Community practitioner : the journal of the Community Practitioners' & Health Visitors' Association
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An average of six babies die unexpectedly each week. Sudden infant death syndrome is the predominant cause but many deaths are recorded as unascertained. Medical experts continue to research the causes of these infant deaths, and advice to parents is constantly being evaluated and revised in an attempt to reduce the numbers even further. ⋯ Three main areas were studied because of their relevance to bed-sharing and sudden infant death syndrome. These were sleep position, smoking and alcohol consumption and breastfeeding. Recent concerns highlighting sofa sleeping are also considered.
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Many studies have suggested that elevated homocysteine levels are an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke and Alzheimer's disease. Lower levels of the three water-soluble vitamins--folate (folic acid), vitamin B6 and vitamin B12--are primary determinants of high blood homocysteine levels. In the fourth of an occasional series on vitamins, minerals and supplements, June Thompson looks at the role folate, in particular, may play in reducing homocysteine in the body and in protecting the body from some other diseases.
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Recent policy changes in England and Wales have transferred commissioning and funding of prison healthcare from the prison service to the National Health Service for the first time in its history. Most health services in prisons are now provided by primary care trusts (PCTs), with the consequence that PCTs have a new highly vulnerable population for whom health needs must be assessed and services provided. This article describes what is currently known about the health needs of prisoners and the subsequent implications for public health and health promotion. Following a brief discussion of national and international policy on health promotion in prisons, an overview is given of recent national and local initiatives on public health issues.