Rugby legend Brian O’Driscoll and his father Frank launched the Gillette Father’s Day campaign in association with the Irish Cancer Society and Tesco. The Gillette Father’s Day campaign aims to raise both awareness and funds for prostate cancer in Ireland. 10 cent from every product in the Gillette male range sold in Tesco stores nationwide until July 8th will go directly to the Irish Cancer Society.
“Not only men of a certain age but men of all ages find it difficult to openly discuss matters relating to aspects of our health. As a GP I know the importance of early detection. Many cancers including prostate cancer are curable if detected early. The Gillette Father’s Day campaign is a great way of raising money to ensure people affected by prostate cancer can get the information and support they need and to fund prostate cancer research. Not only will we raise money but we will raise awareness about prostate cancer and that will help people of all ages ensure that their fathers, uncles, husbands and grandfathers don’t let embarrassment stand in the way of getting checked,” commented Frank O’ Driscoll.
Currently in Ireland men have a one in nine chance of developing prostate cancer in their lifetime and it is recommended that men approaching 50 and onwards be more prostate aware, open discussions about their risk of developing prostate cancer with their General Practitioners and to consider the merits of screening. The Gillette Father’s Day campaign aims to raise awareness amongst men of all ages of the threat of prostate cancer.
Currently preparing for his marriage to actress and author Amy Huberman, Brian O’Driscoll added “Our lives are very busy these days making it very easy to ignore or miss the early signs of health problems. This Fathers Day’s campaign should encourage the man in your life to seek advice and help if he has any concerns. The Irish Cancer Society National Cancer Helpline on Freefone 1 800 200 700 can provide that advice and address any concerns.”
“Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer and raising awareness of prostate cancer and encouraging men to look after their health is one of the key aims of the Irish Cancer Society. We continually rely on the goodwill of the public to get involved, raise awareness and help to raise money by supporting these types of campaigns. We are delighted that Brian and Frank O’Driscoll are supporting this campaign,” said Jim O’Malley, Corporate Partnerships Manager, Irish Cancer Society.
The Gillette Father’s Day campaign is an exclusive partnership with Tesco. Ten cent from the sale of every product in the Gillette male range goes to fund prostate cancer research and to ensure that the information and support for people affected by prostate cancer in Ireland is readily available.
Anyone concerned or affected by prostate cancer can call the National Cancer Helpline on Freefone 1800 200 700.

From Reuters Health:

People who suffer migraines are about twice as likely as people without the painful headaches to suffer a stroke caused by a blood clot, a new research review finds.

The link is not entirely understood, but researchers suggest that if you do suffer from migraines, you should address risk factors: quit smoking and watch out for high blood pressure.
Source: http://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343(10)00129-4/abstract
American Journal of Medicine, online May 20, 2010.

The global death rate for children under five years old has dropped by 2 per cent since 1990, according to a new study in the Lancet. While 7.7 million children are expected to die this year, the figure is dramatically lower than the 11.9 million deaths in 1990.
From the Lancet: “Measurement of mortality in children younger than 5 years shows that accelerating declines are occurring in several low-income countries. These positive developments deserve attention and might need enhanced policy attention and resources.”

Research recently published in JAMA showed that about 10 per cent of new fathers suffer from postnatal depression, particularly three to six months following a birth.
Edward Davies at the BMJ blogs wonders if it isn’t all a bit of common sense dressed up as medical jargon:
-Do I have feelings of hopelessness? Yes. (Particularly at 3am when he just won’t shut up)
-Feeling irritable and intolerant? Yes. (Particularly at 3am when he just won’t shut up)
-Thoughts of harming someone else? Yes. (Particularly at 3am when he just won’t shut up)
-Reduced sex drive? Yes.
-Change in appetite? Yes.
-Lack of energy? Yes.
-Reduced social activity? Yes.
-Change in menstrual cycle? Not so much.
-Disturbed sleep? Does the Pope shit in the woods?

The Guardian is reporting that researchers at Liverpool university are exploring whether genetic factors make some animals – particularly Newfoundland dogs – more likely to suffer cruciate ligament damage. This may have practical relevance in the treatment of sports stars with knee injuries.
One researcher said:

“The disease in humans tends to occur when stress is put on the ligament, but there have been some preliminary findings that suggest there is a genetic component that could predispose humans to the condition. Our project will be looking at many genes and the results of our study in dogs will be comparative to the human medical field.”

New Scientist has unveiled a new column devoted to the science of pregnancy, written by a reporter ‘whose bump is getting bigger every day’. Expecting mothers and fathers will find a lot of the most common questions – such as, Does an active baby in the womb mean an active child? – dealt with scientifically.
Here’s a ‘kung-fu fetus’:

Parenting expert Penelope Leach says it is now a fact that letting babies cry is potentially harmful to their developing brains. Gina Ford is expected to pounce with more facts soon. A Guardian columnist says stop with the tone of authority.

At the centre of this movement is an organisation called Core Issues, a Northern Ireland Christian initiative run by Mike Davidson, a married man who describes himself as having been “in conflict with unwanted homosexuality . . . before finally seeing the light.” Core Issues has brought a series of high-profile ex-gay speakers from the US to Ireland, and this week hopes to host a “Leaving Homosexuality Celebration” with Alan Chambers of Exodus International, a worldwide umbrella group for ex-gay organisations – that is, if the “act of God” volcanic ash situation allows Chambers to enter the country. – Irish Times

From the New York Times:

Scientists are taking a new look at hallucinogens, which became taboo among regulators after enthusiasts like Timothy Leary promoted them in the 1960s with the slogan “Turn on, tune in, drop out.” Now, using rigorous protocols and safeguards, scientists have won permission to study once again the drugs’ potential for treating mental problems and illuminating the nature of consciousness.

A survey investigating the nation’s health habits has revealed that a worrying in five people “don’t bother much about health” – opting to take care of it once they get older.
An overview of survey findings:
· One in five “don’t bother much about health”
· 72 per cent visit the doctor rarely or only when ill
· 19 per cent have a health check once every two years
· 9.4 per cent visit their doctor once a year
· 53 per cent rarely go to the doctor
· 8 per cent of respondents exercise everyday
· 10 per cent exercise a couple of times a week
· 28 per cent exercise once a week
The survey – a Facebook survey – was carried out by Aviva.
Dr Stephen Murphy, GP and member of Aviva’s Medical Council said: “The results of this survey show a worrying attitude to health from the Irish population. I would recommend that healthy adults visit their doctor once every two years for a general health check. Many people can usefully increase their exercise levels, check with your GP if you have any concerns. ”
Facebook users were asked a series of questions about their exercise habits, how often they visited their GPs and also how they rated their own health.