Health News – Newsletter for February 16, 2010

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Rapid flu tests work better in kids than adults
WASHINGTON – A new test can diagnose flu within 30 minutes, but studies have shown these tests often give false negative results.

A new study examined Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Testing (RIDTs) in a large number of paediatric patients and found the tests may be more effective at diagnosing flu in children rather than in …. Original source  : Rapid flu tests work better in kids than adults.

‘French soldiers used as nuclear guinea pigs’
PARIS – The French military used soldiers to test the effects of nuclear radiation on humans during an atom bomb test in the 1960s, the daily Le Parisien reported Tuesday, citing what it called a secret army report prepared in 1998.

The object of the experiment was “to study the physiological and psychological effects on man [..] Read the original article: here.

Cosmetic shots could ease migraine symptoms
WASHINGTON – Botulinum shots used for cosmetics are also likely to reduce the frequency of migraine headaches described as crushing, vicelike or eye-popping.

Migraine headaches affect approximately 28 million Americans, known to cause pain that is often debilitating. Researchers conducting clinical trials on botulinum toxin type A to treat facial lines recognised a correlation between …. Read the original article  : here.

Aspirin, ibuprofen offer no protection against skin cancer
WASHINGTON – The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and celecoxib offer no protection against a common skin cancer, according to a new study.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce pain and inflammation by blocking an enzyme involved in producing inflammatory compounds.
Maryam M. Asgari, of Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, and colleagues studied 415 …. Source article  : Aspirin, ibuprofen offer no protection against skin cancer.

3 out of 4 teen girls happy with their bodies, reveals US survey
WASHINGTON – A US survey has revealed that 3 out of 4 teenaged girls are happy with their bodies and are rejecting thin fashion models as being unrealistic.

According to a national survey by Girl Scouts of America on the eve of New York City’s legendary Fashion Week, the survey of 1,002 girls ages 13 to … Read more : 3 out of 4 teen girls happy with their bodies, reveals US survey.

Poor fit may explain why men are not big fans of condoms
LONDON – A badly fitted condom not only reduces sexual pleasure for both men and women, but also raises risks of infection and pregnancy, say experts.

A poll of 436, according to Sexually Transmitted Infections journal, reveals that males are twice as likely to take the condom off midway through sex due to a poor fit, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Brazilian woman expelled from school for short miniskirt, emerges as Rio Carnival star

Disgraced in skirt scandal, woman is Carnival star

RIO DE JANEIRO – Famed for wearing a short miniskirt that got her kicked out of college, Geisy Arruda lived out a dream and danced as a Carnival queen in one of Rio’s premier samba parades – even overheating in the process.
Wearing a “Carnivalized” version of the very …. Original source  : Brazilian woman expelled from school for short miniskirt, emerges as Rio Carnival star.

20 inmates die in 2 months, ministers visit observation home
NEW DELHI – Following the deaths of some 20 mentally challenged inmates in a state-run observation home over the past two months, the Delhi government Monday recommended a slew of measures to improve health facilities in the home.

Delhi Finance Minister A.K. Walia and Social Welfare Minister Mangat Ram Singhal Monday visited Asha Kiran home … Read : 20 inmates die in 2 months, ministers visit observation home.

Put a ring on it? Experts explore new ways to circumcise men in Africa to fight AIDS epidemic

Experts explore ways to circumcise men in Africa

LONDON – The most powerful force against AIDS in Africa may be circumcision, a procedure that’s easily done in the developed world. But it’s a challenge on a continent where there are too few medical workers and a reluctance by men for cultural reasons and fear of pain.
Now …. Source  : Put a ring on it? Experts explore new ways to circumcise men in Africa to fight AIDS epidemic.

Delhi government for proper healthcare in observation homes
NEW DELHI – The Delhi government Monday recommended a slew of measures to improve healthcare in observation homes after 20 mentally challenged inmates died over the past two months at one such state-run facility recently.

Delhi Finance Minister A.K. Walia and Social Welfare Minister Mangat Ram Singhal Monday visited Asha Kiran Home at Rohini, where … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Delhi government for proper healthcare in observation homes.