Beware flammable skincare, too many sprouts and overindulging in cheese this Christmas, say health experts
Christmas might be a season of comfort and joy but health experts have warned of lurking dangers, ranging from the fire risk posed by skin creams to the possibility of festive foods interacting with certain medications.People using medical moisturisers known as emollient creams, often used for eczema and other dry skin conditions, should stay away from heat sources including candles and open flames because such creams can soak into fabrics and make them more flammable, according to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).The agency also warns that traditional Christmas vegetables, including brussels sprouts and broccoli, can be problematic for people who take the anticoagulant warfarin, as the high levels of vitamin K they contain can reduce the medication’s effectiveness.“These foods should not be avoided altogether – instead, try to eat consistent amounts so your vitamin K levels remain steady,” the MHRA said.However, some people may need to avoid festive treats.
Aged cheeses and dark chocolate are among the foods that contain a substance called tyramine.Tyramine can interact with drugs known as monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors that are sometimes used in the treatment of depression and Parkinson’s disease, causing blood pressure to rise suddenly.Other foods that should be avoided by people taking these medications include staples of many a Christmas table such as smoked fish, beer, figs, gravy granules, paté and cheesy biscuits, according to Torbay and South Devon NHS trust.Dr Alison Cave, the chief safety officer at the MHRA, said: “The festive season is a time to come together, share traditions, and make lasting memories.But as we fill our homes with light, warmth, and cheer, it’s important we don’t forget safety – especially around medicines and medical products.
”That includes taking care with festive tipples.As the MHRA notes, some medicines may cause drowsiness, dizziness or poor coordination with alcohol.“Even if you’re not driving a car, you should still take care when using a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair,” the agency said.“These are medical devices, and alcohol or medicines that impair judgment can make their use unsafe.”The MHRA also says those hoping to lose weight should take care when buying weight-loss medications online, noting they should be bought only with a prescription and from legitimate sites.
“Products sold through unregulated websites or social media channels may be fake, contaminated, incorrectly dosed or contain powerful ingredients not listed on the packaging,” the MHRA said.“Taking these medicines can lead to serious side effects, including heart problems, psychological effects, or dangerously low blood sugar.”At a time of seasonal coughs and colds, the MHRA has also highlighted the importance of sticking to dosage instructions and not taking multiple products with the same active ingredients such as paracetamol.Prof Victoria Tzortziou-Brown, the chair of the Royal College of GPs, welcomed the MHRA’s advice.She added that it was a good idea for patients to refresh their understanding of potential side effects of medication by looking at the patient information leaflet, checking the NHS website or speaking to a pharmacist.
Health advice can also be accessed though NHS 111 services and GPs,“The MHRA is right to highlight the risks of purchasing cheap ‘medical’ or cosmetic Christmas gifts online, especially from unregulated sellers,” added Tzortziou-Brown,“If an offer seems too good to be true, it usually is,”
Bank of England defends OBR’s independence against political attacks; UK banks pass stress tests – business live
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OBR complained to Treasury before budget about leaks spreading ‘misconceptions’
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Siri-us setback: Apple’s AI chief steps down as company lags behind rivals
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The Breakdown | Thirty years of Champions Cup has given us the beastly, beautiful and bizarre
Bloodgate, the ‘Hand of Back’ and a drop goal off ‘someone’s arse’ are among the tournament’s delightful eccentricitiesOn the eve of a new Champions Cup season it is worth remembering when and where it all began. The answer is 30 years ago on the shores of the Black Sea where Farul Constanta of Romania hosted France’s mighty Toulouse in the opening pool game of the old Heineken Cup on 31 October 1995.Let’s just say they were different times. The match was played on a Tuesday and, while the crowd was recorded as 3,000, eyewitnesses were focused on the large number of security personnel with barking Alsatian dogs straining at the leash. Toulouse, boasting an array of internationals including Émile Ntamack and Thomas Castaignède, duly registered eight tries and won 54-10
Robin Smith, former England cricketer, dies aged 62
The former England cricketer Robin Smith has died at the age of 62 with his family and former county Hampshire saying they were devastated by his loss.Smith played 62 Tests and 71 one-day internationals for England between 1988 and 1996 and was a resolute middle-order bulwark for the side during often difficult times for the team. He particularly excelled against pace, making his highest Test score of 175 against the fearsome West Indies attack at Antigua in 1994.He made 4,236 Test runs overall at an average of 43.67, including nine centuries
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