Over 500 dengue cases in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – Five people have died of dengue and over 500 confirmed cases of the vector-borne disease have been reported from across Pakistan, an official said.

Dawn reported that at least 533 confirmed cases of dengue fever have been reported in Pakistan.
The federal secretary of health, Khushnood Ahmed Lashari, confirmed the number of dengue … Read more >>>.

Apple or pear-shaped body? Blame it on your genes

LONDON – Our propensity to be apple- or pear-shaped lies partly in our genes. And they shape female shaopes more than males one.

A team from the Cambridge, Oxford and other universities has tracked more than a dozen genes that determine whether we store fat around our waists or across our thighs and …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Apple or pear-shaped body? Blame it on your genes.

Blame your mom for your muffin top or thunder thighs

LONDON – A new study by an international team of researchers, including Cambridge and Oxford experts, has revealed that our propensity to be apple or pear-shaped is at least partly in our genes.

Understanding why fat deposits in certain places in the body, especially for females, could lead to … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Blame your mom for your muffin top or thunder thighs.

Abu Dhabi to host obesity symposium

Abu Dhabi, Oct 11 (IANS/WAM) Around 400 medical professionals will participate in a symposium here on obesity Oct 16-17 to share new treatment methods and other aspects to fight the disease.

The symposium will focus on the latest medical updates and best practices in the field of obesity and minimal invasive surgery.
The annual conference, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Abu Dhabi to host obesity symposium.

Car show organized in Chennai to raise funds for cancer patients

CHENNAI – A car show was organised here on Sunday, to raise funds for cancer patients and school buildings.

The Super Car Show featured 25 iconic classic cars.

“These cars are looked up by common man and a common man cannot see these cars easily. He can see a collection of cars at one place. So, with …. Source article  : Car show organized in Chennai to raise funds for cancer patients.

Chemicals in mother’s blood linked to child’s obesity

WASHINGTON – A team of scientists has revealed that babies whose mothers had relatively high levels of the chemical DDE in their blood were more likely to both grow rapidly during their first 6 months and to have a high body mass index (BMI) by 14 months.

DDE, an …. Read the original article  : Chemicals in mother’s blood linked to child’s obesity.

Clinical trials show effective weight loss strategies for obese

WASHINGTON – A new study has suggested that lifestyle interventions, including physical activity and structured weight loss programs can result in significant weight loss.

In a one-year intensive lifestyle intervention study of diet and physical activity, Bret [..] Read the original article: here.

Estrogen therapy ‘ups kidney stones risk’ in postmenopausal women

WASHINGTON – A new report has suggested that the use of estrogen therapy is associated with an increased risk of developing kidney stones in postmenopausal women.

Using data from the national Women’s Health Initiative study, Naim M. Maalouf, of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, examined data from two trials: 10,739 postmenopausal women with …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Infertile cancer sufferer becomes dad 14 years after freezing sperm

LONDON – An infertile cancer sufferer has now become a father of a 14-month-old daughter, thanks to freezing his sperm 14 years ago before his chemotherapy.

James Hodgson, 28, from Fareham, Hampshire, was 14 when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma after finding a lump on his neck.

He froze his sperm before undergoing intensive chemotherapy, as …. Source  : Infertile cancer sufferer becomes dad 14 years after freezing sperm.

Turn off the light at night to lose weight

WASHINGTON – It is well known that too much junk food and lack of exercise makes us fat. But a new research suggests there may be another factor at play: too much light at night.

The study in mice has shown that persistent exposure to light at night may lead to weight gain, even without changing …. Original article  : Turn off the light at night to lose weight.

Living under a flight path ‘ups heart attack risk by 30pc’

LONDON – A new study has indicated that living under a flight path increases the chances of a fatal heart attack.

Scientists say the constant noise from roaring aircraft engines increases the risk by at least 30 per cent.

Researchers are unsure why noisy planes are so dangerous – but believe they raise stress levels, disrupt sleep …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Living under a flight path ‘ups heart attack risk by 30pc’

LONDON – A new study has indicated that living under a flight path increases the chances of a fatal heart attack.

Scientists say the constant noise from roaring aircraft engines increases the risk by at least 30 per cent.

Researchers are unsure why noisy planes are so dangerous – but believe they raise stress levels, disrupt sleep …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Living under a flight path ‘ups heart attack risk by 30pc’.

Mild electric shocks could help ease your blues

LONDON – A device that emits a mild electric shock to your forehead nerves during sleep could help cure blues.

The mobile phone sized gadget is wired up to two electrodes that are stuck to the forehead at bedtime. The current generated is so mild that sleep is rarely disturbed.
Throughout the night, … Read more »»».

Obese policemen made ‘fit’ in Coimbatore

COIMBATORE – Tamil Nadu police launched fitness programme for the police personnel who are suffering from obesity. About sixty policemen attended the programme.

The two-day training programme, which began on Saturday was initiated after a survey established that several policemen suffered from obesity, due to lack of fitness regime and proper food habits.

The sub-inspectors and constables … Read more »».

Most spinal injuries in India caused by accidents: Study

NEW DELHI – Road accidents account for the largest number of disabilities and spinal cord injuries in India, a study has revealed.

The Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC) which conducted the study, said in a statement Monday that 43.5 percent injuries are caused by road accidents. The study analysed 1,138 patients treated in ISIC who … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Most spinal injuries in India caused by accidents: Study.

Arthritis can hit even the physically active (World Arthritis Day Oct 12)

NEW DELHI – Does arthritis affect only those who don’t exercise? Experts say sportspersons, dancers and others with high physical activity too are at risk, mainly due to joint injuries.

Sprains, swollen muscles, knee injuries and fractures have been found to be the reason for developing osteoarthritis, a type of arthritis that is caused by …. Original article  : Arthritis can hit even the physically active (World Arthritis Day Oct 12).

Taiwanese did not get superbug infection in India: New Delhi

NEW DELHI – After one of the two Taiwanese nationals injured in the Jama Masjid shooting was detected with superbug, New Delhi Monday said the infection was not acquired during his stay in India. The union health ministry indicated he could have caught the bug earlier.

“From the uneventful recovery of the patient after the …. Original source  : Taiwanese did not get superbug infection in India: New Delhi.

HRT raises risk of kidney stones

LONDON – Women who undergo hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause are much more likely to develop painful kidney stones.

Researchers from the University of Texas, US, studied 24,000 post-menopausal women over five years. They found that those who took hormones had a 21 percent higher risk of getting kidney stones compared to those who … Original article on : HRT raises risk of kidney stones.

Now, mobile labs to check food quality in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Popular eateries in Delhi will soon have their food tested by mobile labs of London-based food quality certification agency TQS Global Management System, an official said.

As part of the Safe Food Destination (SFD) being run by the agency during the Commonwealth Games, a mobile testing van will go to eating places …. Original source  : Now, mobile labs to check food quality in Delhi.

Energy, bio-tech key areas of India-Scotland cooperation

NEW DELHI – Renewable energy and bio-technology are among the main fields of cooperation between India and Scotland, as the two countries announced tie ups in education and research sectors Tuesday.

One of the key areas of cooperation will be new and renewable energy, Scottish First Minister and head of the devolved Scottish Government Alex …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Energy, bio-tech key areas of India-Scotland cooperation.

Doctors’ group calls for boycott of world medical meet

NEW DELHI – A group of doctors here Tuesday urged medical associations of all countries to boycott the World Medical Association’s meet until it rejects participation of the Medical Council of India’s (MCI) tained former chief Ketan Desai.

Kunal Saha, president of ‘People for Better Treatment’, has circulated a letter to all medical associations, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Doctors’ group calls for boycott of world medical meet.

Meta-analysis shows folic acid supplements not beneficial for heart

WASHINGTON – A new meta-analysis has shown that the use of folic acid supplements does not appear to be associated with reduced rates of cardiovascular events, cancer or death over a five-year period.

High rates of cardiovascular disease in children with …. Original source  : Meta-analysis shows folic acid supplements not beneficial for heart.

Brit girl, 7, risks brain damage if she eats any protein

LONDON – A young British girl, who suffers from a rare condition, faces the risk of brain damage if she eats anything that has protein in it.

Borsi Batki, 7, from Coventry, can have only fruits and vegetables, and a protein replacement supplement she has to drink six times a day, due to the extremely rare … Original article on : Brit girl, 7, risks brain damage if she eats any protein.

Blame your mom for your muffin top or thunder thighs

LONDON – A new study by an international team of researchers, including Cambridge and Oxford experts, has revealed that our propensity to be apple or pear-shaped is at least partly in our genes.

Understanding why fat deposits in certain places in the body, especially for females, could lead to …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Blame your mom for your muffin top or thunder thighs.

Blame your mom for your muffin top or thunder thighs

LONDON – A new study by an international team of researchers, including Cambridge and Oxford experts, has revealed that our propensity to be apple or pear-shaped is at least partly in our genes.

Understanding why fat deposits in certain places in the body, especially for females, could lead to …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Blame your mom for your muffin top or thunder thighs.

Estrogen therapy ‘ups kidney stones risk’ in postmenopausal women

WASHINGTON – A new report has suggested that the use of estrogen therapy is associated with an increased risk of developing kidney stones in postmenopausal women.

Using data from the national Women’s Health Initiative study, Naim M. Maalouf, of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, examined data from two trials: 10,739 postmenopausal women with …. Original source  : Estrogen therapy ‘ups kidney stones risk’ in postmenopausal women.

Infertile cancer sufferer becomes dad 14 years after freezing sperm

LONDON – An infertile cancer sufferer has now become a father of a 14-month-old daughter, thanks to freezing his sperm 14 years ago before his chemotherapy.

James Hodgson, 28, from Fareham, Hampshire, was 14 when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma after finding a lump on his neck.

He froze his sperm before undergoing intensive chemotherapy, as …. Original article  : Infertile cancer sufferer becomes dad 14 years after freezing sperm.

Watermelon lowers blood pressure

WASHINGTON – Watermelon, apart from being rich in nutrients, has been found to lower pre-hypertension, a precursor to cardio diseases.

Assistant professor Arturo Figueroa and Professor Bahram H. Arjmandi of the Florida State University conducted the study on the health benefits of watermelon.
They found that extracts of watermelon, given daily for six …. Original article  : Watermelon lowers blood pressure.

Watermelon effectively lowers BP

WASHINGTON – A pilot study led by food scientists at The Florida State University suggests that watermelon can be an effective natural weapon against prehypertension, a precursor to cardiovascular disease.

This is the first investigation of its kind in humans.

FSU Assistant Professor Arturo Figueroa and Professor Bahram H. … Read : Watermelon effectively lowers BP.

Walking helps retain memory in old age

WASHINGTON – Walking at least 10 km per week may protect your brain size and preserve memory in old age, suggests a new study.

“Brain size shrinks in late adulthood, which can cause memory problems,” said study author Kirk I. Erickson from the University of Pittsburgh in the US.
“Our results should encourage well-designed …. Original article  : Walking helps retain memory in old age.

69 more dengue cases in Delhi, total 4,313

NEW DELHI – Dengue cases in Delhi continued unabated with 69 more cases reported Wednesday, as the total number of people affected by the mosquito-borne disease reached 4,313.

According to a Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) official, at least 26 of the total dengue patients, receiving treatment here, were from outside the city.
With 534 … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 69 more dengue cases in Delhi, total 4,313.

Preliminary World Bank report puts Pak flood losses at about 9.5 billion dollars

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan suffered a loss of about 9.5 billion dollars (over 800 billion rupees) in the recent floods in terms of damaged crops, infrastructure, public and private property in the four provinces and FATA, a preliminary Damage Need Assessment (DNA) report prepared by the World Bank and Asian Development Bank has said.

The report …. Read the original article  : Preliminary World Bank report puts Pak flood losses at about 9.5 billion dollars.

Preliminary World Bank report puts Pak flood losses at about 9.5 billion dollars

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan suffered a loss of about 9.5 billion dollars (over 800 billion rupees) in the recent floods in terms of damaged crops, infrastructure, public and private property in the four provinces and FATA, a preliminary Damage Need Assessment (DNA) report prepared by the World Bank and Asian Development Bank has said.

The report … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Preliminary World Bank report puts Pak flood losses at about 9.5 billion dollars.

Cancer is purely a man-made condition

LONDON – Cancer is a man-made disease triggered by the excesses of modern life, says a new study.

Tumours were rare until recent times when pollution and poor diet became issues, the review of mummies, fossils and classical literature has found.
Despite slivers of tissue from hundreds of Egyptian mummies being rehydrated, just one case …. Original article  : Cancer is purely a man-made condition.

Internal body temperature regulates body clock

WASHINGTON – Fluctuations in internal body temperature regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, the 24-hour cycle that controls metabolism, sleep and other bodily functions, revealed UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers.

A light-sensitive portion of the brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) remains the body’s “master clock” that coordinates the daily cycle, but it does so indirectly.

The SCN …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Internal body temperature regulates body clock.

Egyptian mummies discovery indicates ‘cancer is man-made’

LONDON – A study of ancient remains has found that cancer is a man-made disease fuelled by pollution and changes to diet and lifestyle.

Tumours were rare until recent times when pollution and poor diet became issues, a review of mummies, fossils and classical literature found.

Despite slivers of tissue from hundreds of Egyptian mummies being rehydrated, … Original article on : Egyptian mummies discovery indicates ‘cancer is man-made’.

Yoga Guru Ramdev meets Buddhist monks in Dharamshala

DHARAMSHALA – Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev met Buddhist Monks in Dharamshala and told them the importance of Yoga.

Addressing a gathering, he said health is the most precious gift of God and one should maintain it and Yoga is one of the best ways to maintain it.

Dharamshala he pointed out, was filled with spirituality and its … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Yoga Guru Ramdev meets Buddhist monks in Dharamshala.

US campaigns against fake drugs in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO – The US embassy will host a string of seminars in Sri Lanka to help combat counterfeit drugs.

The seminars will show how pharmacists, doctors and government officials can work together to protect Sri Lankans against the dangers of counterfeit drugs, an embassy statement said Friday.
The seminars will be organised with help … Read more »».

Psychiatrist ‘used sex, drugs and hypnosis to get patient to kill her husband’

LONDON – A 45-year-old psychiatrist has been accused of using sex, drugs and hypnosis to manipulate a patient into killing her husband.

Mary Hein, who is facing up to 20 years in jail is alleged to have told the patient that they would share her husband’s 500,000 dollars life insurance policy if he carried out the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Psychiatrist ‘used sex, drugs and hypnosis to get patient to kill her husband’.

White House ‘goes pink’ for breast cancer awareness month

LONDON – In a rare turn of events, the White House has decided to ‘go pink’ in order to spread awareness about breast cancer this month.

This October has been declared as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

President Barack Obama announced on Thursday via the Twitter social network that the building would be bathed in pink light …. Original source  : White House ‘goes pink’ for breast cancer awareness month.

Tiger undergoes dialysis in Bhopal for the first time

BHOPAL – Veterinarians in Bhopal are treating a tiger with kidney complication and have placed the feline under dialysis.

Sagar, a tiger, was rescued from a circus in 2006 and taken care at the Van Vihar National Park in Bhopal.

The veterinarian of the park, Dr. Atul Gupta, said that though Sagar’s liver has shown a lot …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Woman gets world’s first double-hand transplant

Monza (Italy), Oct 14 (IANS/AKI) A 52-year-old woman in Italy has become the world’s first to undergo transplants of both her hands, hospital sources said.

Her hands and feet were amputated in 2007 due to a severe blood poisoning. It took six hours to complete the operation Monday night, the San Gerardo di Monza [..] Read the original article: here.

Nestle joins obesity battle by rewarding families buying Kit Kats, Smarties

LONDON – Food firm Nestle has joined a Government campaign to combat obesity by linking the official Change4Life logo on a website that has products carrying tokens offering points towards free activities.

Nestle linked the logo to its own Get Set, Go Free …. Read the original article  : here.

Even a little weight loss helps lower BP in overweight kids

WASHINGTON – A new study has revealed overweight children with higher body mass index (BMI) are more likely to have high blood pressure than those who have the same increase in BMI but normal-weight.

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) spokesperson Jose Ramon Gonzales-Juanatey said: “This study is relevant because it emphasises the relationship between BMI …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

US school ban ‘I [heart] boobies’ bracelet supporting cancer foundation

NEW YORK – A bracelet that reads “I [heart] boobies” has been banned from schools in the US, it has emerged.

The administrators have told students who want to raise awareness of breast cancer to wear this controversial 4-dollar band inside out because the ‘boobies’ language is not appropriate.

According to sources, already 2 million … Read : US school ban ‘I [heart] boobies’ bracelet supporting cancer foundation.

Swimming pool cleaner being sold in NZ as ‘miracle cure for cancer, HIV’

WELLINGTON – An industrial bleach that is generally used to clean swimming pools is being sold in New Zealand as a miracle cure for cancer and HIV.

Medsafe, a Health Ministry business unit, said consumers should immediately stop taking Miracle Mineral Solution, or MMS, which could cause “severe harm to health”, reports the New Zealand Herald.

The …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Cream that gives you natural tan

LONDON – Where to find fake tan that doesn’t streak and smudge or give an orange glow? Doctors could have the answer, in the form of a cream that triggers the skin’s natural tanning mechanism without the need for any sunlight.

Rubbed into skin, the cream kickstarts the production of melanin, the dark pigment …. Original article  : Cream that gives you natural tan.

Dengue fever cases ‘have more than doubled in the last decade’

LONDON – The World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed that the number of dengue fever cases has more than doubled over the past 10 years.

Dengue is a serious flu-like illness that is transmitted by mosquitoes, and can develop into dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal. The disease is spread by the aedes aegypti mosquito.

The …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Dengue fever cases ‘have more than doubled in the last decade’.

BBC documentary to tackle oral sex cancer risk

LONDON – A BBC documentary presented by Jaime Winstone will examine the link between oral sex and rising numbers of mouth and throat cancer cases among young people – described as ‘an emerging epidemic’ by a Cancer Research UK expert.

Rates of oral cancers have gone up by 50pc in men since 1989 and are rising … Read : BBC documentary to tackle oral sex cancer risk.

Osteoporosis drugs can raise fracture risk

LONDON – Hundreds of thousands of women taking drugs for osteoporosis could be at risk of serious leg fractures.

Doctors warn that the most commonly prescribed group of treatment, bisphosphonates, may cause breaks in the thigh bone.
More than 1.4 million women in Britain suffer severe osteoporosis, or thinning of the bones, which usually … Read : Osteoporosis drugs can raise fracture risk.

Don’t ignore that jagged tooth!

NEW DELHI – Don’t ignore that jagged tooth or protruding denture piece that is continuously grazing your inner cheek lining, causing a raw wound that never heals. The wound, over time, could turn cancerous.

And on top of that if you are a pan masala, tobacco or betelnut addict, then the chances of getting oral … Read more : Don’t ignore that jagged tooth!.

Rare bone disease hits Tibet

BEIJING – A rare bone disease is posing a health risk to about 170,000 residents in southwest China’s Tibet region, a medical survey has found.

At least 14,662 people have been diagnosed with Kaschin-Beck disease in Qamdo area, one of the most seriously affected regions, Xinhua reported.
According to the survey conducted by local health … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Rare bone disease hits Tibet.

‘Olive oil increases life expectancy’

NEW DELHI – Olive oil helps prevent cancer and increases life expectancy, an official of the Indian Olive Association (IOA) said Saturday, predicting that olive oil consumption in India would go up by 125 percent this year.

“India has the highest number of patients suffering from cardiac disease. It is high time that a switch …. Original article  : ‘Olive oil increases life expectancy’.

The “miracle” Royal Marine who survived a Taliban bullet through his brain

NEW DELHI – Recalling the time when a bullet went clean through his brain during a battle in Afghanistan, a Royal Marine has said that he owes his life to the goggles he wore and added that people now say “I’m a walking miracle.”

The round from a Taliban sniper entered near … Read this article on Gaea Times at : The “miracle” Royal Marine who survived a Taliban bullet through his brain.

Bali rabies death toll tops 100

JAKARTA – An outbreak of rabies that has hit Indonesia’s resort island of Bali since late 2008 has killed 101 people, officials said Saturday.

A 50-year-old man from the island’s capital Denpasar died Thursday, becoming the latest victim of rabies, said Ken Wirasandhi, a member of a team in charge of handling the disease at … Read more : Bali rabies death toll tops 100.