2013-05-21T15:29:50-04:00 Holly Alsop http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/author/index.php?author=holly-alsop Copyright 2008, HuffingtonPost.com, Inc. HuffingtonPost Blogger Feed for Holly Alsop Good old fashioned elbow grease. tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.2876144 2013-03-14T11:50:14-04:00 2013-05-14T05:12:01-04:00

Holly Alsop http://www.huffingtonpost.com/holly-alsop/
The abusive tweet was sent after the patient experienced a difficult phone discussion with the clinic where he was told he would have to wait three weeks to see a doctor. In a society where social media and the liberty to voice opinions freely exist, surely the outcome is a little too extreme. The clinic claims they have a zero tolerance for unacceptable behaviour, but does this mean that all services should deny customers or patients if they appear off-hand or rude? Or is this a case of online marketing anxiety?

In a conference held by the Royal College of General Practitioners late last year it was well established that there is a great divide among GPs as to the understanding and appropriate use of Twitter. In a case such as this, it is understandable that practice managers may find an offensive tweet detrimental to their reputation. However, there are many instances of patients, consumers or clients and the like, expressing their opinions in a negative manner who have not subsequently been denied a service. There is no excuse for rudeness however this often comes hand in hand with customer service, particularly given the UK's reputation.

Twitter has many advantages, and in this case, disadvantages for the healthcare industry. It has proven to be a useful resource for patients and clinicians for networking, engagement and bridging the patient-GP gap. The social media site is also an excellent tool for healthcare professionals to share ideas and contribute to current clinical discussions, particularly at a time where there is so much change in the NHS.

Conversely, Twitter provides an avenue for patients to give negative feedback about their treatment or service and allows anonymity of opinions. This then begs the question, at what point is a reaction or response required? Surely feedback to a service is beneficial as it allows the delivery of better customer service and care. It is unfortunate that the nature of the feedback was offensive and it seems the only difference between the comment being left in a 'suggestions' box and Twitter is that the 400+ followers of the disgruntled patient were privy to the description of the clinic staff.

This is where users of Twitter need to be careful about how their comments can easily be turned into a marketing nightmare. The clinic's reaction to remove the patient from their register has turned many Twitter heads with the story being picked up in multiple online media streams and many do not see it as a positive move.

Twitter users are well aware that not all negative comments or feedback are lost in an abyss of self-righteous drivel and that internet trolls are so prevalent the term has been entered in the Oxford dictionary. Twitter provides a simple avenue for complaints and this must be understood by services signing up for accounts. Ever wonder why Ryanair does not have an active Twitter account?]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.2519832 2013-01-21T09:25:48-05:00 2013-03-23T05:12:01-04:00

Holly Alsop http://www.huffingtonpost.com/holly-alsop/
The medical industry certainly has its 'technophiles' and 'luddites', only too well demonstrated by the need for an explanation between the differences between Facebook and Twitter, coinciding with a unique hash tag for the event trending on the day of the RCGP conference.

There are huge benefits to be gained from the use of social media. The access sites like Twitter provide for GPs greatly enhances medical networking, marketing of resources, and real-time engagement in current clinical discussions. However, has the surge in social media use by medical professionals resulted in positive outcomes for patients and the relationship with their GP?

Twitter may provide an avenue for patients to communicate with their GP, particularly to highlight the patient experience or to provide feedback. It is also a forum that allows GPs to improve their patient involvement and indirectly, provide better healthcare. Twitter is also a great avenue for patients to communicate any issues they may have with their GP, who can direct them to the appropriate channels where they can be discussed privately.

Health communities in the UK have a history of being fragmented, and as the NHS change model comes in to effect, forums such as Twitter offer an avenue to build a network of shared interests and provide support and encouragement for those who may have previously felt isolated.

However, many disagree and say that Twitter is not ideal for GPs and is not the best forum for patients to provide feedback. While Twitter may decrease the communication gap between GPs and patients, it is also not the place for direct medical advice or for patients to voice their concerns about their condition or treatment. The issue remains that Twitter provides anonymity, along with the ability to be confrontational without an emotional consequence. Many GPs feel that the freedom and liberty to discuss professional relationships may result in negative outcomes for both themselves and their patients.

When asked to explain the differences between Facebook and Twitter, the RCGP panellists described Facebook as similar to a living room and Twitter more like a bar. For those reticent about social media, this analogy may well act as a deterrent as many prefer to keep their social lives separate from their professional. Furthermore, distinctions between online friends and real friends also prove to be confusing. For many tweeters, their followers often become friends, as chair of the RCGP Dr Clare Garuda explained circumstances in which she has forged real-life friendships from those that initiated online. This of course does not mean that all patients who follow their GPs on Twitter should automatically become friends. The use of the term 'social networking' appears to be the limiting factor for GPs contemplating the Twittersphere.

There is clearly a very faint line between real friendship and networking when it comes to Twitter and it is important not to blur the two. Dr Garuda emphasised during the RCGP conference that she enforces her own 'rules' on the use of social media but to above all 'respect your profession, respect yourself, and have fun'.]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.1611407 2012-06-20T06:12:39-04:00 2012-08-20T05:12:05-04:00

Holly Alsop http://www.huffingtonpost.com/holly-alsop/ Team LOLA competed in 'Race for Life' to raise money and awareness for the devastating disease, sarcoma. The team came together after the loss of a bright and beautiful young woman called Lola.

Since the race, Team LOLA have raised over £1400 for Cancer Research UK with additional donations for Sarcoma UK totalling to £2500 overall, an achievement that has made all who were close to Lola extremely proud.

Events like 'Race for Life' prove to be an important part in recovery for people who have lost loved ones to cancer. The support and encouragement shown by participants demonstrates the need to continue sponsorship for such events. A close friend of Lola, Mary Aboagye describes running 5kms in the 'Race for Life' event:

"The sun was out from the break of day and all of our spirits were really high. Arriving in Hyde Park and seeing all these women of all shapes, sizes, colours and cultures to 'race for life' evoked so much emotion and pride to think that we were all there because of people we love. It was exactly one month after Lola had passed, so it seemed more of a divine arrangement than a coincidence, and I had even more love and respect for my friend, and for the team of women who gathered together in her honour. I had to fight back the tears at the beginning and struggle to stop giggling at the end. Even in the pain of her loss she still managed to bring us happiness, form stronger bonds of friendships, and appreciate life with pure love."

Other members of Team LOLA expressed their passion for the cause saying:

"I would never have considered running, jogging or walking 5kms, but it was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done"

"Participating as a team in an event where everyone was committed to supporting a cause that can make a difference was great. The energy was positive and I know Lola would have been happy. Her family put away their sadness and shared their appreciation with the team completing the 5km challenge"

"It gave me the chance to celebrate the life of a beautiful lady"

The passion and commitment shown by Team LOLA has been an extraordinary celebration of the life of their friend and the determination to see research supported is truly uplifting. Abi Odunsi went on to say "I can't wait to do it all over again next year. We won't stop until we see a change", highlighting their commitment to continue Lola's legacy.

Team LOLA have been so successful in their campaign that they are by no means stopping their fight now. Another division of the team will be racing in a 10km event on Wednesday 4 July 2012 in the hope to raise more awareness for sarcoma. To continue Lola's legacy and support the tireless efforts of this inspirational team, head to Team LOLA's page which is still open for more donations.]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.1538481 2012-05-23T05:10:12-04:00 2012-07-22T05:12:24-04:00

Holly Alsop http://www.huffingtonpost.com/holly-alsop/
In April 2012, Mary lost a very close friend to the rare and silent cancer, sarcoma. There are around 70 known sub-types of sarcoma which fall under three broad categories incorporating soft tissue cancers, primary bone cancers, and gastro-intestinal stromal tumours. It is unknown what exactly causes sarcomas in the body, however a small number have the propensity to be hereditary and there is evidence that suggests prolonged or intensive exposure to certain chemicals may increase the risk of developing some form of sarcoma.

With over 3200 new cases of sarcoma diagnosed in the UK each year, Mary is committed to raising awareness of the tireless effort from Sarcoma UK and Cancer Research UK, and to celebrate the life of a vibrant, loving, and kind woman called Lola.

During Lola's battle with sarcoma, Mary and a group of close friends decided to band together to create awareness for the disease and raise money to support on-going research in this field. Since her passing, Team LOLA has been raising money for Cancer Research UK, and would equally like to raise money for Sarcoma UK.

To show their support, Team LOLA has been training for Race for Life, a 5 km event that takes place in London's Hyde Park. To date, Team LOLA have raised over 80% of their target £1000 and have gained the support of Barclays Bank, who have committed to matching their target.

Mary describes Lola as a 'loving, giving, sensitive, and kind woman who was full of life and vigour. She had so much to offer to anyone she came in contact with' and explains that she had 'left an inspiring, fruitful, fulfilling legacy' for all to be involved in.

Despite the tragic loss of Lola, she was committed to supporting cancer research and with so many events and people dedicated to the cause, it is easy to become involved. Events like Race for Life are vital for supporting and funding cancer research such as that of Sarcoma UK. These events help to provide a network for cancer patients and their families, they provide a knowledge base, and contribute to the on-going effort to diagnose, treat, and hopefully in the future, produce preventatives for sarcoma.

Currently, Sarcoma UK is the foremost charity in the UK that deals with all types of sarcoma and provides support and information to people with sarcoma, their carers, relatives, and friends. With on-going campaigns and events, Sarcoma UK relies on voluntary donations and fundraising activities which Team LOLA have proved can be essential not just for funding, but to create a supportive network for friends and family who have lost someone dear to them.

To continue Lola's legacy and support cancer research, dig deep and sponsor Team LOLA online or join Team LOLA and be a part of helping raise awareness of this terrible disease.

Follow @Sarcoma_UK on twitter]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.1470148 2012-05-02T07:16:28-04:00 2012-07-02T05:12:13-04:00

Holly Alsop http://www.huffingtonpost.com/holly-alsop/
Researchers found that 18% of patients are given at least one incorrect prescription over the course of a year with the elderly and the young the worst affected. The results of the study are deeply worrying and the fact that such dangerous mistakes are being made is of huge concern for patient safety.

Even more unsettling is the news that potentially dangerous drugs such as the blood thinner, warfarin, lack the proper monitoring to ensure patient safety. The study also found that patients are being prescribed medication they are allergic to, clearing signifying the necessity for immediate GP review and training, and that there has been a significant loss of communication between healthcare professionals.

Despite Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley, claiming the government is working closely with GPs to prevent these prescription mistakes in the future, there has been no information as to how this is being addressed. This does not instil much confidence in the healthcare system or in the capability of GPs across the UK.

It is clear that the issue is multifactorial with studies reporting that patients are hesitant to query their medication in primary care, clinicians fail to communicate adequately about patient history, and pharmacists assume that information regarding medication has been provided to the patient by their GP. Hospital authorities have gone on to say that poor communication across the industry is also likely to blame for patients being hospitalised due to medication errors.

While the current system is complex and there is no one solution, it is imperative that immediate action be taken to prevent such cases in the future. Surely better IT resources and training will provide healthcare professionals with the support that is required and will no doubt aid in communication. Frequently updated guidelines, medication alerts, and patient history must be made accessible to all healthcare professionals to ensure high quality patient care and management. It is simply not good enough that such mistakes are being made and the current statistics along with associated risks for patients should be a significant warning to the UK government.

Immediate action must be taken to provide healthcare professionals with the support and training required to reduce these prescription errors and while improvements in IT systems may be on-going, there is a definite need for nation-wide installation of technological resources as they are.

Currently, there are a number of resources available that provide medical pathways and care maps for patients and healthcare professionals that include information from regularly updated medical guidelines. Surely, tools such as these are pivotal for patient care and professional management. What is now required is for government priorities to focus on funding and implementing monitoring programmes, regular training sessions in resource use, and on-going education for healthcare professionals across the UK.]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.1449213 2012-04-24T12:12:33-04:00 2012-06-24T05:12:01-04:00

Holly Alsop http://www.huffingtonpost.com/holly-alsop/
While responsible dog owners feel they are being penalised, the new system could very well be a step in the right direction for the health, welfare, and management of pets in the UK. Numerous reports however, have expressed a less-than-impressed attitude over what could be a positive move for enforcing responsible pet ownership in the country.

Animal groups condemned the government for failing to acknowledge that tougher laws are required for dog control and that the task of microchipping new-born puppies is simply not good enough. The microchip proposal will not prevent dog attacks in the future but surely it is an integral part of a plan to enforce greater restrictions on the prevalence of dangerous dogs in the community and the subsequent breeding of animals with behaviour problems?

Reporters have gone on to say that the plans to microchip puppies will have no benefit as many dog attacks occur in the home. While this may be true, there are a number that occur in the park or on the street and with no microchip plan in place there will never be someone to hold accountable in these instances. Certainly a disconcerting fact for the victims of dog attacks.

The underlying problem with the government's new proposal is that it has been targeted at dangerous dogs. Unfortunately, this term has been used to label specific breeds such as staffordshire bull terriers and pit-bulls. While there is no denying that some breeds are prone to aggressive behaviour, this is by no means an exclusive list and any breed of dog can be aggressive as a result of its environment and up-bringing.

The government's plan is not a solution and microchipping an animal does not prevent aggressive behaviour. The point is, all dogs should be microchipped as puppies, and a national legislation must be put in place to register the animal. By doing so, animals may be monitored in their local area by breed and their breeding status.

The focus of this proposal should be that it helps to pave the way for a broader plan which includes a restriction on the number of breeding dogs in a local area. With the help of a UK-wide de-sexing programme, aggression in dogs can be very easily prevented, along with the huge number of unwanted puppies born each year. An entire dog is also at a far greater risk of serious illness such as cancer, particularly if they are not being used for breeding purposes.

Aggressive dogs aside, the microchip plan should be viewed as a positive initiative by pet owners on pure safety and legal grounds. Many owners experience animals escaping or running away and veterinary surgeries will more often than not be able to tell positive stories of animals reunited with their families if the animal has a microchip. The notion that owners feel 'penalised' for spending a mere £35 in a one-off payment for their pet's safety proves the sheer laziness in attitude towards their responsibility as a pet owner.

The microchip proposal may seem like a feeble attempt by the government to appear to be proactive in a much broader issue, but there is no denying that it is a very positive step in raising awareness of responsible dog ownership, and it should be backed by the public. These simple steps will ensure that future generations of dog owners will be aware of their responsibilities along with the health and well-being of their pet.]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.1306914 2012-02-28T12:13:17-05:00 2012-04-29T05:12:01-04:00

Holly Alsop http://www.huffingtonpost.com/holly-alsop/
The virus, believed to have originated in Europe and supposedly spread via biting midges, can cause miscarriages and birth defects in sheep, goats and cattle with a number of stillborns being reported. With lambing season at its peak in March and April the numbers of reported cases are sure to increase significantly, posing a serious threat to the agricultural industry.

With little known about the virus it is difficult to predict the impact on farms across the UK. Furthermore, as no compensation is currently in place for farmers whose livestock suffer from the disease it is certain that many individuals will see huge financial losses this year. Chief executive of the National Sheep Association, Phil Stocker, confirmed the impact that severe declines in the sheep industry will directly affect consumers with the price of lamb increasing in supermarkets around the country.

Little is known about the Schmallenberg virus with initial reports from Germany identifying the disease only last year. The virus is known to be a member of the Orthobunyavirus genus which is the same family that causes encephalitis in humans. No reports have been identified in humans and it is uncertain how great the risks are with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control stating that it is 'unlikely that this virus will cause disease in humans, but it cannot be excluded at this stage'.

With such severe abnormalities presented in livestock there are hopes to develop a vaccine to combat the devastating disease. However, given time constraints and legislation it is likely the development of a vaccine and its accessibility to farmers is more than a few years away. Tests for the virus have already been developed by the Friedrich Loeffler Institut in Germany however are only suitable for laboratory use. The National Famers' Union has solicited for the development of a more accessible test for farmers and one which may not necessarily require laboratory assessment. Furthermore, the UK Institute for Animal Health has joined forces with the Met Office to produce a map of the virus, with particular focus on midges. This evidence has the potential to provide extensive information on the insects and hopes to rapidly develop an eradication and prevention programme should midges be confirmed as vectors for the deadly disease.

With Spring fast approaching and the lambing season about to commence, the severity of the disease is likely to become far more shocking for the agricultural industry in the coming weeks. Furthermore, warmer temperatures are only likely to increase the number of midges present in the UK with concerns of a greater incidence of infection which will ultimately result in further losses next year.
]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.1246177 2012-02-01T05:04:56-05:00 2012-04-01T05:12:01-04:00

Holly Alsop http://www.huffingtonpost.com/holly-alsop/ Cape York Peninsula in far North Queensland, a region well-known for its vast, untouched wilderness and a popular tourist destination among travellers.

Prominent environment group, The Wilderness Society has lodged an application for an emergency heritage listing to be placed on the region in a bid to slow mining permit approval. The Cape York Peninsula has been under threat from destructive expansion for years as a result of its rich resources and the discovery of bauxite, coal, kaolin and sand which have made the region a premier target for mining corporations. There are now six new mining permits under application for the peninsula and there is growing concern about the future of the environment.

The Wilderness Society is urging the federal government to take action as the new mines would result in the destruction of over 45,000 hectares of native forest and grassland.

Despite the lobby group's attempt to gain emergency heritage listing, Australia's Environment Minister Tony Burke claims the title is rare and even if it is approved there is little that can be done to shut down mining in the region altogether. Concerns from Queensland residents however are prevalent with a moratorium being passed in January this year that prevents coal seam gas mining in other parts of the state. The boom in mining in Australia has increased significantly over the years with an unprecedented level of development in the Cape York Peninsula.

The new permit applications are merely an addition to the numerous mines under construction throughout the resource-rich nation. Regardless of attempts to be environmentally conscious, and with aims to protect the unique flora and fauna, the Australian economy relies heavily on mining productivity. There is no denying that governments are torn between the immediate profitability of mining and the long-term benefits of investing in eco-tourism. In 2010 the Western Australian government proposed the development of a new marine park in Camden Sound, a premier humpback whale calving ground and resource rich coastline. The guidelines in the proposal however, still allowed the transfer of machinery and tankers through the park along with extensive deep-sea drilling resulting in massive financial gain but huge environmental loss.

The Wilderness Society have been consistent in their use of lobbying tactics to enforce protection for Australia's unique environment yet with legislation differing across state governments it is difficult to predict the future of the Cape York Peninsula in the North and Camden Sound in the West.
]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.1216103 2012-01-19T11:02:42-05:00 2012-03-20T05:12:01-04:00

Holly Alsop http://www.huffingtonpost.com/holly-alsop/
As far as I am concerned, the gyms can keep their fitness programs and yoga-lates classes because I have found something far more enjoyable and will have you so fit you'll be rocking those '50s style skirts and slacks for spring fashion in no time.

In the depths of the St Peter's Church crypt in Dalston, one hour of uninhibited and free-for-all dancing coupled with an array of music genres to satiate anybody's beat boppin' desires takes place in what is the trendiest and just plain darn fun form of 'exercise' since (apparently) Zumba. There is no need for running shoes, all you need is those dancing feet because on Tuesdays at 7:30pm you will find the non-guided dance collective, No Lights, No Lycra.

Keeping true to its name, lights are turned off and those lycra bike-shorts are firmly shunned along with the judgmental eye of those you fear in clubs. Here is one hour of complete dancing in the dark freedom and the chance to bust out that epic 80's dance move you've been aching to do since you saw Taylor Dayne's "Tell it to my heart" music video and which you've always been too scared to try out at parties.

No Lights, No Lycra gives you the opportunity to quite literally shake out those old anxieties and enjoy music sans limitations. With hits from Blondie, OMD, Blur and The National there is no stopping the crowd of hungry dancers as they indulge in the sheer euphoria that dancing in the dark brings them.

No Lights, No Lycra has brought new meaning to dance and quells any hesitation you may have about exercising. Here is a New Year's Resolution you will actually keep and I urge you to be a part of it. Plus it's only £4 a pop. Fit and fabulous never came so cheap.
]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.1199220 2012-01-11T11:24:15-05:00 2012-03-12T05:12:01-04:00

Holly Alsop http://www.huffingtonpost.com/holly-alsop/
In recent years, the Joint British Societies recommended a daily dose of 75mg per day for people over the age of 50 as a long-term preventative for heart attacks and strokes. Aspirin works to thin the blood by breaking bonds between platelets, resulting in a reduction of clots. This is particularly important for individuals at risk of heart disease or stroke and who may have suffered from these illnesses in the past.

The new study however shows that for individuals not at risk of either heart disease or stroke the dosing of aspirin can prove extremely harmful and in a worst case scenario, fatal. Previously, data showed that for people taking aspirin there was a 20% reduction in non-fatal heart attacks yet did not alter the number of fatal heart attacks, strokes or cancer. Meanwhile, results from the new study show that aspirin taken daily may actually lead to internal bleeding which ultimately could prove fatal.

This study proves to be pivotal in the debate on supplementing populations with medication. Little research has been conducted on the overall effects of supplementing various vitamins, minerals and in this case, over-the-counter medication to populations and opinion is divided in the medical and scientific community.

There is little doubt that for individuals with a history of heart disease or stroke should continue to take aspirin if it has been suggested by their physician, what is of concern is the long-term effects that medication such as aspirin can have on healthy individuals.

It is clear from this outcome that money should be invested in pharmaceutical research and that the health of the population has much to gain from the results. However, as with most research comes the difficulty in obtaining funding for studies along with statistically viable results. Such research could take years to implement with conclusions not being made public for almost a decade, in which case could prove too late for certain individuals. This scenario was seen in the late 1980s when it became known that folic acid was essential for pregnant women and the health of their baby however long-winded studies meant that many children were born with defects directly related to a lack of folic acid.

With the issue making headlines since the beginning of the year, it can surely only mean good news for medical and scientific research to further develop in this field. It is however, concerning just how many over-the-counter medications are being taken on a daily basis that have the potential to cause long-term illness or distress to the body. For those of us taking the odd head ache tablet or pain relief there is no need to worry, rigorous testing and clinic trials by pharmaceutical companies prior to release means that intake of medicines such as paracetamol and aspirin are still safe to take on occasion. ]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.1182859 2012-01-04T06:19:37-05:00 2012-03-05T05:12:02-05:00

Holly Alsop http://www.huffingtonpost.com/holly-alsop/
There is strong scientific evidence to show Vitamin D from the sun can help decrease our risk of disease and illness when in a controlled environment. In Victorian times, low levels of Vitamin D were attributed to those suffering from rickets due to the subsequent lack of calcium and phosphorous absorption by the gastrointestinal tract. In far more recent history, low levels of Vitamin D have been directly linked to increases in the risk of breast cancer.

Last month, Professor George Ebers from Oxford University and his team published their discovery of a genetic link between the human body's ability to synthesise Vitamin D and the prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

The report showed that people living in Scotland, where there are few hours of daylight were far more susceptible to low levels of Vitamin D and hence MS compared to those living in countries with greater exposure to the sun. In Scotland alone, approximately 10,000 people are known to suffer from MS and it has now been suggested to implement Vitamin D supplement plans to the population.

The publication however, does not come without scepticism. Authorities are unlikely to agree to supplement the population prior to extensive clinical trials, which can take years and are expensive to run. While clinical trials in this instance are surely required before any authoritative action is taken, there has been no outline as to whether population supplementation is effective and if it is safe. Treating people with Vitamin D can prove to be extremely harmful, particularly if the subject has a disease associated with elevated blood calcium levels.

The use of Vitamin D to decrease the frequency of MS is yet to be ascertained however, it is clear that low levels show genetic links with the disease, while also showing to affect other life-threatening illnesses such as breast cancer. Previous studies on cancer patients show that an increase in Vitamin D is pivotal for the self-destruction of mutated cells, preventing the reproduction of cancer cells and reducing blood flow to tumours. With advances in genetic research and the knowledge that both MS and some cancers have genetic links, it is no wonder that Vitamin D plays such an important role influencing over 2000 genes in the human body.

Despite a lack of consensus from medical and scientific communities, manufacturers in Scotland such as Kellogg's are already looking to supplement their products with Vitamin D. There are many researchers who claim that there should be little hesitation when it comes to supplementing communities such as those in Scotland. Furthermore, there is little evidence to prove of harmful effects of Vitamin D supplementation which suggests that research should focus on those living in warmer climates that are far more exposed to the sun.

Regardless of the controversy it still remains that for people living in regions of intense sun exposure such as Australia, long-term radiation is potentially life threatening and many people are diagnosed with malignant melanoma every year.

There is no denying the long-term benefits of Vitamin D on healthy body function yet the uncertainty about dose limits or restrictions has done little to downplay the talk of clinical trials in medical research. The good news is that the importance of Vitamin D has been recognised in the scientific community with hopes to further understand its benefits for the treatment and prevention of life-threatening diseases.
]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.1087815 2011-11-14T06:37:07-05:00 2012-01-14T05:12:02-05:00

Holly Alsop http://www.huffingtonpost.com/holly-alsop/
Cigarette packets will be olive green in colour and are prohibited from displaying any company logos or trademarks. Despite these changes graphic images of diseased body parts and dying babies will still remain, covering almost 75% of the packet.

These are certainly radical changes for an industry that once had slogans such as "Come to where the flavour is, come to Malboro country" and Tipalet's, "Blow in her face and she'll follow you anywhere".

The new packaging aims to deter consumers by removing familiar branding and attractive colours, with the hope to ultimately decrease the number of smoking-related illnesses. The legislation is not only a first for Australia but globally, with Canada not far behind in the anti-smoking campaign. However, unlike Australia's legislation, Canadian law will still allow tobacco companies to identify themselves from competitors through the use of trademarks.

The tobacco industry is ready for battle, claiming that the legislation will cause an increase in illegal tobacco and fuel crime syndicates in Australia's notorious underworld.

Industry spokesman, Scott Macintyre, speculated earlier this week that the Australian Government would have to pay millions, if not billions in compensation should the legislation pass.

Mr Macintyre said that the tobacco industry was not afraid to sue the Australian Government as the industry has "invested billions of dollars into these brands". Mr Macintyre went on to say that if the case through the High Commission then Australian taxpayers would be paying the price. Tobacco companies also claim that removing branding from cigarette packets breaches international trade rights and that it simply will not work as the public are already aware of the health risks associated with smoking.

Australian Health Minister, Nicola Roxon, is not deterred by the threats and says it is simply an attempt to scare the Government and Senate from implementing the legislation. "It will give our country the best chance of having the lowest smoking rates and, of course, that will mean many lives are saved and many families that don't go through the grief and pain of seeing someone die because of tobacco-related illness", she said. ]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.1019672 2011-10-19T11:25:51-04:00 2011-12-19T05:12:01-05:00

Holly Alsop http://www.huffingtonpost.com/holly-alsop/
The GFP gene, which can be found in jellyfish, expresses a green fluorescence when placed under a specific blue light, making the furry felines literally glow in the dark. These animals are not the first to have been modified with the GFP gene. Species such as fruit flies, mice, rabbits and pigs have all been successfully genetically modified to carry and express the luminescent protein in the name of medical research. In the case of the newly modified kittens, scientists hope to study the debilitating effects of HIV/Aids.

Professors Helen Sang and Bruce Whitelaw of the Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh, claim that this new research could provide extremely valuable information on the study of HIV/Aids, "Cats are susceptible to feline immunodeficiency virus [FIV], a close relative of HIV, the cause of Aids." Head of developmental genetics at the Medical Research Council, Dr Robin Lovell-Badge also condones the use of cats in the study of HIV/Aids, stating that their unique susceptibility to the virus makes them excellent subjects.

The use of genetically modified animals in medical research however, has come under fire from animal activists and concerned members of the public. Despite the gene being harmless to the animal's physiological function, the debate as to their use in medical research continues. There are however, excessive restrictions placed on their use in laboratories and the use of cats as models for human diseases are limited and only justified if other appropriate models such as mice or rats are not suitable.

"Understanding how to confer resistance is...of equal importance to cat health and human health" says Dr Lovell-Badge.

While the kittens provide the development of new technology to help in the study of FIV, it remains that they are purely for research purposes.

For those of you that fancied a 'glow in the dark' kitten of your very own, you will be disappointed to know that they are unlikely to be the next big trend in exotic pets. Sorry.
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