UK scientists have discovered a new way to regulate blood pressure

Good news for those that suffer from high blood pressure. "UK scientists say they have discovered a new way to regulate blood pressure, offering hopes of new drugs to combat strokes and heart attacks. One in four adults has high blood pressure and although powerful drugs are already available, few manage to achieve target blood pressure levels. The pathway found in a study by King's College London involves a process called oxidation, reports Science. Until now, oxidation has largely been linked with harm rather than good. Indeed, free radicals and oxidants, such as hydrogen peroxide, can cause cell damage. But they also play crucial roles in normal cell function." "Secondly, the mechanism provides new insights into how oxidant stress affects cells and tissues. Oxidant stress not only alters blood flow, but also affects the heart's ability to contract and is involved in a wide variety of inflammatory conditions" - Professor Jeremy Pearson, Associate Medical Director of the British Heart Foundation. Blood pressure affects many people, including those that are overweight, stressed and also pregnant. Regulation of blood pressure is essential for good health. Further information on blood pressure can be found at the British Heart Foundation.

Traffic pollution may boost the risk of children getting asthma

More bad news for those raising families in urban areas - traffic pollution poses serious risk to child health and can lead to the development of asthma. "Traffic pollution may boost the risk of children getting asthma - if they have genes which make them vulnerable, a study says. The University of Southern California team studied the health records and genetic profiles of 3,000 children. Those with a gene variation were slightly more at risk but if they lived near a main road, the risk rose more, the Thorax journal reported. But UK asthma experts said the link remained unclear. Scientists exploring how respiratory diseases, including asthma, develop have highlighted the importance of genes which control key body chemicals linked to "clean-up" functions in the body. " Although genetics does play a role in determining the likelihood of developing asthma, living close to busy, polluted roads can increase the chances of childhood and long term asthma.

Obesity increases chances of birth defects

Researchers at the University of Texas studied over 15,000 new mothers over a five-year period. The results showed that women who are obese when they conceive are more likely to have babies with birth defects than are mothers of normal weight. "The relevant birth defects include missing limbs and malformed hearts. Smaller scale studies in the past have suggested this link, but this is said to be the largest and most comprehensive study to date. University of Texas researchers interviewed more than 15,000 new mothers over a five-year period. The study appears in the journal Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. Obese women are more likely to have chronic diseases, fertility problems, miscarriages and complications during pregnancy." Once again, losing weight can not only benefit your own health, but the health of the rest of your family too. Source: BBC Health News

Child Charities Campaign to Ban Formula Milk Advertising

"A coalition of charities is demanding baby milk be treated like tobacco and subjected to a total advertising ban. The National Childbirth Trust, Save The Children and Unicef blame adverts for many mothers abandoning breast feeding before the recommended six months. They want the government to extend a ban on infant milk adverts to include "follow-on" milks for older babies. England's policy on the promotion of formula milk is currently being reviewed by the Food Standards Agency. At present, companies are not allowed to advertise formula milk for babies under six months. But they are allowed to promote so-called follow-on milks, a range for children aged between six months and two years. " Much research has shown that breastfeeding is beneficial to both mother and child. Not only does breastfeeding increase the emotional bond between mother and child, and help to strengthen he baby's immune system, breastfeeding also helps to reduce the chance of breast cancer or ovarian cancer developing. Breastfeeding should be encouraged more, and more help should be provided to new mothers. Many mothers try to breastfeed but then give up after a few weeks as they struggle to cope with the stress of having a new born baby. If parents are debating whether or not to stop breastfeeding, then promotions and advertising of formula milk may help them to decide to stop. However this decision is not the best one for the long term health of either the mother of the child. Source: BBC Health News