Cutting out the Fat....

The relationship between fatty foods and developing type 2 diabetes

As levels of obesity continue to rise, posing as a serious threat to public health, conditions of type 2 diabetes has also increased.  Evidence has suggested a strong link between obesity and developing type 2 diabetes, however, scientists have now discovered how a high fat diet can cause type 2 diabetes.  Researchers believe this discovery will not only help explain the relationship between fatty foods and obesity, but it may lead to finding a cure for the disease.   

This week the Daily Mail and BBC Health News reported the findings.

The study published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Medicine, was carried out by researchers from the University of California and the RIKEN Advanced Science Institute in Japan.  The study sought to investigate whether a high-fat diet might contribute to causing type 2 diabetes, by looking at its effect on the insulin producing cells of the pancreas on mice, and on the response of cells to insulin.  The scientists investigated their findings further on human pancreatic cells in the laboratory.

The Science bit

In type 2 diabetes, the cells in the pancreas that normally produce insulin – called beta cells – gradually stop working over time.  These cells respond to increased levels of sugar in the blood by producing insulin, but this ability is lost in type 2 diabetes.  The cells of the body become less responsive to insulin (insulin resistance) and fail to take up the sugar in the blood stream.  This then causes high levels of sugar circulating around the body, which is detrimental to cells and tissues.   

The Research

Scientists looked at what effect a high-fat diet had on the activity of certain genes and proteins in the cells that are thought to help the beta cells function. Particular focus was placed on a protein called GnT-4a glycosyltransferase.  In healthy pancreatic cells this protein helps in the detection and response to glucose in the blood stream.

The researchers found that when they fed mice a high-fat diet, the genes encoding the GnT-4a protein and one of the glucose sensing proteins (called Slc2a2) became less active in the mice’s pancreatic cells.

The scientists also genetically engineered mice to have a form of GnT-4a that was always active in the beta cells. They then looked at how these mice responded to the high-fat diet.  The theory was that if dietary fat had its effects by stopping these proteins working, then these genetically engineered mice should be less susceptible to the effects of a high-fat diet.

The Findings

It was found that high-fat diets in mice affected the insulin-producing cells, reducing their ability to correctly respond to the presence of glucose.  As such, there were high levels of glucose circulating in the bloodstream and a reduced ability of certain tissues to respond to insulin and take up sugar.   Tests on pancreatic tissue from people with type 2 diabetes suggested that similar changes may be occurring in humans.

However, in mice genetically engineered to have GnT-4a work constantly in the beta cells, the high-fat diet had less of an effect on blood sugar levels and the ability of the cells to respond to insulin, even though the mice became fat.  This enhanced understanding of the effects of fat on pancreatic cells, provides a possible biological explanation as to why high fat diets can lead to type 2 diabetes. Researchers believe this will also aid the development of possible new treatments for type 2 diabetes.

However, human research is a lengthy process and finding a cure for type 2 diabetes may take years.  Thus, the best current advice to prevent type 2 diabetes, is to maintain a healthy weight, do exercise and eat a healthy diet.  For further information on this research please visit NHS Choices

What You Can Do?

At RSPH Training Solutions we take health seriously and we believe that through education and training, people can learn to make better lifestyle choices and positively influence people around them.  The level 2 Award in Understanding Health Improvement provides knowledge and understanding of the benefits of good health and well being, and of the barriers to making a change of lifestyle.  This qualification is specifically designed for people who work with the public in a healthcare environment and those who have an interest in developing public health skills.  For further information on the course please click here or contact Nicolette Boustaoui   or by phone 020 7265 7325. 

Breast Health

World Breastfeeding Week

This week from 1^st to 7^th August the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) has been celebrating World Breastfeeding Week (WBW).  WBW is carried out in 170 different countries and this is the 19th year it is running.  This year's theme is “Talk to Me! Breastfeeding – a 3D experience”.

Spreading the Message

World Breastfeeding Week provides the opportunity to highlight the many health benefits of breastfeeding and to encourage everyone to support mothers who want to breastfeed.  This year however, WABA are determined to raise awareness outside of the health care sphere and encourage young people to get involved to help spread the message.

In association with the United Nation’s International Year of Youth, WABA commissioned a group of dedicated young people to partake in the United Nation’s call for action and help create awareness, mobilise and engage, connect and build bridges across generations, different cultures and religions.

In a press release, a spokesperson for WABA stated: “Youth account for about 18 percent of the world’s population and are therefore an invaluable sector to ally with in any public health movement” 

The “3D” theme is about looking at the dimensions of our lives and ensuring that communication is filtered throughout all channels so that it speaks to everyone. A young advocate from WABA YOUth stated that “as a young person I want to contribute to the global breastfeeding movement! Not only do I learn more about breastfeeding, but I need to make sure I talk to my friends and family when needed”.

Breastfeeding - The Statistics

Data published in the NHS The Information centre for health and social care, revealed that in 2005, 76 percent of mothers breastfed their babies compared with 69 percent in 1995.  Evidence shows that globally breastfeeding is on the rise, but more needs to be done to ensure that the correct health message reaches everyone and that support and information is offered to mothers to help them make choices. 

The Benefits

We are told that breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby, but let us now look at why this is the case?

Breast milk is considered to be rich in nutrients and antibodies which protects your baby from diseases and infections and also stimulates the baby's immune system. 

Studies have compared the health of children who were breastfed as babies and children who were given formula milk.  The results highlighted that breastfeeding substantially decreased the risk of illness and that the longer babies were breastfed, the greater the health benefits.  

The World Health Organisation and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety recommend breastfeeding with no other food or drink until around six months of age.    

The NHS Choices website advocates the many positive reasons why breastfeeding is good for baby, mother and society.  Aside from being the only natural food designed for babies, breast milk is available whenever, wherever and at the right temperature.  Let us not forget it is free! 

Benefits for baby

Less chance of:

1. Diarrhoea, upset tummy and gastroenteritis

2. Coughs and colds

3. Ear and chest infections

4. Urine infections

5. Allergies, asthma and eczema

6. Childhood diabetes and obesity in later life

It is also recognised that breastfeeding helps to strengthen the emotional and physical bond between mother and baby.

Benefits for Mother

Less Chance of:

1. Breast cancer

2. Ovarian cancer

3. Osteoporosis (Bone thinning)

Breastfeeding also helps mothers to get back to their pre-pregnancy weight more easily, as it naturally uses 500 calories per day.

Society also benefits from breastfeeding, not only are babies healthier, but it means less demand on the health service.  Mothers are healthier, which means less time off work, saving employers money and making family life less stressful.  Lastly, breastfeeding is environmentally friendly because there is no pollution, manufacturing, packaging or waste involved!

For further information on breastfeeding, please click on the NHS Choices website

What are you views?

We are interested to hear your views on breastfeeding and open up a discussion. 

Do you feel you have gained any benefits from breastfeeding?
Have you encountered any difficulties breastfeeding? Have you felt pressure to breastfeed and been unsuccessful?  Has working life prevented you from breastfeeding?
Were you given the right information and support?

Make Friday Fruity

Fruity Friday, is a fundraising campaign launched by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF UK) to increase public awareness of the links between diet, nutrition and cancer prevention.  The annual event also aims to raise valuable funds for cancer research and education programmes of cancer prevention. 

Fruity Friday coincides with WCRF UK’s annual Cancer Prevention Week which is being held between 9^th and 15^th of May 2011.  The purpose of Cancer Prevention Week is to promote the message that cancer is a largely preventable disease.  It has been shown that around a third of the most common cancers could be prevented if people adopted healthy lifestyle choices, including eating healthily, being more physically active and maintaining a healthy weight. 

The Cancer Stats – Worldwide and UK

Data reports from Cancer Research UK shows that globally, an estimated 12.7 million people were diagnosed with cancer in 2008.

An estimated 4.2 million men died from cancer worldwide in 2008. Lung cancer is by far the biggest killer, accounting for almost one in four (23%) cancer deaths in men.

Liver and stomach cancers are also big cancer killers in men worldwide (11% each).

Similarly around 3.3 million women died from cancer worldwide in 2008. Breast and lung cancers are the most common killers, accounting for 14% and 13% of deaths, respectively.

Evidence from the Latest UK Cancer Incidence Year and Mortality Year Summary shows that in the UK, 309,527 cases of cancer were diagnosed in 2008.  Of these cancer cases 155,326 were men and 154,201 were women.  In 2008 there were 156,594 cancer deaths, of which 81,403 were men and 74,829 were women.  The UK incidence rate is slightly higher than the average in the more developed regions of the world, and more than 75% higher than the average in the less developed regions.

Recommendations

Overall, scientists have estimated that about third (39%) of the 12 most common types of cancer cases in the UK could be prevented if people made healthier lifestyle choices. 

The evidence comes from WCRF The Expert Report which was published in 2007, having taken six years to produce, it is renowned as the most comprehensive report ever produced on the link between lifestyle and cancer risk.  The research outlined in the report was the basis used to develop the 10 recommendations for cancer prevention that people can incorporate into their daily lives.

Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, wholegrains and pulses is one way to help prevent cancer.  Scientific research shows that these types of food may protect against cancer because they contain vitamins and minerals which help keep the body healthy and strengthen our immune system.  They are also good sources of substances like phytochemicals which are biologically active compounds that can help to protect cells in the body from damage that can lead to cancer. 

Further recommendations also include being physically active for at least thirty minutes a day, limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding smoking.  For a full list of the recommendations to help prevent cancer please click here. 

RSPH and Health Promotion – What You Can Do?

At RSPH Training Solutions we take health seriously and we believe that through education and training, people can learn to make better lifestyle choices and positively influence people around them.  We are currently running a 5 day Level 2 Award in Health Promotion programme, which has specifically been developed to meet the increasing needs of a wide range of individuals to acquire fundamental knowledge and skills in health promotion.  The Award provides candidates with an opportunity to work and train within a multi-disciplinary group, exploring and examining basic theory in relation to the concepts, influences and determinants of health.  For further information please contact Nicolette Boustaoui or by phone on: 0203 177 1625. 

World Cancer Day - 4 February 2011

Recommendations to help reduce the risk of cancer

This year World Cancer Day falls on Friday 4th February.  The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the disease and to help people take the right steps to prevent them from getting Cancer. 

The most up to date statistics on Cancer rates and deaths are available from GLOBOCAN 2008  published in June 2010.  According to GLOBOCAN around 12.7 million people worldwide are diagnosed with cancer each year and 7.6 million people die from the disease.  It has been estimated that if people do not take the necessary precautions to limit the risk of getting cancer, 26 million people could be diagnosed with the disease by 2030.  

However, figures taken from the official World Cancer Day website also shows that 20 to 30 percent of all cancers can be prevented and one third can be cured by early diagnosis and treatment.  Thus the aim of the one day event is to help people understand that by changing ones lifestyle they can prevent cancer and live a healthier and longer life.

Below are some of the recommended steps to help prevent cancer:

1. Drink less Alcohol
It is widely acknowledged that alcohol abuse has a major impact on public health. It is ranked as the fifth leading risk factor for premature death and disability in the world. 
Although the link between alcohol and cancer is still not completely understood, there is an association found between alcohol and mouth, oesophageal, laryngeal, pharyngeal, breast and liver cancers.  Therefore the more alcohol one consumes the higher risk of getting cancer.  
By drinking moderately and keeping within the Governments recommended guidelines can be key in preventing cancer.

2. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Eating healthily and doing regular exercise can be crucial in preventing cancer.
A report published by The World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) called Food, Nutrition Physical Activity and the Prevention of Cancer: is the most extensive and comprehensive literature on diet, physical activity and cancer currently available. 

The report which was developed by 21 leading scientists from around the world, put forward 10 recommendations for the prevention of cancer.  Some of these measures included the following:
- To be lean, but not underweight
- Limit consumption of energy dense foods (processed food, high in added sugar, and high in fat)
- Eat more fruit and vegetables
- Limit consumption of red meats (pork, lamb, beef)

3. Do More Exercise
Statistics from the World Health Organisation (WHO) reveal that globally there are approximately 1.6 billion adults who are overweight and around 400 million who are clinically obese . It is expected that by 2015 these figures will have risen to 2.3 billion and > 700 million respectively. 
Undeniably, obesity has many health implications such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and it may account for 20-30 percent of several cancers.  As such, experts state that by preventing excessive weight gain by being more active physically, can reduce the risk of many cancers. 
It is recommended that people partake in at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day.

4. Avoid Smoking
Statistics from the WHO shows that tobacco is the single biggest cause of cancer in the world.  It is responsible for killing 5 million a year - an average of one person every six seconds.  Smoking is responsible for a quarter of all cancer deaths, including, lung, mouth, throat cancers as well as, liver, pancreas, stomach, breast, bowel, kidney and bladder.
As such, studies continually demonstrate that by stopping tobacco use greatly reduces the risk of cancers and other short and long term health risks. 

Get Healthy!!

The Royal Society for Public health through Training Solutions run a Foundation Programme in Health Improvement.  This particular course offers candidates the opportunity of developing a firm foundation in health improvement while also making aware the health and lifestyle choices that affect personal and public health.  For more information click here or contact Nicolette Smith. 

New Years Resolution - Do More Exercise.....

Exercise keeps the brain from ageing

Research from the University of Florence and other institutions in Italy carried out a study which found that low to moderate exercise can prevent the milder forms of cognitive decline in older age.  The research was published in the Journal of Internal Medicine.

The research pooled the results of fifth teen studies and included the analysis of 33,816 people without dementia, who were followed between one and twelve years.  It revealed that exercise consisting of playing a round of golf once a week or tennis twice a week, was linked to a 35 percent reduction in the risk of cognitive decline.  The researchers believed that physical activity which raises your heartbeat, increases the blood flow to the brain and helps to reduce the mind deteriorating in later years.

The researchers explained that it has been widely acknowledged that physical activity has positive effects on a wide range of health measures, including reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke, diabetes, obesity, hypertension and some cancers.  However, the study demonstrated that attention, memory and concentration (known as cognitive functions) which typically deteriorate with age, can also reap the benefits by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and partaking in regular exercise. 

The analysis of the studies showed that subjects who performed a high level of physical activity were significantly more protected (by 38%) against cognitive decline during the follow up, compared to people who reported being sedentary. 

We all have a responsibility to look after our health and well-being and what a better time than now to include exercise and healthy eating as part of your new years resolutions. 

The Royal Society for Public health through Training Solutions run a Foundation Programme in Health Improvement.  The course offers candidates the opportunity of developing a firm foundation in Health improvement while also making aware the health and lifestyle choices that affect personal and public health.  For more information click here or contact Nicolette Smith.