus refers to a group of viruses that are the most common cause of stomach upsets (gastroenteritis) in the UK. As these viruses tend to be more common in thr Winter months, and their symptoms are particularly virulent, Norovirus is normally refered to as the "Winter Vomiting Bug".

Symptoms
Obviously vomiting, often violent, projectile vomiting that can be very distressing to experience or witness. Also extensive diarrhoea. Fever and flu-like symptoms may also occur. Because immunity to norovirus is short-lived, both children and adults can be affected. This is in contrast to the much more serious rotovirus, which mainly affects children only.

Take care this Winter - and stay healthy in 2008.
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(c) Vegetrition Ltd.
Fine tuning for a healthier lifestyle