Researchers at the Israel Institute of Technology are devising an ‘electronic nose’ that may be able to identify chemical signals of certain kinds of cancer on a person’s breath.

A total of 80 volunteers, 36 of whom were healthy and the rest had some form of head, neck or lung cancer, took part in the research. A prototype of the ‘electronic nose’ was used to spot the chemical markers of some upper body cancers present in the breath of the patient.

This discovery, once it has undergone years of testing and further research, could make the initial diagnosis of these kinds of difficult-to-detect cancer much quicker and simpler. This may mean that the disease is spotted and treated earlier, potentially giving the patient a better chance of recovery.

However, cancer charities have been quick to point out that the likelihood of the breath test being used in GP’s clinics is still years away.

Health authorities have launched an investigation at Erddig Hall near Wrexham after twelve people contracted a stomach bug whilst visiting the country house.

The bug, an intestinal infection known as cryptosporidium parvum, is believed to be linked to farming and animal petting events held at Erddig Hall over the last couple of months. Twelve visitors have been diagnosed with the condition, and a further four are suspected cases.

The infection itself is found in a number of animals and causes diarrhoea, fever or influenza-like symptoms. It is believed to be a relatively mild condition, although it can cause more serious health problems in people with weakened immune systems.

A new law has been drawn up in the UK to protect young people from the harmful and potentially cancerous effects of using sunbeds. Once the law comes into effect, tanning salons could face fines of up to £20,000 if they allow people under the age of 18 to use their sunbeds.

The Sunbed (Regulation) Act 2010 will also apply to gyms, hotels and leisure centres, in a serious nationwide attempt to stop youngsters developing skin cancer in later life.

According to current figures, an average of 6 per cent of 11-17 year olds use sunbeds in England. In some parts of the country, this percentage rockets to 50 per cent for the same age group.

The Scout Association has announced that it will be soon be launching a new national initiative to teach young scouts about sexual health and relationships.

The sex education programme for 14 to 18-year-old scouts will be called My Body, My Choice. It is designed to help youngsters make smart choices about sex and relationships, as well as helping them to be confident and respect themselves.

As part of the new programme, scouts will be able to anonymously submit any questions they have about sex and relationships and have them answered.

Chief Scout Bear Grylls insists that the new programme will have a very positive influence on young scouts. He said:

“We want to help young people become confident, clued up and aware. My message is – make your own mind up and don’t let others do it for you.”

One part of our general health that most of us neglect is our eye health. We go to the doctor on a regular basis to have our blood pressure or cholesterol checked, but most of us (who don’t wear glasses) neglect our vision.

The silly thing about neglecting your vision is that there is a large proportion of the general public who are entitled to free eye tests.

Some of these people include:

• All children under 16 years of age
• All people under 19 who are still in full time education
• Those over 60 years of age
• Those who need complex lenses
• People with glaucoma
• People with diabetes
• Anyone who is over 40 and has a parent sibling or child who has glaucoma
• Those persons who are on job seekers allowance
• Those persons who are on income support
• Those persons who are on Family tax credit
• Those who is on disabled persons tax

Many of the people who receive benefits are also able to claim a voucher to cover the cost of their new single vision lenses or bifocal lenses. This voucher can also be used as part payment for varifocals or contacts.