Society News
June 2007
in “
Journal of The Royal Society for The Promotion of Health
”
TLDR Smoking doubles the risk of blindness, and physical exercise helps dyslexic children read better.
In May 2007, the Royal Society of Health highlighted the link between smoking and blindness, noting low public awareness despite smoking doubling the risk of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). The UK's smokefree legislation prompted 1.1 million smokers to attempt quitting on No Smoking Day, with 16% making a quit attempt. Research from Mount Sinai School of Medicine linked high-temperature cooking to increased disease risk due to Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs). The US Institute of Medicine recommended nutritional standards for school foods, supported by the School Nutrition Association. Studies showed 13-year-olds could perform CPR as effectively as adults, and social health inequalities persisted into old age. Children with severe asthma were more likely to have ADHD or other disorders. Perfectionist middle-aged men had higher cortisol levels. Physical exercise improved reading in dyslexic children. Research on mice indicated potential for hair follicle regeneration and combating memory loss. The document also critiqued UK healthcare choices compared to France.