Recent research suggests that taking a probiotic and multivitamin and mineral supplement can reduce the misery of the common cold. But the findings remain controversial. The average adult has between three and four colds a year. Colds result in the loss of 150 million working days per annum in the UK. The cost of absenteeism to the economy is estimated to be pound 6.75 billion. About eight million people in the UK take multivitamins.

Bacteria↗

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Taking a gamble.

A new law intended to make access to gambling easier could put more people at risk of gambling addiction. Currently there is little mental healthcare provision for people who get into difficulties. Gambling is being promoted as a leisure activity. Casinos can now sign up members without the need for a 24-hour cooling-off period. People addicted to gambling experience physical symptoms if they fail to get their 'fix'. Some gambling addicts have dual addictions as they are also addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Behavior, Addictive↗

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When rites are wrong.

140 million girls and women worldwide have undergone some form of female genital mutilation (FGM). The African Women's Clinic at University College London Hospitals NHS Trust is one of eight UK centres providing care and support for women experiencing problems as a result of FGM. FGM is most commonly performed in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. FGM is illegal in the UK. FGM can cause recurrent urinary tract infection, painful sexual intercourse and menstruation, and difficulties with childbirth. A ten-minute procedure under local anaesthetic can help with micturition and menstruation. Reversing FGM during pregnancy is best done at 20 weeks.

Adult↗

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