Family News and Events

Family News and Events
New cancer-fighting test is announced

In Ireland, an average of 40,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed each year, so it’s good news that a recently developed blood test is making leaps and bounds in changing the way doctors screen for cancer. Scientists at Johns Hopkins University in the US have developed a test that screens for eight common forms of cancer and helps identify the location of the disease.

The efficacy of the new procedure varies from cancer to cancer – for example – the test’s ability to find cancer ranged from a high of 98% for ovarian cancer to a low of 33% for breast cancer.

Nickolas Papadopoulos, senior author and professor of oncology and pathology, said: “The use of a combination of selected biomarkers for early detection has the potential to change the way we screen for cancer, and it is based on the same rationale for using combinations of drugs to treat cancers.”

 

Weighing up the scales

For gym-goers, weight-losers and even hypochondriacs, a new form of smart scales has hit the market providing you with all the accurate numbers you will – or won’t – want to see!

QardioBase scales go beyond just measuring your weight by also tracking heart rate, water percentage, body fat, bone mass and muscle mass. It keeps a record of these vitals so you can compare these differences over time. The advanced sensor system gives great accuracy, quicker measurements and because it recognises each person automatically, it’s the perfect gadget for the whole family. It even has a unique pregnancy mode to cater for all mothers-to-be.

The scales are simple to set up and use Bluetooth and Wifi technology to sync your data with your Qardio App automatically, allowing you to easily set goals and achieve them.

 

Flora, fauna and fun – swapping Facebook for forests

For kids that are in danger of replacing real life with virtual reality, a new initiative offers them the chance to overcome their nature deficit. Bord na Móna are asking more teachers and school-kids to get involved in Eco Rangers, a primary schools programme which attempts to help children reconnect with nature in a fun and interactive way.

Speaking at the launch of Eco Rangers, Bord na Móna’s Sara Byrne said: “Unfortunately, more and more we are seeing young kids spending too much time on Ipads and Playstations. All research indicates that direct exposure to nature is essential for healthy childhood development and for the physical and emotional health and wellbeing of children.

“Classes to embark on Eco Safaris, nature walks, where they can map out nature trails, look at and investigate flora and fauna, take photos or draw pictures and document what they see.”