The WHO has officially classified processed meat as carcinogenic.
International health news
- Processed meats cause cancer – processed meats such as bacon, ham and sausages are ranked
alongside tobacco as a major cause of cancer according to the World Health Organisation. - Probiotic bacteria could be the solution to memory loss and anxiety – researchers have discovered that the probiotic bacteria B. longum can help to lessen a person’s stress level and may help improve memory.
- A gene has been found that puts women at higher risk of heart disease – University College London researchers found that women who had a specific version of BCAR1 gene were at greater risk of suffering from heart attack and stroke.
Health advice
- Adopt a Mediterranean diet – cutting back on red meat, cooking with olive oil and eating meals that are rich in vegetables, fish, whole grains and healthy fats may help in slowing down the ageing process.
- Leave the bottle on the shelf – a month long break from alcohol lowers your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and lowers the risk of developing liver disease.
Country health updates
- USA: autism may be overdiagnosed – a recent study suggests that 13% of children in the USA who were initially diagnosed with autism later received a reversed diagnosis after further tests.
- Great Britain: violent prisoners get meditation lessons – 60 of the most violent prisoners in England and Wales held in segregation units are taught to meditate in order to help them control their feelings.
- Syria: a cholera outbreak could pose a serious threat to the world – already one child has died after contracting cholera and the disease could spread quickly due to the country’s lack of medical infrastructure and aid.
[Image: Daniel Carlbom]