Child health advice on Internet ‘unreliable’

LONDON – Browsing the internet in the hope of finding a good advice for your child’s medical problem is a waste of time, say UK researchers who claim that medical information on various sites is unreliable.

The Nottingham-based team scanned search engine Google to find UK-based advice on five … Read more »».

Wider first aid knowledge could save thousands, says UK charity

LONDON – A British charity has said that a wider knowledge of first aid techniques could save thousands of lives each year.

According to the St John Ambulance charity, which is focusing a new campaign on five health emergencies which account for 150,000 deaths each year in England and …. Original article  : Wider first aid knowledge could save thousands, says UK charity.

Medical parole rejected for jailed China dissident after cancer feared, wife asks for release

Medical parole rejected for jailed China dissident
BEIJING – The wife of one of China’s best-known dissidents says a request for medical parole for her imprisoned husband has been rejected.
Zeng Jinyan appealed last week to Beijing prison authorities and said Hu Jia has a serious disease that she fears might turn into liver cancer.
But … Read more >>>.

22 year old lioness dies at Indore zoo

INDORE – Zoo authorities in Indore city cremated a 22-year-old lioness after she succumbed to Parkinson’s disease on Sunday.

Rani, the lioness, died in Kamla Nehru Zoo of the city following a prolonged suffering from Parkinson’s disease.
Rani was born in the zoo itself.
“The lioness was suffering from Parkinson’s disease for last four years.
She was being given … Original source on Gaea Times at : 22 year old lioness dies at Indore zoo.

High alcohol consumption and obesity levels spoil Labour’s NHS record

LONDON – High levels of alcohol consumption and obesity have marred Labour’s NHS record since Tony Blair came to power in 1997, according to a new report.

According to the report “A High Performing NHS?” by the independent health charity the King’s Fund, the UK is afflicted by deteriorating eating and drinking habits, notwithstanding a number …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : High alcohol consumption and obesity levels spoil Labour’s NHS record.

Eat eggs for breakfast to lose weight

LONDON – Wondering how to shed those extra kilos? Then eat an egg for breakfast, a new study suggests.

According to researchers from the University of Connecticut, eating eggs for breakfast helps reduce calorie consumption throughout the day by up to 18 percent. The protein-rich food makes the stomach feel full for longer, cutting the desire … Read more »»».

Online therapy can treat depression: Study

STOCKHOLM – The online Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is as effective in treating panic disorder and depression as the traditional group-based method, a new study has found.

“Internet-based CBT is also more cost-effective than group therapy,” said Jan Bergstrom, a researcher with the Center for Psychiatry Research at the Swedish medical university Karolinska Institute (KI).
“The …. Source article  : Online therapy can treat depression: Study.

Memory loss unlikely to shut off emotions

WASHINGTON – Alzheimer’s patients might forget a joke or a meaningful conversation –but the warm feelings associated with the experience can stick around and boost their mood, says a new study.

Researchers showed individuals with memory loss clips of happy and sad movies. Although the participants couldn’t recall what they had watched, they retained the emotions … Read more >>.

Obese children likely to have stiffer arteries

WASHINGTON – Children with more body fat and less endurance than their fitter, leaner counterparts have stiffer arteries at a young age, says new research.

Stiff arteries are a hallmark of atherosclerosis, a typically adult condition in which blood vessels become clogged.
“When children at such a young age start getting diseases only adults used …. Read the original article  : here.

Sugary foods linked to heart disease risk in women

WASHINGTON – Consuming large amounts of certain high-carbohydrate foods is associated with an increased risk of heart disease in women, a new study has revealed.

The study showed an increased incidence of coronary disease in women — but not men – whose diet is rich in foods with a …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Sugary foods linked to heart disease risk in women.

Stress can make tumours grow bigger

WASHINGTON – A new research suggests that hormones produced during periods of stress accelerate the growth of tumours.

Chronic stress has recently been implicated as a factor that may increase the growth rate of tumours. However, the mechanisms underlying this effect have not been … Read : Stress can make tumours grow bigger.

Obese kids have stiff arteries

WASHINGTON – Children with more body fat and less endurance have stiffer arteries at a very young age, researchers at Medical College of Georgia have said.

Stiff arteries are a hallmark of atherosclerosis, a typically adult condition in which blood vessels become clogged.
“When children at such a young age … Read more : Obese kids have stiff arteries.

Lots of nuts, poultry and less of red meat, butter ‘can cut Alzheimer’s risk’

WASHINGTON – Eating lots of vegetables, fish, fruit, nuts and poultry, and less of red meat and butter may reduce a person’s risk of Alzheimer’s disease, says a new report.

The report will appear in the June print issue of Archives of Neurology, one … Read more »».

Nitrogen dioxide exposure lowers in vitro fertilization success

WASHINGTON – According to a team of fertility researchers, exposure to an increased level of air pollutant nitrogen dioxide is linked to lower likelihoods of successful pregnancy among women undergoing in vitro fertilization.

The team examined the outcomes of the first pregnancy attempt … Read more >>.

Drinking during adolescence adds to risk of breast disease, breast cancer

WASHINGTON – Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Harvard University have claimed that girls and young women who indulge in boozing raise their risk of benign (noncancerous) breast disease.

Benign breast disease increases the risk for developing breast cancer.
“Our study clearly showed that [..] Read the original article: here.

75 percent health mission funds not utilised in Himachal

SHIMLA – The Himachal Pradesh government has failed to utilise 75 percent of funds allocated under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) in the last four years due to non-existence of 24-hour healthcare facilities, the Comptroller Auditor General of India (CAG) has said.

Seventy five percent of the Rs.119.85 crore received from the central government … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 75 percent health mission funds not utilised in Himachal.

Renal specialist denies recommending ‘Dr. Death’ Patel for performing surgery

BRISBANE – A renal specialist has strenuously denied recommending Indian-origin Dr. Jayant Patel for performing an allegedly fatal operation on a seriously unwell patient.

Under cross-examination in the Supreme Court in Brisbane yesterday, The Age quoted Dr. Peter …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Drugs worth millions seized in Ludhiana

LUDHIANA – Special Branch and Anti-Narcotics Cell Police personnel in Ludhiana seized drugs worth 12.5 million and arrested a person, suspected of drug smuggling.

The arrested has been identified as Sandeep Kumar.
Police recovered 200 grams of cocaine worth rupees 10 million and 100 grams of smack worth rupees 2.5 million.
R K Jalhotra, Assistant Commissioner …. Original source  : Drugs worth millions seized in Ludhiana.

Fathers of sexually abused kids can suffer from anxiety, depression

WASHINGTON – Fathers of sexually abused children can suffer from anxiety, depression and grief, a new study has shown.

According to the Universiti de Montrial study, such patriarchs are often overwhelmed by a desire for vengeance, yet little literature exists to help … Original source on Gaea Times at : Fathers of sexually abused kids can suffer from anxiety, depression.

Diet alone not enough for drastic weight loss

WASHINGTON – Simply reducing caloric intake is not enough to promote significant weight loss, concludes a new study.

The research by scientists at Oregon Health and Science University is published in the April edition of the American Journal of Physiology – Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology.
“In the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Diet alone not enough for drastic weight loss.

Drink tap water to avoid dentist’s drill

WASHINGTON – Drinking tap water may help you avoid dentist’s drill, concludes a new study.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that tooth decay, if left untreated, can cause pain and infections that hinder eating, speaking, playing and learning. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Drink tap water to avoid dentist’s drill.

Bariatric surgery ‘cuts risk of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy’

LONDON – Bariatric surgery significantly reduces risk of dangerous hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, a new study claims.
Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy include gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and eclampsia.
“We have long known that women who have …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Bariatric surgery ‘cuts risk of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy’.

Smoking ‘counteracts moderate drinking benefit on stroke risk’

WASHINGTON – Any beneficial effect of drinking moderate amounts of alcohol on stroke may be counteracted by cigarette smoking, says a new study.

The research will be presented as part of the late-breaking science program at the American Academy …. Original source  : Smoking ‘counteracts moderate drinking benefit on stroke risk’.

Aspirin could be the best remedy for migraine

WASHINGTON – A 1000mg dose of aspirin can reduce the pain of a migraine headache within two hours, a ne study has found.

It also reduces any associated nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound (photophobia or phonophobia), the study found.
Formulations of aspirin 900 mg together with … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Aspirin could be the best remedy for migraine.

Certain anticonvulsant meds use linked to increased suicide risk

WASHINGTON – Use of certain anticonvulsant medications may be associated with an increased risk of suicide, attempted suicide or violent death, according to an analysis of prescription and clinical data.

The study has been published in the April 14 issue of JAMA.
Anticonvulsant medications are a primary therapeutic approach …. Original article  : Certain anticonvulsant meds use linked to increased suicide risk.

Ginkgo likely to aggravate seizures in epileptics

WASHINGTON – The use of Ginkgo biloba, a top-selling herbal remedy, should be restricted as growing scientific evidence shows it may increase the risk of seizures in people with epilepsy, according to a new study.

It could also reduce the effectiveness of anti-seizure drugs, it added.
Eating raw or roasted Ginkgo seed or drinking …. Source  : Ginkgo likely to aggravate seizures in epileptics.

Coconut oil, breast milk potent new treatment for acne

WASHINGTON – A natural product found in both coconut oil and human breast milk – lauric acid — could be a possible new acne treatment, research says.

A bioengineering doctoral student from the University of California San Diego (UCSD) developed a “smart delivery system”, capable of delivering lauric acid-filled nano-scale bombs directly to skin-dwelling bacteria … Read more >>.

Agra explore benefits of yoga in water

AGRA – While yoga has legions of followers, Agra sees locals going in for water yoga.
In water yoga, the ‘asanas’, or yogic exercises, are performed in water, making them more challenging than when they are practiced on dry land.

At times, the exercises even become less … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Agra explore benefits of yoga in water.

Hib vaccine: Are press releases telling whole truth?

BANGALORE – Is the Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type B) vaccine that India is considering for routine immunisation really effective and should it be introduced in developing countries? The answer to both is ‘yes’ if one believes the joint press release issued by a number of international agencies sponsoring the research.

But in a just published report … Read more : Hib vaccine: Are press releases telling whole truth?.

Onion natural alternative to artificial preservatives

LONDON – Some components of the onion have antioxidant and anti-microbial properties, making it possible to use it to preserve food, says a new study.

“The antioxidant and anti-microbial properties of the raw onion make it a good candidate for use in food preservation,” says researcher Jonathan Santas from the department of nutrition and bromatology …. Original source  : Onion natural alternative to artificial preservatives.

Video game before bedtime ‘has only mild effect on adolescent sleep’

WASHINGTON – Playing a video game before bedtime has only a mild effect on the sleep of older male teens, a new study suggests.

The study appears in the April 15 issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.
Results show that after playing … Read more : Video game before bedtime ‘has only mild effect on adolescent sleep’.

Coconut oil and nano-bombs may help treat acne

WASHINGTON – A natural product found in both coconut oil and human breast milk – lauric acid – may offer treatment for acne, say a scientist.

The bioengineering graduate student from the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering developed a “smart … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Coconut oil and nano-bombs may help treat acne.

Brief meditative exercise helps cognition

WASHINGTON – A brief bit of meditation can make us cognitively sharper, suggests a new study.

While past research using neuroimaging technology has shown that meditation techniques can promote significant changes in brain areas associated with concentration, it has always been assumed that extensive training was required … Read : Brief meditative exercise helps cognition.

Statins ’slow multiple sclerosis progression’

WASHINGTON – Cholesterol-lowering drugs statins can slow the progression of multiple sclerosis, a study has found.

The UCSF-led study examining the impact of statins on the progression of multiple sclerosis found a lower incidence of new brain lesions in patients taking the cholesterol-lowering drug in the early … Read more »».

Childhood obesity program should start early, say experts

LONDON – US First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign must include interventions that target pregnant women, infants, and pre-school-age children, and they should start as early as possible, say UCSF experts.

Janet Wojcicki, PhD, MPH, UCSF assistant professor of pediatrics, and Melvin Heyman, MD, MPH, professor of pediatrics and chief of pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and …. Original article  : Childhood obesity program should start early, say experts.

Dark chocolate good for liver disease patients

WASHINGTON – Doctors could soon be prescribing a dose of dark chocolate to help patients with liver disease, according to a new Spanish research.

The study suggests that dark chocolate can benefit patients suffering from liver cirrhosis and from dangerously high blood pressure in their abdomen.
It contains potent anti-oxidants, which reduce the post-prandial (after-meal) blood pressure …. Original source  : Dark chocolate good for liver disease patients.

Routine lifting doesn’t really harm your back

WASHINGTON – Frequent lifting does more good than harm for one’s back, according to a researcher in the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine.

Tapio Videman said disc degeneration is the main suspected origin of severe back symptoms and the main target in spine surgery.
But he challenged the common perception that disc degeneration … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Routine lifting doesn’t really harm your back.

Low vitamin D levels linked to lower lung function in asthmatic kids

WASHINGTON – Low levels of vitamin D are linked to lower lung function and greater medication use in children with asthma, according to a study.

Researchers, led by Dr. Daniel Searing at National Jewish Health, also reported that vitamin D enhances the activity … Original article on : Low vitamin D levels linked to lower lung function in asthmatic kids.

Diet high in B-vitamins ‘lowers heart risk’

WASHINGTON – Foods containing the B-vitamins folate and B-6 can cut the risk of death from stroke and heart disease for women and may reduce the risk of heart failure in men, a Japanese study has found.

The study has been reported in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association.
“Japanese people need more dietary intake of … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Diet high in B-vitamins ‘lowers heart risk’.

Uncontrollable chuckles ‘can signal underlying illnesses’

NEW YORK – Laughing or crying at inappropriate moments, or out of context to one’s circumstances, can signal underlying illnesses like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

An MSNBC.com report cites an example of a naval aviator student who would break out into hysterical laughter during odd moments. He would also laugh in his sleep …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Uncontrollable chuckles ‘can signal underlying illnesses’.

Cut down on calories to live up to 100 years

WASHINGTON – Cutting down on calories can not only make you live up to 100 years but also keep you healthy throughout life, research shows.

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (WUSM-SL), University College London (UCL), and Andrus Gerontology Centre, University of Southern California (USC) report that calorie restriction influences the same … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Cut down on calories to live up to 100 years.

India doubles mental health allocation

NEW DELHI – India has doubled its financial allocation for increasing awareness about mental health and improving existing infrastructure at the district hospital level, Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said Friday.

Azad informed the Lok Sabha during question hour that the central government was increasing mental health allocation for each district from Rs.1.2 crore per annum … Read more »».

Doctors lengthen 9-yr-old girl’s leg magnetically

WASHINGTON – Morgan LaRue, a-nine-year-old girl, is the first cancer patient in Texas to benefit from a novel procedure that will magnetically lengthen her leg, sparing her the possibility of up to 10 future surgeries as her body grows.

The implant and extension took place at Texas Children’s Cancer Centre (T3C) in Houston, Texas. … Read : Doctors lengthen 9-yr-old girl’s leg magnetically.

Lung virus kills 200,000 kids worldwide annually

LONDON – A common virus that causes wheezing and pneumonia claims the lives of up to 200,000 children worldwide each year, says a new study.

The research, conducted by the University of Edinburgh, also showed that about 3.4 million children require hospital treatment for severe lung infection caused by the bug – respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). … Original article on : Lung virus kills 200,000 kids worldwide annually.

Obama calls for greater hospital access to patients by non-family members

Obama: Allow more access to hospital patients

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama is issuing a directive he says will make it easier for hospital patients, particularly gays and lesbians, to receive visitors and choose who will make medical decisions on their behalf.
Obama is asking the Health and Human Services secretary to begin the process of putting …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Patients gain limb movement years after stroke

LONDON – A major clinical study has found that years after suffering a stroke, patients show modest yet meaningful gains in limb movement and an improved outlook on life.

Published online this week in … Original source on Gaea Times at : Patients gain limb movement years after stroke.

‘With healthcare for all, Assam set to be a model state’

GUWAHATI – Assam is set to become a model state in healthcare in India with one of the best performances under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and passing a bill guaranteeing the right to healthcare for all, says Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

“Just like the Right to Education (RTE) Act makes education a right, …. Source  : ‘With healthcare for all, Assam set to be a model state’.

Take big bites to lose weight

SYDNEY – The age-old advice to chew your food properly may not always be best for your health. Research shows that taking bigger bites and chewing less was better for people watching their weight.

Lincoln’s Plant & Food Research scientists have been on a six-year mission to discover what foods make us feel satisfied and how … Original article on : Take big bites to lose weight.

Commissioner to AP: NY hospitals financially among ‘weakest’ in US, bids in for St. Vincent’s

Commissioner to AP: NY hospitals ‘weakest’ in US

NEW YORK – The state’s money for health care is spread so thin among its “too many hospitals” that its medical facilities are financially among the weakest in the nation, the health commissioner said.
Dr. Richard Daines spoke to The Associated Press on Friday as health officials were fielding [..] Read the original article: here.

Woman turns into sex addict after a fall

LONDON – A woman has turned into a sex addict after falling off a fitness board and now the slightest of vibrations, including those from mobile phones and food processors, turn her on.

Amanda Flowers needs 10 sex sessions a day after the slip from her Wii Fit board and slight vibrations arouse her, Daily Star … Read more : Woman turns into sex addict after a fall.

Dancing improves seniors’ gait, balance

WASHINGTON – Participation in dance-based therapy can improve balance and gait in older adults, researchers have found.

And improved functionality among seniors can decrease their risk of falling and reduce costly injuries.
“Creative interventions such as dance-based therapy have the potential to significantly reduce falls in …. Source article  : Dancing improves seniors’ gait, balance.

Orissa threatens ESMA to scuttle doctors’ strike

BHUBANESWAR – The Orissa government Saturday threatened to impose the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) and cancel the registration of government doctors if they went ahead with their proposed state-wide strike from Sunday.

“We will impose ESMA if the doctors go on with their proposed strike,” Suresh Mohapatra, the health secretary said.
“We are also consulting …. Original source  : Orissa threatens ESMA to scuttle doctors’ strike.

Domingo makes heroic return to stage after cancer surgery as ‘Simon Boccanegro’ at La Scala

Domingo applauded for 14 minutes at La Scala
MILAN – A beaming Placido Domingo blew a kiss at the adoring crowd after his heroic portrayal of Verdi’s “Simon Boccanegra” Friday night, the Spanish tenor’s first performance since cancer surgery 45 days ago.
His 131st role was something to sing about.
“It was a great evening,” Domingo … Read more »».

Voice test can detect Parkinson’s early

LONDON – A study has shown that a voice test could diagnose patients with Parkinson’s disease in the early stages.

Parkinson’s is normally only diagnosed once symptoms show – meaning it is already at an advanced stage and patients have lost a significant number of brain cells.
A computer programme developed by scientists at Haifa … Read more »».

Excessive cleanliness increases your risk of illness

LONDON – Excessive cleanliness which creates a sterile environment has led to soaring rise in allergies, a study has found.

According to Guy Delespesse, director of the Laboratory for Allergy Research at the University of Montreal, the hike in allergies is due to our obsession with cleanliness.
In 1980, 10 percent of the Western population … Read more : Excessive cleanliness increases your risk of illness.

Multivitamins may raise breast cancer risk

MELBOURNE – Women who take a daily multivitamin pill may face a higher risk of breast cancer, a new study has claimed.

In the 10-year study, which followed more than 35,000 women, boffins found that those who regularly took a multi-vitamin pill increased the … Original article on : Multivitamins may raise breast cancer risk.

Orissa doctors go on strike, medical services hit

BHUBANESWAR – Health services were hit in several districts of Orissa Sunday after government doctors began an indefinite strike demanding implementation of a scheme that ensures time-bound promotions.

The Orissa Medical Services Association (OMSA) went ahead with the strike even as the state government Saturday threatened to impose the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) and cancel … Read more >>>.

Lobsters may hold paralysis cure

LONDON – A new treatment based on the shells of sea creatures like lobsters may offer fresh hope to paralyzed and brain-damaged patients.

US researchers have found that a simple sugar found in crustacean shells appears to be able to cure damaged spinal chords, reports The Daily Express.
Professor Richard Borgens, director of the Centre for Paralysis … Read : Lobsters may hold paralysis cure.

Volcanic ash may cause hazards for asthma patients: WHO

UNITED NATIONS – People suffering from asthma and other respiratory disorders must wear masks and stay indoors to avoid hazards caused by the volcanic ash erupting from Iceland, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned.

Daniel Epstein, spokesman of this UN agency explained that effects will begin to be felt when the ash descends and falls …. Original article  : Volcanic ash may cause hazards for asthma patients: WHO.

Spokesman says Luci Baines Johnson hospitalized, doctors suspect with rare autoimmune disorder

President LBJ’s youngest daughter hospitalized

AUSTIN, Texas – A family spokesman says Luci Baines Johnson, the youngest daughter of former President Lyndon Johnson, is being treated at the Mayo Clinic for what doctors suspect is a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the nervous system.
Spokesman Tom Johnson says an emergency medical charter flew Johnson to the clinic …. Read the original article  : Spokesman says Luci Baines Johnson hospitalized, doctors suspect with rare autoimmune disorder.

Breast milk, coconut oil-based face cream may help treat acne

WASHINGTON – A face cream made from breast milk and coconut oil could cure acne, a new study claims.

A natural product found in both coconut oil and human breast milk – lauric acid – may offer treatment for acne, says a scientist.
The bioengineering graduate student from the UC San Diego Jacobs School of … Original source on Gaea Times at : Breast milk, coconut oil-based face cream may help treat acne.

Remembering good times helps alcoholics stay sober

LONDON – Recovering alcoholics who focus on positive experiences in their past may stay sober, a new study says.

The finding, by Sarah Davies and Gail Kinman, professors at the University of Bedfordshire, had at least 101 members of Alcoholics Anonymous (53 percent male) completing questionnaires that assessed the extent to which they were oriented … Read more : Remembering good times helps alcoholics stay sober.

Targeted treatment for prostate cancer to be tested

WASHINGTON – Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are set to test targeted treatment for prostate cancer.

The partnership with Areva Med will see UC scientists using the lab of Zhongyun Dong, PhD, to test the efficacy of a new agent targeted …. Original article  : Targeted treatment for prostate cancer to be tested.

Sex addiction affects work life too

LONDON – Sex addiction affects the work life of an individual as those affected may sit up through the early hours on chat rooms and sex sites, or find other ways to fulfill their needs, an expert says.

Twenty-seven percent of sex addicts readily admitted that they have lost career opportunities, Michelle Zelli, London-based Life …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Sex addiction affects work life too.

Watching 3D TV can cause nausea

LONDON – Watching 3D films can cause nausea, according to a new health warning.
According to the warning, a 3D TV can cause people to suffer from vomiting and cramps.

Pregnant women, elders and children are the ones to suffer the most from the use of 3D TVs.
The notice, issued …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Watching 3D TV can cause nausea.