Minerva

Over one million hernia mesh repairs take place worldwide each year. A study in the British Journal of Surgery (2002;89:1043-8) looking at samples of mesh that had been removed after recurrence of hernia, infection, or pain reports that in humans the long term tissue response to polypropylene mesh improves with increasing interval after implantation. But even after 15 years, researchers found evidence of a chronic reaction to foreign bodies, which suggests that mesh is never completely inert.

Playing soothing music in doctors' waiting rooms can alleviate the stress of waiting for a doctor who is running late and provides a sound barrier to prevent reception staff being overheard on the phone. A review commissioned by the Performing Rights Society (which issues licenses for music to be played in public places) found that the benefits of music extend to reducing patients' anxiety and in some cases, even reduces the perception of pain (Health Which? 2002;(Aug):5.)

Occupational hazards of hairdressers include having to listen to the dulcet tones of their clients. Another hazard is their exposure to a variety of chemical agents. Comparing hairdressers with a cohort of women from the general population, a Swedish …