Cheap drug cuts head injuries deaths

Thousands of lives could be saved thanks to the first drug to treat mild to moderate brain injuries. Tranexamic acid – previously given to accident victims and women bleeding heavily after childbirth – cut the number of deaths in head injury patients in countries like Pakistan and Spain.

South Asian women living in the UK have the lowest rates of physical activity – with only half doing the recommended amount each week. The community also faces an increased risk of diabetes and associated conditions, a risk which exercise can help to tackle. The Hop On cycling project in Bradford in the north of England hopes that teaching women how to cycle means the whole family will take part and get fitter together.

New research from Sweden has found that dog owners who live alone are more likely to survive after a heart attack than other people who live alone. It’s thought that as well as getting more exercise, dog owners socialise more so are less likely to be lonely. The greatest effect was seen in owners of larger dogs which need a lot of walking which probably aids recovery after a heart attack.

Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Producer: Paula McGrath

(Image: Human brain abstract. Credit: TefiM/Getty Images)