(January 19, 2010 - Insidermedicine)

From South Africa - According to a report published online in the Cochrane Library, women in labour should be allowed to eat and drink what they want. Researchers conducted an analysis of five studies covering over 3000 women, finding no risks or benefits from eating or drinking during labor. This research calls into question many maternity wards' "nil by mouth" policies, in which women in labor are restricted in what they can eat and drink.

From Hamilton - Concussions are not being taken as seriously as they should be, according to a report published in the journal Pediatrics. Researchers reviewed over 400 cases of children admitted to hospital with an acquired brain injury. Results showed that children who were diagnosed with a concussion were discharged from hospital earlier and returned to school earlier than children who were not diagnosed as having a concussion, an aspect that suggests that concussions are not widely regarded as the potentially serious brain injury that they may be.

And finally, from Germany - According to another report published online in the Cochrane Library, people suffering from Parkinson's disease may find their walking improved with treadmill training. Researchers looked at data from 8 studies, covering over 200 Parkinson's patients. They found that treadmill training had a positive impact on patient's stride, speed, steps per minute and gait.