Health news 8th October 2010

[Northerner]

ME patients face UK ban on donating blood
Patients with ME will no longer be able to donate blood in the UK under new safety guidelines. Officials say the ban, starting on 1 November, is designed to protect the health of people with ME - also known as chronic fatigue syndrome.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11465723

Molecule structure offers clue to HIV and cancer treatments.

Scientists have created an image of an important molecule linked to HIV infection and cancer which may help treat the diseases. Researchers from California used an X-ray technique to find out the structure of the CXCR4 molecule and how it works.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11494659

Drug users are turning to legal highs - report

Young adults are turning to so-called legal highs as they seek alternatives to other drugs, according to experts. The National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse report warned the drugs had emerged as an alternative to the "low quality" of other substances.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11493247

Cannabis use in young people soars by a third as more than 4,000-a-year need treatment
The number of young people needing treatment for mental or other serious problems caused by smoking cannabis has rocketed by a third, experts revealed last night. The NHS National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse revealed cannabis use had taken a heavy toll on 4,400 youngsters last year - or more than ten every day.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...g-people-soars-4-000-year-need-treatment.html

 

[FM001]

It's worrying that people are turning to 'legal highs' in a attempt to feed their addiction, and also worrying is the use of cannabis amongst the youth of today and the complications associated with its use. Never did understand the drug culture and why people turn to these substances, don't get me wrong I was surrounded by people using drugs in my college and university days, but never once was I tempted and much preferred to have the occasional blow-out on a few beers. It really is a shame and makes dreadful reading, and once again it is yet another strain on a already overworked NHS. Toby.