New research has suggested that having uncommonly long ring fingers could indicate a person is at greater risk of developing osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. A study of more than 2,000 people, published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism, suggests that people whose index finger is shorter than their ring finger are up to twice as likely to suffer from OA.
Having too little vitamin D has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, a US study has found. The Harvard Medical School team said the risk was particularly high for those who also had high blood pressure.
Up to three million people with disabilities in the UK could be trapped in poverty, a report has suggested. The study by campaigning group Leonard Cheshire Disability says disabled people are more likely to live in hardship now than a decade ago.
The library of a classical scholar is being auctioned in Dorset to raise money for disabled children. Duke's auctioneers in Dorchester said funds from Dr David Vessey's 8,000-book collection will help to start the charity Advocates for Children.
Most people would be happy to contribute to the costs of long-term care for the elderly but want a fairer system, a report suggests. A consultation of 700 people showed high levels of dissatisfaction with means testing and the "postcode lottery" over social care entitlements.
The switch to energy-saving light bulbs may put thousands at risk of painful skin reactions, health charities warn. Fluorescent bulbs can exacerbate skin rashes in people with photosensitive skin conditions, experts said. The government is planning to prevent the sale of conventional bulbs by 2011 to cut carbon dioxide emissions.