HEALTH NOTES
HARMFUL SPREAD OF FAKE NEWS
THE increase in fake news could be making disease outbreaks worse, experts say.
Researchers focused on the flu, monkeypox and norovirus across two studies. But they say their findings could also be useful for dealing with Covid-19, the strain of coronavirus that originated in Wuhan.
They suggest efforts to stop people sharing fake news, misinformation and harmful advice on social media could save lives.
Covid-19 expert Paul Hunter and Julii Brainard, both from the University of East Anglia’s (UEA) Norwich Medical School, tested the effect of sharing dangerously wrong information on human health during a disease outbreak.
Professor Hunter said: “Worryingly, research has shown that nearly 40% of the British public believe at least one conspiracy theory, and even more in the US and other countries.”
‘URGENT’ FOR YOUTHS TO GET ACTIVE
ADOLESCENTS don’t get enough exercise. In a World Health Organisation study of 1.6 million 11-17-year-olds from 146 countries, 85% of girls and 78% of boys said they don’t take the recommended one hour of physical activity a day.
“Urgent policy action to increase physical activity is needed now, particularly to promote and retain girls’ participation in physical activity,” said Regina Guthold, study author.
Their report in Lancet Child and Adolescent Health said action was needed at many levels, including education, urban planning and road safety.
HEALTHY HEART, HEALTHY MIND
KEEPING the heart and blood vessels healthy reduces the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, a new report has suggested.
According to the paper released by the Global Council on Brain Health (GCBH), cardiovascular problems increase the risk of memory, thinking problems and dementia.
These include factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, an inactive lifestyle and obesity.