Gujarat hospital becomes first to acquire latest robot for urological surgeries

Nadiad (Gujarat), Sept.27 (ANI-Business Wire India): The Muljibhai Patel Urological Hospital in Nadiad has become the first hospital in Gujarat to acquire the latest state-of-the-art robotic surgical system – the da Vinci Si from Intuitive Surgical, at a cost of Rs.10 crores.

Robot plays a major role in treating cancer of kidney, bladder and prostate and … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Gujarat hospital becomes first to acquire latest robot for urological surgeries.

Lift buttons 40 times filthier than toilet seats

LONDON – A lift button swarms with nearly 40 times as many bacteria as a public toilet seat.

A study carried out in hotels, restaurants, banks, offices and airports found 313 ‘colony forming units’ of bugs on every square centimetre of lift button. The equivalent surface area of toilet seat had only eight units.
The bacteria …. Source article  : Lift buttons 40 times filthier than toilet seats.

Scientists identify faulty gene behind migraine

LONDON – The discovery of a faulty gene behind migraine – an extremely painful condition – offers a ray of hope to millions of sufferers.

The finding potentially opens the way to a new class of migraine-busting drugs and shows how debilitating headaches can be passed from parent to child.
Researchers from the Medical Research Council … Read more >>>.

New tests to detect Parkinson’s disease early on

LONDON – Parkinson’s disease could be identified years before it begins to show symptoms.

Researchers have identified key markers that may indicate whether a patient is at risk of developing the neurodegenerative disease.
Currently its patients are diagnosed through an evaluation of symptoms, by which time the disease is already well advanced.
Scientists, …. Read the original article  : here.

‘Pain regulator gene’ in brain could lead to new migraine painkillers

LONDON – People suffering from frequent bouts of migraine can heave a sigh of relief as a recent discovery could soon lead to new kind of migraine painkillers.

Scientists at Oxford University have discovered a gene that acts like a pain thermostat in the brain, called TRESK, which controls the sensitivity of pain nerves in the …. Source article  : ‘Pain regulator gene’ in brain could lead to new migraine painkillers.

Video gaming prepares brain for bigger tasks

TORONTO – Playing video games for hours on end may not be that bad after all. It could perhaps prepare your child to become a skilled surgeon one day.

Playing video games gives one an advantage not only in the games themselves but also in performing other tasks requiring visuomotor skills – connections between visual and … Original source on Gaea Times at : Video gaming prepares brain for bigger tasks.

Princess Di’s favourite fashion designer Catherine Walker dies at 65

LONDON – Princess Diana’s favourite fashion designer Catherine Walker has died at the age of 65 after fighting a long battle with cancer.

She passed away at a hospital near her Sussex home last week.

Born in France, Walker made a name for herself in Britain as one of the country’s leading couture designers.

She provided Princess of …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Princess Di’s favourite fashion designer Catherine Walker dies at 65.

Where to get help paying for costly cancer drugs

Where to get help paying for costly cancer drugs

Even as new cancer treatments offer hope for some, their cost is out of reach for many. Tens of thousands of people seek help from drug companies and charities that provide free medicines or cover copays for people who can’t afford it.
Here is a list of places …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Where to get help paying for costly cancer drugs.

Depression high among cyber bullying victims

WASHINGTON – Young victims of cyber bullying, which occurs online or by mobile phone, are more likely to suffer from depression than their tormentors, a new study finds.

Cyber bullying is different from traditional bullying that occurs in the school building or face-to-face.
Researchers at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child and Human [..] Read the original article: here.

Hunching over computers can leave women with wrinkles

LONDON – Women are developing sagging jaws and deep set wrinkles as a result of being hunched over computers the whole day.

A cosmetic surgeon has identified a growing widespread phenomenon described as ‘computer face’ among professional women working long hours on computers.
Michael Prager, botox specialist, said that of all his clientele, office workers … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Hunching over computers can leave women with wrinkles.

Sugary sports drinks not as healthy as thought

WASHINGTON – The flavoured and sports beverages containing sugar are not as healthy as believed.

Researchers at the Michael and Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living at The University of Texas have suggested that children who extensively engage themselves into these drinks are putting their health at risk.

“Children and parents associate these drinks with …. Original source  : Sugary sports drinks not as healthy as thought.

Smokers puff away more than a year of their working lives on breaks

LONDON – People who smoke puff away more than a year of their working lives on breaks, says a new UK study.

The average nicotine addict takes four 15-minute breaks every day, costing their employers 240 working hours a year in lost productivity, which is equivalent to 10,680 hours during the average smoker’s working lifetime of …. Read the original article  : Smokers puff away more than a year of their working lives on breaks.

Swine Flu Vaccine Available for the New Season

WASHINGTON (GaeaTimes.com) — Last year this time was a traumatic situation across the globe with Swine Flu virus spreading like wild fire. People had to wait for long hours in queues to get the vaccine. The H1N1 virus is expected to come back this season but there is no reason to panic as health officials … Read more >>.

Breastfeeding ‘wards off baby infections’

LONDON – Greek researchers have suggested that the composition of breast milk helps babies fight infections.

World experts already recommend that infants are exclusively breastfed for at least the first six months of life.

For the study, the researchers tracked the health of 926 infants for a period of 12 months, recording any common infections these babies …. Read the original article  : here.

Pine-bark extract offers no heart benefit: Study

WASHINGTON – A new study has suggested that use of pine bark doesn’t have any positive effect on the heart as previously thought.

The study has indicated that use of pine bark extract, at a dose of 200 milligrams per day, appears safe but did not improve risk factors for heart disease.

“A substantial population seeks alternative …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Pine-bark extract offers no heart benefit: Study.

Amrit Kakaria, well known Indian American scribe, dead

NEW YORK – Amrit Kakaria, a leading Indian-American journalist, has died of a heart attack in New York. He was 72.

Kakaria, who died Sunday, is survived by his wife Bettina Kakaria and other family members, including, his brother Bal Kakaria. He was battling cancer but it was under remission, his family said.
Kakaria retired …. Read the original article  : here.

NYC hospital apologizes for security lapse that allowed info from nearly 7K patients online

NYC hospital: Info on 6,800 patients leaked online

NEW YORK – A New York City hospital has apologized for a security lapse that allowed personal information belonging to as many as 6,800 former patients to be published on the Internet.
New York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center said the information included names, clinical data and a few … Read more »».

Pa. State Police says homeland security alerts caused problems, waste of resources

Pa. State Police says bulletins caused headaches

HARRISBURG, Pa. – High-ranking leaders of the Pennsylvania State Police say unsubstantiated or needlessly inflammatory listings in a series of state homeland security bulletins caused problems for their operations.
The head of the state police’s criminal investigation division testified at a Pennsylvania Senate hearing Monday regarding the notices on threats … Read : Pa. State Police says homeland security alerts caused problems, waste of resources.

Gene linked to Alzheimer’s found

LONDON – Scientists have discovered a gene that could lead to treatments for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke or brain tumours.

The gene, Sox9, plays a critical role in how stem cells behave and is crucial to developing the central nervous system, reports express.co.uk.
“We are one step closer to correcting damaged nerve cells which … Read more >>>.

Some executions held up by shortage of lethal-injection drug; company cites supplier trouble

Some US executions held up by shortage of drug

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Some executions in the U.S. have been put on hold because of a shortage of one of the drugs used in lethal injections from coast to coast.
Several of the 35 states that rely on lethal injection are scrambling to find sodium thiopental or considering … Read more >>>.

Cancer of terrorism is in Pakistan, Obama tells Zardari through his NSA

WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama has reportedly told President Asif Ali Zardari through his National Security Adviser, retired Marine General James L. Jones, and CIA Director Leon Panetta that the cancer of terrorism is in Pakistan and emanating from that country.

“We’re living on … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Cancer of terrorism is in Pakistan, Obama tells Zardari through his NSA.

Study: Exercise could cut womb cancer risk by 30 percent, and less sitting could help too

Exercise could cut womb cancer risk by 30 percent

LONDON – Women who regularly work up a sweat exercising have a 30 percent lower risk of developing endometrial cancer, a new study says.
Researchers at the United States’ National Cancer Institute analyzed 14 previous studies and found physical activity cuts the risk of endometrial cancer by 20 … Read more : Study: Exercise could cut womb cancer risk by 30 percent, and less sitting could help too.

Former US president Jimmy Carter hospitalized

WASHINGTON – Former US president Jimmy Carter was hospitalised in Cleveland, Ohio, after falling ill on a flight Tuesday morning to the city.

The 85-year-old Carter had developed an “upset stomach” on the flight from Atlanta and was “resting comfortably” at the local Metro Health Hospital, according to a statement from the Carter Centre, a … Read : Former US president Jimmy Carter hospitalized.

With tractor rollovers a problem in the hilly East, states offer rebate programs to farmers

States offer aid to prevent tractor deaths

CABOT, Vt. – Don Tetreault had his ribs crushed, a lung punctured and his spleen torn when he rolled his tractor 19 years ago.
He spent three days in the hospital, two of which he doesn’t remember, and three months out of work. His wife didn’t know if he would …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Ralph Vicinanza, agent for Stephen King and Augusten Burroughs, dies from brain aneurysm at 60

Stephen King’s agent Ralph Vicinanza dies at 60

NEW YORK – Ralph Vicinanza, a literary agent whose clients included Stephen King, Augusten Burroughs and the Dalai Lama, has died. He was 60.
Vicinanza died of a brain aneurysm Saturday night in Bronxville, his colleague Christopher Schelling said in a statement Tuesday on behalf of Vicinanza’s agency, Ralph … Read more »».

Junior doctors call off strike in Kolkata

KOLKATA – Junior doctors of four hospitals in Kolkata called off their four-day strike Tuesday after getting assurances by the police that necessary steps will be taken to beef up security on the hospital campus.

“We decided to call off the strike after we were assured by the police that security inside the hospital campus will …. Read the original article  : Junior doctors call off strike in Kolkata.

Jalandhar tops in Punjab dengue cases

CHANDIGARH – Punjab’s Jalandhar district has reported the highest number of dengue cases in the state, health department officials said here Tuesday.

Punjab’s Director Health services and Family Welfare Ashok Nayyar said that out of the 246 dengue cases reported across Punjab so far, 145 cases were from Jalandhar district.
Concerned over the high number of …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Jalandhar tops in Punjab dengue cases.

Dengue cases in Delhi reach 3,108

NEW DELHI – Dengue cases in Delhi continued to mount with 95 more confirmed cases reported Tuesday, taking the total number of people infected with the mosquito-borne disease to 3,108.

According to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the number of dengue cases this year seem certain to cross the 2006 figure of 3,366 cases.
The … Read more >>>.

Report finds developing countries getting more AIDS drugs to pregnant women, others in need

More HIV care for pregnant women in poor countries

WASHINGTON – Just over half of HIV-infected pregnant women in poor countries received crucial AIDS drugs to protect their unborn children last year, the World Health Organization reported Tuesday – one of a list of improvements in the global fight against HIV.
Fifteen percent of infected pregnant women …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Report finds developing countries getting more AIDS drugs to pregnant women, others in need.

Summary Box: Walgreen says it has given 2M flu shots since August, could handle 15M this year

Summary Box: Walgreen outlines the flu season

EARLY START: The drugstore chain said it has given more than 2 million flu vaccinations since mid-August. Last year it started selling them around Sept. 1.
OUTLOOK: Walgreen gave 7 million flu shots last year and aims to administer 15 million shots this season.
WHAT’S DIFFERENT: Walgreen has hired more pharmacists …. Source  : Summary Box: Walgreen says it has given 2M flu shots since August, could handle 15M this year.

Indian-origin woman worked as dentist with fake degree

LONDON – An Indian-origin woman in Britain worked as a dentist for nine years without having any formal qualifications, a media report said.

Vinisha Sharma, 37, earned around 230,000 pounds from dentistry work and she managed to pull the wool over her employers’ eyes at National Health Service (NHS) hospitals for nine years before …. Read the original article  : Indian-origin woman worked as dentist with fake degree.

Blueberries could help fight hardening of the arteries

WASHINGTON – Start eating blueberries if you have atherosclerosis, for the humble fruit can actually help fight artery hardening associated with the disease, revealed a study with laboratory mice.

The research provides the first direct evidence that blueberries can help prevent harmful plaques or lesions, symptomatic of atherosclerosis, from increasing in size in arteries.

Principal investigator Xianli …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Old British navy journals tell tales of drunken sailors, walrus attacks and tobacco’s merits

Navy journal from 1801: Tobacco smoke saves lives

LONDON – For some 19th-century British navy surgeons, reviving men who nearly drowned after falling overboard required what is now a rather unorthodox treatment: tobacco smoke.
The treatment is documented in an 1801 journal, one of more than 1,000 navy medical officers’ reports released Thursday by Britain’s National Archives. …. Read the original article  : Old British navy journals tell tales of drunken sailors, walrus attacks and tobacco’s merits.

Rosie Perez, recovering from surgery, drops out of John Guare play at Lincoln Center

Injury keeps Rosie Perez out of New York play

NEW YORK – John Guare’s new play will go on at Manhattan’s Lincoln Center but it will not include Rosie Perez.
The Oscar-nominated actress is recovering from a bone marrow procedure and neck surgery. She says she had to drop out of the historical play “A Free Man … Read more : Rosie Perez, recovering from surgery, drops out of John Guare play at Lincoln Center.

Hormone blockers before surgery can help breast cancer patients avoid mastectomy, study finds

Drugs before surgery help women avoid mastectomies

Taking hormone-blocking pills for a few months before breast cancer surgery can shrink tumors and allow many women to have just the lump removed instead of the whole breast, a new study suggests.
This approach is sometimes tried now in Europe, and the study was the first large test of …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Mammogram debate: Swedish study refutes US advice, says screening lowers death risk in 40s

New mammogram study stirs debate for women in 40s

A new study from Sweden is stirring fresh debate over whether women in their 40s should get mammograms. It suggests that the breast cancer screening test can lower the risk of dying of the disease by 26 percent or more in this age group.
That’s a bigger benefit …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Mammogram debate: Swedish study refutes US advice, says screening lowers death risk in 40s.

Caffeine helps cut brain cancer risk

LONDON – A daily cup of tea or coffee can protect you from brain cancer, a study has found.

People who drink one cup of either hot drink can slash the risk of the disease by a third, reports express.co.uk.
Scientists believe caffeine may restrict blood flow to the brain and stop the growth of …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Caffeine helps cut brain cancer risk.

Marijuana tracking headed to Colorado, patients worry about harassment

Marijuana tracking on the way in Colo.
DENVER – Colorado wants to set up a first-in-the-nation tracking system of medical marijuana purchases to deter people from buying vast amounts of pot and selling it on the black market.

Patients and marijuana advocates fear they will be harassed by a Big Brother-type intrusion as computers and video cameras …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Marijuana tracking headed to Colorado, patients worry about harassment.

Malawi, where 12 percent of population is HIV-positive, adopts new UN AIDS guidelines

Malawi adopts UN guidelines on AIDS
BLANTYRE, Malawi – Malawi’s vice president says her AIDS-ravaged southern African country will adopt the latest U.N. health guidelines that call for putting HIV-positive people on drugs sooner.

That means some 500,000 Malawians could be on AIDS drugs by July, double the number now being treated. Still, nearly a million Malawians … Read more >>>.

Howard Stern’s NYC studio building, limousine fumigated for bedbugs

Bedbugs hit Howard Stern’s NYC studios, limousine

NEW YORK – The office where shock jock Howard Stern airs his show has joined the ever-growing list of New York City buildings hit by bedbugs.
Stern said on his Sirius XM Radio show that the building was treated over the weekend and was 100 percent bedbug free on Monday.
He … Original source on Gaea Times at : Howard Stern’s NYC studio building, limousine fumigated for bedbugs.

Eating junk food as addictive as drugs

LONDON – A British study suggests that a diet of burgers, chips and cake programmes your brain to crave even more for foods that are high in sugar, salt and fat content – just like drugs.

Over the years, junk food can become a substitute for happiness and can lead bingers to become addicted. … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Eating junk food as addictive as drugs.

Brain stroke turns drunkard into teetotaller

LONDON – A Briton, who was a drunkard, was transformed into a teetotaller after a brain haemorrhage. The change was so dramatic that his long-suffering girlfriend even agreed to marry him.

Ken Merryweather, 44, regularly used to go out for all-night drink binges and then return home to have verbal altercation with his girlfriend Tracey.
…. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Brain stroke turns drunkard into teetotaller.

HIV drug treatment doesn’t reduce risk of partner infection

WASHINGTON – A new Chinese study has revealed that in married couples, where one partner is HIV-positive and the other is not, antiretroviral therapy (ART) does not lower the risk of HIV transmission to the uninfected partner.

The research has raised questions as to the real-world effectiveness of the so-called Test-And-Treat strategy-treating HIV-positive persons with ART …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : HIV drug treatment doesn’t reduce risk of partner infection.

Britain will have 90,000 centenarians by 2034

LONDON – Britain will have nearly 90,000 people over the age of 100 in the next 24 years, authorities have said.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said in a report that Britain’s population is ageing and there were already a record number of people aged 100 or over.
Since 1981 the number of … Read more >>>.

Canada anaesthetist accused of sexually assaulting 29 patients

LONDON – A Toronto anaesthetist is said to have sexually assaulted 29 women under his care.

Dr George Doodnaught, 61, an anaesthetist since 1981, was sacked from the hospital in February when the police investigation began.e is believed to have assaulted the women while they were under anaesthesia and undergoing surgical procedures.

According to police most assaults …. Original article  : Canada anaesthetist accused of sexually assaulting 29 patients.

South Asians ‘at twice the risk of heart attack after kidney transplant’

WASHINGTON – A new study has indicated that South Asian men and women have more than twice the risk of suffering a heart attack after a kidney transplant.

The study, studied 864 patients who underwent a transplant between 1998 and 2007. Researchers analyzed and compared the group’s risk for a heart attack, angioplasty and bypass surgery … Original source on Gaea Times at : South Asians ‘at twice the risk of heart attack after kidney transplant’.

Child named after British curry house

LONDON – A new-born has been named after a curry house in Britain as the woman gave birth soon after eating a spicy dish there.

Leo Joseph Nakodar Brown, who is called Nakodar by his parents Esther and Paul, was born 11 hours after Esther gorged on a vegetable ‘bhuna’ at the Nakodar Grill. … Read more : Child named after British curry house.

Michelle Obama to star in Disney health campaign

LOS ANGELES – First Lady Michelle Obama is to take a starring role in a new health campaign by Disney aimed at getting kids to adopt healthier lifestyles, the entertainment conglomerate announced Thursday.

The multimedia initiative, to be called Disney Magic of Healthy Living, will include stars from the Disney Channel like Nick Jonas and …. Source  : Michelle Obama to star in Disney health campaign.

Where’s the beef? Experts say drug-spiked meat could explain Contador’s positive doping test

Drug in beef could explain Contador’s doping test

LONDON – Tour de France champion Alberto Contador’s claim that the steak he ate is to blame for his positive doping test is plausible, experts say, since the drug he’s accused of taking is sometimes illegally given to beef cattle.
The drug clenbuterol is often used to speed up …. Original article  : Where’s the beef? Experts say drug-spiked meat could explain Contador’s positive doping test.

School kids taking to smoking, chewing gutka: NGO

NEW DELHI – In a worrying trend, more students in the age group 10-14 are taking to smoking and girls are increasingly getting hooked to the habit, said an NGO Thursday two days before a ban on smoking in public places completes two years.

Hriday-Shan, an NGO working on tobacco control in schools, said that … Original article on : School kids taking to smoking, chewing gutka: NGO.

Malaria funding ‘falling short’ across the world, claims report

LONDON – There is a 60 percent global shortfall in funds for malaria control, according to a report by the UK and African experts.

Researchers have reportedly found that only 21 out of 93 countries, where malaria is common, have received enough money … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Malaria funding ‘falling short’ across the world, claims report.

Female patients face harassment, sexual assaults in Victorian psychiatric wards

CANBERRA – Several women admitted to Victorian psychiatric wards have complained that they are being harassed and subjected to physical and sexual assaults by male patients inside the mixed-ward

According to The Age, the Victorian Women and Mental Health Network … Read more >>.

Stress hormone opposes testosterone’s effects

WASHINGTON – A new study The University of Texas at Austin has revealed that high levels of the stress hormone cortisol play a critical role in blocking testosterone’s influence on competition and domination.

The findings show that when cortisol-a hormone released in the body in response to threat-increases, the body is mobilized to escape danger, rather …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Nicotine reduction strategy ’should be made an urgent research priority’

WASHINGTON – Six leading tobacco research and policy experts have concluded that a nicotine reduction strategy should be an urgent research priority because of its potential to profoundly reduce the death and disease from tobacco use.

Over time, the move could dramatically reduce the number of annual deaths related to cigarette smoking by decreasing adolescent experimentation …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Nicotine reduction strategy ’should be made an urgent research priority’.

Pomegranate juice reduces ’spare tyre in men, muffin top in women’

LONDON – Scientists believe that pomegranate juice can help shift middle-age spread – it has the power to reduce the fat stored round the stomach – the ’spare tyre’ in men, or ‘muffin top’ in women.

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh found that …. Read the original article  : Pomegranate juice reduces ’spare tyre in men, muffin top in women’.

Smoke exposure puts women at high risk of breast cancer

WASHINGTON – Women who are exposed to smoke are at three times higher risk for breast cancer than non-smoking women not exposed to passive smoking, according to a new study.

“Everyone should avoid secondhand smoke,” said Lizbeth Lopez-Carrillo, professor of epidemiology, at the National Institute for Public Health, Mexico City, Mexico.

“Tobacco smoking produces both mainstream smoke, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Smoke exposure puts women at high risk of breast cancer.

China offers free HIV tests

BEIJING – Health centres in a Chinese province are now offering tests for HIV/AIDS free of charge in a bid to control the spread of the disease.

People in the northwestern Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region are also being offered free counselling, Xinhua reported.
Xinjiang reportedly has the fastest spread of the disease in the country, …. Original source  : China offers free HIV tests.

Hot topic: psychiatry experts grapple with whether to classify parental alienation as disorder

Psychiatric experts assess parental alienation

NEW YORK – The American Psychiatric Association has a hot potato on its hands as it updates its catalog of mental disorders – whether to include parental alienation, a disputed term conveying how a child’s relationship with one estranged parent can be poisoned by the other.
There’s broad agreement that this sometimes … Read : Hot topic: psychiatry experts grapple with whether to classify parental alienation as disorder.

Michigan mom accused of shaving son’s head, eyebrows to fake cancer arraigned on charges

Mich. mom accused of faking son’s cancer arraigned

ROSEVILLE, Mich. – An unemployed Detroit-area mother accused of drugging and shaving her healthy 12-year-old son so he appeared to have cancer, then accepting thousands of dollars in donations for his treatment, was arraigned Friday on charges of fraud and child abuse.
A Roseville district court judge ordered Carol … Read : Michigan mom accused of shaving son’s head, eyebrows to fake cancer arraigned on charges.

Mich. mom accused of shaving son’s head, eyebrows to fake cancer, get money due in court

Mom accused of faking son’s cancer due in court

ROSEVILLE, Mich. – A Detroit-area mother who told her 12-year-old son he had leukemia, shaved his head and eyebrows, and held a church fundraiser that pulled in more than $7,000 from sympathizers is due in court.
Forty-seven year-old Carol Lynn Schnuphase of Warren will be arraigned Friday in … Read more »».

Enriched formula milk could make your baby obese

LONDON – Babies fed with enriched bottle milk are more likely to be obese by the age of five, a British study found.

The study shows faster weight gain in infancy can put babies at risk from heart disease to diabetes in later life.
It found healthy babies given formula milk enriched with … Read more : Enriched formula milk could make your baby obese.

Obama’s health insurance plan for people with medical conditions gets lukewarm reception

Growing pains for a centerpiece of health overhaul

WASHINGTON – It’s a centerpiece of President Barack Obama’s health care remake, a lifeline available right now to vulnerable people whose medical problems have made them uninsurable.
But the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan started this summer isn’t living up to expectations. Enrollment lags in many parts of the country. …. Source article  : Obama’s health insurance plan for people with medical conditions gets lukewarm reception.

Personality disorders raise risk of ulcers

LONDON – Those with a personality disorder are up to five times more likely to develop stomach ulcers, a study suggests.

“Manifestations of peptic ulcer disease are influenced by mind-body interactions,” says Jean-Pierre Schuster, who led the study at Descartes University in Paris and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto.
Although stress …. Original source  : Personality disorders raise risk of ulcers.

Now, comics to teach kids about cancer

LONDON – Who says comics are meant for fun only? They can be informative too-a new comic book has been written to help parents explain to their children that they have cancer.

“What’s up with Bridget’s Mum?” has been developed by a team of doctors and aims to simplify the … Read more >>.

US mag slammed for ‘oversexualization’ of yoga

TORONTO – The ‘oversexualization’ of yoga in a US magazine has received criticism, as not everyone is happy to see the practice portrayed in a sexy, commercial context.

The October issue Yoga Journal has a black and white Toesox ad featuring well-known yoga teacher Kathryn Budig in a variation …. Source  : US mag slammed for ‘oversexualization’ of yoga.

10 tips to steer clear of breast cancer

WASHINGTON – National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, experts from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and its clinical care partner, the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, are offering research-based tip sheets related to breast cancer, including breast … Original source on Gaea Times at : 10 tips to steer clear of breast cancer.

Funnies to turn pink as King Features launches ‘Cartoonists Care’ for breast cancer awareness

Comic strips turn pink for breast cancer awareness

NEW YORK – The Sunday funnies will be in shades of pink ink on Oct. 10 in support of breast cancer awareness month.
King Features Syndicate Inc. said Sunday that more than 50 cartoonists will participate. Each comic strip will also feature a pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness …. Source article  : Funnies to turn pink as King Features launches ‘Cartoonists Care’ for breast cancer awareness.

Paraguay’s Lugo travels to Brazil for emergency treatment; doctors say he won’t need surgery

Doctors: Paraguay’s Lugo won’t require surgery

ASUNCION, Paraguay – President Fernando Lugo, who is fighting cancer, does not require surgery, doctors said Saturday after the Paraguayan leader was flown to Brazil for emergency treatment of an apparent infection.
Doctors had said Lugo would likely have a build up of fluids caused by infection drained from his neck. … Original article on : Paraguay’s Lugo travels to Brazil for emergency treatment; doctors say he won’t need surgery.

Paraguay president travels to Brazil for emergency treatment of infection, leaves VP in charge

Paraguay’s Lugo to Brazil for urgent treatment

ASUNCION, Paraguay – Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo, who is battling cancer, has left his No. 2 in charge while he travels to Brazil for an emergency procedure to treat an infection.
Dr. Lugo Eugenio Baez says surgeons will drain a buildup of fluids in Lugo’s neck that was caused by …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Paraguay president travels to Brazil for emergency treatment of infection, leaves VP in charge.

Bedbugs make their way into federal building housing USAID offices in Washington

Bedbugs make their way into federal office in DC

WASHINGTON – The federal building that houses the U.S. Agency for International Development in Washington is heavily secured – but officials couldn’t keep the bedbugs out.
USAID officials told employees this week that juvenile bedbugs were found in a single office at the agency’s tower in the Ronald …. Original source  : Bedbugs make their way into federal building housing USAID offices in Washington.