The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has granted the first UK product registration under the European Directive on traditional herbal medicinal products.

The new traditional herbal registration scheme provides enhanced information for consumers, for example directions for use, Do’s and Don’ts and information about possible side effects.

Under the traditional herbal registration scheme products are required to meet assured standards of quality, safety and patient information. Minor claims are permitted on the basis of evidence of traditional usage. To get a product registered, companies have to submit a dossier to the MHRA demonstrating that it meets the requirements of the scheme.

The first product to be registered is Atrogel Arnica Gel: an arnica gel traditionally used for the symptomatic relief of muscular aches and pains, stiffness, sprains, bruises and swelling after contusions. The product registration has been granted to Bioforce (UK) Ltd.

Professor Kent Woods, Chief Executive of the MHRA said: 'This first product registration is an important landmark. We hope that Atrogel Arnica Gel will be the first of many products to receive a traditional herbal registration. Our aim is to enable those consumers who wish to take herbal medicines to make an informed choice from a wide range of products which have been made to assured standards of safety, quality and patient information.

'The MHRA will continue to work closely with the herbal sector to enable them to understand and meet the requirements of the new scheme.'

The Society of Homeopaths, the UK’s largest register of professional homeopaths, opposes the call from Sense About Science Chair, Lord Taverne, to annul the latest regulations for labelling homeopathic products (House of Lords, 26th October, 2006).

Chief Executive, Paula Ross, commented, 'with over £25 million spent each year on homeopathy, this directive from the MHRA, which came into effect on 1st September 2006, will actually improve consumer information and therefore patient choice for over the counter homeopathic products available for minor, acute conditions.'

This regulation brings the UK in line with European policy.

For long term and more serious conditions or symptoms lasting more than 7 days, The Society strongly recommends consulting a qualified and registered homeopath or healthcare practitioner.

Registered members of The Society of Homeopaths have graduated from a recognised college, are fully insured and practise in accordance with a strict Code of Ethics & Practice. A copy of the register is available on http://www.homeopathy-soh.org.

The Food Standards Agency is advising consumers not to drink bottled water on sale and labelled as Zam Zam water, as it may contain high levels of arsenic.

Tests carried out last year found bottled water labelled as Zam Zam water to contain arsenic at almost three times the permitted level, which could contribute to increasing people's risk of cancer. In addition, nitrate was found at twice the permitted level. While this is not a problem for most people, it could be for infants because they are more sensitive to nitrate's effect on the blood's ability to carry oxygen.

Recent tests by Leicester City Council (reported to the agency on 15th September 2006) have confirmed that elevated levels of arsenic continue to be found in bottled water labelled as Zam Zam water.

Genuine Zam Zam water, which is sacred to Muslims, comes from a specific source in Saudi Arabia and cannot legally be exported from that country for commercial sale. Therefore, any product found in the shops would have an uncertain origin and could pose a safety risk.

The gushing waters of Zam Zam, at its source in Makkah

In recent meetings with the Agency's Muslim Organisations Working Group, the FSA was informed of the continued sale of bottled waters labelled as Zam Zam water.

In view of this, the FSA's advice remains that people should not buy or drink commercially available brands of Zam Zam water and should inform their local authority environmental health or trading standards department if they come across Zam Zam water on sale. Enforcement officers are empowered to carry out appropriate tests on these waters and also remove them from sale if necessary.

This advice does not relate to the genuine Zam Zam water being brought into the UK by returning pilgrims as an accompanied 'personal import'.

Given that the demand for Zam Zam water was likely to increase during the month of Ramadan, the FSA has written to all heads of environmental departments and directors of trading standards asking local authorities to take appropriate enforcement action.

Natural England has launched its health campaign, the first of its four national campaigns to reconnect people with the natural environment.

Natural England's health campaign will encourage:
* More people to get more health benefit from regular contact with the natural environment wherever they live.
* Health professionals to make more use of the natural environment as part of the total health care they give to their patients.
* Professionals who manage public open spaces to improve the amount and quality of green space near where people live.

Natural England will do this by building a coalition of environmental, educational, scientific, health and community organisations to bring the environment to the forefront of the health agenda.

Helen Phillips, Natural England's Chief Executive, said: ‘Prevention is better than cure, but up to 97 per cent of NHS spend goes on treating people after they have become ill. We are working with the NHS to plan ways in which the environment is used as a 'natural' health service that gets, and keeps, more people healthy.’

Dr Fiona Adshead, the Government's Deputy Chief Medical Officer, said: ‘I welcome Natural England's commitment to encourage and enable people to make use of the country's outdoor space for physical activity.’

Dr William Bird, Natural England's health adviser, added: ‘Increasing evidence suggests that both physical and mental health are improved through contact with nature. Yet people are having less contact with nature than at any other time in the past. This has to change!’

Natural England is working closely with the BBC and over 300 other partners to help deliver Breathing Places, a campaign to mobilise more than a million people, who are not currently active in the environment sector, to get involved at thousands of wildlife friendly green spaces across the country.

Liz Cleaver, Controller of Learning at the BBC stressed the importance of Natural England's health campaign. She said: ‘These two campaigns now provide the public with the opportunity for people to get outside and to get actively involved with nature close to where they live. That's great for wildlife - but it's also fantastic for everyone's health and well being.’

Web: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk

Northern Ireland Health Minister Paul Goggins, recently announced three important initiatives to develop the greater integration of Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM) within the Northern Ireland health service.

He has set aside a fund of £200,000 to enable patients to receive CAM services as part of their Health Service treatment. The first wave of this will involve GPs bidding for resources, through their local Health Board, to allow patients to be directly referred from their GP practice to access complementary therapies as part of the health service. The Department will be contacting the Boards shortly about the operation of the scheme, including the criteria under which GPs will be able to apply for funding.

The Minister said: 'Through the fund, which will be administered by the Health Boards, GPs will be able to bid for resources to enable them to refer patients to CAM therapies, where they feel the patient could benefit, they are confident that the practitioner provides a safe and effective service, and it is the patient's wish.'

The scheme will commence in January and the first phase will run for a year.

The Minister also announced additional funding for the introduction of an 'Integrated Health Awards' and 'Integrated Health Associates' schemes. Both of these initiatives will run in partnership with the Prince's Foundation for Integrated Health and will recognise and support the work carried out by many of the CAM practitioners in Northern Ireland.

The Minister announced the funding and the two new initiatives at the first ever seminar organised to explore the role of CAM in the health service.

Paul Goggins said: 'Complementary and alternative medicine and therapies have proven in certain circumstances to be extremely helpful. I have been impressed and encouraged by the examples of good work that are already being carried out.

'I am delighted to announce a package of funding today that will enable GP's for the first time to refer patients directly to complementary therapists. I am committed to giving patients the widest choice of safe, effective, healthcare possible both in the traditional and regulated complementary health care sectors.

'Also, my Department, in partnership with the Prince's Foundation for Integrated Health, will be developing the 'Integrated Health Awards' scheme. These awards will recognise the best examples of progressive healthcare projects that provide integrated services across Northern Ireland.

'I will also be putting in place the 'Integrated Health Associates' scheme. This is a national membership scheme that will bring together a range of traditional and regulated complementary healthcare providers using an integrated approach to delivering patient care.'

The seminar will look at a number of areas including homeopathy, acupuncture, osteopathy and chiropractics. It will also consider the barriers CAM faces in achieving greater integration within the HPSS.

The seminar provides an opportunity to bring together a wide range of interested stakeholders covering both mainstream and complementary healthcare providers and also key opinion formers and decision makers within the health services.

The conclusions reached at the seminar will be used to consider how to take forward the integration of CAM in the health service including the possibility of implementing a number of pilot projects and further initiatives.

The Minister concluded: 'It is important that both the traditional and complementary sector work together to establish good working relationships and to share best practice. This will ensure that we move forward in the best interests of the patients, who are and must remain, at the centre of everything we do.

'I am committed to providing patients with the widest range of safe and effective means to get well, manage symptoms and stay healthy.'

The Prince’s Foundation for Integrated Health (FIH) has expressed support for an announcement made by Northern Ireland Health Minister Paul Goggins that plans are underway to offer patients access to complementary and alternative medicines through GPs and local Health Boards. The announcement, delivered during Mr Goggin’s speech at a CAM health conference last month in Belfast, also included plans to introduce FIH’s Integrated Health Associates scheme and Awards for Good Practice in Integrated Health across the country.

GPs at the 'heart of the scheme'
The first phase of the pilot scheme, which will be launched in January, invites GPs to bid for resources through their Health Board so they can offer patient direct referrals to complementary practitioners. Further details about funding will be provided to GPs by the Department in due course.

Ian Brownhill, FIH Programmes Director, said: 'We are delighted that the Health Minister has made a strong commitment to integrated health in Northern Ireland through a new direct access pilot and two of our programmes. This is an important step forward to put patients back at the centre of their own care by offering a greater range of safe and effective treatments. It is essential to keep GPs at the heart of the scheme, as it is through this relationship that people can make the right decisions about their health and wellbeing.'

Promoting best practice
FIH’s Awards for Good Practice in Integrated Health have been recognising examples of best practice across England and Wales since 2001, and a book profiling the winners is due for publication later this month. Integrated Health Associates, a membership network for regulated health professionals working together to find new ways to deliver integrated health to patients, is due to launch across the rest of the UK at a conference on 21st November. The launch of both initiatives are an important step in recognising Northern Ireland’s progress and driving forward the integrated health agenda.

Mr Goggins said : 'It is important that both the traditional and complementary sector work together to establish good working relationships and to share best practice. This will ensure that we move forward in the best interests of the patients, who are and must remain, at the centre of everything we do. I am committed to providing patients with the widest range of safe and effective means to get well, manage symptoms and stay healthy.'

Template for the rest of the UK
FIH hopes that the success in Northern Ireland will influence integrated health services in the rest of the UK. 'At a time where some authorities are choosing to cut back on established integrated health services to make short term savings, with this announcement Northern Ireland is leading the way towards an improved health service for the 21st century,' Mr Brownhill added. 'We are confident that the results we’ll see of these three initiatives will help demonstrate how beneficial integrated health can be for people.'

A Chinese expert on bird flu is set to become the next head of the World Health Organisation.

The WHO's top decision making body, the World Health Assembly is expected to approve the appointment of Margaret Chan.

As WHO director-general, Dr Chan will become the first Chinese person to head a major UN agency.

She will replace South Korea's Lee Jong-wook who died suddenly last May three years into his five-year term.

Dr Chan beat off challenges by Mexico's Health Minister Julio Frenk, Japan's Shigeru Omi, a senior WHO official, Spain's Health Minister Elena Salgado and another top WHO official, Kuwait's Kazem Behbehani in final voting.

Dr Chan has been overseeing the WHO's response to the threat of bird flu, and a possible flu pandemic.

Extensive experience
Previously, she spent nine years as director of Hong Kong's department of health, where she won praise for helping fight the world's first outbreak of bird flu in 1997.

Her decision to cull about 1.5m poultry in the face of opposition was seen as crucial in helping to stem the spread of the virus.

She also has experience in dealing with another deadly respiratory disease, Sars, which spread from Asia into other parts of the world in 2002-2003.

However, she was criticised at home for allegedly failing to get speedy information from mainland China where the disease began.

During her campaign, Dr Chan said that if she became director-general she would focus on fighting chronic diseases such as Aids and tuberculosis.

She said: ‘No other international or national agency can get to an outbreak scene within 24 hours or marshal such technical expertise so fast.’

On hearing of her nomination, Dr Chan said: ‘Rest assured that I will work tirelessly, with my eyes on the goals we agree on together, my ears open to the voices of all and my heart committed to the populations of your countries.’

Dr Chan's appointment may help to consolidate China's relationship with the WHO although some critics are concerned it could also complicate her dealings with China which is playing an increasingly pivotal role in global health.

In response to the BBC Horizon programme this week on Bird Flu (H5N1 virus), it became obvious that we all have to prepare ourselves for a flu pandemic.

The programme stressed that 'when' not 'if' bird flu arrives, more than three quarters of a million people in Britain will die.

When the virus becomes highly transmissible between humans, various national plans are in place to combat it; however the inadequacies of these are a cause for concern. The amount of time necessary for a vaccine to be developed will be years rather than months.

Given these problems, it is time to explain some of the other options. By taking a rational, complementary medical approach to Bird Flu - based on historical evidence and robust medical research - means that individuals will be able to prepare themselves by following a sensible health enhancement programme.

Professor Jayney Goddard, President of The Complementary Medical Association and Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine has written a book 'The Survivor's Guide to Bird Flu'. This is essential reading for those who wish to take responsibility for their own wellbeing.

The book can be obtained from the CMA website on http://www.the-cma.org.uk by email on Admin@The-CMA.Org.UK or by ordering it at local libraries. It is also available from Amazon.co.uk and Borders shops.

The CMA is also launching a new range of supplements which have a special relevance to helping prepare your immune system to be resistant to viral infection. For more information visit http://www.the-cma.org.uk

The Complementary Medical Association (CMA) is offering students and practitioners a Free Three Month Trial Membership.

‘We are running this offer because we are undertaking a huge membership drive. We want to recruit as many properly qualified practitioners as possible. There is strength in numbers and we want to protect YOUR livelihood!’

‘And, so that you can see just how good we are we are offering you the chance to ‘Test Drive’ The CMA . . .

‘I'm sure that you will agree that complementary medical practitioners voices must be heard and taken into account when it comes to standing up for our profession. As you will be aware - there are a number of threats to the profession from various quarters, including the European Union and even, here at home. No doubt you'll have seen the vicious attacks on complementary medicine from people such as Professor Baum and colleagues. Although these attacks are poorly researched and groundless, they are also grossly unfair and unfortunately, they are coming from people who undoubtedly have a great deal of credibility. We have to join together to fight this.’

How CMA Membership will benefit you:
‘There are a vast number of membership benefits available to CMA Members, including low cost insurance, free website, Quarterly journal, Monthly newsletter, ID Card, Certificate, Opportunities to work with the media to promote your business, inclusion on this CMA website (http://www.the-CMA.Org.UK) that gets over 2 million hits each month, marketing and practice development lectures, government liaison - in fact, we offer more benefits than any other organisation in the complementary medical field.

However, one of the most important benefits is the professional status that you acquire upon joining The CMA. Our Registered Members are recognised by the public and doctors alike as offering the very best levels of service and are considered the elite force in the complementary medical field.’

Important:
‘In order to take up our Free Three Month Trial Membership offer you need to email us at admin@the-CMA.Org.UK’

Supporters of a Kent clinic which is one of just five in the UK to provide homeopathic treatment on the NHS have met to fight plans to close it.

The Homeopathic Hospital, in Tunbridge Wells, treats up to 1,000 patients a year but the primary care trust (PCT) which runs it needs to save £160,000.

James Thallon, of the South West Kent PCT, said the trust was ‘critically reviewing every aspect of expenditure’.

‘In order to save the large amounts you need to look at every little last bit on your balance sheet, and we have had to look at homeopathy in that light,’
the medical director said. He explained that the hospital as a whole was not facing closure, just the homeopathy department.

The hospital also houses community paediatrics and a child and adolescent mental health service.

Mr Thallon said in future all patients referred for homeopathy would be considered by a special panel to ensure their treatment was appropriate.

‘Homeopathy has been around since the 18th Century and has got a large body of very convinced adherents, but in the era of evidence-based medicine it's beginning to struggle a little bit, so I'm afraid that we're reflecting this in our decision.’

Mary Williams, 87, has been going to the hospital for 56 years, where both her mother and grandmother were patients too.

She is allergic to some conventional medicines and said: ‘I'm devastated. I've relied on the hospital... it just mustn't shut down.’

A complaint objecting to a press ad for Health Perception for a joint supplement stated ‘I can trust the UKs best selling glucosamine’ was upheld according to information published by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

Complaint:
A press ad for a joint supplement stated ‘I can trust the UKs best selling glucosamine’. Principles Agency, on behalf of Seven Seas Jointcare, challenged the claim because they believed independent sales figures showed their glucosamine products were better selling.

Adjudication:
Complaint upheld
Health Perception (UK) Ltd (Health Perception) provided us with their company sales figures and figures supplied by an independent consumer research company that showed the unit sales and total value of sales of their glucosamine products. They also sent details of the products in their glucosamine range, including each product's percentage content of glucosamine.

The ASA noted both Health Perception and Seven Seas sold a variety of glucosamine products, some of which consisted of glucosamine combined with other substances. We also noted they both referred to the independent consumer research figures as an accurate representation of product sales, albeit disagreeing on how they should be interpreted.

Although we acknowledged that Heath Perception believed they sold more pure glucosamine products, and had provided evidence based on what they believed constituted Seven Seas' glucosamine range, we noted the ad referred to Health Perception's range of glucosamine products.
We considered that readers would understand the claim ‘the UKs best selling glucosamine’ in the context of Health Perception's range of products, and that the comparison should therefore be made with the full range of Seven Seas products containing glucosamine.

We considered that readers would regard products such as the Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil With Glucosamine as a glucosamine product. It was also noted, from the independent consumer research figures, that, when these were included, Seven Seas' glucosamine range by volume and value was better-selling. We concluded that Health Perception had not substantiated the claim as it was likely to be understood by readers and that the ad was therefore misleading. We told Health Perception to ensure they held relevant evidence for their claims when advertising in future and advised them to contact the CAP Copy Advice team for guidance.

The ad breached CAP Code clauses 3.1 (Substantiation), 7.1 (Truthfulness) and 19.1 (Fair comparison).

A complaint from Johnson & Johnson Ltd objecting to magazine and TV ads for Beiersdorf UK Ltd, for Nivea Visage Q10 Plus face cream, claiming it was the 'World's favourite anti-wrinkle cream' was rejected by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

Ad
1. A magazine ad for Nivea Visage Q10 Plus face cream stated ‘NAOMI, ONE OF MILLIONS OF WOMEN WHOSE ANTI-WRINKLE SECRET IS Q10 PLUS the world's favourite anti-wrinkle cream’. Small print aligned along the right-hand side of the ad stated ‘"World's favourite anti-wrinkle cream Source: Nielsen Trade Panel 2003 –2004’.

2. In a TV ad, several women from around the world were asked ‘What's your anti-wrinkle secret?’ and ‘What keeps you young?’ They all replied ‘Nivea Q10 Plus.’ Superimposed text at the end of the ad stated ‘the world's favourite anti-wrinkle cream* * Nielsen Trade Panel 2003 –2004’.

Issue
Johnson & Johnson Ltd challenged whether Nivea Visage Q10 Plus was the world's favourite wrinkle cream.

The CAP Code: 3.1;7.1;19.1
BCAP TV Advertising Code: 5.2.1

Response
Beiersdorf sent copies of a report, compiled by ACNielsen Global Services, which gave the total number of 17 different wrinkle creams sold in 43 countries worldwide. They said those countries had been chosen because they were the largest markets for facial care products by turnover. The report showed that in 2003, 2004 and 2005 Nivea Visage Q10 Plus sold more units in total than any of the other wrinkle creams. Beiersdorf said they would amend future ads to state Source: Nielsen Trade Panel 2003 -2005.

The Broadcast Advertising Clearance Centre (BACC) said the 2003 and 2004 data was the most recent available when they approved the ad. They said the 2005 data was published at the end of May 2006 and the ad should have been amended to ensure the claim was properly qualified. They considered, however, that because it was supported by the new data, the claim was not misleading.

Assessment
Not upheld
The ASA considered that readers would understand the claim ‘the world's favourite wrinkle cream’ to mean that Nivea Visage Q10 Plus sold more units worldwide than any other anti-wrinkle cream, not that it was the top selling anti-wrinkle cream in every market in the world. We considered that the total number of sales in 43 countries was a reasonable estimate of worldwide sales and that Beiersdorf had therefore substantiated the claim. We noted the footnote should have been amended to state ‘Nielsen Trade Panel 2003 –2005’, but considered that, because the 2005 data supported the claim, readers would not have been materially misled. We welcomed Beiersdorf's assurance that they would amend the ad in future.

We investigated the magazine ad under CAP Code clauses 3.1 (Substantiation), 7.1 (Truthfulness) and 19.1 (Other comparisons) and the TV ad under CAP (Broadcast) TV Advertising Standards Code rule 5.2.1 (Evidence) but did not find them in breach.

Sports Therapy UK would like to pass on thanks to Jackie McKeown and Terri Moore for their valiant efforts at the recent Great South Run. Both Jacqui and Terri have been applying their expertise at many events recently organised by Sports Therapy UK and their professionalism and dedication are clearly appreciated by all concerned.

Here is a message received from the RNIB for whose runners Sports Therapy UK were providing sports massages:

'I just wanted to thank you and both Jacqui and Terri for all their help at the BUPA Great South Run. Both masseurs were excellent and the runners really appreciated the attention they were given. It was great to have their support at the event and despite what was a really miserable day weather wise, both students were cheerful and positive throughout the whole day, so please could you pass on my thanks to them both.'

'This means Sports Therapy UK will be linking with at least 8 different charities for the London Marathon in 2007 and on this occasion we may well exceed 100 sports massage practitioners working in our teams. Just so that you can add this date to your diary for next year, the London Marathon 2007 will be on held Sunday 22nd April. Look out for more news from us nearer the time.'

Web: http://www.sportstherapyuk.com

There is no question that exercise is a vital factor in staying healthy. But whilst most of us are aware of the importance of eating well and exercising regularly; many of us are lost when it comes to recovering from an injury or illness and rehabilitation can be an intimidating ordeal without proper support.

Highgate osteopathic clinic, Back into Shape, is providing that missing link. Patients requiring exercise and injury rehabilitation will be offered personalised fitness training at fully equipped on-site sports therapy gym, Twentyfourseven Personal Training.

‘We are always looking for ways to improve our service and often find that our patients would benefit from other complementary therapies and forms of treatment,’ says Back into Shape principal, Simeon Niel-Asher. ‘This new service is a valuable addition to the practice and offers our patients high quality support that they can trust.’

Twentyfourseven Personal Training will be run by Rolant Jones and his team of highly qualified personal trainers who are experienced in dealing with injury rehabilitation. The team will work with the Back into Shape therapists to devise personally tailored training and rehabilitation programmes that are suitable for the elderly and those recovering from injury or surgery.

‘Many patients need to exercise in order to regain strength and mobility but do not have access to experienced fitness instructors who know how to deal with their specific needs,’ explains Simeon. ‘We work closely with the personal trainers and our in-house physiotherapist to ensure that exercise is suitable and appropriate to the type of injury. By overseeing their rehabilitation, we can ensure that our patients benefit from a speedy and healthy recovery.’

At the same time, Back into Shape is introducing practitioner Naava Carman of the Fertility Support Company to provide acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine as an alternative to conventional pain relief, or to complement osteopathic treatment. ‘Our aim is not just to get to the root of a problem, but to then support our patients through their recovery. Acupuncture is proven to be an effective method of managing back pain and can help to relieve a number of conditions that we treat here at Back into Shape,’ comments Simeon.

‘By providing this comprehensive approach to treating our patients, we can ensure that they get the very best and most effective combination of conventional and complementary therapies in one place.’

Established by Simeon Niel-Asher in 1994, Back into Shape osteopathic clinic offers expert treatment for a range of injuries and conditions from the beautiful surroundings of its rooms in the heart of Highgate Village. The Clinic's practitioners offer expertise in areas such as sports injury rehabilitation, naturopathic osteopathy, treatment for children and babies and nutrition.

The Clinic is favoured by celebrities and is world-renowned for Simeon's ground-breaking technique for the treatment of Frozen Shoulder Syndrome.

For more information on Back into Shape, please visit http://www.backintoshape.com or contact the Clinic on 020 8347 6160.

Alcohol-related death rates have almost doubled since 1991 in the UK and continue to rise, government statistics have revealed.

In 1991, the number of alcohol-related deaths stood at 4,144, while in 2005 the number leapt to 8,386, the Office for National Statistics said.

A small rise of 165 alcohol deaths was seen between 2004 and 2005.

The analysis also revealed alcohol death rates were much higher for men than for women. It also showed the gap between the sexes had widened in recent years.

In 2005, the male death rate was 17.9 deaths per 100,000 of the population, compared with 8.3 deaths per 100,000 for females.

An alcohol-related death is described by the Office for National Statistics as one that is caused by diseases or conditions linked to alcohol consumption, such as chronic liver disease or pancreatitis.

In men, the biggest increase in deaths from alcohol consumption was seen for men aged between 35 and 54, were rates had almost doubled since 1991.

The number of alcohol-related deaths for women in this age bracket had also doubled since 1991. The highest rates for men and women were between the ages of 55-74. In 2005, the death rate in this age group was 43.4 per 100,000.

Stringent measures
A Department of Health spokesperson said: ‘We are concerned about the number of alcohol related deaths and are committed to tackling this problem.

‘We are currently introducing measures set out in the Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy for England which will help reduce alcohol related deaths.

‘Already annually some £217m is spent locally on alcohol treatment interventions and PCTs have also been notified that a total of £15m of additional investment will be provided for alcohol treatment services from 2007-08.’

Frank Soodeen, a spokesman for Alcohol Concern, said: ‘Tragic as they are, these figures are hardly a surprise.

‘Rising consumption and alcohol-related mortality have been linked as far back as 1950. Binge drinkers should take especial note of the rise in the number of people aged between 35 and 54 who are now dying.

‘People need to realise that alcohol misuse is implicated in a range of fatal diseases from cancer to severe psychosis which can strike at relatively young ages.’

Professor Chris Cook, an addiction expert based at Durham University, said: ‘The morbidity attributed to alcohol varies in close relationship with the amount of alcohol the population is consuming.

‘Taking this into account, it is not tremendously surprising that the figures have increased given the way alcohol consumption has been rising in this country.’

He said he believed this was mainly due to the government's ‘ineffective approach’ and added that it needed to put into place more stringent measures, such as alcohol taxes, to control drinking.'

In 2005, the licensing laws in England and Wales for selling alcohol were relaxed, allowing bars and clubs to stay open for longer.

The Food Standards Agency is asking food businesses to submit health claims for consideration for inclusion on the European list of permitted health claims, which will be compiled under new European legislation. The new European Regulation aims to increase consumer protection with regards to nutrition and health claims made on food.

Under the new legislation, Member States, including the UK, will be responsible for compiling a list of health claims for consideration for a Community wide approved list. To be eligible for consideration, claims must be based on generally accepted science and relate to the role of a nutrient or other substance in growth, development and functions of the body, psychological and behavioural functions or slimming and weight control. Once compiled, the UK list will be submitted for assessment, on advice from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and agreement by all Member States.

Even though the Regulation is not expected to be published until the end of this year the UK is opening its list now in order to give food businesses optimal time to compile the evidence required for their claims. Once the Regulation enters into force Member States will have 12 months to compile their lists. There will then be a two-year period during which EFSA will assess the claims and the Standing Committee will adopt the final list. Health claims that are not included on the final Community list will not be permitted for use once the list has been adopted.

Claims must be submitted to the FSA using a standard template and must be accompanied by references to scientific justification and conditions of use.

Bio-Stat has announced that it is now a patron of the NSPCC FULL STOP campaign. 'We hope you will join us in some of our fund raising activities,' says the company.

On July 12th 2007, Bio-Stat is hosting a charity golf day to raise funds for the NSPCC. If you would like details of how to enter a team or offer sponsorship, please contact Marketing Services on 0161-419 6307.

Web: http://www.bio-stat.com

Yes to Life (www.yestolife.org.uk) is a charity whose focus is to open up alternative treatment options for cancer sufferers.

It aims to follow the lead of clinics in countries like Germany and Switzerland, where a broad, integrated, approach to treatment, based on well-founded techniques (and some pioneering new ones), is already established. The charity is raising awareness of all such treatments now available throughout the country and indeed around the world, and can provide funding grants for patients if needed. The charity is also proud to be a pioneer of trials for alternative prostrate cancer protocols in the UK and has already achieved success with trials being implemented in Bart's Hospital this year.

Along with its alternative cancer treatment helpline, Yes to Life will offer in mid 2007 a new addition to its services. The Patient Advocate Scheme will provide trained and dedicated Yes to Life Guides to work with individuals and their families to help them with the challenge of a cancer diagnosis. Advice will focus on the power of integrated cancer care and offer information on a huge range of treatments from within the UK.

Yes to Life was set up by Robin and Nancy Daly after their young daughter Bryony tragically died following her third battle with cancer two years ago this August - tragically before she had the access to the types of alternative and complementary treatments they are now planning for others.

Having been thrown into a world for which no one is prepared, Robin and Nancy rapidly saw patients and their families (and many medics) crying out for a new approach, beyond the range of often highly toxic conventional drugs and therapies.

For a summary of the charity's aims, go to the home page (http://www.yestolife.org.uk) and listen to ‘Bryony talks about Y2l’, bottom right.

Yes to Life has indeed a challenge on its hands - not only must it address the difficult area of funding, but it has to influence a healthcare system which is, for the most part, set in its ways.

However, it is already achieving the first part of this, with a Central London headquarters, and it has recruited some very influential trustees and supporters, including Dr. Michael Dixon, Chair of the NHS Alliance and Nick Dimbleby sculptor and co founder of the Dimbleby Foundation. And in the second area, it has also found, among some very influential NHS oncologists, a reception much more welcoming than it might have thought.

For further information, please contact:
Yes to Life
87 Wimpole Street
London
W1G 9RL

Telephone: 0207 317 3459
Helpline: 0870 163 2990
Registered charity: 1112812
Email: robin@yestolife.org.uk
Web: http://www.yestolife.org.uk

The first-ever global study of sexual and reproductive health - to be published in the medical journal The Lancet - shows a picture of declining financial support, increased political interference and an overall reluctance to tackle threats to sexual and reproductive health.

The evaluation, coordinated by the World Health Organisation (WHO), shows that the level of disability and premature death due to sexual and reproductive health is huge and increasing. Unsafe sex is the second most important cause of illness and death in developing countries and ninth in developed countries.

The analysis reveals a picture of growing unmet needs and neglect. More than half a million women die as a result of complications in pregnancy and childbirth every year. Access to contraception has increased worldwide but there are still an estimated 120 million couples who do not get the contraceptives they would like or need. An estimated 80 million women have unintended or unwanted pregnancies each year. 45 million end in abortion. WHO figures quoted in the survey show that there are 19 million unsafe abortions carried out each year, resulting in around 68 000 deaths and millions of injuries and permanent disabilities.

‘These statistics represent an appalling catalogue of human tragedy,’ says Joy Phumaphi, WHO Assistant Director-General for Family and Community Health. ‘Far from making progress we seem to have been going backwards since the notion of reproductive health was born in Cairo in 1994. The issue is dropping down the international agenda and governments seem to be reluctant to tackle this most fundamental threat to health and well-being.’

Several examples of this decline are quoted in the study. Between 1995 and 2003, donor support for family planning fell from US$ 560 million to US$ 460 million. According to the survey, family planning services in Africa need an extra US$ 70 million just to achieve the mid range of fertility projections recommended by the United Nations. Additionally, funding for contraceptive development has declined compared to microbicide research for HIV/AIDS. As well as surveying the statistical evidence on the increase in sexual and reproductive ill-health, the series highlights the importance of understanding sexual behaviour.

The survey of data from 59 countries shows that contrary to common belief, there is no universal trend to earlier first sexual intercourse. However, later marriages mean that there are more opportunities for premarital sex which is resulting in high rates of unintended pregnancy, unsafe abortions and sexually transmitted infections among the young.
According to Dr Paul Van Look, Director of Reproductive Health and Research at WHO, ‘Sexual behaviours and norms vary enormously around the world and unfortunately many people, including politicians and even health professionals, are uncomfortable dealing with such matters. This survey sounds an urgent alarm that if we do not address sexual and reproductive health openly and directly the toll of death and disability will remain with us for many years to come.’

Given the diversity of sexual and reproductive behaviours revealed by the study, the authors call for a mix of prevention strategies and caution against quick fixes and a ‘one size fits all’ approach. They call for greater efforts to tackle the links between sexual and reproductive ill-health and poverty, gender inequalities and negative social attitudes.

The Lancet Series on Sexual and Reproductive Health will be published in the coming weeks. The series will focus on issues such as adopting a public health approach to sexual and reproductive behaviours to reduce death and disability from unsafe sex, the impact of unsafe abortions, and the need to prioritise sexual and reproductive health, family planning and contraception to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

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