Posts Tagged ‘Focus’
Oily fish with high omega-3 protects against macular degeneration
It’s interesting that a recent study regarding macular degeneration, which recommended eating oily fish to prevent progression of the disease, mentioned omega-3 but not lutein.
For the past few years, the antioxidant lutein was believed to be so beneficial that ophthalmologists recommended it to their patients. But, this new study shows mixed results. Of course, the focus was on omega-3, which showed to be protective for eye health against age-related macular degeneration. The use of additional antioxidant vitamins, unfortunately, seemed to negate the positive benefits in early macular degeneration. However, it did show benefit in advanced stages.
The recommendation on oily fish limits it to twice a week. Experts warn that too much oily fish would lead to accumulation of low levels of pollutants. So, every advice has a silver lining.
I eat quite a lot of fish and I wear glasses. I don’t have macular degeneration, but I suppose I should avoid taking vitamins in case I should develop macular degeneration and push it to an advanced state. Eat fish – don’t take vitamins. Take vitamins – don’t eat fish? The article did not address whether omega-3 or lutein had more benefit.
Irresponsible BBC reporting on the state of HIV therapy
I found the latest article on HIV and STDs on the BBC website extremely irresponsible and offensive. I realise that the point of the article was to encourage those with HIV to see a doctor and be treated, but the message does not come across that way.
It did state that the main focus of prevention is on the use of condoms. But this statement was made at the beginning. For the rest of the article, it was never mentioned again. In fact, the writer seemed to imply that condoms were completely unnecessary. The story’s focus was on how good anti-HIV treatment has become – so good, that the person could be considered no longer infectious. Because of this, the likelihood of the person passing on the virus was close to nil.
Never mind the fact that people have been shown to pass the virus on to their partners. The article passes this off as few and far between. Should this complacent attitude be what experts are advising?
There is no cure for HIV at this time, but antiviral therapy has helped to slow down the spread of the disease. Because the epidemic has been stopped, is this reason to say that we can all relax our vigilance?
It is no wonder that the younger generation shows no fears about sexually transmitted diseases.
