Oz health experts call for new labelling system on food products

MELBOURNE – Health campaigners in Australia are calling for a new system of labelling on food products to help fight rising obesity rates.

The Obesity Policy Coalition argued that “daily intake” labels could not be taken as “standard” serving size for thousands of products.
Coalition senior adviser Jane … Original article on : Oz health experts call for new labelling system on food products.

Peanut allergy cure could be available within 3yrs: Expert

LONDON – Parents of children allergic to peanuts can now heave a sigh of relief, thanks to a British doctor, who believes a cure for such allergies could be available within the next three years.

According to Dr Andrew Clark of Addenbrooke’s hospital in Cambridge, who is kicking off a 1-million-pound NHS sponsored research project on … Read more »»».

Anti-retroviral drugs may curb AIDS spread in 5yrs

LONDON – A top scientist has said that it is possible to stop the spread of AIDS in South Africa within five years by using anti-retroviral treatments (ARVs) and mass screening.

Dr Brian Williams, based at the South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (Sacema) in Stellenbosch, has said that the cost of giving the …. Original source  : Anti-retroviral drugs may curb AIDS spread in 5yrs.

Indigenous vaccine for swine flu this year: Patil

NEW DELHI – President Pratibha Patil Monday said the government had responded with alacrity to the influenza A (H1N1) pandemic and was in the process of developing an indigenous vaccine that would be available this year.

“My government responded with alacrity to the influenza A(H1N1) pandemic. For the first time in our country an indigenous influenza …. Source  : Indigenous vaccine for swine flu this year: Patil.

Oat extract likely to boost brain power

SYDNEY – An oat extract could boost your brain power and maintain it even unto old age, says a new study.

Researchers at the University of South Australia (USA) Nutritional Physiology Research Centre are investigating whether an oat extract can improve mental health in older adults.
Peter Howe, USA research professor, said while the physical health … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Oat extract likely to boost brain power.

Lufthansa: Pilots launch 4-day strike expected to disrupt travel around the world

Lufthansa: Pilots launch 4-day strike
BERLIN – More than 4,000 pilots for Germany’s Lufthansa AG airline launched a four-day strike early Monday that is expected to cause headaches for travelers around the world.

Lufthansa spokeswoman Stefanie Stotz confirmed Monday the strike, organized by the Cockpit pilots union, began at midnight (2300GMT). It was to last until Thursday.
The …. Original article  : Lufthansa: Pilots launch 4-day strike expected to disrupt travel around the world.

TB study says US, global health officials too strict on flight rules for TB patients

Study: Health rules on flying with TB too strict
ATLANTA – Provocative new research suggests international rules that bar potentially infectious tuberculosis patients from flying are too stringent and airline passengers are really at little risk from catching TB from a fellow traveler.
Global and U.S. health authorities also go too far in advising testing …. Original source  : TB study says US, global health officials too strict on flight rules for TB patients.

Pediatricians group urges sweeping changes in food design, labeling to prevent choking in kids

Pediatricians urge choking warning labels for food

CHICAGO – The nation’s largest pediatricians group thinks more foods should have warning labels about choking hazards.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is calling for sweeping changes in the way food is designed and labeled to prevent kids from choking. The group’s report was released Monday in the journal Pediatrics.
Choking …. Original article  : Pediatricians group urges sweeping changes in food design, labeling to prevent choking in kids.

Dermatologist Albert Kligman dies, research led to wrinkle drug Retin-A

Retin-A researcher Albert Kligman dies
PHILADELPHIA – Dermatologist Albert M. Kligman, whose research led to discoveries including the acne and wrinkle drug Retin-A, has died in Philadelphia. He was 93.

UCLA sociology professor Gail Kligman said her father died Feb. 9 of heart failure at Pennsylvania Hospital.
Albert Kligman is credited as being the first dermatologist to show … Read more >>.

Researchers finding few medical differences between ‘test-tube’ kids and other children

Researchers: Most ‘test tube’ kids are healthy
SAN DIEGO – More than 30 years after the world greeted its first “test-tube” baby with a mixture of awe, elation and concern, researchers say they are finding only a few medical differences between these children and kids conceived in the traditional way.
More than 3 million … Original article on : Researchers finding few medical differences between ‘test-tube’ kids and other children.

Treadmill may help tots walk

WASHINGTON – A University of Michigan researcher suggests that infants with prenatal complications or who were injured at birth can walk better with the help of a treadmill.

According to Rosa Angulo-Barroso, associate professor of movement science at the U-M School of Kinesiology, prenatal injuries can often result … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Treadmill may help tots walk.

New magnesium supplement staves off memory loss

WASHINGTON – Magnesium, a key nutrient for a good memory, may be even more critical than previously thought for the development of neurons (nerve cell) of children and healthy brain cells in adults, says a new study.

Begun at MIT, the research by Inna Slutsky of Tel Aviv University’s (TAU) Sackler School of Medicine evolved to … Original source on Gaea Times at : New magnesium supplement staves off memory loss.

Regular exercise cuts down patient anxiety 20 percent

WASHINGTON – The anxiety that often accompanies a chronic illness can chip away at the quality of life and make patients less likely to follow their treatment plan. But regular exercise can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety, says a new study.

Exercise sessions greater than 30 minutes were better at reducing anxiety than sessions of less … Read : Regular exercise cuts down patient anxiety 20 percent.

Overuse of extreme form of IVF may pass infertility to next generation

LONDON – A doctor, who pioneered an extreme form of IVF that forces individual sperm into eggs, has warned that if the technique is overused, it may pass on infertility to the next generation.

A conference was told that the fertility treatment designed for use with poor quality or low numbers of sperm is being used … Read more >>>.

Human, bird flu virus interaction can create more virulent strains

WASHINGTON – Genetic interactions between avian flu virus and human seasonal flu viruses can potentially create hybrid strains, combining the virulence of bird flu with the pandemic ability of swine flu, according to a new study.

Two viruses infecting a single host cell can swap genetic material, or reassort, creating hybrid strains with characteristics of …. Source article  : Human, bird flu virus interaction can create more virulent strains.

Dolphins can help scientists understand cervical cancer

WASHINGTON – Dozens of test samples from dolphins show that they could help marine biologists clue in on human cervical cancers.

Marine mammals like dolphins are our close kins, but scientific knowledge of infectious diseases, particularly of viral origin, affecting these animals is limited, researchers say.
“We discovered that dolphins get multiple infections of papillomaviruses, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Dolphins can help scientists understand cervical cancer.

Flexible schedule improves pressure, sleep, mental health

LONDON – Flexible working hours might benefit employees’ health, including their blood pressure (BP), sleep patterns and mental health, says a new study.

Police officers who rescheduled working hours significantly improved psychological wellbeing, compared to peers who started work at a fixed hour, the study found.
“Flexible working seems to be more beneficial for health … Read more : Flexible schedule improves pressure, sleep, mental health.

Acupuncture ‘helps beat the blues during pregnancy’

WASHINGTON – Acupuncture may help lessen depression symptoms during pregnancy, a new Stanford University School of Medicine study shows.

The study authors, led by Rachel Manber, PhD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, said they hope the results will raise awareness of the problem of depression during pregnancy and provide patients and physicians an alternative to …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Acupuncture ‘helps beat the blues during pregnancy’.

Regular exercise can help keep anxiety at bay

WASHINGTON – Regular exercise can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety in patients with chronic illness, a new University of Georgia study shows.

In the study, published in the Feb. 22 edition of the Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers analyzed the results of 40 randomized clinical trials involving nearly 3,000 patients with a variety of medical conditions.
They … Original article on : Regular exercise can help keep anxiety at bay.

Husbands’ hostility worsens depression among women

WASHINGTON – Husbands’ hostile and anti-social behaviour exacerbates symptoms of depression among their wives, says new research.

Nearly 10 percent of the US population suffers from a depressive disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
Christine Proulx, professor at Michigan University (MU), who led the study, attributes some of it to marital hostility. …. Source  : Husbands’ hostility worsens depression among women.

Menopausal changes increase heart disease risk

WASHINGTON – A woman’s risk of heart disease intensifies drastically around the time of menopause, which for most women is around 50 years, research says.

Experts explain that understanding risk factors is an important first step, and reassure women that there are ways to lower the risk.
“Many women younger than 50 have not yet gone …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Menopausal changes increase heart disease risk.

Stay away from grocery store aisles to keep weight gain at bay

WASHINGTON – Batting an eyelid and pushing the cart past the aisles at the local grocery store can help keep you from piling on unwanted pounds, according to experts.

Gaye Lynn Hicks, with The Methodist Weight Management Center in Houston, said avoiding fat-promoting items on the aisles could be a head start on combating the bulge.
Hicks … Read : Stay away from grocery store aisles to keep weight gain at bay.

Why Tamoxifen fails to work on some breast cancer patients

LONDON – British scientists have revealed that they have found why some women suffering from breast cancer do not respond to treatment by the drug Tamoxifen.

According to them, the drug is given to most women diagnosed with breast cancer to prevent the cancer returning, but not all of them respond to the drug, and experts … Read more : Why Tamoxifen fails to work on some breast cancer patients.

Belief in caring god can help beat the blues

WASHINGTON – Belief in a concerned God can improve clinically depressed patients’ responses to medical treatment, claims a study at Rush University Medical Center.

The study has been published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology.
A total of 136 adults diagnosed with major depression or bipolar depression at inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care facilities in Chicago participated …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Belief in caring god can help beat the blues.

Fat middle-aged adults at increased cognitive decline risk in later life

WASHINGTON – Overweight middle-aged adults are at greater risk for cognitive decline in later life, concludes a new research.

The research has been published in the latest issue of The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological and Medical Sciences (Volume 65A, Number 1).
The publication presents a collection of articles highlighting new findings related to obesity in …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Fat middle-aged adults at increased cognitive decline risk in later life.

Depression sparks obesity in girls

WASHINGTON – Depression could increase levels of cortisol – stress hormone – in adolescent boys and girls but may trigger obesity only in girls, a new study has found.

“This is the first time cortisol reactivity has been identified as a mediator between depressed mood and obesity in girls,” said Elizabeth J. Susman, the Jean Phillips … Original article on : Depression sparks obesity in girls.

Memory lapse – flip side of recreational drugs

LONDON – Have you ever forgotten to post an important letter or let an appointment slip your mind? A new study suggests that for those who regularly use Ecstasy or other recreational drugs, this kind of memory lapse is more common.

Florentia Hadjiefthyvoulou, John Fisk, and Nikola Bridges from the University of Central Lancashire and … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Memory lapse – flip side of recreational drugs.

A far quicker, cheaper swine flu test, courtesy defence scientists

NEW DELHI – India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a swine flu testing kit that can diagnose the pandemic in just two hours and reduce the cost of a single test fivefold – to less than Rs.1,000.

“This test kit can diagnose positive samples within two hours as against nearly a day as … Read more : A far quicker, cheaper swine flu test, courtesy defence scientists.

Slovakia’s Bartecko has concussion after shoulder hit, taken to clinic in athletes’ village

Slovakia’s Bartecko injured by shoulder hit

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Slovakia forward Lubos Bartecko has a concussion and is likely out of the Olympic hockey quarterfinals after being leveled by a shoulder hit from Norway defenseman Ole Kristian Tollefsen during Slovakia’s 4-3 victory on Tuesday night.
“He has a head injury, a concussion. He’s been stitched up, …. Original source  : Slovakia’s Bartecko has concussion after shoulder hit, taken to clinic in athletes’ village.

Indian bitter melon may harbour breast cancer cure, claims NRI scientist

WASHINGTON – An extract from bitter melon, a vegetable common in India and known as ‘karela’ in Hindi, helps trigger a chain of events that kills breast cancer cells and prevents them from multiplying, claims an … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Indian bitter melon may harbour breast cancer cure, claims NRI scientist.

Strokes can happen to children too

WASHINGTON – Children can have strokes too that can be recurrent, according to pediatric researchers.

Unfortunately, boffins said, the strokes often go unrecognized the first time, and the child does not receive treatment before the recurrence.
Pediatric neurologist Rebecca Ichord, M.D., director of the Pediatric …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Strokes can happen to children too.

First ovarian transplant helps woman bear two kids

LONDON – The world’s first-ever ovarian transplant has helped a woman conceive and deliver two healthy babies in Denmark.

The ovarian tissue had been removed and frozen during Stinne Holm Bergholdt’s cancer treatment and then restored once she was cured.
Following the transplant, she gave birth to a girl in February 2007 after receiving fertility treatment …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : First ovarian transplant helps woman bear two kids.

Osteoporosis drug may help cut risk of bone fractures, breast cancer, stroke

LONDON – The nonsteroidal selective estrogen-receptor modulator lasofoxifene may help reduce the risk of vertebral and non-vertebral fractures, ER-positive breast cancer, coronary heart disease and stroke in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, says a new study.

The research has been published in the latest … Original article on : Osteoporosis drug may help cut risk of bone fractures, breast cancer, stroke.

Zen meditation reduces sensitivity to pain

TORONTO – Zen meditation can help people reduce their sensitivity to pain by thickening their brain, says a new study.

Montreal University (M-U) researchers made the discovery by comparing the grey matter thickness of Zen meditators and non-meditators.
They found evidence that practicing the centuries-old discipline of Zen can reinforce a central brain region (anterior … Read more : Zen meditation reduces sensitivity to pain.

Athletes should avoid performing through pain

WASHINGTON – Athletes often misunderstand how serious an injury can be and try to rush back into competition without appropriate treatment and rehabilitation.

Some of the most difficult cases seen by foot and ankle surgeons are those in which athletes have continued to play after an injury.
Surgeons at the Annual Scientific Conference of … Original source on Gaea Times at : Athletes should avoid performing through pain.

Ahmedabad hosts yoga camp for board exam students

AHMEDABAD – In an attempt to improve the psychosocial competence of students appearing for board examinations this year, the city of Ahmedabad organised a yoga camp.

Adarsh, a non-profit organization, sponsored the event.
During the psychotherapeutic … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Ahmedabad hosts yoga camp for board exam students.

Single men more likely to have fatal stroke

WASHINGTON – Single men or those leading an unhappy married life run a higher risk of fatal stroke in their later decades, says a new study.

The findings are based on a survey of 10,059 civil servants and municipal workers (average age 49) who participated in the Israeli Ischemic Heart Disease Study that started in … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Single men more likely to have fatal stroke.

Abromaitis scores 17, Notre Dame makes 10 3-pointers to beat No. 12 Pittsburgh 68-53

Notre Dame makes 10 3s, beat No. 12 Pitt 68-53

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Tim Abromaitis scored 17 points, Ben Hansbrough had 15 points and nine rebounds and Notre Dame made 10 3-pointers to beat No. 12 Pittsburgh 68-53 on Wednesday and end the Panthers’ five-game winning streak.
The Fighting Irish (18-10, 7-8 Big East), playing a … Read : Abromaitis scores 17, Notre Dame makes 10 3-pointers to beat No. 12 Pittsburgh 68-53.

NFL hopes to test for human growth hormone; Major League Baseball talks with union

NFL hopes to test for HGH; MLB talks with union

NEW YORK – The NFL hopes to start testing players for human growth hormone, and Major League Baseball has started talks with its union to investigate the test that led to the suspension of a British rugby player.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Wednesday that the league … Original article on : NFL hopes to test for human growth hormone; Major League Baseball talks with union.

Influential federal panel recommends annual flu shots for virtually all Americans

Panel recommends annual flu vaccinations for all
ATLANTA – A government panel is now recommending that virtually all Americans get a flu shot each year, starting this fall.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices had gradually been expanding its recommendation for flu shots – 85 percent of Americans were already included.
On Wednesday, the panel voted … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Influential federal panel recommends annual flu shots for virtually all Americans.

Wii sports games can help reduce depression in seniors

WASHINGTON – Depressed seniors can get relief when they play Wii sports games, according to a new study.

Research at the Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine has suggested …. Original article  : Wii sports games can help reduce depression in seniors.

Mukherjee allocates more for health, focus on rural populace

NEW DELHI – India’s health allocation has gone up by Rs.2,700 crore to Rs.22,300 crore (Rs.223 billion/$4.82 billion) with Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee particularly focussing on rural heath in his budget speech Friday.

I propose to increase the plan allocation for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare from Rs.19,534 crore to Rs.22,300 crore for 2010-11, … Read more >>.

Getting the body to fight its own heart attack

WASHINGTON – Scientists trying to find a way to better help patients protect themselves from a heart attack are taking their cues from cardiac patients.

The work has its roots in a perplexing curiosity that physicians have long observed in their patients: When faced with a heart attack, people who have had a previous one oftentimes …. Read the original article  : Getting the body to fight its own heart attack.

Junior doctors go on strike in Madhya Pradesh

BHOPAL – Health services were affected in three medical colleges of Madhya Pradesh Friday as junior doctors struck work demanding reduction in the mandatory rural service period to one year and a hike in emoluments.

“The junior doctors of Bhopal, Gwalior and Rewa Medical colleges pressing for their various demands went on an indefinite strike from …. Original source  : Junior doctors go on strike in Madhya Pradesh.

Superwoman syndrome credited to popping prescription pills

NEW YORK – A survey has revealed that most women, who are overwhelmed by jobs, kids and commitments, pop prescription pills to boost their energy, calm them down or for any other non medical reason.

According to the National … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Superwoman syndrome credited to popping prescription pills.

Some patients can control progression of AIDS

WASHINGTON – Some people infected with AIDS control the progression of their illness naturally as they develop high levels of a specific molecule, a new study shows.

The authors of the study, from Spain, said the state of the molecule called ALPHA-DEFENSINAS 1-3 is associated with better control and slower progression of the disease, says a … Read more »».

At Rs.22,300 cr, Mukherjee allocates more for health

NEW DELHI – Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee Friday allocated Rs.22,300 crore (Rs.223 billion/$4.82 billion) for the health sector in his 2010-11 budget, an increase of over Rs.2,700 crore over the previous fiscal year.

The minister said the country was set to conduct a national health survey next fiscal and this would benefit in more than one … Read more >>.

Anti-drinking ads can spur greater alcohol use

WASHINGTON – Advertising campaigns that use guilt or shame to warn against alcohol abuse can actually have the reverse effect, spurring increased drinking among target audiences, says research.

Instead of the intended outcome, the advertisements triggered an innate coping mechanism that enables viewers to distance themselves from the serious consequences of reckless drinking, showed researchers in … Read : Anti-drinking ads can spur greater alcohol use.

Group “talking therapy” sessions can help ease back pain

LONDON – Individuals suffering from chronic lower back pain may find relief through a form of group “talking therapy”, a UK trial has shown.

In the study by Universities of Warwick and Oxford researchers which involved 600 patients, the positive effect was still seen a year after the short six-session therapy programme, The Lancet reported.
The patients …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Temporarily stopping blood flow in arm protects heart during attack

LONDON – Damage in people having a heart attack can be prevented by temporarily stopping blood flow in the arm, a Danish study has shown.ccording to researchers, the procedure “kick-starts” natural mechanisms in the heart to counter the lack of oxygen.

In The Lancet study of around 150 patients, those who were treated this way in … Read more »»».

Brains melt after freezer breaks down in London

LONDON – Dozens of frozen brains kept for research on conditions including mad cow disease, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s melted after a freezer broke down.

The organs were preserved at -80C but were found rotting in a pool of blood and ice at St Bernard’s Hospital in Ealing, …. Read the original article  : here.

Delhi observes day for rare disease-affected kids

NEW DELHI – If you have never heard of MPS or Pompe, it isnt surprising – they are rare diseases. And to raise awareness about these chronic, debilitating diseases, Indias first ‘Rare Disease Day was observed here Sunday.

Organised by the Lysosomal Storage Disorders Support Society of India (LSDSSI), the day witnessed a unique gathering at …. Original article  : Delhi observes day for rare disease-affected kids.

Teens smoking marijuana at increased schizophrenia risk

SYDNEY – Teens who smoke marijuana are at a greater risk of developing schizophrenia and psychotic symptoms in the future, a new study has found.

After observing more than 3800 youngsters, researchers learnt that people who used the drug for six or more years were twice as likely …. Original article  : Teens smoking marijuana at increased schizophrenia risk.

Even switched off car engines pollute the environment

SYDNEY – Even if you leave your car at home and catch a bus to work you’re doing no good to the environment. A new study says vehicles left in the sun for days at a time can emit damaging hydrocarbons – one of the main ingredients …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Even switched off car engines pollute the environment.

Tips to boost brainpower

WASHINGTON – Small changes can help you stay sharp later in life and could keep your brain in tip-top shape.

On “The Early Show Saturday Edition,” Dr. Cynthia Green, Ph.D., has spelled out some tips for the same, reports CBS News.
Green and the editors of Prevention magazine wrote, “Brainpower Game …. Read the original article  : Tips to boost brainpower.

20-min revolutionary op for ageing eyes

LONDON – An operation that restores near-perfect vision for age-related problems has been developed by scientists.

The 20-minute operation involves implanting an artificial lens into the eye and its effects are instant and permanent, reports The Daily Express.
Consultant ophthalmologist Oliver Backhouse, who is spearheading the technique, said: “This …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 20-min revolutionary op for ageing eyes.

Novel smoking cessation therapy proves effective

WASHINGTON – Duke University Medical Center researchers have come up with a novel technology that may give smokers a new way to kick the habit.

When compared to the nicotine vapor delivery system used in the Nicotrol/Nicorette inhaler, the new technology …. Original source  : Novel smoking cessation therapy proves effective.

Big bucket cinema snacks ’should get calorie X-rating’

LONDON – Health officials want snacks portions to be cut down at cinemas, as they are often high in fat, sugar or salt.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) wants movie-goers to have more information about how many calories are in cinema snacks.
The agency claims cinemas sell “pretty large portions” and …. Original source  : Big bucket cinema snacks ’should get calorie X-rating’.

A Londoner’s public sanitation campaign in Bihar

LONDON – Oliver Cumming was in Bihar with a challenging public health mission — to make the state free of open defecation in two years.

Cumming, 32, a senior policy analyst with London-based international NGO WaterAid, took part in the Gram Gaurav Yatra, a march for sanitation in the state, led by Public Health Engineering Department … Read this article on Gaea Times at : A Londoner’s public sanitation campaign in Bihar.

Oprah grants chef’s birthday wish to help make first lady’s school lunch reform a reality

Oprah helps chef fulfill Michelle Obama wish

MIAMI – When Oprah Winfrey recently asked her former personal chef what he wanted for his 50th birthday, Art Smith’s first thought was a new treadmill.
Aim higher, she told him.
How about a check to help fund the sort of healthy eating programs for children called for by another of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Oprah grants chef’s birthday wish to help make first lady’s school lunch reform a reality.