Over 10 sick as chlorine gas leaks

BHUBANESWAR – More than 10 people fell sick Monday after inhaling chlorine gas that leaked from a tank in Orissa’s Berhampur town, an official said.

The people were admitted to a hospital after they complained of chest pain and breathing difficulties, Superintendent of Police Safeen Ahmed told IANS. Berhampur town lies about 180 km from here.
… Read this article on Gaea Times at : Over 10 sick as chlorine gas leaks.

Advice for when to seek emergency care, and questions to ask to avoid extra tests, treatments

Tips for when to go to ER, avoid overtreatment

CHICAGO – Wondering whether an illness or injury warrants a trip to the emergency room is a common quandary. With severe, life-threatening conditions, call 911. Here are some other symptoms experts say require an ER visit:
-Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
-Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Advice for when to seek emergency care, and questions to ask to avoid extra tests, treatments.

All-doctor band raises funds for patients in Pune

PUNE – An all-doctors band called ‘Lets Act’ in Maharashtra’s Pune city are raising funds for economically-disadvantaged patients by giving musical performances.

For the last eight years, these doctors have been belting out old Hindi and Marathi hits and generating over Rs 50 lakh for treating economically disadvantaged patients suffering from burns, cleft lips, cancer …. Source article  : All-doctor band raises funds for patients in Pune.

Britain’s latest hospital recruits – robots!

LONDON – Joblessness in Britain gets a non-human dimension when the country’s latest hospital recruits – robots – start their work routines soon.

A fleet of robots is being trained at the new Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert, Stirlingshire, ahead of its opening in August. They will transport clinical waste and dirty linen, deliver food [..] Read the original article: here.

Health watchdog says 40,000 Britons die each year due to junk food

LONDON – Public health watchdog National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) has warned that more than 40,000 Britons are dying each year because of the high levels of salt and fat in their diets.

It called for changes to be made to food production and government policy to encourage lifestyle changes, and to significantly …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Pigeon bacteria may cause diarrhoea in humans

WASHINGTON – A study of pigeons captured on the streets of Madrid has revealed that they carry bacterial pathogens, which can cause diarrhoea in humans.

Chlamydophila psittaci and Campylobacter jejuni – the two pathogens found in pigeons, cause more diarrhoea than Salmonella.

“The present study demonstrates the extremely high prevalence of two zoonotic pathogens in feral pigeons … Read more >>.

Early menopause ‘doubles risk of heart attack, stroke’

WASHINGTON – Women who experience an early menopause run twice the risk of a heart attack or stroke in later life, researchers have warned.

Early menopause was defined as going through menopause before age 46, either naturally or surgically through removal of both ovaries.

“It is important for women to know that early menopause is …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Early menopause ‘doubles risk of heart attack, stroke’.

Scripps Health to open proton therapy center; second in the West

Scripps Health to open proton therapy center
SAN DIEGO – Scripps Health is opening a $185 million cancer treatment center in San Diego that will use proton beams to target tumors.
It’ll be the second hospital-based proton therapy center in the West. Loma Linda University Medical Center opened the nation’s first in 1990, in San [..] Read the original article: here.

Britain may see 24-hour medicine vending machines

LONDON – Britain is mulling the introduction of day and night medicine vending machines initially in hospitals and on the high streets thereafter, worrying pharmacists who feel they could be out of business.

The department of health wants to try out the dispenser, developed by a Canadian firm, PharmaTrust. Costing 50,000 pounds each, it is …. Original source  : Britain may see 24-hour medicine vending machines.

Being aroused ‘can lead to unhealthy choices’

WASHINGTON – Being aroused in any way may make you feel positive and happy, but that can come at the cost of your health, says a new study.

“While happy people make better and healthier choices, this is dependent on the intensity of the positive feelings experienced. In other words, the level of arousal accompanying …. Source article  : Being aroused ‘can lead to unhealthy choices’.

Acidic sugar-free treats harmful for kids’ dental health

SYDNEY – A consumer group has warned that while sugar-free treats may seem healthy, their acidic nature can damage children’s teeth severely.

“People look at products that have ’sugar-free’ on the label and think they are good for your teeth. What they don’t realise is these products in some cases are just as bad,” the Sydney … Original source on Gaea Times at : Acidic sugar-free treats harmful for kids’ dental health.

Coffee ‘cuts risk of oral cancer’

MELBOURNE – Drinking four cups of coffee on a daily basis protects against mouth cancer, a new study has shown.

The reason is down to more 1000 chemicals in coffee, including anti-oxidants, reports the Courier Mail.

For the study, scientists in the US used data gleaned from nine studies comparing the coffee habits of about 5000 cancer … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Coffee ‘cuts risk of oral cancer’.

Minnesota nurses authorize open-ended strike on 14 Minneapolis-area hospitals

Minn. nurses approve second strike at 14 hospitals

MINNEAPOLIS – Thousands of Minnesota nurses have voted to authorize another strike on 14 hospitals in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.
The Minnesota Nurses Association says 84 percent of nurses voted yes to authorize an open-ended strike. The nurses must give the hospitals a minimum of 10 days’ notice but …. Source article  : Minnesota nurses authorize open-ended strike on 14 Minneapolis-area hospitals.

Spare tires pop up beside bikinis in Brazil as bad diets and no exercise feed obesity

New study shows Brazil losing battle of the bulge
RIO DE JANEIRO – Brazilians are battling the bulge.
A government study says the South American country known for its bikinis is expanding at the waistline.
The Health Ministry notes that in 2009, 46.6 percent of Brazil’s 190 million people were overweight. That’s up from 42.7 percent …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Spare tires pop up beside bikinis in Brazil as bad diets and no exercise feed obesity.

Addicts who avoid coping with stress succumb to cravings

WASHINGTON – People recovering from drug addiction who avoid coping with stress, succumb easily to more cravings, says a new study.

“Cravings are a strong predictor of relapse,” said H. Harrington Cleveland, associate professor of human development, Penn State University (PSU).
“The goal of this study is to predict the variation in substance craving in … Original source on Gaea Times at : Addicts who avoid coping with stress succumb to cravings.

Informal childcare cuts baby’s chances of being breastfed

WASHINGTON – Babies who are looked after by relatives, friends, and neighbours while their mothers are at work, are less likely to be breastfed, reveals a new study.

The study, which included 18,050 infants, applies to both full time and part time care, and all strata of society. The aim was to find out if childcare … Original article on : Informal childcare cuts baby’s chances of being breastfed.

Researchers recommend early and aggressive arthritis treatment

WASHINGTON – Researchers suggest that disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) should be used early and aggressively at the first sign of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

“Early therapy with combinations of conventional DMARDs has been shown to retard the radiologic progression of RA for a period of up to 5 years, but until now the effects of initial aggressive … Original article on : Researchers recommend early and aggressive arthritis treatment.

Abuse may raise risk of heart attack, stroke in migraine sufferers

WASHINGTON – Scientists have revealed that patients who suffer from acute migraine and have had childhood abuse experiences are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular (CV) disease.

Scientists found a linear relationship between the risk of stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), MI, or all of these adverse outcomes and the total number of abuse types they …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Abuse may raise risk of heart attack, stroke in migraine sufferers.

High rates of STDs among older swingers

WASHINGTON – Swingers could be threatening the population with sexually-transmitted diseases, claim researchers.

And the oldest swingers in town appear to be the worst unsafe sex offenders, according to the study.

Swingers are straight couples that regularly swap sexual partners at organised gatherings and clubs and indulge in group-sex.

The researchers base their findings on the numbers …. Source article  : High rates of STDs among older swingers.

Pine bark extract naturally reduces hay fever symptoms

WASHINGTON – Pycnogenol, an antioxidant plant extract derived from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, substantially reduces the symptoms of hay fever, a new study has shown.

Hay fever is an allergic inflammation of the nasal airways that causes itching, swelling, mucus production, hives and rashes.
Allergic rhinitis is often mistakenly believed to be a … Read more : Pine bark extract naturally reduces hay fever symptoms.

Hamilton undergoing surgery to have benign brain tumor removed

Hamilton having surgery to remove benign tumor
BOSTON – Olympic gold medal figure skater Scott Hamilton had successful surgery Wednesday to remove a benign brain tumor.
Hamilton’s publicist, Michael Sterling, said the 51-year-old skater was “doing very well” after surgery this morning at a Boston hospital and was expected to make a full recovery.
Doctors …. Source  : Hamilton undergoing surgery to have benign brain tumor removed.

Is your doc a rookie? Rule changes would spell it out, and give medical residents fewer hours

Rookie docs may get more oversight, shorter shifts

CHICAGO – Rookie doctors will get shorter shifts and closer supervision if proposed work changes for medical residents are enacted.
The goal is promoting patient safety and reducing medical errors.
The draft regulations from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education affect sometimes sleep-deprived new doctors although critics say the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Is your doc a rookie? Rule changes would spell it out, and give medical residents fewer hours.

Study: Stem cell transplants hold promise for blindness caused by chemical burns

Stem cells reverse blindness caused by burns
LOS ANGELES – Italian doctors have restored sight to dozens of people blinded or injured by chemical burns using the patients’ own stem cells.
The treatment was successful in 82 out of 107 cases.
Researchers took stem cells from the patient’s healthy eye, grew them in the lab and …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Study: Stem cell transplants hold promise for blindness caused by chemical burns.

CT scans pose risks, need more regulation to prevent overuse and radiation harm, experts urge

Experts: CT scans pose risks, need more regulation
Top imaging experts are urging new rules for CT scans, powerful medical tests that use far more radiation than ordinary X-rays.
Each year, 10 percent of the U.S. population gets a CT scan, and over time, too much radiation can raise the risk of cancer. The imaging … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : CT scans pose risks, need more regulation to prevent overuse and radiation harm, experts urge.

Aerobic exercise beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis patients

WASHINGTON – Cardio-respiratory aerobic exercise is safe for patients with stable rheumatoid arthritis (RA), suggest researchers in France.

The team from the University of Grenoble Medical School in France found that RA patients who exercised regularly had improved function, less joint pain, and greater quality of life.

RA, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by swollen joints, …. Source  : Aerobic exercise beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Beware frequent fliers: Aircraft cabin air can be toxic

BANGALORE – Headache, breathing trouble and other unexplained illnesses in frequent fliers just might be the result of breathing toxic fumes circulating in commercial airline cabins, according to a report.

“Aerotoxic Syndrome”, the unofficial name now being used to identify symptoms, is caused by breathing air contaminated with oil fumes leaking into aircraft cabins, it says. …. Source  : Beware frequent fliers: Aircraft cabin air can be toxic.

Red wine ingredient prevents blinding

WASHINGTON – Resveratrol, an ingredient found in red wine, grapes, blueberries, peanuts and some plants, stops uncontrolled blood vessel growth in the eye, says a study led by an Indian-American.

“Resveratrol has been identified as an anti-aging compound. Given our interest in age-related eye diseases, we wanted to find out whether there was any link,” [..] Read the original article: here.

Adrenalin may help combat heart attack

WASHINGTON – Everyone experiences strong heartbeats that accompany emotions like fear and rage. But can the body’s natural response to these emotions be used to combat heart failure? It may be so.

Scientists from the University of Rochester Medical Centre (URMC) found that two experimental drugs have the potential to restore pumping strength to failing hearts …. Source  : Adrenalin may help combat heart attack.

Minn. nurses plan to file formal notice of open-ended strike in ongoing dispute over staffing

Minn. nurses say they’ll file strike notice

MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota nurses in an ongoing dispute over staffing and pension issues with 14 hospitals in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area plan to file a formal strike notice.
The Minnesota Nurses Association said late Thursday that it will file the 10-day strike notice on Friday. The union must do that … Original source on Gaea Times at : Minn. nurses plan to file formal notice of open-ended strike in ongoing dispute over staffing.

Summary Box: Pfizer, world’s top drugmaker, reports another compound failed in late testing

Summary Box: Pfizer reports failed drug tests
ROCKY RESEARCH: Pfizer Inc. says another highly touted drug, tanezumab for osteoarthritis pain, failed in late-stage testing.
DISAPPOINTING TREND: In the last 18 months, about 10 studies of experimental drugs Pfizer was testing for Alzheimer’s disease, or various types of cancer and pain, failed because of poor efficacy … Read more : Summary Box: Pfizer, world’s top drugmaker, reports another compound failed in late testing.

Cabinet hikes toilets’ cost in sanitation campaign

NEW DELHI – The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) Thursday approved an increase in the unit cost of a school toilet constructed under the Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) from Rs.20,000 to Rs.35,000.

The unit cost in case of difficult and hilly areas will be Rs.38,500. The revised unit costs are effective April 1. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Cabinet hikes toilets’ cost in sanitation campaign.

Punjab drug abuse figures in UN panel debate

NEW DELHI – Experts Wednesday warned of an impending AIDS catastrophe in a Punjab neighbourhood due to sharing of syringes by drug addicts, whom they described as as “time bombs” waiting to explode.

“Due to the use of a single syringe by drug abusers, the risk of an AIDS epidemic explosion has become quite …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Punjab drug abuse figures in UN panel debate.

CDC: Only 1 in 18 Americans are meeting toughest limits on salt consumption

Small fraction of Americans meet salt guidelines

ATLANTA – A new government report shows that only a small fraction of U.S. adults are meeting strict limits on salt consumption.
Most adults should be eating less than a teaspoon of salt each day to prevent high blood pressure, stroke and other problems. The report say only one in … Read more >>.

States told to curb chemical ripening of fruits

NEW DELHI – Expressing concern over the spurt in cases of artificial ripening of fruits using chemicals, the health ministry Thursday asked the states to take action against those indulging in the hazardous practice.

Official sources in the ministry said that a circular has been sent to state food and health authorities and the Food …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : States told to curb chemical ripening of fruits.

Alcohol, drugs can stifle artistic creativity

LONDON – The idea that alcohol and drugs can stimulate writers, musicians and others to create great works of art is a “dangerous myth” because they can actually stifle creativity, says a psychiatrist.

Iain Smith, consultant in addiction psychiatry at Gartnavel Royal Hospital in Glasgow, said that while many artists and writers were known for … Original article on : Alcohol, drugs can stifle artistic creativity.

Kellogg Recalls Food Products

BATTLE CREEK (GaeaTimes.com)- On Friday Kellogg Co. announced that it is voluntarily recalling about 28 million boxes of cereal that has received complaints of an unusual smell. The company is recalling its Apple Jacks, Corn Pops, Froot Loops and Honey Smacks about which it said has received complaints about. According to the company, the … Original article on : Kellogg Recalls Food Products.

Gastric bypass surgery ‘can help lower cholesterol’

WASHINGTON – A new study has suggested that gastric bypass surgery can help lower cholesterol and improve the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL (good) cholesterol.

The study showed that within just six months of gastric bypass, nearly all patients with high cholesterol had normal blood cholesterol levels and 91 percent of patients who were on … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Gastric bypass surgery ‘can help lower cholesterol’.

South Africa warns of flu during world cup

JOHANNESBURG – South Africa, host to thousands of foreign visitors for the soccer world cup, warned Friday of spread of flu during next couple of weeks.

The country’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases said the number of influenza cases are expected to increase in the next two to three weeks during winter, Xinhua reported.
The … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : South Africa warns of flu during world cup.

Drugmaker Merck says it will fight $8 million compensatory damages verdict in Fosamax trial

Merck hit with $8 million verdict in Fosamax trial
TRENTON, N.J. – Drugmaker Merck & Co. said it will challenge its first loss in a trial blaming its osteoporosis drug for destroying a patient’s jawbone after a federal jury on Friday awarded $8 million to the Florida woman.
The U.S. District Court jury in New …. Original article  : Drugmaker Merck says it will fight $8 million compensatory damages verdict in Fosamax trial.

Minnesota nurses propose July 6 strike if no agreement with hospitals before then

Minnesota nurses agree July 6 strike date
MINNEAPOLIS – Thousands of Minnesota nurses say they will go on strike July 6 if they can’t reach an agreement with 14 Minneapolis-St. Paul hospitals before then.

The Minnesota Nurses Association says it filed a required 10-day notice Friday after negotiations a day earlier produced no settlement.
The biggest issue is [..] Read the original article: here.

UK medical group says fetus cannot feel pain before 24 weeks; no need to change abortion law

UK report: fetus can’t feel pain before 24 weeks

LONDON – Human fetuses cannot feel pain before the age of 24 weeks, a British medical association said Friday – delivering a setback for anti-abortion activists campaigning to lower the country’s 24-week time limit.
Lawmakers who were considering lowering the limit to 20-22 weeks had commissioned the study …. Original article  : UK medical group says fetus cannot feel pain before 24 weeks; no need to change abortion law.

India has shortage of six lakh doctors: Trivedi

KOLKATA – India has a shortage of 600,000 doctors and 10 lakh nurses, Union Minister of State for Health Dinesh Trivedi said here Friday.

To combat the human resources shortage in the healthcare sector, Trivedi laid stress on more private-public partnerships.
“Currently there is a shortage of 6 lakh doctors and 10 lakh nurses,” the minister … Read : India has shortage of six lakh doctors: Trivedi.

Portland ‘death huse’ doctor’s license suspended for prescription investigation

Portland ‘death house’ doctor’s license suspended

PORTLAND, Ore. – A Portland psychiatrist who plans to open a home for terminally ill patients seeking to kill themselves has had his license suspended by medical regulators.
The Oregon Medical Board took the action Thursday against Dr. Stuart Weisberg for an investigation of improperly prescribing drugs. Weisberg said he had …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Lack of adequate sleep can result in weight gain

NEW DELHI – The next time you decide to stay awake to watch your favourite midnight soap or reach out for that cup of coffee post dinner you might want to think again. Staying awake for long hours can take a toll on health and may lead to weight gain.
A study conducted among 68,000 …. Original source  : Lack of adequate sleep can result in weight gain.

Anonymous man donates laptop to ailing Indian kid in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR – Only his beaming face conveyed the happiness of Malaysian Indian child R. Vicknesh, suffering from a brain disorder, on receiving a laptop as a gift from a man who preferred to remain anonymous.

Vicknesh’s father M. Ravi was delighted after an unknown reader of The Star newspaper sent across the laptop. …. Source article  : Anonymous man donates laptop to ailing Indian kid in Malaysia.

When are those hot flashes coming? Scientists propose test that could predict menopause

Scientists say test could predict menopause
LONDON – Doctors could one day use a blood test to predict decades in advance when women will go into menopause, scientists say.
In research to be presented on Monday at a European fertility conference in Rome, Iranian experts say their preliminary study could be a first step … Original source on Gaea Times at : When are those hot flashes coming? Scientists propose test that could predict menopause.

Kids should text rather than talk on mobile

MELBOURNE – Children should text rather than talk on their mobile phones, Australia’s radiation safety watchdog has said, noting that a child’s skull is thinner and could absorb more radiation.

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPNSA) made the observation, after a study into the health effects of using mobile phones.
“Children should be … Original source on Gaea Times at : Kids should text rather than talk on mobile.

Exercise ’causes asthma in athletes’

LONDON – Experts have discovered that over half of athletes suffer from asthma caused by exercise.

According to the figures, the rates are nearly seven times higher than in the UK general population where the asthma rates are around 8 per cent.

The figures were based on a review of …. Source article  : Exercise ’causes asthma in athletes’.

Chinese women resort to illegal fertility methods

BEIJING – A vast majority of married but infertile women in China are now resorting to illegal means to conceive a child, a new report has said.

“Infertile” and “desperate”, married women are asking illegal operators to find them ovum from willing donors that could help them conceive a child. The donors stand to earn about …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Gunmen open fire in Mexican drug rehab center, killing 9

Mexico: 9 killed in drug rehab center
MEXICO CITY – An official says nine people were killed when gunmen opened fire in a drug rehabilitation center in the Mexican state of Durango.

State Deputy Attorney General Ramiro Ortiz says among the dead is the center’s owner, who appeared to be the main target. Nine others were injured …. Source article  : Gunmen open fire in Mexican drug rehab center, killing 9.

India-US health dialogue held

NEW DELHI – Indian Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad held talks with his US counterpart Kathleen Sebelius in Washington to enhance cooperation in the field of health between the two countries, an official release said Saturday.

In their second round of talks Friday, Azad raised various issues including the need to explore the possibility of a …. Source  : India-US health dialogue held.

Mahindra’s malaria fund-raising plane reaches Bangalore

BANGALORE – A single engined turboprop aircraft of Australia’s GippsAero, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mahindra Aerospace, landed in this tech hub Saturday on its global tour to raise $1 million for eradicating malaria.

The eight-seater GA8-TC Airvan, which took off from Bendigo in Victoria (Australia) May 8 on a world tour sponsored by the $6.3-billion Mahindra …. Original article  : Mahindra’s malaria fund-raising plane reaches Bangalore.

Westbank hospital ties up with two heart centres

KOLKATA – Private healthcare provider Westbank Hospital Saturday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with two leading heart treatment centres for providing cardio thoracic services at its soon-to-be launched multi speciality hospital near here.

The tie-up with Narayana Hrudayala and Rabindranath Tagore International Institute of Cardiac Sciences (RTIICS) would help the hospital to give quality cardiac …. Original source  : Westbank hospital ties up with two heart centres.

World Cup trip for Zimbabwe’s HIV Positive Ladies Football Club

Soccer is a life saver for HIV Positive Ladies
DOMBORAMWARI, Zimbabwe – For members of the Positive Ladies Football Club, playing soccer is much more than just a way to have fun.
All its members are women infected with the HIV/AIDS virus. In this impoverished district outside the Zimbabwe capital, having an outlet and a …. Source  : World Cup trip for Zimbabwe’s HIV Positive Ladies Football Club.