Requests for euthanasia by Chantal Sébire: cautious policies

Three years after the law on the end of life, the demand for euthanasia by Chantal Sébire, disfigured by an incurable disease, revival face an ethical debate which political leaders are of great caution. Report dilemma: mother 52 years living near Dijon, Ms. Sébire asked Wednesday to justice law, in exceptional cases, be euthanasiée by one of its doctors. Justice must decide Monday. This former teacher, a mother of three, based at Plombieres-les-Dijon (centre-east), suffers from a "esthesioneuroblastome", a tumor evolutionary sinuses and the nasal cavity. This very rare disease - 200 cases in the world in 20 years - is incurable and causes irreversible deformation of the face and suffering "excruciating", says Sébire,''said went aubout "of what it can bear . After an appeal for help in the media "that accompanies dignity in death," Ms. Sébire appealed to the justice of an "exceptional demand" for euthanasia. The President of the Tribunal de Grande Instance de Dijon (centre-east) to be decided Monday. This request is a first for the judiciary, but we are asking for the application of the law of 22 April 2005sur the rights of patients, known Léonetti Act, "his lawyer, Mr. Gilles Antonowicz. This law seeks to establish a right to "letting die", without allowing the doctors to practice active euthanasia. Its author, the UMP deputy Jean Léonetti, therefore believes that "the request does not fall within the framework of the law. This is a request for assisted suicide, not a request for assistance at the end of life." The work of Ms. Sébire "confined to a dead end, because in reality it breaks the dialogue between the medical profession and the patient," he continues. "If there was a genteel dialogue with physicians, we should find a solution calmed down," says Léonetti, moreover ready "to reflect on the major problems of society, and this is by no legislative decision, so abated, and not from individual cases." A half-word, elected in the Alpes-Maritimes pointed to the lobbying of the Association for the right to die with dignity (ADMD), which finds that "the law must adapt to the circumstances." At the top of the state, caution is in order. The health adviser of President Nicolas Sarkozy, in which Ms. Sébire wrote, offered him "a new notice to be given on his case by a panel of health professionals at the highest level that we ensure that all all the resources of medicine are exhausted. " Prime Minister Francois Fillon has made this humble confession: "The difficulty for me in this case is that there is the limits of what society can say, what the law can do". Custody of Sceaux Rachida Dati has been more incisive: "I believe that medicine is not there to administer lethal substances." In Parliament, the deputy PS of the Nièvre, Gaetan Gorce, who prepared the law Léonetti with Nadine Morano (UMP), now wishes to "assess the conditions of its application, and see what it solves or not." In extreme cases, Mr. Gorce suggests an "emergency euthanasia for the victims of incurable diseases, who suffer." This decision could be taken "by a panel of doctors and lawyers." "I am not going as far as the right to die, which is a notion that disturbs me," says Gorce. On a personal note, the former Socialist Prime Minister Laurent Fabius is "rather partisan move in the direction of the Belgian or Dutch law", legalizing euthanasia, "obviously avoiding any abuse." Strong religious beliefs, Housing Minister Christine Boutin took the opposite position: "We must say to the woman who ruined her face she can be loved and that their dignity than that." "We are in the process of using legitimate distress of this woman to try to legalize euthanasia. You really believe that her life is an act of love? It is a failure to respect the dignity of that person, "she was outraged.

Health Education

Ah! Staying in bed late in the morning! Almost one in two young adult into a dream. According to a survey devoted to sleep, issued Monday, March 10 by the National Institute for Prevention and Health Education (Inpes), 45% of 25-45 years that it is not enough sleep. Produced by the BVA institute on a sample of 1004 people, the survey shows that the French sleep on average 7 hours per night (6 for 41 h 17% of insomniacs and 7 for 21 h 71% who sleep "sufficient"). Sleep is considered as a "fun" for 86% of respondents. But the French do not put all the assets on their part to take advantage of their night. Thus they are 24% to watch television in bed, and two out of three people consume stimulants (tobacco, coffee, alcohol, tea, sodas based caffeine) after 17 hours, attitudes discouraged by the specialists of sleep. When lack of sleep the French call into question the work (53%), psychological problems (40%) and children (27%).

Pharmacies

At least 226 categories of products without a prescription will pass in front of the counter at pharmacies by May. The various links in the chain of the drug can be found tomorrow with the Ministry of Health to clarify the conditions under which products will be sold self before the counter at pharmacies, ie self-service. The conciliation meeting could be the last before sending orders to the Council of State: the small revolution would then take place around the beginning of May. Intended by the Minister Roselyne Bachelot, the measure will not be mandatory for pharmacists must foster lower prices, making the labels clearly visible. The draft decree that Le Figaro has provided state that "these drugs should be presented in a space reserved and clearly identified." No question of the mix creams for the hands or meal replacements. "This area is located so as to enable the effective control of the pharmacist, in the immediate vicinity of the posts of dispensing medicines." What consolidate the occupation for which order or not, a drug is not taken it lightly. "The content of the packaging (…) is adapted to the dosage and duration of treatment recommended," added the texts being prepared: if a medical consultation is essential lack of improvement after 5 days, the box may contain an months of treatment. From aspirin to camphor, "226" eligible specialties identified The products covered are expected to treat acne, transient diarrhea, sore throat, dry cough, mouth ulcers, headaches, cramps or minor sleep disorders, and assist in smoking cessation established in 2005 and being updated, the list of indications "will be published soon," says the Agency for Health Safety of Health Products. From aspirin, oil fish liver, via camphor, "226" eligible specialties were identified. Excluded the "morning after" pill, codeine (Cough derivative of morphine, which can be abused by addicts), or, for the moment, pediatrics, homeopathy and herbal medicine. Each laboratory is free, depending on their business strategy, to seek a drug eligible passes in front of the counter. The union pharmacists FSPF calls "a coherent public health and economic consistency." In other words, that in a class eligible, multiple products "make the leap". In due, in part, painkillers (paracetamol, ibuprofen…) which combines products refundable and non-refundable. Manufacturers seemed quite eager to claim the free passage of the first service, whose prices are set by the government and which are often cheaper than their "cousins" non vignetés! Finally, pharmacists want an assurance that customers who could not open the boxes. A draft decree provides them with a transparent film. The labs require more flexibility (for example, can "seal" boxes with a pellet self). One has calculated that the filming would require an investment of EUR 300000 and represent 5 tonnes of waste per year.

Professions

This action is supported by the Conseil Général de Saone-et-Loire, the City of Le Creusot and community Creusot-Montceau. This Carrefour aims to bring in the same place, professions and qualifications in the same sector. The fair will be held in thirteen areas representing each sector of activity (*) which will be illustrated by professionals and representatives of training institutions. Another concern lessons stand for determining the grade and technology. It is to provide student information sources living rich and varied. The main thrust for this year is still insist on the presentation by business: within a clearly identified and welcoming representatives of the professions and representatives of training institutions will, in close collaboration, enrich the representations that young people have of the business and professions. They insist on including the continuity that exists between training and profession, the concept of chain, while broadening the horizon of young professions and sectors neighbours. The establishments are representative of the training offered in the department of Saone-et-Loire and some specialties of the Academy of Dijon, will enable young people and their parents to find useful information for their guidance on the various means of training and different diplomas qualifying. Thirty or training institutions undertake to submit, through the initial training or by the alternate, one hundred and fifty degrees of CAP and BEP to Bachelor and Technology Professionals, as well as the teachings of determination of the second class and technology. Nearly sixty professional representatives of businesses, professional organizations, associations or government from the local economic and social fabric, have agreed to donate their time for youth to discover their profession. They are invited to provide testimony as tangible as possible in their work. As part of the work on education in the orientation developed in each school, a thousand students were prepared for the visit by their teachers and guidance counsellors and psychologists. They arrive on the stands with their questions to generate a dialogue with stakeholders that will help to build answers to their questions on the direction. The reception and the animation will be done by students of the college 3rd Montchanin as part of their studies. They realize a newspaper on the show. This event around the discovery of the professional world is the result of a synergy between the training and enterprise. It will display a representation of educational and economic dynamism local. . This year a bus supported by the CCM will be made available free of charge to parents of college Montceau les Mines, Saint Vallier, Génelard, Sanvignes, Saturday, March 15, to enable them to come to this event. The bus will leave the car park at the Pier 30 at 9 am and will return around 11 h 30. We strongly encourage interested parents to come forward with their property or the CIPF.

Influenza

More than half a million Hong Kong schoolchildren stayed at home, Thursday, March 13, due to the closure for two weeks of all kindergartens and schools, a decision taken by the authorities to contain an outbreak of influenza. This is the first time that such a measure is adopted since the outbreak of atypical pneumonia , which had killed nearly 300 people in 2003 in Hong Kong. The government announced the measure after the death of three children of 2, 3 and 7 years, in the past two weeks. All of them had shown symptoms of flu. The case is not related to bird flu, although some twenty birds have officially been infected with the H5N1 virus last year in the former British colony.

H5N1 virus

A Chinese expert of respiratory disease believed that the H5N1 virus of bird flu is showing signs of change by killing people more easily if treatment is not administered early enough Zhong Nanshan said to reporters in Beijing the need to remain vigilant, especially when human cases of H5N1 appear when seasonal epidemics of influenza is at its highest. "When bird flu is present and that the human influenza appears, it increases the chances that the bird flu turns into a human flu. We will be very careful and very cautious in March," said Zhong, People who have died of avian flu last year and this year were too poor to seek treatment. If you have a lot of fever and pneumonia, you should check quickly to make you care." If the H5N1 virus that has infected 368 people worldwide since 2003, its mortality rate is very high, since it has killed 234 of them. Experts fear that a mutation that would enable the transmission of the disease from one human to another does not cause a pandemic that could kill millions of people.

Pharmacies to Non-pharmacists

Removal of the monopoly on the sale of medicines without prescription, opening the capital of pharmacies to non-pharmacists, challenged a limitation on the number of facilities by population ... In recommending to deregulate the pharmacy, like taxis, the committee Attali led to a lifting of the shields 23000 French pharmacies. 5000 pharmacies disappear? Since then, Nicolas Sarkozy has flown to their rescue, refusing to end their monopoly and emphasizing the public service mission of the profession. But the party is far from won. The prospect that one day, as in Britain or the United States, of Chain Drug Stores owned by hypermarkets or investors affole occupation. This scenario seems all the more credible that the European Commission in March 2007, has already warned the french government to liberalize the market. For the moment, France is still suspended. Brussels has already prosecuted other countries like Germany and Italy before the Court of Justice of the European Communities. His decision is eagerly awaited. "If France were ever to accept liberalization, it would be important that it be controlled to ensure patient safety and not to return, as in some countries, medicines," worried Françoise Grossetête MEP . While the consumer would gain in purchasing power. The Leclerc, Auchan or Parashop and their chains parapharmacies are ready. "Each of our spaces health beauty is maintained by a degree in pharmacy," says Vincent Wanert, Auchan and home buyer himself pharmacist. But this market opening could cause, according to some experts, a public health problem. Some pharmacists already worry that the sale of non-prescription medicines - those who are placed in front of the counters - does accidents related to overdose. Reorganization of business If the lock jumps, more importantly, the number of dispensaries are clearly threatened. "We could see the loss of about 5000 of them if the capital was freed pharmacies, especially in the downtown areas of major cities," calculates Emmanuel Sève, director of studies at the institute Précepta. Aware of the danger, professionals have responded and propose a reorganization of their work in a White Paper published by the order. Already, agencies come together, especially in the countryside. "If there is more than a doctor and that the population is declining, the pharmacy will close its doors," Yves feared Trouillet, president of the Association of Rural Pharmacy. The other strategy is to develop new services: assistance continued hospitalization home delivery of drugs at home and, more importantly, therapeutic consultations, as in Canada. "The pharmacist could adapt the treatment of patients return for a fee, which would represent up to 10% of its revenues," suggests John Parrot, president of the National Order of Pharmacists. "By providing services," says Emmanuel Sanskrit, the practitioner disconnects its margin from the sale of drugs. " Comment from Julien Chauvin, pharmacist Tours 32 years: "It will be released with a good service and a good purchasing policy. But we must not seek short-term profit."

Obesity: Opens Leclerc hunting candy

In June, the Centres Leclerc remove references thirteen confection currently sold on display at checkouts its hypermarkets. The distributor will withdraw some of its confectionery displays cash. Its competitors have doubts about the effectiveness of such a gesture. More candy fund for the children maintain the line? Michel-Edouard Leclerc is. In June, the distributor will remove references thirteen confection currently sold on display at checkouts its hypermarkets. This gesture will weigh little on its accounts. The candies in question represents a drop of water: less than 5 million euros on a turnover of about thirty billion. In their place, Leclerc… plans to sell candy, but sugar-free and for adults. Or perhaps more dietary products. Today, nearly 20% of children aged 3 to 17 years suffer from obesity and overweight. "To address the current concerns of consumers," Leclerc took the initiative he calls "proactive and pioneer." By acting alone, it s'attire the wrath of industrialists. This is in trouble "Michel-Edouard Leclerc énerve us a lot, but it is his objective," says Jean-Rene Buisson, president of the National Association of Food Industries (Ania). He is campaigning for a "common position" on the topic among retailers, manufacturers and governments. "Not brutal measures and interdiction." This is in trouble. On 4 February, the Minister of Health, Roselyne Bachelot, announced the removal by April of advertising for certain foods during children's television programmes. It also called for the withdrawal of confectionery and sweets at checkouts in shops. "Without dialogue, laments Jean-Rene Buisson, threatening us of a law in June. Obesity is a public health issue, but we do not want the government involved in the organization of the linear! "He therefore" boycotted "the appointment by the minister last Friday and was attended yesterday organizations concerned with this issue in order to reach agreement. The Federation of Trade and Distribution (which is not Leclerc) was. For Jerome Bédier, its chairman, the late candy box, it is not necessarily the ideal. "We are not sure that children eat less candy or chocolates if not more in cash," he says. Unlike tobacco, we are not in a logic of repression, children need sugar. "At first glance, therefore," there is a doubt on the effectiveness of this measure, "according to Jerome Bédier. Jean-Rene Buisson think he is also working on the display of nutritional products. " It now wants to meet… Roselyne Bachelot and Francois Fillon to define a framework for action.

The HIB meningitis eradicated

Uganda has eradicated meningitis haemophilus influenza B in children aged under five years of age through an immunization campaign at the national level, announced the World Health Organization (WHO). The disease has been brought under control after the vaccination campaign in Uganda 2001-2006. "The incidence has decreased by 85% over four years after the introduction of the vaccine and to reach zero in the fifth year," said the official New Vision newspaper on Tuesday, citing a press release from WHO. According Zaramba Saturday, a senior official of the Ugandan Ministry of Health, the elimination of meningitis will help the country achieve its objectives of the Millennium Development Goals which are to reduce by two-thirds the child mortality rate by 2015.

MAC joins Emanuel Ungaro

The MAC cosmetics brand and fashion house Emanuel Ungaro join forces to launch a new line of makeup. To develop this line of cosmetics, Sharon Dowsett, make-up artist at MAC, was inspired by the winter 2008/09 collection Ungaro presented last February, during the fashionweek Paris. When presenting the first collection signed Esteban Cortazar, new artistic director of the mark, MAC was backstage, from the front row, in order to assess the Ungaro show. Just like clothing to Zen and natural tones of the collection Ungaro, the make-up line will include a dozen products whose colors closer tons "roller" and "organic". The color palette - bluish grey, anthracite or light blue - will be available in version vegetable or mineral. Sharon Dowsett did not draw its inspiration only in the show's youngest creators. The professional makeup artist admits to having been inspired by the nuances purple and blue sky of Monet Nymphéas, exhibited at the Musée de l'Orangerie. This is not the first time that MAC is working with a big name in fashion. Accustomed to realize the beauty put in many parades, the cosmetics brand has already created collections in partnership with designers, and has worked with Alexander McQueen this winter. The lipsticks, gloss, eyelids and fards to fund complexion of the range limited edition released only in shops MAC, beginning in October 2008. MAC would also have collaborative projects with the Indian designer Manish Arora.

This is the Day of fertility!

The oocyte donation, what is it? And the induction of ovulation? Children born by medical aid to procreation (GPA) are more fragile? Here are some questions to be addressed at the fertility Day, which takes place Wednesday, March 12. 15 interactive workshops at CNIT (La Défense, 92) will enable the general public to discover the latest advances in reproductive and take stock on ethical issues. Recall that more than 19000 children are born each year through the GPA. This day will attend the leading experts on infertility. Among them Réné Frydman Professor and Professor Gerard Bréart.

Sida Info Service tip the influence of gender on risquesArticle

HIV infection continues to rise among men who have sex with men (MSM). Sida Info Service publishes the results of three surveys that point the influence of gender identity taken on the risks and prevention advocates that transcends the gay community. In an epidemiological context becoming stable, HIV infection continues to rise among men who have sex with men (MSM). This refers to changing the perception of homosexuality in recent years, the changing practices and patterns of consumption, and questions the answers to be given. Sida Info Service, through its devices for distance (telephone and Internet) and its actions in the field, is a frontline observer of these phenomena. SIS has just published the results of 3 studies in 3 different contexts. A post-call survey has been conducted among men who have sex with other men. A study has dealt with issues relating to sexual health posed by Internet browsing on sites specializing in the meetings will sadomasochiste or bareback. Finally, a survey conducted at the Salon International Lesbian and Gay Paris (LMIS) asked visitors about their habits and sexual health needs. Despite a higher profile for male homosexuality, it is clear from these investigations that the concept of MSM (men who have sex with men) is still valid, according Sida Info Service. Three quarters of men surveyed identified themselves as homosexual or bisexual, and just over one out of ten as heterosexual. One in ten is not defined by whether or difficulty refusing to identify themselves. "Taking account of homosexual sexuality beyond the limits of the gay community and probably drew different responses appropriate," said SIS. "This variety of sexual orientation is not found on the specialized sites, much identity, and oriented practices developed and targeted. However, we find, in a fairly mature population (35 years of age), he there is a lack of understanding of specific risks associated with these practices and even false knowledge that leaves much room for imaginary protections, "observes the service of prevention. "For many users, especially young people, a focus on sexuality in the context of health care is often not possible," says SIS. It is clear from the investigation that 9 out of 10 found relevant the idea of a community health based on sexuality. More than 6 in 10 feel personally need. Where it is possible for a gay access to a doctor gay friendly, it becomes a selection criterion (1 to 4 times out of Paris). Through these different jobs, which supplement existing surveys, SIS wants to draw attention to the different levels of intervention required from the MSM, identity or not, and the need to deal with specific answers presence of HIV still worrying .

A map information and care for patients with favism

The favism is a genetic disorder caused by a deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), an enzyme vital for the survival of red blood cells. The ingestion of foods like beans, or taking certain medications may threaten the lives of 250000 patients who have it in France. The AFSSaPS puts at their disposal a tool for the use of medicines. " The French Agency for the Safety of Health Products Health (AFSSaPS) said that it was a "repository of substances that may present a risk or not hemolysis (ie destruction of red blood cells ndlr) in subjects "deficient in G6PD. Specifically, for each active substance are given the level of risk and what to do in case of accidental absorption. "The information contained in this repository will be updated depending on the evolution of knowledge and the rule of specialists in marketing," says the AFSSaPS. Meanwhile, the Directorate-General of Health (DGS) offers free of charge to patients and in collaboration with patients' Vigifavisme-card information and personal care on the G6PD deficiency. " Confidential, "it is designed as a portfolio with a plastic sheath to be of practical use." To obtain this document, ask your doctor to download the order form on the site of the Ministry of Health.

Diseases related to work

building and construction, one of the sectors most affected The experts from the National Network of vigilance and prevention of occupational diseases come to submit a report on health problems related to work. The construction is part of the sectors most affected by this problem. What are the recurrent disease? What are the professions most affected? Details of the study. While the industrial group Alstom was sentenced last Thursday by the appeal court of Douai to 75,000 euros fine, for having exposed its employees to asbestos, experts from the National Network of vigilance and prevention of occupational diseases ( RNV3P) recently unveiled a report * on work-related diseases..

The anxiolytic melatonin?

Hope to deal with anxiety melatonin in the future, A team of Russian researchers reported that the administration of melatonin in rats produced an anxiolytic effect as a drug reference, diazepam (Valium), administered at the same dose (1 mg / kg). (1) Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland, which allows adaptation to the sleep-wake cycle. This is the first time that a direct effect of melatonin on the anxiety is highlighted. A French team had already shown that melatonin, when administered to rats with anxiolytic drugs, improves efficiency. (2) However, no study has yet been conducted in humans.

Solicitors "differ" their blocking

Solicitors "differ" their blocking The solicitors, who are protesting against the removal of their profession suggested by the report Attali, "have decided to defer the blocking of the functioning of the courts of appeal" for the benefit, for the moment, of colluding with the State Chancellery, they JCE announced morning. The solicitors have decided at a general meeting postponement of this movement "until they were able to take stock of the consultation announced by the Chancery and convince themselves of the opportunity to initiate a dialogue," they said . On March 6, the president of the National Chamber of solicitors, Francis Gransard, had called for the profession to block judicial appellate courts, after a national demonstration in the vicinity of the Hotel Matignon in Paris.

Antidepressants are effective

Depression could be detected by a simple blood taken, according to American researchers. "This analysis could quickly predict the effectiveness of antidepressant therapy within four to five days, thus avoiding a long wait for a month or more to determine the appropriate treatment," said the lead author of 'study, Mark Rasenick at the University of Illinois. "Lipid rafts" Researchers studied the brains of 16 patients depression and suicidal behaviour and compared with the brains of deceased persons without psychiatric history. They determined that the protein alpha Gs was contained in greater proportion in patients with depression in brain cells called "lipid rafts." "These 'rafts' are thick, sticky, almost gooey, and either help or hinder communication between molecules of the membrane," said Mark Rasenick. When this protein is trapped in the "lipid rafts," its ability to activate neurotransmitters is reduced. "Antidepressants help move the Gs alpha out of these 'rafts' and facilitate the action of certain neurotransmitters," he said. While it takes a month for that antidepressants are effective, the researchers established that a change could be observed in the blood cells in only four or five days. The study was published in the Journal of Neuroscience.

Special Envoy

Rebuilding faces Every year in France, thousands of patients whose faces were affected by the sickness or injury rely on the surgery. The team of "Special Envoy" has been able to turn Créteil with Professor Laurent Lantieri, which builds new faces to people with disfiguring diseases, hospital north of Amiens with Professor Dechauvelle, author of the first Registry World face, and finally in Paris, a hospital Armand Trousseau, with Professor Marie-Paule Vasquez, the first service in France dedicated to the maxillo-facial surgery for children. Aborigines, the late dreams In Australia, Aborigines 400000 undermined by poverty and alcoholism are trying as best they could to survive their civilization.