Minerva

There is now consistent evidence that weight loss reduces blood pressure in people who are heavier than they should be and have high or “high normal” blood pressure. In one American study, participants' diastolic blood pressure went down 1.4 mm Hg for every 2 pounds (4.4 kg) they lost (Annals of Internal Medicine 2001;134:1-11). Most of them, however, were back to square one by the end of three years' follow up. Despite prolonged and intensive counselling by dietitians or health educators, only 13% of participants maintained their weight loss.

The UK's hospital radio network may be on the verge of a renaissance, thanks to the government's insistence that all NHS patients have access to bedside communications facilities (Health Service Journal 14 December 2000). The best hospital stations already offer quiz shows, relaxation broadcasts, and of course music. S Club 7 is popular at Great Ormond Street's radio Gosh, but favourites in more mature establishments include Frank Sinatra's “My Way” and—for those who still have a sense of humour,—“Please Release Me” by Engelbert Humperdinck.

About four fifths of Glasgow's large population of injecting drug users are infected with hepatitis C virus. Fortunately, the occupational risk of infection to the city's health- care workers remains low, …