Bedford Hill Family Practice

120 Bedford Hill
Balham
SW12 9HS
Tel: 020 8673 1720

Cervical Smears

All women between the ages of 25 and 64 who have ever been sexually active should have a smear done. These are usually carried out every 3 years or more frequently if previous smears suggested this would be more appropriate.

Cervical smears assess the general health of the cervix and can pick up cervical abnormalities which may otherwise progress into cervical cancer.

The best time to have your smear done is around 2 weeks into your menstrual cycle i.e. approximately midway between the date of your last period and the date of your next expected period.

Cervical smears are undertaken by our practice nurses and the procedure takes about 20 minutes. St George's Hospital will notify you of your smear result about 4 weeks after the test was carried out.
 

 

NHS Choices - Behind the headlines

  • Social care reforms announced

    Most of the UK media is covering the announcement made in Parliament by Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State for Health, about proposed changes to social care.

    The two confirmed points to have garnered the most media attention in the run-up to the announcement are:

    • a ‘cost cap’ of £75,000 worth of care costs – after this...
  • Can exercise offset some of the harms of regular drinking?

    "Adults who booze regularly but exercise for five hours a week are no more likely to die than teetotallers," the Mail Online reports.

    A study suggests exercise may compensate for some, but certainly not all, of the harms associated with excessive alcohol consumption. This latest study looked at deaths from...
  • Does paracetamol taken in pregnancy affect masculinity?

    "Taking paracetamol when pregnant 'makes boys less manly, less aggressive and lowers their sex drive'," reports The Sun.

    But the alarming headline doesn't explain that the research was in mice, not humans.

    Researchers gave daily doses of paracetamol to pregnant mice, and looked into the effect on their male...
  • Sex link to older people's brain power, says study

    "Sex is the key to staying sharp in old age," reports the Mail Online after researchers found older people who have regular sex scored better on two of five brain tests.

    Participants who had sex at least once a week scored higher on tests that measured their verbal fluency and spatial awareness compared with those who had...
  • 'Contaminated air' on planes linked to health problems

    "Toxic fumes in aircraft cabins could cause serious health problems, scientists warn," reports The Sun. This is based on a UK study investigating air contamination on aircraft and its possible effects on the health of pilots and cabin crew.

    The researchers say the air supply on planes can become contaminated by leaks of oil...
  • Cholesterol-lowering jab 'shows promise' for heart disease

    "Cholesterol-lowering jab to help prevent heart disease," reports BBC Online.

    The headline refers to a recent mouse study that aimed to see whether a new vaccine could reduce cholesterol and lower the risk of heart disease.

    Mice bred to develop heart and vascular disease were given the AT04A vaccine or a control...
  • Blood test may show if prostate cancer treatment is working

    "Prostate cancer blood test helps target treatment," BBC News reports.

    A study found a blood test could detect which men with advanced prostate cancer would benefit from new drug treatment.

    Researchers analysed blood samples from nearly 50 men taking part in a trial of a new drug (olaparib) for prostate cancer that...
  • Is a new flu pandemic just three mutations away?

    "Just three mutations are needed to make bird flu a potential pandemic strain that could kill millions," is the alarming headline from the Mail Online. However, the chance of all three mutations occurring has been described as "relatively low".

    ...
  • Obese mums more likely to give birth to babies with birth defects

    "Women who are obese when they conceive are more likely to have a baby with serious birth defects," The Guardian reports.

    Swedish researchers looked at more than a million health records and found a link between excess body mass index (BMI) and...
  • Vegetarian dieting may lead to greater weight loss

    "Dieters who follow a vegetarian eating plan lose nearly twice as much weight," the Daily Mail reports following the results of a new study.

    Researchers randomly assigned two groups of people with type 2 diabetes to either a vegetarian diet or a standard weight loss diet. They found those on the vegetarian diet lost more...
  • Risk of aspirin-related bleeding is higher in the over-75s

    "People over 75 taking daily aspirin after a stroke or heart attack are at higher risk of major – and sometimes fatal – stomach bleeds than previously thought," BBC News reports.

    Aspirin can help thin the blood, so it is...
  • Being overweight, not just obese, still carries serious health risks

    "Four million people died in 2015 as a result of being too tubby, struck by cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other killer conditions," reports The Sun.

    This is based on a global study that looked at how the proportion of people who are overweight and obese has changed over time. This was determined by recording ...
  • Antibiotics and vitamin C could kill cancer cells

    "Vitamin C and antibiotics could be up to 100 times more effective than drugs at killing cancer cells – without the side effects," reports the Mail Online.

    The news comes from the results of a study that found a new two-pronged approach using the antibiotic doxycycline followed by...
  • Owning a dog may encourage older people to exercise

    "NHS should prescribe dogs to keep over-65s fit," the Daily Mail reports.

    The headline was prompted by the results of a new study with the rather unsurprising finding that older adults who own dogs walk more than those who don't.

    The study included around 80 adults with an average age of 70 from three regions in...
  • An egg a day may prevent stunted growth in infants

    "An egg a day appears to help young children grow taller," BBC News reports.

    Research involving young children in Ecuador found babies given one egg a day for six months had improved growth compared with controls, as well as a reduced risk of stunted growth.

    Stunted growth is when a child fails to meet the...
  • Is white bread just as healthy as brown?

    "Sliced white bread is 'just as healthy as brown', shock findings reveal," The Sun reports.

    A small study looking at the effects of eating different types of bread – white versus brown sourdough – found no significant differences.

    But the researchers also reported responses varied from person to person, depending...
  • Even moderate drinking may damage the brain

    "Even moderate drinking can damage the brain," The Guardian reports. A new study, involving brain scans and cognitive testing, suggests that moderate drinking, over many years, could damage areas of the brain linked to memory and cognitive function.

    The results showed that the higher the amount of alcohol consumed a week,...
  • Babies put into their own room at six months 'sleep longer'

    "Babies moved into their own room at six months sleep better and are lower risk of obesity, poor sleep patterns and tantrums," reports The Sun.

    This is based on a US study looking at room-sharing of 230 mother-infant pairs and infant sleep patterns.

    However, despite the headlines, the study did not look at babies'...
  • TV in bedroom 'risk factor' for child obesity

    "Children who have TVs in their bedrooms are more likely to be overweight than those who do not," BBC News reports. A UK study found a link between children having a TV in their room and an increased risk of obesity.

    Researchers followed children...
  • 'Everyday chemicals' linked to cancer

    "Chemicals in everyday items like cosmetics linked to cancer," The Independent reports. Research involving genetically engineered human cells found that a class of chemical called aldehydes damaged a gene that prevents cancer from developing.

    Aldehydes are organic chemical compounds naturally present in the environment and...
  • Cold water 'just as good as hot' for handwashing

    "Antibacterial handwash is NO better than soap – and cold water kills as many germs as hot, experts claim," The Sun reports.

    These were the main findings of a study looking at various methods of handwashing.

    But the researchers only tested for...
  • Link between stress in pregnancy and ADHD unfounded

    "Stressed mothers-to-be face an increased risk of giving birth to a child who will develop ADHD or heart disease later in life," the Mail Online reports.

    However, the new study it is reporting on did not look at long-term outcomes in children, such as ...
  • Parents' phone addiction may lead to child behavioural problems

    "Is our smartphone addiction damaging our children?," The Guardian asks, after publication of a recent study into "technoference" – when people switch their attention away from others to check their phone or tablet.

    The study, carried out in the US, involved more than 300 parents who reported on their use of...
  • Beta-blockers 'useless' for many heart attack patients, study reports

    "Many patients given beta blockers after a heart attack may not benefit from being on the drugs, suggesting they may be being overprescribed," The Guardian reports.

    Beta-blockers are drugs used to regulate the heart by making it beat more...
  • Fitness trackers' calorie measurements are prone to error

    "Fitness trackers out of step when measuring calories, research shows," The Guardian reports. An independent analysis of a number of leading brands found they were all prone to inaccurate recording of energy expenditure.

    Researchers recruited 60 participants to take part in a range of exercises while having their heart rate...
  • Does meditation carry a risk of harmful side effects?

    "Meditation can leave you feeling even more stressed," the Daily Mail reports.

    The claim is prompted by a study of 60 practitioners of Buddhist meditation in the US which found they'd had a range of "challenging or difficult" experiences associated with the practice.

    However, it's not clear how relevant...
  • Expanding waistline linked to an increased risk of cancer

    "A pot belly is a red flag for cancer," reports the Mail Online after a new study found an increase in waist circumference carries similar risks for developing cancer as raised body mass index (BMI).

    The study used data from several European studies of more than 43,000 adults aged around 63, who were then followed up for 12...
  • 'Chocolate good for the heart' claims sadly too good to be true

    "Regularly tucking into a bar of chocolate may actually be good for us," reports the Mail Online.

    Researchers in Denmark say people who eat chocolate one to six times a week are less likely to get a heart condition called atrial fibrillation than those who eat it hardly at all (less than once a month).

    ...
  • Just half a glass of wine a day may increase breast cancer risk

    "Just half a glass of wine a day ups the risk of breast cancer by nine per cent, experts warn," The Sun reports. A major report looking at global evidence found that drinking just 10g of alcohol a day – 1.25 units – was linked to an increased risk of...
  • Dementia saliva testing 'shows early promise'

    "Simple saliva test for dementia 'shows promise' in bid to diagnose the disease early," the Daily Mirror reports.

    This news is based on a laboratory study that took saliva samples from 12 healthy adults, nine adults with Alzheimer’s disease...
  • Instagram 'ranked worst for mental health' in teen survey

    "Instagram is rated as the worst social media platform when it comes to its impact on young people's mental health, a UK survey suggests," BBC News reports.

    The survey asked 1,479 young people aged 14-24 to score popular social media apps on issues such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, bullying, body image and "...
  • Swallowable gastric balloon could help with weight loss

    "Swallowable gastric balloon could help the obese lose weight without surgery," The Guardian reports. The news, which was widely reported, is based on a study presented at the European Congress of Obesity in Portugal.

    Researchers in Italy found obese patients who used a swallowable gastric balloon lost on average about 15kg...
  • 'Fat but fit' still at higher risk of heart disease

    "The idea that people can be fat but medically fit is a myth," reports BBC News.

    The story is based on research from scientists at the University of Birmingham, reported at a medical conference but not yet published.

    The researchers used information from a UK database of GP records covering 3.5 million people, to...
  • Lack of sleep knocks your social appeal, says research

    "A couple of bad nights is enough to make a person look 'significantly' more ugly," reports BBC News.

    Researchers in Sweden found people rated photographs of strangers as less attractive and healthy when the people in the photographs had less sleep.

    The study used photographs of healthy, mainly young, students...
  • Hope for plant-based contraceptive, study claims

    "Forget Plan B – try aloe vera, controversial study claims: Scientists insist pills made from dandelions and mangoes can prevent pregnancy without a hit of hormones," reports the Mail Online.

    The news is based on a study investigating whether chemicals found in certain plants can reduce sperm's ability to fertilise a woman'...
  • Can fizzy water make you fat?

    “Fizzy water could cause obesity by encouraging you to eat more,” The Daily Telegraph reports.

    Researchers aimed to see whether it could be the carbonation in soft drinks – rather than the sugar – that explains the link between soft drinks and obesity.

    Overall, they found rats that drank diet or regular fizzy drinks ate...
  • Can fizzy water make you fat?

    “Fizzy water could cause obesity by encouraging you to eat more,” The Daily Telegraph reports.

    Researchers aimed to see whether it could be the carbonation in soft drinks – rather than the sugar – that explains the link between soft drinks and obesity.

    Overall, they found rats that drank diet or regular fizzy drinks ate...
  • Keyhole knee surgery is 'waste of time' review finds

    "Keyhole knee surgery for arthritis pain 'is pointless'," the Daily Mail reports.

    The headline is prompted by a review of the available evidence around knee arthroscopy (keyhole) procedures for people with degenerative knee conditions such as...
  • Yoga may bring long-term benefits for people with depression

    "Yoga can ease depression symptoms, according to the largest study to ever investigate the link," the Mail Online reports.

    The study didn't find any benefits from doing yoga at the end of the 10-week study period, but there were improvements in symptoms at a six-month follow-up review. Because of the mixed results, these...
  • Life expectancy for people with HIV now 'near normal'

    "Young people on the latest HIV drugs now have near-normal life expectancy because of improvements in treatments," BBC News reports.

    The report says advances in antiretroviral drug treatments reduce the risks of serious complications.

    Researchers used data from 88,504 people with HIV from Europe and North America...
  • Ibuprofen linked to increased risk of heart attacks

    "Taking painkillers for just one week 'raises the risk of a heart attack'," the Daily Mail reports. The report is based on a new analysis that found a link between anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen and...
  • Review finds no link between dairy and heart attack or stroke risk

    "Eating cheese does not raise risk of heart attack or stroke," reports The Guardian. This follows a large review pooling the results of 29 observational studies into the link between dairy consumption and cardiovascular disease; coronary heart disease, as well as all-cause deaths.

    The studies included almost 1 million...
  • Evidence behind reports of new baldness cure is a little thin

    "Scientists studying cancer stumble on 'breakthrough' in search for baldness cure," announces The Daily Telegraph, adding that not only does this mean "a cream or ointment may soon cure baldness or stop hair turning grey" but also it could one day ... explain why we age".

    Sadly for those of us with grey, or...
  • Concerns about alleged 'harmful' arsenic levels in baby rice cakes

    "Almost half of baby rice food products contain illegal levels of inorganic arsenic despite new regulations set by the EU, according to researchers," ITV News reports.

    While this may sound shocking, arsenic is a common chemical compound naturally present in the environment.

    It's found at very low levels in tap...
  • Blood test may lead to targeted therapy for prostate cancer

    "A blood test has been developed that could help target treatment for men with advanced prostate cancer," BBC News reports. The test could help identify men unlikely to respond to drugs such as enzalutamide.

    Enzalutamide and abiraterone are additional treatments for men for whom standard hormonal treatment has not worked,...
  • Low-gluten diet linked to heart attack risk

    "Gluten-free diet can do more harm than good for people without coeliac disease," The Independent reports, as a new study found that the "trendy gluten-free diets loved by Gwyneth Paltrow and Russell Crowe may increase the risk of heart disease".

    Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye....
  • Statins side effects 'have been overstated,' says study

    "Side effects from statins 'really are all in the mind'," The Times reports. A new study found people taking statins were more likely to report side effects, such as muscle aches, but only if they knew they were taking the drug...
  • Alternate-day fasting diets 'no better' than traditional dieting

    "Fasting diets do not make much difference to weight loss compared to a traditional calorie-controlled diet," The Daily Telegraph reports.

    A study found people on an "every other day" diet (where they restricted their calorie intake to around 500 calories every other day) lost no more weight than those on a normal...
  • Weak link between grandmums' smoking and autistic grandkids

    "Smoking in pregnancy hurts your grandkids by 'increasing their risk of autism'," The Sun brashly reports.

    Researchers looked at data spanning multiple generations and reported a link between girls with autism symptoms and having a...
  • Binge drinking could trigger abnormal heart rhythms

    "Why Oktoberfest could be damaging your heart" is the somewhat strange headline in The Times.

    Researchers who attended the annual Bavarian beer and folk festival found binge drinkers were more likely to have abnormal heart rhythm patterns.

    This could be of potential concern – in extreme cases, abnormal heart...
  • New glaucoma test could save millions from blindness

    "It might be possible to treat the main cause of permanent blindness before people notice any loss of vision," BBC News report.

    A proof of concept study of early testing for glaucoma – the most common cause of sight loss – had promising results.

    In...
  • Regular exercise for the over-50s 'sharpens the mind'

    "Doing moderate exercise several times a week is the best way to keep the mind sharp if you're over 50," BBC News reports.

    A review of existing data found both aerobic exercise and strength training appeared to improve cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, and how well people carry out tasks. 

    The review...
  • Four cups of coffee 'not bad for health' suggests review

    "Drinking up to four cups of coffee a day carries no health risk, experts say. Scientists said those who stick to that limit have no need to worry," reports The Sun.

    This was based on a review of studies that looked at the effects of caffeine on health. The researchers specifically investigated the effect of having more or...
  • Children with regular bedtimes 'less likely to become obese'

    "Regular bedtimes make children less likely to be obese as adults," is the slightly misleading Mail Online headline. This follows a study looking at the link between household routines in early childhood and obesity at age 11.

    Researchers analysed...
  • Reported link between diet drinks and dementia and stroke is weak

    "Diet drinks triple your risk of stroke and dementia," the Daily Mail reports, as US research found a link between daily intake and increased risk. However, the chain of evidence is not as strong as reported.

    The researchers analysed data from an ongoing US cohort study to see if consumption of sugar or artificially...
  • Cycling commuters have lower rates of heart disease and cancer

    "Want to live longer? Reduce your risk of cancer? And heart disease? Then cycle to work," BBC News advises, prompted by a new study that found UK commuters who cycled to work had lower rates of cancer and heart disease, compared to other types of commuters.

    The study was well designed as it included more than 200,000 adults...
  • Two older drugs could be 'repurposed' to fight dementia

    "Depression and cancer drugs offer hope for dementia sufferers," Sky News reports. The headline is prompted by a study looking at the effect of two drugs – one used to treat depression and another being trialled for cancer treatment – on neurodegenerative diseases.

    Neurodegenerative diseases are conditions that cause...
  • Frog slime could protect us against future flu epidemic

    "'Potent' new molecule in frog slime may give us new way to beat flu epidemics, say boffins," The Sun reports.

    Researchers looked at secretions from the skin of a south Indian frog called Hydrophylax bahuvistara. They found it contained a peptide (a short chain of amino acids) which could kill certain flu viruses in the lab...
  • Touchscreen-using toddlers may sleep less

    "'Touchscreen-toddlers' sleep less," BBC News report. Results from a survey of UK parents suggest every hour a child spends using a touchscreen device was associated with an hour's less sleep a night.

    Reports such as this are likely to cause concern to many parents, as touchscreen devices, such as smartphones and tablets,...
  • Being both under and overweight may increase migraine risk

    "People who are too fat or too thin are 'more likely to suffer from migraines'," reports The Sun.

    Researchers reviewed data from 12 studies involving 288,981 people and concluded obese people have a 21% increased risk of migraines, compared to those of healthy weight.

    ...
  • Could your tattoos put you at risk of heat stroke?

    "Do you have a tattoo? You may be at-risk of heat stroke as inked skin produces significantly less sweat than normal," the Mail Online reports.

    A small US study, involving 10 men, found tattooed skin produced less sweat, which could lead to over-heating.

    The drug pilocarpine was used to induce sweating on the...
  • Daily diet of fresh fruit linked to lower diabetes risk

    "Eating fresh fruit daily could cut risk of diabetes by 12%," the Mail Online reports.

    A study of half a million people in China found those who ate fruit daily were 12% less likely to get type 2 diabetes than those who never or rarely ate it...
  • Brain cell reprogramming therapy shows promise for Parkinson's

    "New technique in which brain cells are reprogrammed could one day provide a cure for Parkinson's disease," The Independent reports.

    Researchers, using mice with Parkinson's disease, "reprogrammed" cells to replace the nerves lost in the condition. These nerves produce the messenger chemical dopamine, and help to...
  • Growing up with a pet may boost a baby's bacterial health

    "Having a pet dog…can help reduce the child's chances of developing allergies and becoming obese in later years," claims the Daily Mirror, in a somewhat misleading report.

    Researchers did find a link between pet ownership and an increased diversity of "healthy bacteria" in infants, but didn't look at long-term...
  • Tea not proven to 'shield you against dementia'

    "It's tea time! How at least two cups a day can shield you from dementia," reports the Mail Online. This rather optimistic headline reports on a Singaporean study of around 900 Chinese people aged 55 and above.

    The study searched for a potential link between tea consumption and development of dementia. It found the risks of...
  • Antibiotic use linked to 'pre-cancerous' bowel changes

    "Taking antibiotics for more than two weeks increases your risk of bowel cancer by 73 per cent," reports the Daily Mail.

    However, the study it reports on did not look at rates of bowel cancer. What it did find is an...
  • Reports that Marmite prevents dementia are laying it on a bit thick

    "A daily slice of Marmite on toast may help prevent you getting dementia," the Daily Mail reports, with little justification.

    A small study did find that Marmite had an effect on electrical activity in the brain, but there is no evidence this would prevent dementia.

    The study involved 28 people in their early 20s....
  • Firefighters warned about heart attack risk

    "Working in hot temperatures increases the risk of suffering a heart attack," BBC News reports.

    It has been known for some time that the leading cause of death amongst serving firefighters is heart attacks and not fire-related injuries as some...
  • British babies 'among the world's biggest criers' claim unproven

    "Babies in Britain, Canada and Italy cry more than elsewhere," The Guardian reports. But the review the newspaper is reporting on only found reliable data from a handful of nations so the accuracy of the claim is unclear.

    Researchers looked at previously gathered data on colic patterns. ...
  • Morning after pill 'less reliable' for women over 11 stone

    "Women who take morning-after pill could still fall pregnant if they weigh more than 11 stone," the Daily Mirror warns.

    New guidelines on emergency contraception discuss recent evidence that body mass index (BMI) and overall...
  • Moderate drinking may reduce heart disease risk

    "A daily pint or glass of wine can slash the chances of a suffering heart attack by a third," reports The Sun.

    Researchers found that people who drank alcohol within moderate drinking guidelines were less likely to have a first episode of a range of heart and vascular diseases than those who never drank alcohol.

    This...
  • Mixing alcohol and energy drinks 'may be a risky cocktail'

    "Mixing energy drinks with alcohol could be a risky combination, leading to a greater risk of accidents and injuries," BBC News report.

    A review of evidence found a number of potential risks, but the picture was not as clear-cut as reported.

    Energy drinks are drinks that contain high amounts of caffeine. Some people...
  • The pill provides 'lifelong protection against some cancers'

    "The pill can protect women from cancer for 30 years," is the front page headline in the Daily Mirror.

    The paper reports on a landmark study that followed more than 46,000 women in the UK for up to 44 years.

    The study found women who'd used the ...
  • Overweight young men 'more likely to get severe liver disease'

    "Men who are overweight in their late teens have a higher risk of developing liver cancer in later life, new research suggests," reports ITV News. Swedish researchers also found a link to other serious types of liver disease.

    The researchers...
  • New drug shows promise in preventing heart attacks

    "The cholesterol drug that outperforms statins: Patients on the medication are '27% less likely to suffer a heart attack'," the Daily Mail reports.

    The drug, evolocumab, makes the liver more effective at removing "bad" cholesterol from the blood.

    But the Mail's headline is somewhat misleading, as evolocumab...
  • Grandparents 'may be first to spot autism in a child'

    "Grandmas are usually the first to spot autism in children," the Mail Online reports.

    The headline was prompted by a US online survey of parents and family members of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

    Researchers...
  • Can yoga and breathing really help 'cure' depression?

    "Taking yoga classes can help ease depressive symptoms, a new study says," reports the Mail Online.

    A small study from the US found yoga was associated with a clinically significant improvement in depression symptoms.

    Researchers recruited 32 people...
  • Ibuprofen claimed to raise cardiac arrest risk by a third

    "Taking common painkillers like ibuprofen 'increases your risk of cardiac arrest by a THIRD'," The Sun reports.

    Researchers found a link between the potentially fatal heart problem and ibuprofen use, as well as another type of ...
  • New breast cancer drugs could help more than previously thought

    "Up to one in five women with breast cancer could benefit from a type of treatment currently only given to patients with a rare form of the disease," The Independent reports.

    Research suggests around 20% of women with breast cancer...
  • Children's screen time linked to diabetes risk factors

    "Children who are allowed more than three hours of screentime a day are at greater risk of developing diabetes," The Guardian reports.

    In a new study, UK researchers found a link between three hours or more of screen time and risk factors for type...
  • Children's screen time linked to diabetes risk factors

    "Children who are allowed more than three hours of screentime a day are at greater risk of developing diabetes," The Guardian reports.

    In a new study, UK researchers found a link between three hours or more of screen time and risk factors for type...
  • Hair loss drugs linked with erectile dysfunction

    "Men who take this drug [finasteride] to combat baldness are 'five times more likely to suffer erectile dysfunction'," The Sun reports.

    While this may sound hair-raising, the actual evidence the paper is reporting on is not a major cause for concern.

    This US study looked at a medical records database to see how common...
  • Parents told to use pram covers to protect babies from air pollution

    "Parents warned to use pram covers to protect babies from air pollution," reports The Daily Telegraph.

    The advice is prompted by a UK study where researchers simulated a normal walk to school in Guildford, involving parents pushing a pram or carrying a younger child in their arms while accompanying an older child to school....
  • 'Tooth loss link to increased risk of dementia'

    "Dementia breakthrough: Brushing your teeth 'can help ward off devastating condition'," reads the Daily Express.

    The news is based on a study that found tooth loss was associated with an increased risk of dementia.

    The study involved...
  • Substance found in red wine 'helps fight ageing'

    "Red wine can 'help fight the ageing process' – but how much would you have to drink?," is the question posed by The Sun, after a US study suggested resveratrol, a substance found in the skin of red grapes, may help keep our muscles and nerves healthy as we get older.

    But the story might also ask "and are you a mouse?...
  • Mediterranean diet linked to lower risk of one type of breast cancer

    "Eating a Mediterranean diet 'cuts deadly breast cancer risk by 40%' in postmenopausal women," says the Mail Online of a widely reported study carried out by researchers in the Netherlands.

    The researchers looked at data from a study involving more than 60,000 women aged 55-69 over a 20-year period.

    At the start of...
  • Is red hair gene linked to increased risk of Parkinson's?

    "Redheads are more likely to develop Parkinson's," claims the Mail Online after a study found the gene that makes people with red hair susceptible to skin cancer also increases the risk of brain disease.

    But the study didn't actually look directly at redheads (human ones, anyway). Instead, it used mice to look at whether a...

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