PR news in brief

Exercise beats depression

The Mental Health Foundation has launched a report saying that a supervised exercise programme could treat mild to moderate depression as well as drugs. Up and Running said there were growing concerns about the side effects of anti-depressants - and their over-use. However, it said GPs are still turning to anti-depressants as their first line of treatment. Clinical guidelines promote the use of exercise for the treatment of depression. The report found that only 5 per cent of GPs use exercise as one of their three most common treatment responses, because many of them did not believe exercise was an effective treatment.

Malaria awareness kicks off

Malaria Awareness Week is to take place from May 16 - 20, and is to include an exhibition at the Natural History Museum. Just One Bite includes an exhibition, The Ultimate Predator, created to provide an interactive experience for visitors to learn about the humble mosquito, and an educational platform for malaria awareness.  The message is to warn people that they must be prepared with **** anti-malarial medication and to educate themselves about preventative measures before leaving the UK. To attend the exhibition, viewers must bring an invitation, which can be downloaded from www.malariahotspots.co.uk.

Pregnancy guide re-launch

An information guide on every aspect of pregnancy has been revamped to appeal to more mums-to-be. The handbag-sized Emmaís Diary, is split into four clear sections; prenatal features, the Diary, the Medical File and postnatal features. The new diary follows Emma from the time she realises she is pregnant, to the time she gives birth. It includes information on morning sickness, to the panic associated with growing too large to fit clothes. The Medical File acts as an easy reference, guiding mums through each trimester, and is backed up by in-depth articles such as 'Avoiding Risks', 'Healthy Eating' and 'What happens in Labour and Birth'.

Guidelines for vets

Vets are to be issued with new guidelines urging them to use sterile gloves, masks and scrub suits in a bid to fight the spread of MRSA following a warning that incidents of animal infection are climbing. The MRSA "superbug", which has cast a frightening shadow over hospitals in Britain, can pass between humans and animals. The British Veterinary Association warned that the number of cases would continue to rise and urged its members to take precautions. Freda Scott-Park, president-elect of the BVA, said the association wanted to ensure vets were aware that the bug can transfer between humans and farm herds or pets, particularly dogs.