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Published on 22nd December 2017 by lauram

Choir

Welcome to this week’s edition of the news summary. This edition will cover the latest health and medical research news from 14th December to 20th December. This week health experts are encouraging people to get involved in community singing to improve mental health and recovery. A survey conducted has shown that as many as four in five GPs are ordering needless tests and drugs to prevent being sued. A published study suggests there might be a link between high sugar drinks and asthma.

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Research published by the University of East Anglia following singers involved in weekly workshops has found that community singing improves benefits in mood and social skills. Singers in the weekly workshop group in Norfolk are recovering from mental illness. The Sing Your Heart Out project has been shown to increase confidence and prevent some attendees from relapsing. Unlike music therapy there is no pressure for attendees to discuss their condition, instead they can enjoy being part of the community in a low pressure environment. The group has proved to be a low-cost tool that can be used alongside mental health recovery to improve outcomes.

A survey of over 1,300 doctors conducted by the Medical Protection Society has indicated that 87% of doctors are fearful of litigation and 84% order needless tests or medication as they are worried about being sued. Doctors are also more likely to refer patients to consultants when it may not be clinically required. The Medical Protection Society (MPS) are calling on research to be conducted to show how increasing litigation can impact health professional’s behaviours. The MPS are calling for legal reform to reduce the number of small claims made against health professionals.

A medical school in the US has found that sugary fruit juices and drinks could be linked to childhood asthma. The study involved a survey completed by over 10,000 parents who collected data from pregnancy until their children were aged 7 to 8. The study found that children of women who drank more sugary drinks while pregnant were more likely to go on to develop asthma. Additionally, if the children themselves consumed high sugar drinks they were also at an increased risk of developing asthma. Further studies need to be conducted to confirm this link. However, whilst the study does not prove that sugary drinks cause asthma, it is recommended that children drink water or milk.

Wishing all readers of the News Summary blog a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Words: Joelle Booth

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