The Department of Health is going to head the first review in 15 years into drinking advice, due to concerns from health and medical professionals, that the current guidelines imply that drinking on a daily basis is healthy.

The new review is aiming to improve the guidelines and not leading to misinterpretation, and will include the suggestion that men and women should go tea-total for at least two days. At the moment the safe drinking guidelines, say that men should not drink anymore than 3 or 4 units of alcohol a day, and that women should drink no more than 2 to 3 units per day. These suggestions were originally introduced in 1995, after the then review stated that high levels of drinking increased cholesterol in blood.

The new review is going to be led by Dame Sally Davies, chief medical officer, and is going to include advice from the health departments of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.  Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, a special adviser on alcohol at the Royal College of Physicians, said “the RCP believes that in addition to quantity, safe alcohol limits must also take into account frequency.”

The Life Dept adds: excessive drinking causes many health problems and life insurance companies will ask during an application about the volume of alcohol you consume.  They will also look for medical conditions related to high drinking e.g. cirrhosis.  Strangely enough applicants for life insurance, critical illness and income protection that answer ‘no’ to ‘do they drink?’ will trigger further investigation as no alcohol consumption may indicate a problem i.e. say a recovering alcoholic.  Heavy drinkers may have a weight problem and your body mass index (BMI) is a ‘rating’ factor.  A healthy BMI, according to the World Cancer Research Fund, is between 18.5 and 25.  Life companies assess your BMI against your age and the type of cover you require i.e. will start loading the premium depending on your BMI and your age.  For example Ageas will take a male, aged 40 to 49, with a BMI of 34 at standard rate for life and critical illness cover but a BMI of 31 for income protection.

Written exclusively for THE LIFE insurance DEPT | 27 Mar 2012 | providers of life insurance, critical illness insurance and income protection cover.

The test will be trailed in Scotland and could lead to the first national screening campaign for lung cancer and pave the way for better detection for other cancerous tumours such as breast, colon and prostate. The University of Nottingham have already developed a version of the test for the detection of breast cancer, that could be in place by next year.

The test could completely change how cancer is detected and enable treatment to start a lot earlier, therefore increasing the chances of survival.

The test is called Early CDT and has been used in America for the last two years and in trails has been shown to be highly effective. The test works by the showing of antibodies that are made when the body’s immune system detects the early signs of lung cancer. When the results are higher than a pre-determined level, it signifies a tumour is forming. The test based on the number of antibodies has been available for many years but it’s not until now that the test had been sensitive enough.

The trail was announced by the chief medical officer for Scotland, Sir Harry Burns, and will involve 10,000 heavy smokers and will determine the cost effectiveness of the CDT screening for lung cancer.  Sir Harry Burns said “the earlier a cancer is diagnosed the greater the chance it can be treated successfully, and currently 85% of patients with lung cancer remain undiagnosed until the disease has reached advanced stages.”

At the moment lung cancer is the UK’s second biggest, with around 41,000 cases per year.

The Life Dept adds: the top 5 causes of claims on critical illness cover are

Written exclusively for THE LIFE insurance DEPT | 27 Mar 2012 | providers of life insurance, critical illness insurance and income protection cover.

The findings came somewhat of a surprise to the researchers because the findings from other studies in the past have found that there is a link between red meat and physical health problems. The study involved 1,000 women from Australia and was conducted by Deakin University, Victoria.

Professor Felice Jacka, the lead researcher said “when we looked at women consuming less than the recommended amount of red meat in our study, we found that they were twice as likely to have a diagnosed depressive or with an anxiety disorder as those as those consuming the recommended amount.” Professor Jacka also believes that the diet of sheep and cattle is a key reason, she said “we know that red meat in Australia is a healthy product as it contains high levels of nutrients. Cattle and sheep are fed on grass, not the grain diet of many other countries.”

The Life Dept adds: c’mon, hands up, who saw that one coming? At least we now know why vegetarians always look so bloody miserable.  Until now I blamed the lentils – you’d have to be a martyr to eat them every day – but now we know its the lack of red meat.  All those people who are a bit sniffy about a Big Mac might have to have a nibble of humble pie – a humble steak pie or better still . . . Scotch pie, yummy.  Here’s a link to scottishrecipies.co.uk to get you salivating.  Anyhow, not that this has much to do with life insurance, critical illness or income protection so let’s get back on track.  Depression is a significant condition for those that are suffering and for those living with sufferers.  In it’s most extreme it can lead to suicide and, alas, life insurance will not be paid for death resulting from suicide.  Nonetheless stress, which can be linked to depression, is one of the two biggest reasons for claims on income protection (the other being back-ache).

Written exclusively for THE LIFE & critical illness DEPT | 22 Mar 2012 | providers of life insurance, critical illness insurance and income protection cover.

It was found that taking a low dose of aspirin, 75mg daily (the same as 1/4 of a 300g aspirin tablet) during a 3 to 5 year period, reduced the risk of cancer by 19%.  Taking aspirin for 5 years or more, reduces the risk by 30%. It was also discovered that after taking aspirin for 5 years there was a 37% less chance of dying from cancer. People who were taking the low aspirin dose during their 60′s felt the benefit more.

Professor Peter Rothwell, of Oxford’s Stroke Prevention Research Unit, said “these data do push the argument in favour of taking daily low-dose aspirin, particularly if you have an family history of heart disease or cancer. We showed previously that daily aspirin substantially reduces the long-term risk of some cancers, particularly colorectal cancer and esophageal cancer, but that these effects don’t appear until about 8 to 10 years after starting treatment.”

The Oxford studies also showed that, even though there is a risk of internal bleeding by taking aspirin – regular taking of aspirin in the first three years doubles the risk – however after that there was no increased risk.

The Life Dept adds: watching the debate on aspirin is like watching tennis!  The argument goes back and forth with some experts hailing it as a wonder drug and others urging caution.  On the plus side it (i) reduces the risk of heart attack by about a third (Britain’s top killer); (ii) as above it reduces the risk of cancer (Britain’s second biggest killer); and (iii) it reduces the risk of dementia.  On the face of it, pretty impressive credentials.  On the negative side aspirin can cause serious internal bleeding and can double your risk of blindness later in life.  Just type the word ‘aspirin’ into our search tool and you will be assaulted with stories about the drug.  If you have life insurance and you are a regular taker of aspirin maybe it is true that you are less likely to die.  Even so there is still a risk of critical or serious illness so you might want to ponder if your life insurance also provides critical illness cover!  As ever we can give you advice.

Written exclusively for THE LIFE & critical illness DEPT | 21 Mar 2012 | providers of life insurance, critical illness insurance and income protection cover.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) published its first draft guidance provisionally recommending the use of Fingolimod (Gilenya) on the NHS for patients.

MS occurs when white blood cells start to attach the coating around the nerve cells which transmit messages from the brain to the rest of the body. When these cells are damaged sufferers experience various symptoms including numbness, blurred vision, poor mobility and muscle weakness. However, Fingolimod, helps to prevent white bloods cell attacking the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cords.

Nick Rijke, director of policy and research at the MS Society, said “we are delighted. This decision signifies a major step forward in the treatment of this devastating condition. Gilenya has been found to be highly effective in trails and taking a daily tablet will come as a welcome relief from frequent, often unpleasant, injections.”

The Life Dept adds: according to the Multiple Sclerosis Trust 2,500 people are diagnosed with MS every year in the UK. It more commonly effects women with a ratio of 3 females to every 1 male sufferer. There was a time when critical illness cover was referred to as ‘dread disease’ cover.  This has died out now – it’s terribly ‘un-PC’ – but, let’s face it, conditions like MS fulfil this description.   It is rare for someone to die of MS so life insurance isn’t really much of a help but MS land squarely in critical illness cover.  Income protection cover is relevant too.  Remember, income protection cover is long term sickness and accident insurance and claims can last years (LV= say a typical claim period is 8 years!).  Given presently there is no cure for MS (the above news is encouraging but it is no cure) and an income protection claim can last as long as the cover e.g. 1 claim could last 20 years; someone diagnosed with MS that has income protection cover is going to be in a much better financial position when they lose their exployment.

Written exclusively for THE LIFE & critical illness DEPT | 21 Mar 2012 | providers of life insurance, critical illness insurance and income protection cover.

The study was conducted by researchers from both then University of Essex and Oxford University. They both looked at three different types baby feeding processes:

• babies fed according to a schedule (e.g. every four hours when baby is only four weeks old);
• babies whom were not fed according to a schedule;
• babies whom were fed on demand.

All of the data was taken from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, taken from 10,000 babies who were born in Bristol during the early 1990′s. The study discovered that parents who feed their baby on demand, had higher IQ scores and performed better in the SATS tests from ages 5, 7, 11 and 14.  Parents who tried to feed their babies on a schedule but were unable to, had similar IQ and SAT test results as those babies fed on demand.

The study also discoverd that parents who fed their babies on a schedule tend to be younger, single, social tenants and less educated.

Maria Iacovou, from the Institute for Social and Economic Research at the University of Essex, said “the difference between schedule and demand-fed children is found both in breast-fed and in bottle-fed babies. The difference in IQ levels of around four to five points, though statistically highly significant, would not make a child at the bottom of the class move to the top, but it would significant.” She also added, “This is the first and study of it’s kind. Further research is needed before we can say that how you feed your baby has a long-term impact on his or her IQ and academic attainment.”

The Life Dept adds: mothers to be are already bombarded with the ‘breast is best’ message and we have reported evidence of breast fed babies performing better in all manner of ways including better IQ.  This new research adds to this pool of knowledge making it clear that feeding babies on demand is also beneficial.  Unsurprisingly, pregnancy and birth are two major triggers for people to seek life insurance as the ‘protective urge’ kicks in.  In terms of the benefit of cover maternal deaths for mothers giving birth have not improved in the UK in the last 20 years.  According to The Guardian 8.2 mums die giving birth in the UK for every 100,000 births.  Of course this is still hugely better than in parts of the less developed world.  To put it in context, in Afganistan the mother mortality is 1,500 deaths per 100,000 births.  Clearly a mother dying giving birth would be a valid claim in life assuarance.  Even though women exclusively carry all the risks associated with preganancy and childbirth it is presently still cheaper for a woman to get life insurance in the UK.  This benefit won’t last for long because EU law has outlawed life insurance gender pricing based on sex and this practice will end this year.  On the other hand income protection cover for women is more expensive as women have a greater propensity to claim.  Illnesses associated with pregancy will be covered as part of income protection cover.

Written exclusively for THE LIFE & critical illness DEPT | 20 Mar 2012 | providers of life insurance, critical illness insurance and income protection cover.

Whoosh to the The Life Dept for the only quote and comparison for life insurance, critical illness insurance and income protection (long term sickness and accident) cover.

It makes sense to speak to an advisor.  Advisors at The Life Dept give regulated advice and do not receive a bonus if you choose to buy insurance.  You can call on 0333 240 5850 (local call rate).

Which? conducted the survey and the report describes the system ‘at breaking point’,  ‘manned by stressed carers having to rush through appointments’ and ‘in panic mode’.  The survey found out that there had been many failures including soiled sheets or clothing, waste left out and medication that had been forgotten including the giving of insulin for a diabetic patient.

The report gave many horror stories including a woman who was left alone in the dark and unable to get to the food left for her because her carer forgot to put the light on.  Another story included a person was left stuck in their chair, unable to go to the toilet, because their walking frame was left out of reach.  There were examples of administrative failures meaning that carers did not make it to all of their appointments.

The report found that agency staff that were on council contracts, were so pressured into rushing through their appointments that basic errors were being made in the 15 minutes of alloted time.

Richard Lloyd, executive director of Which? said “We must see real action because everyday is another day older people risk being neglected”. When asked about the finding in the report and survey David Roger, chairman of the Local Government Association’s Well-Being board, said “We know there isn’t enough money in the system. Local authorities are doing all they can to find solutions that don’t impact on services.”

The Life Dept adds: care and the well being of the elderly is vitally important. The elderly have the right to be treated with dignity and respect and not as an inconvenience. Sadly we hear many care home horror stories.  You can see some in the Care Watch section of our website.

Written exclusively for THE LIFE insurance DEPT | 19 Mar 2012 | providers of life insurance, critical illness insurance and income protection cover.

Whoosh to the The Life Dept for the only quote and comparison for life insurance, critical illness insurance and income protection (long term sickness and accident) cover.

It makes sense to speak to an advisor.  Advisors at The Life Dept give regulated advice and do not receive a bonus if you choose to buy insurance.  You can call on 0333 240 5850 (local call rate).

The Mayo Clinic, USA, conducted the study because they felt that more and more people were becoming obese due to being sleep deprived.  They asked 17 volunteers to live in an ‘Big Brother’ style house so that they can measure how much they slept and ate.  During the first three nights they were allowed to sleep for as long as they liked (on average 6.5 hours). They were split into two groups, nine were allowed to carry on with their normal sleeping habits and patterns, and the rest had their sleeping hours reduced to 5 hours and 10 mins.  The volunteers could eat as much as they wanted and on average, the volunteers who had their sleep patterns disrupted ate over 500 more calories (the same as a hamburger and chips) than the others.

Professor Virend Somers, they senior author in the study and a heart disease specialist, said “the increase was much more than we had expected. Many young people spend hours at night using technology and on website such as Facebook, which is stopping them from sleeping enough. Is that having an impact on obesity? It may be the case.”

The Life Dept adds: it’s great when you see some research that confirms what you already knew – presumably this is the body seeking an extra source of energy to make up for the lack of sleep.  Interestingly we’ve reported previously that looking at a computer screen shortly before going to bed is the equivalent of having a double expresso – so it is not just the time you spend on the computer – it will have a lingering sleep deprivation effect if you do it too close to bedtime.  Long term sleep deprivation has serious effects – only last week we reported it raises the risk of dementia.  In terms of the extra calories the level of your BMI (body mass index) can affect how much you pay in your premiums.  It is important to keep your BMI at the correct level not only for your general health and well being but for your life insurance to!

Written exclusively for THE LIFE & critical illness DEPT | 19 Mar 2012 | providers of life insurance, critical illness insurance and income protection cover.

Whoosh to the The Life Dept for the only quote and comparison for life insurance, critical illness insurance and income protection (long term sickness and accident) cover.

It makes sense to speak to an advisor.  Advisors at The Life Dept give regulated advice and do not receive a bonus if you choose to buy insurance.  You can call on 0333 240 5850 (local call rate).

The cardiac arrest that Muamba suffered on Saturday evening  may have been caused by a disorder in the rhythm of the heart (arrhythmia) and may have been induced by any number of underlying heart conditions such as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). This is where the left ventricle of the heart becomes disorganised and then thickens. Severe cases of HCM can cause sudden death during any form of physical activity such as exercise. The heart begins to shake and shiver, then stops’s beating normally. It is uncommon but can be deadly. This condition tends to be genetic, but can occur in an individual event.

Other conditions that could have caused this type of cardiac arrest;

• Right Ventricle Dysplasia – this is where the heart sucks in abnormal fatty tissue. It is difficult to diagnose at first and may result in an MRI scan.
• Brugada Syndrome and Long QT Symdrome – this is when the electrical movement in the heart becomes abnormal.

The events on Saturday night are the most recent in a series of cases where top class footballers have collapsed during matches. The major first incident happened in 2003, when Cameroon international Marc-Vivien Foe collapsed during a match between Cameroon and Columbia in Lyon, France. Medic’s spent 45 minutes trying to restart his heart but sadly he died shortly afterwards.

It is still unknown what is the cause of these sudden but fatal attacks on young people or sports men and women who can play for years without showing any symptoms. In football, the Football Association automatically send players aged between 16-17 years old for an ECG and echocardogram scans, paid for by the FA, to see if there are any under lying heart conditions, but my expert cardiologists have said that these conditions can develop in later life.  According to Gordon Taylor,  Chairman of the Professional Footballers Association, Fabrice has had 4 check ups.

It was also reported on Sunday that Kilmarnock FC’s midfielder Liam Kelly’s father passed away whilst watching his son’s team beat Celtic in the Scottish League Cup Final at Hampden Park. His father was by the dugout when he suffered a heart attack at the end of the match. Paramedic’s treated him at at the scene, but unfortunately Mr Kelly died hour’s later at the Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow.

The Life Dept adds: heart disease is Britain’s biggest killer and thus one of the biggest causes of life insurance claims.  Of course, given developments in medical care, fewer people that have a heart attack will die and according to Legal and General 8% of critical illness insurance payouts are for heart disease.  In addition to this heart valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafts also accounted for a further 1.16% and 1.4% of claims.

Being off work due to heart disease or heart attack will be covered by income protection cover.  Income protection is long term insurance to cover loss of earnings due to being off work due to accident or sickness.  Liverpool Victoria say that their average claim duration for income protection is eight years.

Of course the best scenario is to avoid making a claim by staying healthy.  There are dozens of stories in our Live Longer section about healthy living and how to avoid heart disease albeit, as Fabrice has demonstrated, even a super healthy lifestyle, can’t completely eradicate the risk.  Also we have a weekly Live Longer newsletter which you can sign up for to get the latest updates.

Written exclusively for THE LIFE insurance DEPT | 19 Mar 2012 | providers of life insurance, critical illness insurance and income protection cover.

The Life Department is the only site where you compare any mix and match of life insurance (same as life assurance); critical illness insurance and income protection cover (long term sickness and accident insurance).  Whoosh to our unique slider quote.

The Life Department provides full advice regulated by the Financial Services Authority.  The team are trained and based in Northwich, Cheshire.  The advisors do not receive a commission bonus if you choose to apply.  They will only give a recommendation based on your needs.

Written exclusively for The Life Department November 2011.

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