Smoking Bans Lead To Fall In Asthma
This report on the BBC, says there is a link between the smoking ban and a drop in the number of children admitted to hospital with asthma. Here’s a relevant paragraph.
We increasingly think it’s because people are adopting smoke-free homes when these smoke-free laws are introduced and this is because they see the benefits of smoke-free laws in public places such as restaurants and they increasingly want to adopt them in their home.
I also think, that children are also badgering their parents not to smoke.
When we were developing the metered dose inhaler for drugs, like those for asthma, I came across some research that showed any naked flame in the house increased the oxides of nitrogen in the air, that might be causing asthma. This page from the US EPA outlines the problem and gives advice.
So I would never have a gas cooker or fire in my house. There was one when I bought this house, but I sold it.
Breaking Bad News WIth Style And Dignity
The Reverend John Graham is one of Britain’s leading crossword puzzle setters. As reported on the BBC web site, he used one of his own puzzles to announce that he is dying of cancer.
What a dignified and stylish way to break bad news!
Am I Allergic To Coffee?
I’ve not been feeling well the last few days and it reminds me of a time about thirty years ago, when I thought I got a mouth infection from a dentist. I had a very sore mouth and ate fairly soft food for a couple of weeks. In the end, I think the doctor gave me some antibiotics to clear it up. At the time, I also found that coffee seemed to irritate my mouth, so for twenty years or so, I never drunk coffee, until I discovered cappuccino.
My mouth now feels the same and for the last two days, I’ve stayed off the coffee and I’ve just been drinking beer, cider, milk, water and tea.
It seems to be getting better.
It’s strange that this problem has returned, but I have moved to London in the last couple of years and it so easy to get a coffee.
Dyslexia
They were talking to Charlie Boorman on the radio this afternoon and dyslexia came up.
I was brought up in a letterpress print works, where of course all the letters are backwards.
An expert once told me that playing with these letters could have made me dyslexic.
It didn’t and even after a bad stroke, it all works reasonably well. I’ve met others, who have had a similar upbringing to me and it has enhanced rather than hindered the brain. For instance, I have a very powerful image mirroring ability.
The brain is a strange wonderful thing. Where would be without it?
A Victory For Patient Safety
I have followed the Ubani case for some years. I am glad to see he’s lost the case to clear his name.
Let’s hope he gives up and goes back to where he came from.
The outcome of this case and hopefully it’s the final one, gives me hope that in the end good law always triumphs.
A Proper Bath
Today, I had my first proper bath since I had my stroke. It was deep and I was able to dip my head under the water to wash my hair. I’ve never been brave enough to do it since I’ve moved. The previous bath was so dangerous, that one slip and I might have been a goner.
Now that bath is a Christmas present!
I was also able to get out of the bath and successfully take my INR. It’ll be interesting to see if the value changes after all those sprouts. Hopefully, I won’t have this guy‘s problem.
I also took the INR from my left hand, which is only the second time, I’ve done that! Perhaps the hand is getting better?
Ultrasound And Light Therapy For Cancer
The Sunday Times has a big attack on clinics that offer this treatment for cancer.
I always have one question for remedies like this. Can I see the results of proper published and correctly reviewed research? In most cases it doesn’t exist. And if it doesn’t, then I wouldn’t go near it.
All clinics who offer these cures are doing is praying on the sick and the dying. They should be charged with fraud?
This Policeman Isn’t Fat!
This policeman, who the Mail claims is at the heart of the Plebgate affair, was virtually told he was fat on Radio 5 this morning in the Double Take program.
If I were to be his size, I’d consider myself obese. No wonder he has to carry a gun in his job. He wouldn’t be able to run after the average criminal. Even in my state, I might even be able to outrun him over a hundred metres.
Canning Town Has A Flying Rat Problem
I photographed this mess at Canning Town station.
Canning Town Has A Flying Rat Problem
They need to get the eagle out to deal with the flying rats. A wash and brush-up would be helpful too!
Fighting Cancer With A Trojan Horse
I like this report on the BBC web site. In brief the new therapy can be described like this.
The team hid cancer killing viruses inside the immune system in order to sneak them into a tumour.
Once inside, tens of thousands of viruses were released to kill the cancerous cells.
It certainly gives hope to cancer sufferers. Obviously, it has to be proven in humans, although as the study showed, it worked well in mice with prostate cancer.
I do think though, that we underestimate the value of the immune system in fighting cancer. Research has shown for instance, that those who eat their five portions of fruit and veg each day, have a better record against cancer, as do coeliacs, who stick to the gluten-free diet.
I also know of two people, one of whom was my son, who perhaps were not too sensible with their habits, who were thought by their respective families to be coeliacs. Both died of aggressive cancers.
I know two cases doesn’t prove a theory, but I do feel that as we learn more about the immune system and treatments such as this Trojan horse method, we will start to win the fight against cancer.
On the other hand, I totally despair as I pass the pub next door and see the smokers up to six deep on the pavement.
The Anonymous Widower 