26th November Rock n Roll Paradise Coliseum Theatre Aberdare

Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, Eddie Cochran and the Big Bopper are all stunningly brought back to life in this rock’n’roller-coaster of a show. Brilliant vocalists backed by a superb band will have you up on your feet bopping in the aisles. The Cultural Services Booking and Information Line 08000 147 111 or book online at www.rct-arts.co.uk Rock your socks off to the best rock 'n' roll show – it’ll be a night you’ll never forget! £15.00

www.rct-arts.co.uk

Thursday 25th November Santa’s Grotto

Santa’s Grotto 5.00pm to 7.00pm  funfair and street entertainers at the library square, Aberdare Santa and reindeer parade at 6.30pm

Nine In 10 New Dads 'Present At Birth'

Nine out of 10 fathers-to-be are present when the child is born - and nearly as many also come to scan appointments, says a survey.

The study of 5,300 recent mothers by Oxford University found most happy with their care during pregnancy and the birth.

However, only two-thirds had been offered antenatal classes.

The National Childbirth Trust said the survey findings were further evidence of a shortage of midwives in England.
The study, funded by the Department of Health, questioned women who gave birth in a two-week period in late 2009.
Although similar surveys were carried out in 1995 and 2006, it is the first time that questions have been asked about the role of the father during pregnancy and birth.

As well confirming that the vast majority of men choose to attend the birth, the study found that two in five male partners directly sought out information about pregnancy and birth, and 61% accompanied their partner at antenatal checks.

Hearing Loss Linked to Passive Smoking

People who are exposed to the second-hand smoke from others' cigarettes are at increased risk of hearing loss, experts believe.

Doctors already know that people who smoke can damage their hearing.

The latest study in the journal Tobacco Control, involving more than 3,000 US adults, suggests the same is true of passive smoking.

Experts believe tobacco smoke may disrupt blood flow in the small vessels of the ear.

This could starve the organ of oxygen and lead to a build up of toxic waste, causing damage.

The harm is different to that caused by noise exposure or simple ageing.

In the study, the researchers from the University of Miami and Florida International University looked at the hearing test results of 3,307 non-smoking volunteers - some who were ex-smokers and some who had never smoked in their lifetime.

Rhondda Listening Friends

Rhondda Listening Friends

Date: Every Monday 11 AM - 4 PM at St John's Church Hall, Ton Pentre

 

More Information:
Need someone to talk to?
Then why not drop in to see us?

Rhondda - Listening Friends are available.

To download a poster for the event then please Click Here

Doctors told to cut anti-psychotic drugs for dementia

The use of anti-psychotic drugs for dementia patients must be cut by two-thirds by November 2011, the minister responsible has warned doctors.  Care Services Minister Paul Burstow told Panorama that GPs must "take responsibility" and drastically reduce the amount of drugs being prescribed.Evidence suggests the drugs - used to control aggressive behaviour - have dangerous side effects.A leading GP said most doctors agree that their use needs to be curtailed.Mr Burstow said the evidence for cutting their use is compelling: "It kills people. It cuts their lives short. It reduces the quality of their lives. It is now time for those responsible for prescribing to take responsibility and cut the prescribing, and make sure we improve the quality of life for people with dementia."

Heavy smokers 'at increased risk of dementia'

Smokers who quit will reduce their health risks Heavy smokers with a 40-a-day habit face a much higher risk of two common forms of dementia, a large study shows.

The risk of Alzheimer's is more than doubled in people smoking at least two packs of cigarettes a day in their mid-life.

The risk of vascular dementia, linked to problems in blood vessels supplying the brain, also rose significantly.

The US study, looking at over 21,000 people's records, is published in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine.

Reversible Risk

The long-term research, which used records held by a health insurance firm, found clear evidence of the risk in the heaviest smokers.

No differences in risk were detectable in those smoking less than half a pack a day.

But among those currently smoking two or more packs, equivalent to 40 or more cigarettes a day, there was a 157% increase in the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

There was also a 172% increase in vascular dementia risk compared to someone who had never smoked.

Osteoporosis drugs to carry fracture risk warning in US

US regulators are warning patients that drugs used to protect brittle bones may increase fracture risk in rare cases.

The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) says all drugs in the bisphosphonate class must carry an alert on their label about this unusual side effect.

They say patients should keep taking the pills unless they are told by their doctor to stop.

In the UK, only one bisphosphonate drug - alendronate - carries the warning but regulators are reviewing this decision.

Nearly three million people in the UK have osteoporosis, a condition that makes the bones brittle and causes about 230,000 fractures a year.

Bisphosphonates are given to more than half a million of these patients in a bid to strengthen their bones and reduce their risk of a fracture.

But experts are becoming increasingly concerned that the drugs may cause the very thing they are trying to prevent after finding a link between their use and an unusual type of leg fracture.
A spokesman for the National Osteoporosis Society

The FDA says it is not clear whether bisphosphonates are the cause of these thigh bone breaks, but they are concerned enough to tell manufacturers to add warnings to medication packets.

FDA medical officer Theresa Kehoe said they would continue to monitor the safety of the drugs, adding: "In the interim, it's important for patients and health care professionals to have all the safety information available when determining the best course of treatment for osteoporosis."

The FDA says patients should keep taking their medication unless they are advised by their doctor to stop.

Walking 'could ward off dementia and mental decline'

Elderly people who get about by walking are less likely to suffer mental decline or even dementia, a study says.

Brain scans revealed that older people walking between six and nine miles a week appeared to have more brain tissue in key areas.

The Pittsburgh University study of 299 people suggested they had less "brain shrinkage", which is linked to memory problems.

The research was reported in the journal Neurology.

The volunteers, who had an average age of 78, were checked for signs of "cognitive impairment" or even dementia.

The Pittsburgh team also had access to brain scan results from four years previously which measured the amount of "grey matter" in their brains.

RCT Mental Health Week and Events

Across Rhondda Cynon Taf Saturday 9th Friday 15th October 2010.  There will be a week of events to raise awareness and understanding of mental health issues.

Location - Across Rhondda Cynon Taf

Date(s) - Saturday 9th (00:00) - Friday 15th October 2010 (00:00)

Contact - Contact the Carers' Support Project on 0808 100 1801

Description - A week of events to raise awareness and understanding of mental health issues will be held in Rhondda Cynon Taf from October 9-15, 2010.   People of all ages and from all backgrounds can suffer from mental health problems. Rhondda Cynon Taf Mental Health Partnership is working to raise awareness of mental illness and has organised events during Mental Health Week, which will include opportunities to hear how people have coped with their own mental health issues. There will also be a chance for people to learn about the organisations in Rhondda Cynon Taf that can offer support and advice. The week gets underway on Saturday, October 9 with “Walk a Mile for Mental Health” through Pontypridd. There will be a samba band and carnival feel, and all are welcome to join the walk, which meets at the bowling club in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park at 11am. Other events include: An audience with: Monday, October 11 from 10.30am – 3.30pm at the Muni Arts Centre, Pontypridd. This is an opportunity for people to put questions to mental health service managers.  Living Library: Tuesday, October 12, Pontypridd Library from 10.30am – 12.30pm. Come and hear about people’s experiences of dealing with their mental health issues.  Craft Day: Tuesday, October 12, Ty Heddwch, Cwmbach, 10.00am – 3.00pm. For people who have dementia and their families.  New Horizons Open Day: New Horizons, Aberdare. Thursday, October 14. Find out about the charity’s work in promoting good mental health. Activity Day: Dare Valley Country Park, Friday, October 15. Aimed at carers, but all are very welcome. Have a go at Nordic walking, orienteering and other less strenuous activities. Includes a guided “Walk a Mile for Mental Health” through the Country Park. Social Evening: Friday, October 15, Llantwit Fardre Sports Club from 6.30-10.00pm. For people who have dementia, their families and friends. Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Well-being, Councillor Mike Forey, said: “This excellent week of events will help people find out more about how to look after their mental health. “We hope many people will take the time to come along and enjoy what’s on offer, and find out about the information, advice and support available locally.”

For more information about any of the events, please contact the Carers' Support Project on 0808 100 180
Visit http://www.rhondda-cynon-taf.gov.uk/en/events/default.aspx for more infromation.

Too much screen time 'risks children's mental health'

Children who spend longer than two hours a day in front of a computer or TV are more likely to suffer psychological difficulties than other youngsters, a UK study suggests. Researchers said they also found that physical exercise did not make up for too much screen time.  The University of Bristol study, published in Pediatrics, involved more than 1,000 children aged about 10.  Its lead author said a two-hour screen limit per day was a sensible guideline.  Researchers measured the time children spent in front of a screen as well as their psychological well being using a questionnaire.  In addition, an activity monitor recorded both children's sedentary time and moderate physical activity over seven consecutive days.
University of Bristol - The questionnaires contained 20 questions covering five sections - emotional difficulties, conduct problems, hyperactivity or inattention, friendships and peer groups and problems relating to friends and peer groups.  The study found that those children who spent more than two hours per day watching TV or using a computer were at an increased risk of psychological difficulties.  This risk increased if they also failed to meet the guidelines on physical activity.

Half of Britons get sunburnt, a survey shows

Nearly half of Britons got sunburnt this summer and many would be willing to do so again to get a tan, a survey reveals. The poll of 2,000 people found 46% had sunburn this year, and a third of these were tan-seekers. Of these tanners, more than a third said they did the same each year and a third said they would again, the Cancer Research UK and Superdrug study found. Experts warn sunburn is a sign of damage and raises skin cancer risk. Over the last 25 years, rates of malignant melanoma in Britain have risen faster than any other common cancer and now totals more than 10,300 new cases a year.

JK Rowling gives £10m for Edinburgh MS centre

Author JK Rowling has donated £10m to the University of Edinburgh to set up a multiple sclerosis research clinic.  The Harry Potter writer, whose mother Anne had the disease and died aged 45, said the funds were to help attract top researchers to seek a cure for MS. The Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic will aim to put patients at the heart of the research process. Rowling stood down as patron of the MS Society Scotland last year saying the charity was split by internal rows. Work at the new clinic will also focus on other degenerative neurological conditions, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and Motor Neurone Disease.

Sexually transmitted infections near 0.5m a year in UK

Dr Gwenda Hughes, STI expert at the HPA, says young people lack confidence to insist on safer sex.
There were almost half a million new cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK last year, figures show. Experts at the Health Protection Agency (HPA) say young people are most affected. And one in 10 of 15-24 year olds with an STI become infected again within a year.  Health ministers said they would look at what more could be done to increase young people's awareness of risks.  The 482,696 new cases represent a 3% rise from the 2008 figures, continuing a "steady upward trend" that the HPA said had been seen over the past decade.

Non-emergency 111 health number to be piloted

The number will provide advice on out-of-hours care and 24-hour pharmacies Trials of a three-digit telephone number for those needing non-emergency medical care in England have been launched in the North East. NHS County Durham and Darlington Primary Care Trusts are to pilot the free 111 number, to act as an alternative to 999, followed by Nottingham, Lincolnshire and Luton. The government service will not initially replace NHS Direct, but may do so in the longer term if successful. If so, it will be available nationwide.

People calling 111 will be able to get health advice and also information about local services such as out-of-hours GPs, walk-in centres, emergency dentists and 24-hour pharmacies. It is hoped it will take the pressure off 999 calls, amid estimates suggesting that up to half of these calls do not need an emergency response. But anyone calling the number with an emergency will have an ambulance despatched without the need for the call to be transferred.

ChildLine calls prompted by parents' drink and drugs

More than 100 children a week are contacting the ChildLine helpline with worries about their parents' drinking or drug use, according to the NSPCC. It said in the year to March, 5,700 children had called, but founder Esther Rantzen told the BBC there were likely to be many more too afraid to do so. Two-thirds of those callers had mentioned their parents' drinking. The children calling about that issue were also more likely than other child callers to report abuse, it added.

Ms Rantzen said: "These are the children that know our number and ring us, but what about the many, many thousands of children who aren't, alas, familiar with ChildLine's work and who might be fearful of ringing us?"

She added: "I am, in a sense, imploring those people who work with children to be alert to the possibility that the silent, friendless child... may have trouble at home created by alcohol and drug problems."

Breast cancer deaths fall in UK

The fall is being put down to improvements such as screening. Breast cancer deaths have fallen in the UK since the 1980s, but mortality rates from the disease continue to be among the highest in Europe, a study shows. The review of 30 countries, led by French researchers, showed the UK rate dropped by about a third, thanks to better care and speedier diagnosis. The number of UK deaths caused by breast cancer fell to 28.2 per 100,000 - equivalent to 12,000 deaths per year. The government said more progress, such as earlier diagnosis, was still needed.

Milk for School Children

Former Conservative Health Secretary Stephen Dorrell has downplayed apparent government confusion over the proposed scrapping of free milk for under-fives. The coalition said on Sunday (08/08/10) that the benefit would not go, after health minister Anne Milton suggested plans for such a move were in place. Mr Dorrell said it had been judged that the political risk "didn't merit the rewards". Downing Street said keeping free milk would help the poor and vulnerable. The Nursery Milk scheme allows children under five in approved day care to receive 189ml (1/3 pint) of milk each day free of charge. It dates back to 1940, when milk was issued to pregnant women and young children to protect them against wartime food shortages.

New breed of paramedics take to Powys roads

A new breed of super-paramedics are being trained to work on the roads of Powys. The highly-skilled team will not only respond to emergency 999 calls but will also make decisions about a patient’s care. This is the first such scheme in the UK and the first cohort has been chosen from the ranks of the Welsh Ambulance Service’s paramedics and nurses.  Andrew Jenkins, the Welsh Ambulance Service’s consultant paramedic, said: “We’re going to have a new kind of paramedic out there, an ambulance clinician, not just providing immediate emergency care but also making decisions about the sort of continuing care the patient needs.

Web-Addicted Chinese Teens Prone to Depression

The pathological use of the Internet can trigger depression in teens, according to a new study that tracked more than 1,000 Chinese youths to determine how their relationship to the Web affected their mental health.With teens' lives increasingly playing out online -- from socialization to schoolwork -- it's no surprise that many spend hours a week surfing the Internet. But research has already indicated that some teens are at risk of compulsive overuse and dependency. Anywhere from 2 to 18 percent of teens are estimated to be addicted to the Web, with higher rates in Eastern countries.

Internet addiction is usually characterized by an inability to cut back on Internet usage, a fixation with the Web that affects day-to-day activities and withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and irritability. The condition has also already been linked to mental health problems. A study of Taiwanese teens, published last year in the Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, found that Internet-addicted participants were more likely to exhibit symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and depression, as well as suffer from anxiety and hostility.