14 February 2011
A summary of recent M.E. related stories in the news. Headlines appearing in the media as dated.
Emily has coeliac disease, says Rantzen
Esther Rantzen’s daughter was diagnosed with M.E. 14 years ago. But after cutting out gluten from her diet, Emily’s symptoms have much improved. Esther believes that Emily has been suffering from coeliac disease which can cause fatigue, dizziness, mouth ulcers, hair loss, skin rashes, joint pain, infertility and depression.
The Mail on Sunday, p 22-23 and online
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1356316/At-I-discovered-secret-Emilys-14-lost-years-Esther-Rantzen.html?ito=feeds-newsxml
14/02/11
Four out of five benefits appeals won
Iris Willis, who has CFS, is one of 1,347 claimants in Burnley who have been found fit to work following benefits reassessment. Iris, 51, has appealed but her case will not be heard until June. Burnely Citizens Advice Bureau says that four out of five people who go to benefits tribunal with an advocate are able to get decisions overturned, raising serious questions about the appropriateness of the assessment.
The Times, p 28-29
12/02/11
More than 54,000 children have M.E.
A study by Dr Esther Crawley, University of Bristol, has found that more than 54,000 children, including infants and toddlers, have M.E. Ben Bazneh, aged five, developed the illness after childhood vaccinations at 14 months.
Sunday Express, p 27 and online
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/228730/Plight-of-youngsters-struck-down-
13/02/11
Tone down benefit fraud rhetoric, says IDS
Answering questions from the Work and Pensions Select Committee, Iain Duncan Smith acknowledged that the rhetoric on benefit fraud should be toned down. Mr Smith also said that claimants who, through no fault of their own, were overpaid benefits were being unfairly labelled as cheats and fraudsters.
Full Fact, online
http://fullfact.org/blog/benefit_fraud_IDS_tone_down_rhetoric-2490
10/02/11
Impact of vitamin D deficiency
A study published in the journal Medical Hypotheses says that chronic nuc;ear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) is thought to be a key event in CFS and many other better-defined pro-inflammatory diseases. Knowledge about the impact of vitamin D deficiency on chronic NF-κB activation could open a new disease approach.
British Medical Journal, p 458
12/01/11
Mobility scooter removed
Sharlene Ayres, who has M.E., says her lifeline has been cut off after housing association workers removed her mobility scooter when clearing away rubbish from a block of flats in Burnley.
Burnley Express, online
http://www.burnleyexpress.net/news/local-news/burnley_woman_s_lifeline_mobility_scooter_thrown_out_as_rubbish_1_3069694
12/02/11
People with M.E. and MS not fit for work
Mental health bosses have expresses serious concern that the Government is acting in an “illogical and underhand way” in its plan to cut numbers on benefits. Paul Farmer, chief executive of Mind, says that those with debilitating illness such as M.E. and MS might be able to carry out simple tasks, but that doesn’t mean they are fit for work.
The Times, p 29
12/02/11
The information contained within each press summary is provided for your personal information only. It does not necessarily reflect the views of Action for M.E.
