S
O MUCH absurdity, so few column inches. Welcome back to Diary where we ask for interesting and entertaining medical
anecdotes from our readers, get nothing in reply and so make up our own. But let us not be bitter...
HELLO HUG A worrying report from the BBC suggests workplaces are seeing a rise in hugging culture. It seems the era of the polite nod or firm handshake could be coming to an end as increasing numbers of colleagues engage in physical greetings. The report cites a recent survey that found more than half of advertising and marketing executives said hugging was common, up from a third from their 2011 survey. Experts say the trend could be linked to more relaxed workplaces. However, there is hope for those who do not wish to get too close to workmates. Concerns over sexual harassment and a fear of accusations of inappropriate or unwanted contact could limit hug proliferation. Doctors also have an additional defence to bypass the germ-laden bear hug by citing their strict adherence to hygiene rules.
PRICEY MOULD A “holy relic” of medical science was recently sold by Bonham’s Auction House in London for £11,863 – a patch of mould. Not just any old mould though – it was grown by none other than Alexander Fleming 90 years ago. On the back of the glass encased disc holding the small white swatch is an inscription from Fleming himself reading: “the mould that first made penicillin”. This may be stretching things as the scientist apparently often sent out samples of his mould to numerous dignitaries including the Pope and – oddly – Marlene Dietrich. Not quite a girl’s best friend.
DOC DELIVERY Inspired by the success of firms bringing pizza and sandwiches to the masses, one company now wants to deliver GPs to your home or workplace. Described by the Daily Mail as the “Deliveroo for doctors”, the service promises “quick, convenient access to quality healthcare for families and business”. They guarantee same day, face- to-face treatment with prices starting from £80 per month (although laboratory and diagnostic tests cost extra). It’s the latest in a series of new private doctor services offering an “on demand service” in person or via smartphone app/ video. But before you shut up your high street practice, there have been words of caution from some. The Care Quality Commission said it had “significant concerns” about some digital primary care services with its chief inspector of general practice Steve Field saying that “some services may be putting patients at risk” if they are not appropriately assessed or managed.
FORGET THE KRISPY KREME – HERE’S A NICE FRUIT PLATTER Diary consumes only lukewarm distilled water when at work so we are thus unperturbed by the dietary strictures being promoted currently by Prof Nigel Hunt, Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons. He believes that a “cake culture” in offices and
practices is fuelling the current obesity epidemic. Speaking at a recent College dinner he said: “Managers want to reward staff for their efforts, colleagues want to celebrate special occasions, and workers want to bring back a gift from their holidays. But for many people the workplace is now the primary site of their sugar intake… Cake culture also poses difficulties for those who are trying their hardest to lose weight or become healthier - how many of us have begun such diets only to cave in to the temptation of the doughnuts, cookies or the triple chocolate biscuits?” Chastened dentists at the dinner were consoled over coffee with “mint panna cotta, British strawberries and chocolate soil”.
SAVED BY THE BEARD As we remain in the midst of a facial hair fashion frenzy, it seems beards were once regarded as more than just a must-have hipster accessory. An article in Smithsonian magazine reports how a similar beard trend took hold in mid-1800s England. But rather than being grown just for show, they were seen as a means of keeping men healthy. Writing in his blog, award-winning historian Alun Withey says that in the 16th and 17th centuries beards were seen as a form of bodily waste. But by 1850 attitudes changed considerably and “doctors were beginning to encourage men to wear beards as a means of warding off illness.” A thick beard, it was believed, would capture impurities in the air before they could enter the body. Others saw it as a means of relaxing the throat, especially for those whose work involved public speaking. While it may seem far-fetched, pollution and poor air quality was a major issue in Victorian-era England and facial hair was regarded as a protective barrier. Sadly research would suggest they only serve to increase risk as facial hair is more likely to trap bacteria and food, thus increasing the chance of infection.
FOR MEDICINAL PURPOSE ONLY Debate continues over the harmful or helpful effects of moderate alcohol consumption with another recent study – this time by Cambridge University and UCL researchers – finding that one alcoholic drink per day was linked to a lower risk of some cardiovascular conditions. Medicinal justification for the daily tipple is nothing new: recently a photograph of an historical note appeared on Twitter written by a physician in 1932 on behalf of a prominent British MP travelling in prohibition America. It reads: “This is to certify that the post-accident convalescence of the Hon. Winston S. Churchill necessitates the use of alcoholic spirits especially at meal times. The quantity is naturally indefinite but the minimum requirement would be 250 cubic centimetres.”
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