Mothers who drink three or more glasses of alchohol at any one occasion in early pregnancy increase their offspring’s chance of developing alcoholic disorders by 21 years of age, according to a new report. Drinking during early childhood has been associated with mental and behavioural problems, difficulties in thinking, learning and memory, but few studies read more »

To ensure people comply with the smoking ban, the government plans to introduce a “shop-a-smoker” hotline next summer. People will be able to report others not obiding by the ban, giving their names and the venue where thay were seen smoking. Smoker’s lobby group Forest said, “People won’t use the phone line…It is not the read more »

A recent study has shown that men who become fathers after the age of 40 are more likely to have an autistic child than those who have children at a younger age. The research was conducted on 132,271 children born between 1980 and 1989; it showed that the children with older dads were six times read more »

The ancient Indian ayurvedic medicine is being examined for possible use in treating Alzheimer’s disease. An article on BBC News reports that researchers found the plants used in ayurveda acted to improve memory and concentration in Alzheimer’s sufferers. “Ayurvedic medicine uses herbs and spices like basil, turmeric, garlic, ginger and aloe vera, as well as read more »

A new BBC One TV series, Temper your Temper, is now showing daily at 11am. Presented by Saira Khan (the former Apprentice contestant), the show tries to treat the cause and effects of anger. Neuroscientist Dr Alan Watkins uses his techniques to try to help frantic individuals keep their cool. An article written about the read more »

In a poll of 353 families in England and Northern Ireland, 60% of families caring for an adult or child with severe learning problems did not get the support needed. An article on BBC News reported that the Charity Mencap is calling for councils to give every family regular short breaks. “Short breaks can involve read more »

Experts believe that children of alcoholics are four times more likely to be addicted to drink and there is also a risk of other addictions, including drug and gambling problems an article on BBC News reports today. The Priory study reviewed existing data on crime, abuse and alcoholism and consulted its own doctors and therapists read more »

An article published in The Guardian reports that the government has missed its target on cutting deaths from drug abuse. The UK apparently has the highest number of drug users of any country in Europe and according to figures published this week, there has been a big surge in the numbers of predominantly young people read more »