Medical advice via internet injurious to health

LONDON – Patients using internet search engines to find a remedy for their injuries or illnesses may end up getting wrong or incomplete diagnoses.

A report in the latest issue of the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery suggests that injuries are aggravated when patients attempt their own treatments.
Information about the most common sports injuries …. Read the original article  : here.

Freed Lockerbie bomber may live another 20 years, admits ‘embarrassed’ specialist

LONDON – The cancer expert, Professor Karol Sikora, who predicted that the Lockerbie bomber would die within three months of his release from prison has admitted he could live for another twenty years or more.

According to The Sun, Sikora, who had earlier diagnosed Abdelbaset Al Megrahi with terminal cancer, faced calls to apologise to … Original source on Gaea Times at : Freed Lockerbie bomber may live another 20 years, admits ‘embarrassed’ specialist.

Startled horses pulling wagon bolt during Iowa July Fourth parade, killing 1 and injuring 23

Horses bolt during Iowa parade; 1 killed, 23 hurt

BELLEVUE, Iowa – Sandie Crilly was helping her 8-year-old son, 12-year-old niece and 2-year-old granddaughter pick up Tootsie Rolls from the ground during Bellevue’s annual Fourth of July parade when someone yelled to get out of the way.
Looking up, she saw two panicked horses dragging a carriage … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Startled horses pulling wagon bolt during Iowa July Fourth parade, killing 1 and injuring 23.

Pregnant women should be given vitamin D supplements

LONDON – All pregnant women should be given vitamin D supplements to safegaurd their babies’ life, as lack of it could be life-threatening for a newborn.

Researchers say women who do not have enough vitamin D can experience complications in pregnancy which could be life-threatening for a newborn. It could also lead to the development of … Read more >>>.

Police: 2 horses become uncontrollable during Iowa July Fourth parade, injuring 24 people

Horses take off, injure 24 people at Iowa parade

BELLEVUE, Iowa – Two horses running out of control trampled children collecting candy and other onlookers along a Fourth of July parade route in a small Mississippi River town in eastern Iowa on Sunday.
Twenty-four people were injured, including at least two children who were in critical condition, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Police: 2 horses become uncontrollable during Iowa July Fourth parade, injuring 24 people.

Newspaper: Horses spooked during Iowa July Fourth parade injure more than a dozen people

Spooked horses take off, injure Iowa parade-goers

BELLEVUE, Iowa – Two horses became spooked during a Fourth of July parade in eastern Iowa and ran out-of-control along the parade route, jumping curbs, hitting signs and cars and trampling onlookers, an Iowa newspaper reported Sunday.
The Dubuque Telegraph Herald reported at least 13 people were injured, including several … Original article on : Newspaper: Horses spooked during Iowa July Fourth parade injure more than a dozen people.

Wyoming officials say mother institutionalized after daughters’ mutilation ready for release

Mom charged in children’s mutilation may be freed

EVANSTON, Wyo. – Wyoming mental health officials are requesting the supervised release of a woman who was institutionalized for the beheading and mutilation of her two young daughters.
Fifty-eight-year-old Laura Lee Rice has spent the last 20 years in the Evanston mental hospital. She was found not guilty by … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Wyoming officials say mother institutionalized after daughters’ mutilation ready for release.

Brain chip may help paralysed patients move bionic limbs

LONDON – Scientists have developed a brain chip that will help paralysed patients operate their bionic limbs.

The technology employs tiny microchips to sense nerve messages, decode the signals, and turn thought into movement.
The scientists hope that within five years they will be able to offer patients with damaged spinal cords robotic devices that will … Read more >>.

Kenyan prime minister leaves hospital 6 days after procedure to drain fluids from his head

Kenyan prime minister leaves hospital
NAIROBI, Kenya – A spokesman says Kenya’s prime minister has been discharged from the hospital six days after doctors drilled a hole in his head to drain fluids that were putting pressure on his brain.

Prime ministerial spokesman Dennis Onyango says Raila Odinga was released from the hospital Sunday morning and is …. Source  : Kenyan prime minister leaves hospital 6 days after procedure to drain fluids from his head.

Strategy needed to tackle lifestyle diseases: President

MUMBAI – President Pratibha Patil Sunday called upon the medical community to evolve a comprehensive strategy to tackle the emerging threat of lifestyle diseases and provide health care to the rural areas.

Inaugurating the 1,500-bed SevenHills Hospital, billed as the largest private sector health care facility in Asia, Patil said lifestyle-related ailments like diabetes and heart … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Strategy needed to tackle lifestyle diseases: President.

Antioxidants help arteries stay healthy

LONDON – Dietary antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E, if taken as supplements over a long period of time, keep arteries healthy and supple in patients who drink and smoke, says a study.

Antioxidants protect cells from the attacks of free radicals – molecules responsible for aging and tissue damage.
Researchers reported …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Antioxidants help arteries stay healthy.

Antioxidants keep arteries healthy

WASHINGTON – Antioxidants can have beneficial effects on sugar and fat metabolism, blood pressure and arterial flexibility in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors.

“Antioxidant supplementation significantly increased large and small artery elasticity in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors. This beneficial vascular effect was associated with an improvement in glucose and lipid metabolism as … Read more »».

Anxiety disorder in heart patients ups risk of cardiovascular events, deaths

WASHINGTON – Heart patients suffering from anxiety disorders are at a higher risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure and death, according to a new study.

The study, conducted by Elisabeth J. Martens, Ph.D., of Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands, and colleagues, found that anxiety disorder was associated with a 74 percent increased risk of cardiovascular … Read more >>.

TV ads influence dietary habits of kids

WASHINGTON – TV ads seem to influence short-term eating habits of children aged 2 to 11 years, says a study.

In 2006, 10 major US food companies pledged to devote at least half of their child-oriented ads to encouraging good nutrition and healthy lifestyles under the Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative.
By 2009, six more … Read this article on Gaea Times at : TV ads influence dietary habits of kids.

Kids now watch more TV ads for fast food: Study

WASHINGTON – These days, kids view more TV ads for fast food than sweets and beverages, says a new study.

Studies have already indicated that television advertising influences the short-term eating habits of children age 2 to 11.

The new study conducted by Lisa M. Powell, and colleagues at the University of Illinois at Chicago found that … Read more : Kids now watch more TV ads for fast food: Study.

Cyber-bullies, victims face health problems

LONDON – Adolescent victims and perpetrators of cyber bullying tend to suffer from psychiatric and physical problems, says a new study.

Cyber-bullying is an aggressive, intentional, repeated act using cellphones and computers against victims who cannot easily defend themselves.
Andre Sourander, Turku University, Finland and colleagues questioned 2,438 Finnish adolescents in seventh and ninth grade (aged … Original source on Gaea Times at : Cyber-bullies, victims face health problems.

Horses dragged driver as he tried to stop Iowa parade rampage that killed his wife, hurt 24

Horses dragged driver as he tried to stop rampage

BELLEVUE, Iowa – The buggy driver whose horses trampled spectators at this town’s Fourth of July parade had tried desperately to stop the rampage, clinging to the reins as the animals dragged him down the street, his family said Monday.
Mardell Steines was in the buggy with his [..] Read the original article: here.

Starting school day half-hour later shows big gains for tired teens in Rhode Island study

Study shows teens benefit from later school day

CHICAGO – Giving teens 30 extra minutes to start their school day leads to more alertness in class, better moods, less tardiness, and even healthier breakfasts, a small study found.
“The results were stunning. There’s no other word to use,” said Patricia Moss, academic dean at the Rhode Island … Original article on : Starting school day half-hour later shows big gains for tired teens in Rhode Island study.

US government task force urges more postmenopausal women to be screened for osteoporosis

Task force urges bone-density tests for more women
NEW YORK – Routine screening for osteoporosis should include all younger postmenopausal women who have at least the same chance of a bone break as an older woman, a government task force said Monday.
Also, for the first time, the group weighed whether men should be checked …. Source article  : US government task force urges more postmenopausal women to be screened for osteoporosis.

Puerto Rico warns dengue outbreak may reach record as virus claims year’s 3rd local fatality

Dengue outbreak claims 3rd fatality in PR
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Puerto Rico’s top health official warned Monday that the U.S. island could face its worst-ever dengue fever outbreak if people don’t act quickly to destroy breeding areas for disease-spreading mosquitoes.
Health Secretary Lorenzo Gonzalez Feliciano issued the warning after a 37-year-old woman from …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Puerto Rico warns dengue outbreak may reach record as virus claims year’s 3rd local fatality.

Rudeness at work can lead to mistakes

LONDON – Beware of rude behaviour from your colleagues as it could lead to mistakes at work, a study says.

Study author Rhona Flin believes that the link between rudeness and mistakes is of particular concern in hospitals, where it can pose a threat to a patient’s safety and quality of care.
Research suggests that in … Original source on Gaea Times at : Rudeness at work can lead to mistakes.

Drug curse in northeast: 256,968 and still counting

GUWAHATI/IMPHAL – Social activists and NGOs say the government needs to curb drug abuse in the northeast, with a report showing that the number of intravenous drug users (IDUs) in the region has doubled in two years.

The number of IDUs in the northeast in 2008 was 120,263, but by April 2010 it stood at 256,968, … Read more >>>.

Minnesota nurses rafity new contract with 14 Minneapolis-St. Paul hospitals, averting strike

Minn. nurses approve deal, averting strike

MINNEAPOLIS – The Minnesota Nurses Association says nurses have overwhelmingly approved a contract and averted a strike with 14 hospitals in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.
The agreement approved Tuesday covers 12,000 nurses. The nurses originally had planned to go on strike starting Tuesday.
Union leaders had endorsed the deal that was tentatively … Original source on Gaea Times at : Minnesota nurses rafity new contract with 14 Minneapolis-St. Paul hospitals, averting strike.

FDA clears first-of-a-kind telescope implanted into the eye to counter a blindness of aging

FDA clears first implantable telescope for vision
WASHINGTON – U.S. health officials have approved a first-of-its-kind technology to counter a leading cause of blindness in older adults – a tiny telescope implanted inside the eye.
The Implantable Miniature Telescope aims to help in the end stages of incurable age-related macular degeneration, a creeping loss of …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : FDA clears first-of-a-kind telescope implanted into the eye to counter a blindness of aging.

New drug may help cure breast and ovarian cancer

LONDON – A new drug may offer a ray of hope to women who have inherited breast or ovarian cancer, say researchers.

The study conducted by a team at King’s College London found that the drug, called olaparib reduced the size of tumours significantly by targeting the cancer cells caused by faulty genes.
These genes are …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : New drug may help cure breast and ovarian cancer.

Colon cancer testing continues to increase, but breast screening has plateaued, CDC says

Colon cancer screenings up, breast rate stalled
ATLANTA – More older Americans are getting tested for colon cancer, with nearly two out of three getting recommended screenings.
Meanwhile, rates for breast cancer screening remain stuck on a higher plateau, according to a government report released Tuesday.
U.S. health officials estimate that at least 10,000 lives … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Colon cancer testing continues to increase, but breast screening has plateaued, CDC says.

Caster Semenya cleared to return immediately by track authorities and compete as a woman

World champ Semenya cleared to return to track

JOHANNESBURG – Caster Semenya was cleared to immediately return to track by the sport’s governing body Tuesday, ending an 11-month layoff while she underwent gender tests after becoming the 800-meter world champion.
Semenya is allowed to keep running as a woman, although it is unclear if she has had … Read more : Caster Semenya cleared to return immediately by track authorities and compete as a woman.

German gov’t cuts health care spending, increases premiums in health care reform package

Germany cuts health care spending, raises premiums

BERLIN – Germany will raise premiums and cut spending on health care in an effort to plug an euro11 billion ($13.9 billion) hole in the country’s health care system.
Chancellor Angela Merkel’s center-right coalition had pledged to give the German health system a significant overhaul.
It decided Tuesday to increase premiums … Read : German gov’t cuts health care spending, increases premiums in health care reform package.

German court allows screening for genetic defects in IVF embryos

German court allows gene diagnose of IVF embryos

BERLIN – A German high court has said in a landmark ruling that embryos created during in vitro fertilization can be screened for genetic defects before being implanted in the womb.
Germany’s Federal Supreme Court in Leipzig ruled Tuesday in support of a Berlin gynecologist who had carried out …. Read the original article  : here.

Psychiatrist Robert Butler, geriatrics expert who coined term ‘ageism,’ dies at 83

Robert Butler, who coined ‘ageism,’ dies at 83
NEW YORK – Dr. Robert Butler, a Pulitzer Prize-winning expert on aging who coined the phrase “ageism,” has died in New York City, his daughter said Tuesday. He was 83.
He died Sunday of leukemia at Mount Sinai Medical Center, Christine Butler said.
Butler, a gerontologist and psychiatrist, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Psychiatrist Robert Butler, geriatrics expert who coined term ‘ageism,’ dies at 83.

Inactivity doesn’t lead to childhood obesity

LONDON – Obesity may lead to inactivity, but inactivity does not lead to obesity, says a new study.

A new report from the EarlyBird Diabetes Study suggests that physical activity has little, if any, role to play in the obesity epidemic among children.
Obesity is the key factor behind diabetes, heart disease and some forms … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Inactivity doesn’t lead to childhood obesity.

World’s fattest man dies weighing 61 stone

LONDON – David Hone, the world’s fattest man, has died of a heart attack.

David, 48, weighing 61 stone, ate himself into the grave despite desperate efforts to get him to slim.

“This man was huge. But he was a good-natured, decent man,” the Sun quoted an NHS source as saying.

The source added: “Medical staff …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : World’s fattest man dies weighing 61 stone.

Fish oil ‘can slash breast cancer risk by a third’

LONDON – Taking fish oil regularly can reduce the risk of breast cancer, a new study have found.

The research revealed that postmenopausal women who took the supplements reduced their risk by a third.

The study involved 35,000 women and took six years to complete, reports the Daily Express.

Fish oils contain high levels of fatty acids that …. Source  : Fish oil ‘can slash breast cancer risk by a third’.

Poll: Professionals working with children say whites have more opportunities than minorities

Poll: Fewer opportunities seen for minority kids

WASHINGTON – Minority children have fewer opportunities than their white peers to gain access to high-quality health care, education, safe neighborhoods and adequate support from the communities where they live, according to a nationwide survey of professionals who work with young people.
Of the professionals surveyed, 59 percent said young … Read more >>>.

To control diabetes, some patients turn to obesity surgery _ even if they’re not fat enough

Diabetics eye obesity surgery to tame blood sugar
LOS ANGELES – Some obese patients reversed their diabetes soon after weight loss surgery.
Now doctors are testing whether the operation helps diabetics who are merely overweight or a tad obese control their blood sugar.
The Cleveland Clinic is recruiting 150 overweight and obese diabetics. Some will have … Read more >>>.

Rat menace may affect tourism in Hong Kong

HONG KONG – Rat attacks are becoming worse and worse in Hong Kong, which officials say might have an impact on the territory’s image as a tourist haven.

“I think reports of rats biting people are of concern. I am no rodent expert, and I do not know about the behaviour of rats. But as a … Original source on Gaea Times at : Rat menace may affect tourism in Hong Kong.

Semenya’s coach says 800m champ will make Europe comeback, won’t compete at world juniors

Coach: Semenya targeting European return
JOHANNESBURG – Caster Semenya will make her comeback at a European meet but is not fit enough to compete at the world junior championships in Canada, the 800-meter world champion’s coach said Wednesday.

Michael Seme said the 19-year-old South African is looking to run in “one or two” meets in Europe before … Read more >>.

Hindus commend Washington DC Council for saying no to yoga tax

NEVADA – Hindus have thanked Council of the District of Columbia (CDC) for reportedly not imposing tax on yoga.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, who strongly criticized the attempts to regulate yoga in the recent past by various states in USA, has applauded CDC for reportedly rejecting the idea of yoga tax.

Zed, who is President of Universal …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Hindus commend Washington DC Council for saying no to yoga tax.

Man behind the phrase ‘ageism’ dies at 83

LONDON – Dr. Robert Butler, who coined the word “ageism,” has died in New York City at 83.

Dr Butler’s daughter Christine said that he died of leukemia at Mount Sinai Medical Center, reports the Telegraph.

A gerontologist and psychiatrist, he was the founding director of the National Institute on Aging, one …. Original source  : Man behind the phrase ‘ageism’ dies at 83.

Cocoa flavanols could benefit cardiovascular patients

WASHINGTON – Cocoa flavanols may be an important part of a healthy diet for people with cardiovascular disease, according to new research.

Poor blood vessel function is recognized as an early stage in the development process of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including coronary artery disease.

Daily cocoa flavanol consumption more than doubled the number of circulating angiogenic cells … Original article on : Cocoa flavanols could benefit cardiovascular patients.

Brit woman dies ‘in state of arousal’ while using sex toy

MELBOURNE – A British woman in her thirties, who suffered a cardiac arrest while using a sex toy, is said to have died from being in a state of arousal.

Nicola Paginton was found dead by friends at her home in Cirencester in southwestern England in October last year, and police investigating the death found a … Original source on Gaea Times at : Brit woman dies ‘in state of arousal’ while using sex toy.

A happy mind makes a healthy body in teenagers

WASHINGTON – A new study has warned that the impact of emotional well-being on adolescents’ physical health shouldn’t be underestimated.

Happier youths are also healthier youths, according to Emily Shaffer-Hudkins and her team, from the University of South Florida in the US.

Adolescents’ positive emotions and moods, as well as their satisfaction with life, could be …. Read the original article  : A happy mind makes a healthy body in teenagers.

Bar big burgers, says dentist

LONDON – A professor of dentistry in Taiwan has asked fast food chains to drop over-sized burgers due to a number of jaw injury cases.

People have developed sore jaws or faced difficulty in opening their mouth after consuming giant burgers, Daily Telegraph quoted Hsu Ming-lun of the School of Dentistry at National Yang-Ming University …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Bar big burgers, says dentist.

Heartbeat may offer insight into kidney health

WASHINGTON – A new study has found that individuals with a high resting heart rate and a low beat-to-beat heart rate variability have an increased risk of developing kidney disease.

The findings suggest that the behavior of the autonomic nervous system may be a sentinel marker for late development of certain cases of kidney disease.

The autonomic …. Read the original article  : Heartbeat may offer insight into kidney health.

Socializing ‘can help fight cancer’

WASHINGTON – A new study has suggested that living in an environment rich with physical, mental and social stimulation – a setting that causes mild stress – might by itself curb cancer growth.

The animal study, led by researchers at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Socializing ‘can help fight cancer’.

New weight-loss pill made of hot chili peppers may help fight obesity

NEW YORK – A new weight-loss pill that is made from hot chili peppers is said to be so effective that it can help dieters shed loads of flab without any exercise.

According to the Daily Mail, the pill, Capsiplex, which contains a substance found in hot chili peppers, is very popular in Britain right now, … Read more : New weight-loss pill made of hot chili peppers may help fight obesity.

Mums’ booze binges ’cause disorders in kids’

LONDON – Binge drinking women are fuelling a surge in the number of babies born with learning disabilities, a British government adviser has warned.

Professor Barry Carpenter said that there had been a 25 per cent rise in children with learning disabilities in the past five years, taking the number to 950,000.

He said a large number …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Mums’ booze binges ’cause disorders in kids’.

HIV Vaccine Development Receives Boost

WASHINGTON (GaeaTimes.com)- American scientists are looking forward to develop HIV vaccine which is said to act as a prevention against the deadly disease. Reportedly, the scientists are of the opinion that the HIV vaccine which is currently under development shall be a renaissance in the treatment of AIDS.
The scientists have informed that in their …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : HIV Vaccine Development Receives Boost.

Cancer victim will be buried in coffin painted with breasts

WELLINGTON – A New Zealand woman dying of cancer will be buried in a pink coffin decorated with 30 pairs of breasts, a newspaper reported Friday.

Pam Hermansen, 48, of Christchurch, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, told The Press it had been a major part of her life so she wanted breasts represented … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Cancer victim will be buried in coffin painted with breasts.

Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie Louvin has pancreatic cancer, scheduled for surgery

Country singer Louvin has pancreatic cancer
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie Louvin has pancreatic cancer.
Louvin is scheduled for surgery on July 22 in Nashville. His manager, Brett Steele, says doctors expect a full recovery.
Louvin celebrated his 83rd birthday Wednesday and is on the road in North Carolina where he performed … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie Louvin has pancreatic cancer, scheduled for surgery.

Brain Fever Kills English Lady

SELLY OAK, BIRMINGHAM (GaeaTimes.com)- A resident of Selly Oak, Jane Haroop who had been suffering from brain fever was diagnosed wrongly that finally killed her. Reportedly, the patient was affected by brain fever as she experienced severe headaches. The medicos conducted a primary examination and confirmed it to be a migraine but later it was … Original article on : Brain Fever Kills English Lady.

1,600 Chinese died of infectious diseases in June

BEIJING – Over 1,600 people in China died of infectious diseases out of a total of 806,110 cases reported in June, the ministry of health said Friday.

Of these cases, only one died of Class A infectious disease like the plague. A total of 1,436 people died of Class B diseases like tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, syphilis, …. Source  : 1,600 Chinese died of infectious diseases in June.

Himachal to start free ambulance services

SHIMLA – Himachal Pradesh Friday signed an agreement with a private company to start round-the-clock, free-of-cost ambulance services in the state by the end of this year, Health Minister Rajeev Bindal said here.

“A PPP (public-private-partnership) agreement was signed between the government and Hyderabad-based company GVK-EMRI to run 108 ambulances in the state,” he told reporters. … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Himachal to start free ambulance services.

Two children down with swine flu in West Bengal

KOLKATA – Two children have tested positive for swine flu in West Bengal, a health official said Friday.

The children aged between 5 and 7 were admitted to the Beliaghata Infectious Disease Hospital.
“The two children with swine flu symptoms came to the government hospital, where samples of their throat swab were collected and sent for …. Source  : Two children down with swine flu in West Bengal.

New blood test could be game-changer in finding HGH, but will baseball and football play along

New HGH blood test could hurt urine test research

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – A new test that provides a breakthrough in detecting human growth hormone in blood is expected to become available soon and make it more difficult for athletes to use HGH without getting caught.
It’s a test some experts consider so good, however, it could …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : New blood test could be game-changer in finding HGH, but will baseball and football play along.

Eighty percent of medical expenditure spent on twenty percent people: Dinesh Trivedi

NEW DELHI – Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Dinesh Trivedi on Friday said eighty percent of medical expenditure in India is spent on twenty percent of people.

“This is what is an eye opener, that eighty percent of medical expenditure is spent on twenty percent of the …. Source article  : Eighty percent of medical expenditure spent on twenty percent people: Dinesh Trivedi.

3,000 kids to run for population stabilisation

NEW DELHI – About 3,000 schoolchildren will run from Vijay Chowk to India Gate here Sunday for spreading awareness on the need for population stabilisation.

Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad will flag off the run on World Population Day, a government statement said Friday.
The theme of the World Population Day this year is ‘everyone counts’, … Read : 3,000 kids to run for population stabilisation.

FDA scrutinizes Avandia’s safety risks ahead of meeting to decide fate of diabetes pill

FDA review spotlights heart risk of diabetes pill
WASHINGTON – A review by federal health scientists reinforces potential ties between the diabetes pill Avandia and heart attack and death, opening the door for government action, including a possible withdrawal of the once blockbuster drug.
The FDA posted an exhaustive 700-page review of the drug online … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : FDA scrutinizes Avandia’s safety risks ahead of meeting to decide fate of diabetes pill.

Eating chocolate halves life-threatening risks during pregnancy

LONDON – A study has suggested that eating chocolate at least three times a week can help reduce life-threatening conditions from developing in pregnant women.

The study found that women who regularly eat chocolate are less likely to suffer …. Read the original article  : Eating chocolate halves life-threatening risks during pregnancy.

Pharmacists ask for awards, Azad agrees

NEW DELHI – An award will be instituted soon for recognising the services of pharmacists, Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said here Friday after a senior official demanded it.

Indian Pharmacy Council president B. Suresh demanded an award for pharmacists, similar to those given to doctors and nurses, at a seminar on recent trends in pharmacy … Read more >>>.

Public sector insurers to push for a common claims settling agency

CHENNAI – The four government-owned non-life insurers — National Insurance, New India Assurance, Oriental Insurance and United India Insurance– will soon be taking forward their idea of floating a common third party administrator (TPA) to process the health insurance claims.

“We will be issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) shortly. Our requirements will be specified in …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Public sector insurers to push for a common claims settling agency.

Child detected with swine flu in West Bengal

KOLKATA – West Bengal recorded a fresh case of swine flu Saturday as a five-year-old child tested positive for the contagious disease.

“He is from Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district. He has been admitted to Beliaghata Infectious Disease Hospital,” said Asit Biswas, the state’s nodal officer for swine fu.
On Friday, two children, aged between … Read more »»».

‘Withdrawal of cashless health treatment retrograde’

NEW DELHI/CHENNAI – Policyholders and corporates subscribing to medical cover are appalled by a move by state-run insurance firms to withdraw cashless facility for treatment, even as several hospitals have made written complaints to the industry’s regulator.

“The withdrawal of cashless facility by companies is a retrograde measure,” said Anjan Bose, chairman of the health services … Read : ‘Withdrawal of cashless health treatment retrograde’.

Brit surrogate to Bin Laden’s son, wife learns she’s pregnant as the couple split

LONDON – A surrogate to Osama bin Laden’s son Omar and his wife, Zaina, has discovered about her pregnancy as the couple announced they had split up.

Louise Pollard, a PA from Bristol, said a pregnancy test had come out positive a fortnight after her third round of IVF treatment in the United Arab Emirates.

She … Original article on : Brit surrogate to Bin Laden’s son, wife learns she’s pregnant as the couple split.

Drug that grows new nerve cells identified

WASHINGTON – Researchers have identified a drug that makes new nerve cells grow and replace damaged ones, a discovery that could help treat dementia.

The researchers infused 1,000 different chemicals into the brains of mice to see their effects.
Then, they identified eight potential chemicals before focussing their attention on P7C3, reports Cell.
P7C3 was … Read more >>.

Homeopathic drug may prevent swine flu

NEW DELHI – Homeopathic medicines have been suggested to prevent swine flu by the The Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy.

At a meeting called by the department of AYUSH (Ayur Department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy), methods for prevention of flu like illness was taken up by the members.
“The experts … Read more : Homeopathic drug may prevent swine flu.

Happier teens make for healthier youth

WASHINGTON – A study shows that teens’ positive emotions and moods could help them grow into healthier youths.

Shaffer-Hudkins of the University of South Florida is the first to look at both positive and negative indicators of mental health and its bearing on physical health in a sample of 401 students in sixth to eighth … Read more : Happier teens make for healthier youth.

Obese claimants claim 10 mn pounds in Britain

LONDON – About 2,000 people in Britain, who are on benefit because they are too fat to work, are costing taxpayers 10 million pounds a year.

A breakdown of official figures said the number claiming the handout had almost doubled since 1997 to 1,950, the Mail Online reported Saturday.
One in four adult Britons is …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Obese claimants claim 10 mn pounds in Britain.

Exposure to air pollution linked to reduced heart rate variability

WASHINGTON – A new study has revealed that in patients with pre-existing heart or lung disease, exposure to high levels of traffic-related air pollutants is linked to reduced heart rate variability (HRV) – a risk factor for sudden cardiac …. Read the original article  : here.

Effective way found to produce anti-flu vaccines

WASHINGTON – A rapid and effective way to produce vaccines against new flu strains has been developed by scientists.

The virus that causes flu frequently changes its genetic code, making it difficult for scientists to think up an effective vaccine.
But now, University of Miami computer scientist Dimitris Papamichail and researchers from Stony Brook … Original source on Gaea Times at : Effective way found to produce anti-flu vaccines.