International health news
A study of over 160,000 adults has shown that e-cigarettes help people to stop smoking. The 15-year survey showed that those who vaped were more likely to try to quit, and succeeded in quitting for more than three months more often than those who did not use e-cigarettes.
Consuming artificial sweeteners can raise your blood pressure and increase your BMI – conditions that increase the likelihood of developing insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. Half of adults and a quarter of children eat or drink artificial sweeteners on a daily basis.
Taking antidepressants whilst pregnant could increase the risk of your unborn child developing autism. Autism is less prevalent amongst children born to depressed mothers who did not take medication whilst pregnant than those who took antidepressants. Be aware that stopping antidepressants suddenly and without guidance of a medical professional can be dangerous.
Country updates
63,000 people will die from alcohol abuse in England in the next five years, doctors warn. They suggest that increasing minimum unit pricing for alcoholic beverage to discourage heavy drinking. 32,475 people will die from liver cancer, and the rest from alcoholic liver disease.
According to a study undertaken to highlight the risks of not vaccinating children against measles, a 5 percent decline in measles vaccination rates could triple the number of children contracting measles in the USA. This could cost cost government health programmes $2.1 million a year.
Health advice
Irreversible surgery performed on the genitalia of intersex infants can cause permanent psychological harm. One in every 2000 babies is born with atypical genitals. Critics of the surgery suggest that it is better to wait until a child can decide if they want surgery for themselves.
Pairing a sugar-laden beverage with your burger could be causing your body to store more fat. Those drinking sugary soft drinks burn less energy from their food than those who drink diet drinks, a new study has shown.
Having a dog increases your activity levels and general happiness, suggests a report by the University of East Anglia and the Center for Diet and Activity Research. Oxytocin released when interacting with companion animals can reduce cholesterol and stress levels. Dogs have also been found to reduce the risk of asthma in children, and lower blood pressure.