Internet surfing major cause of chronic back pain in middle-aged women

LONDON – Researchers have said that middle-aged women are suffering from chronic backache because of the Internet.

Women, aged 35 to 50, spend most time on social networking sites Facebook and Twitter, a Deep Heat pain relief poll found.

78 per cent – are in … Original article on : Internet surfing major cause of chronic back pain in middle-aged women.

Super skinny women on TV harmful for health: Studies

LONDON – A new research has suggested repetitive exposure to images of thin women alters brain function and increases our likeliness to develop eating disorders.

Scientists have identified sudden, unexpected changes in the brain function of healthy, body-confident women when they view certain female figures.

In a recent study at Brigham Young ???University in Utah, healthy … Original article on : Super skinny women on TV harmful for health: Studies.

Swine flu cases drop in India

NEW DELHI – The number of swine flu cases in India has seen a sharp drop in the past week – to almost half the previous count, the health ministry said here Monday.

A total of 98 cases were reported from all parts of the country during the week ended Oct 17 as against …. Source  : Swine flu cases drop in India.

Swine flu jab ‘may trigger rare nerve disease’

LONDON – Experts have indicated a possible link between the swine flu jab and an increased risk of developing a rare nerve disease.

The authorities are carrying out studies to examine a possible association between the vaccine and Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a condition that attacks the nervous …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Genetic test could predict menopause in women

LONDON – A genetic test will help predict how long women in their 20s can delay having children.

Researchers have found a group of genes that are linked to the timing of menopause and the age when they will stop being fertile. The test to cost around 50 pounds will be available within a … Read : Genetic test could predict menopause in women.

British fertility device as effective as IVF

LONDON – A British fertility device is as effective as the more expensive in vitro fertilisation (IVF) for couples struggling to conceive as it measures the tiny changes in body temperature that indicate when ovulation occurs.

The DuoFertility system is pioneered by former students at the Cambridge University.
The scientists claim the 495 pounds device [..] Read the original article: here.

Swine flu jab linked to rare nerve disease

LONDON – There may be a possible link between the swine flu jab and an increased risk of developing a rare nerve disease, admit health watchdogs.

Experts are carrying out studies to examine a possible link between the vaccine and Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), which attacks the nervous system and can cause paralysis and even … Read more : Swine flu jab linked to rare nerve disease.

10 tips for breast cancer patients undergoing treatment

WASHINGTON – Undergoing breast cancer treatment? Well, here are some things to keep in mind.

October being the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Julie Gralow of Breast Medical Oncology at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and co-author of ‘Breast Fitness’ (St. Martin’s Press) has offered “10 Tips for Breast Cancer Patients During Treatment”.

1. Get specifics on your diagnosis …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 10 tips for breast cancer patients undergoing treatment.

Tylenol Recall Announced By Johnson & Johnson

NEW JERSEY (GaeaTimes.com)- The McNeil Consumer Healthcare unit of Johnson & Johnson has said that it is going to recall a product lot of Tylenol capsules which has affected more than 1,20,000 bottles. The company has taken the decision after a number of users complained of a peculiar musty smell in the capsules. This … Original source on Gaea Times at : Tylenol Recall Announced By Johnson & Johnson.

Generation Y thinks HIV can spread through mosquitoe bites

MELBOURNE – It seems generation Y has little understanding of HIV, for new research has revealed that 45 per cent believe the disease can be contracted by mosquito bites.

A further 12 per cent of people aged 18-29 years surveyed by Galaxy research believed that sharing knives, cups and other household items was a high risk. …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Generation Y thinks HIV can spread through mosquitoe bites.

US enthusiasts rebut ministers”demonic’ label to yoga

WASHINGTON – Yoga enthusiasts across faiths have debunked two ministers’ call to Christians to shun the popular exercise form, with one going to the extent of suggesting it is “absolute paganism” and “demonic”.

The row over yoga started when in a recent essay, R. Albert Mohler Jr, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in … Read more : US enthusiasts rebut ministers’ ‘demonic’ label to yoga.

Octomom Nadya Suleman ‘had 12 embryos implanted’

MELBOURNE – A US state attorney has revealed that Nadya Suleman’s fertility doctor implanted a dozen embryos in the pregnancy that gave her octuplets.

The number surpasses Suleman’s assertion that only six embryos were implanted.

Dr Michael Kamrava’s action endangered the mother of 14 and violated national standards of care, Deputy Attorney General Judith Alvarado said … Read more »»».

Removing 2mm around tumours cuts chances of breast cancer returning

WASHINGTON – A new research has revealed that removing an extra two millimetres around an area of invasive breast cancer is sufficient to minimise any residual disease in 98 per cent of patients.

Surgeons from the Department of Breast Surgery at Good Hope Hospital, Sutton Coldfield, UK, studied 303 women who had undergone breast-conserving surgery at …. Source article  : Removing 2mm around tumours cuts chances of breast cancer returning.

Statin use may cut risk of colorectal cancer

WASHINGTON – Statins, cholesterol-lowering drugs used to prevent cardiac problems, are associated with reduced risk of colon and rectal cancers, says a new research. comprehensive analysis by researchers at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor included 22 scientific studies with … Original article on : Statin use may cut risk of colorectal cancer.

New way of preventing return of breast cancer

LONDON – Breast cancer patients can reduce their chance of the disease returning if they let surgeons remove small amounts of the healthy tissue surrounding the tumour.

Research has shown that the chance of the disease returning can be reduced by more than 90 percent if at least two mm of normal cells surrounding the …. Read the original article  : New way of preventing return of breast cancer.

Eczema cream meant to soothe makes skin worse

LONDON – A cheap emollient cream to treat the irritated skin of eczema sufferers may actually worsen their condition.

Researchers have now discovered that aqueous cream BP can aggravate the condition. Tests show a detergent contained in the cream thins the skin and actually causes irritation.
Although aqueous cream has been prescribed for millions …. Source article  : Eczema cream meant to soothe makes skin worse.

US-based group launches hospital ranking service in India

NEW DELHI – With patient care and safety emerging as a major concern, a US-based healthcare organisation has launched a certification service for hospitals for the first time in India.

KEMP Healthcare has started a comprehensive collection of evidence-based performance indicators that have been tried and tested in international healthcare systems as reliable benchmarks. … Read more : US-based group launches hospital ranking service in India.

Indian men more prone to heart ailments than women

NEW DELHI – Men in India are at higher risk of heart ailments than women, a survey has found.

The 2010 Saffola Life study, released earlier this week, surveyed over 60,000 people from across the country and found the risk group in men is between 30-39 years, while in women it is between the age …. Original article  : Indian men more prone to heart ailments than women.

Inhaling nitric oxide alleviates pain in sickle cell patients

WASHINGTON – A new research reports that inhaling nitric oxide can safely and effectively reduce pain in adults with sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder characterised by red blood cells.

A study of 18 patients in Atlanta, Chicago and Detroit showed that the … Original article on : Inhaling nitric oxide alleviates pain in sickle cell patients.

Probiotic drinks don’t promote health, says EU study

LONDON – Probiotic drinks and yogurts, popular with millions of consumers trying to stay healthy, don’t really help people’s digestion, finds a recent study.

Products such as Yakult, which are sold at a premium over standard yogurts, cannot be proved to either boost the immune system or aid digestive health.
The European Food … Original article on : Probiotic drinks don’t promote health, says EU study.

Postmenopausal hormone therapy ‘ups breast cancer risk’

WASHINGTON – Use of estrogen plus progestin among postmenopausal women is associated with an increased incidence of more advanced breast cancers and with a higher risk of deaths attributable to breast cancer, recent study reveals.

As part of the study, a total of 16,608 postmenopausal women ages 50 to 79 years with no prior hysterectomy from …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Postmenopausal hormone therapy ‘ups breast cancer risk’.

NIMHANS to be an institute of national importance

NEW DELHI – The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the proposal of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to declare National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore as an institute of national importance.

The Cabinet has took this decision on the lines of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), [..] Read the original article: here.

New vitamin E treatment for prostate cancer

WASHINGTON – Queensland University of Technology (QUT) prostate cancer researchers have found that a new vitamin E treatment could significantly reduce tumour regrowth.

Dr Patrick Ling, whose research will be a centrepiece of the new 354 million dollars Translational Research Institute (TRI) when it opens in Brisbane, is leading a team of researchers who have identified … Read this article on Gaea Times at : New vitamin E treatment for prostate cancer.

Top sports persons should drink more water

WASHINGTON – A new research has concluded that 91pc of professional basketball, volleyball, handball and football players are dehydrated when they begin their training sessions.

The study was conducted by researchers from the Universidad de Castilla la Mancha (UCLM).

“Dehydration negatively affects sporting performance, even when the level of dehydration is low (such as a 2 pc …. Original article  : Top sports persons should drink more water.

Testosterone protects against heart disease, death

LONDON – Aggressive men with higher testosterone levels are less likely to die of heart disease, says a new study.

Medical scientists who followed 930 men diagnosed with coronary heart disease found that those with low testosterone were almost twice as likely to die over a seven-year period, than those with normal levels of … Original source on Gaea Times at : Testosterone protects against heart disease, death.

Babies born in October and November ‘more likely to have food allergies’

WASHINGTON – A population based cohort study from Finland has shown that a child’s likelihood of developing food allergies can be traced back to the season during which s/he completes their first three months of life in the womb.

The Finnish researchers base their findings on just under 6000 children, all of whom were born between … Read more >>>.

N. Korean spy detained for plotting to assassinate its official in Seoul

SEOUL – A North Korean agent has been arrested for plotting to assassinate Hwang Jang-Yop, a former secretary of the North’s ruling party, who died earlier this month from heart attack, according to South Korean prosecutors.

According to The Telegraph, the 46-year-old is accused of plotting to murder Jang-Yop on orders from the North’s Reconnaissance … Original article on : N. Korean spy detained for plotting to assassinate its official in Seoul.

Malaria deaths in India ‘13 times more than WHO estimate’

LONDON – A new research has found that the number of deaths caused by malaria in India is much more than estimated.he research concludes that more than 200,000 people in country succumb to the disease and the number of deaths is 13 times more than the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates.

However, the WHO said the …. Read the original article  : Malaria deaths in India ‘13 times more than WHO estimate’.

Brit ‘yoga expert’ repair man jailed for sexual assault

London, 0ct 21 (ANI): A Brit boiler repairman, who posed as a yoga expert, has been jailed for sexually assaulting women in their homes.

Kyno Hunt was jailed for four years after being found guilty of three counts of sexual assault following a trial at Wood Green Crown Court last month, reports the Daily Mail.

The man … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Brit ‘yoga expert’ repair man jailed for sexual assault.

Severe burn injuries in children ’cause depletion of Vitamin E’

WASHINGTON – A new study has revealed that severe burn injuries in children have been shown to rapidly deplete the levels of vitamin E in their body’s adipose, or fat tissues.

Despite being given given about 150 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin E and other nutrients, the team of researchers found that children … Read more »».

Women’s brains grow after giving birth

LONDON – Having a baby may make a woman more intelligent. Research shows that a womans grey matter – brain cells that crunch information – grows in the weeks and months after she has given birth.

And its the most doting mothers who experience the biggest burst of brain cells. Such changes usually only occur …. Source article  : Women’s brains grow after giving birth.

Thatcher is doing fine, says son

LONDON – Former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, who has been admitted to hospital with an infection, is “chirpy” and “in good order”, her son, Mark, said Wednesday.

The 85-year-old former leader was taken to a private hospital in London late Tuesday for treatment of an infection after suffering a bout of influenza.
After visiting … Original article on : Thatcher is doing fine, says son.

68 dengue cases, Delhi total 4,747

NEW DELHI – Delhi reported 68 new cases of dengue Wednesday, taking the number of people infected with the vector-borne disease to 4,747.

The disease has claimed eight lives in the capital this year. The worst hit area has been north Delhi.
According to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, 1,153 dengue cases and three deaths … Original source on Gaea Times at : 68 dengue cases, Delhi total 4,747.

Soy snacks for malnourished Indian kids

WASHINGTON – Scientists have developed a tastier soy snack to tempt malnourished Indian school kids into eating the low cost vegetable protein.

They have also joined hands with an Indian foundation to get the improved high-protein snack into the hands of 1.2 million hungry kids who need it.
Because Indians are avid snackers, … Read more : Soy snacks for malnourished Indian kids.

Inhaling polluted coal smoke causing ‘fluorosis’ disease among Chinese villagers

NEW YORK – Villagers in remote areas of southwestern China, who cook and dry their clothes by burning pieces of coal, are being affected with a disease ‘fluorosis’ that is caused by a toxin released during the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Guidelines to ease back pain released

NEW DELHI – In what may come as a much needed relief for the millions of Indians who suffer with back pain everyday, a set of guidelines on its management was released in the capital by a group of doctors.

A joint initiative of the Indian Society for the Study of Pain (ISSP) and …. Read the original article  : Guidelines to ease back pain released.

Probiotic drinks, yogurts ‘do not aid digestion’

LONDON – A leading European food watchdog has claimed that probiotic drinks and yogurts, popular with millions of consumers trying to eat healthily, do not boost the immune system or aid digestive health.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has examined more than 800 health claims from food companies, including those submitted by the multi-billion pound … Read more : Probiotic drinks, yogurts ‘do not aid digestion’.

Perception of diseases determines its impact on patients

WASHINGTON – Researchers at the University of Granada have stated that, “the idea that patients have of their disease affects their own coping and adaptation to it”.

They have developed a test for measuring and assessing chronic patients’ cognitive representation of their disease. This advance will enable the development of clinical psychological treatments much more …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Perception of diseases determines its impact on patients.

Hand sanitizers stop working after just 2 minutes: Study

NEW YORK – Are you under the impression that hand sanitizers keep the germs at bay? Well, here’s the reality, they stop working after just two minutes.

A survey suggests that more than half of all Americans think the antibacterial gel last a lot longer than it really does and the fact that hand sanitizers don’t … Read more »».

Weblike device helps cerebral palsy victims move again

LONDON – Children crippled by cerebral palsy can regain movement – thanks to an amazing equipment called The Spider.

The device is so named because it is resembles a spider’s web that holds youngsters up with elastic ropes.
Grace Windram, 4, could barely move when she first started using the apparatus at the Footsteps physiotherapy … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Weblike device helps cerebral palsy victims move again.

Chandigarh gives its sweet shops 48 hours to clean up

CHANDIGARH – In the wake of the upcoming festival season, the Chandigarh administration Friday gave a 48-hour ultimatum to sweet-shop owners here to comply with the guidelines of hygiene and proper ventilation.

There are about 20 guidelines, including repainting of walls, laying tiles on them, having cemented floors and adequate lighting.
The move has evoked … Original source on Gaea Times at : Chandigarh gives its sweet shops 48 hours to clean up.

Sitting too long at work can be ‘dangerous’

WASHINGTON – Sitting too long at work can be dangerous for your health, suggest experts.

Those who stand at work say that it helps them stay focused, avoid feeling they need a nap in the afternoon and even helps them shed pounds.

Marc Hamilton, a physiologist at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Louisiana, discovered that when … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Sitting too long at work can be ‘dangerous’.

Parent-only treatment may be equally effective for childhood obesity

WASHINGTON – A new study has revealed that parent-only treatments for childhood obesity work equally as well as plans that include parents and child.

Moreover, the method is more cost effective and potentially easier for families, according to the study led by a researcher at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine.

“Our results …. Read the original article  : Parent-only treatment may be equally effective for childhood obesity.

Steroid jabs for tennis elbow do ‘more harm than good’

LONDON – A new study has indicated that using steroid injections for tendon problems like tennis elbow could do more harm than good.

It found that injections reduced pain for the first few weeks, but made the condition worse in the long term.

University of Queensland researchers analysed the treatment of tendinopathy in more than 2,600 patients … Read more : Steroid jabs for tennis elbow do ‘more harm than good’.

Taking aspirin daily may help prevent bowel cancer

LONDON – A new study has suggested that a daily aspirin tablet helps protect against bowel cancer.

Oxford University found it cut cases by a quarter and deaths by more than a third in a review of 14,000 patients.

But researchers said their findings “tipped the balance” in favour of taking them.

They followed up four study …. Original article  : Taking aspirin daily may help prevent bowel cancer.

Homes are home to infections, says report

NEW DELHI – Household is where the maximum number of infections are born, a global hygiene council (GHC) study report said Thursday.

“Nearly 90 percent of infections originate in our households because of unhygienic conditions, said Narendra Saini, representative of the GHC.
The main source of bacterial and viral infections are door handles, refrigerators, towels … Read more >>.

Tea losing popularity among youngsters

NEW DELHI – Despite being a popular beverage in India, tea is losing popularity amongst youngsters, a study Thursday said. The main reason being cited is that it’s not considered a “cool” beverage like coffee.

The study, conducted by the Brooke Bond Tea Council, surveyed 1,200 respondents across 12 cities in the country. One of …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Tea losing popularity among youngsters.

Eating broccoli really can lower bowel cancer risk

LONDON – Eating broccoli can lower your risk of bowel cancer -even if it is overcooked, say researchers.

It is well known that broccoli is a superfood that helps fight cancer, but it was always feared that cooking the vegetable for too long could prevent us from getting the full benefit.

However, researchers have discovered that …. Source article  : Eating broccoli really can lower bowel cancer risk.

77 more cases of dengue in Delhi

NEW DELHI – As many as 77 new cases of dengue were reported in the capital Friday, taking the total number of people affected by the vector-borne disease to 4,903, an official said.

Dengue has claimed eight lives in the city this year.
The disease, this year, surpassed the earlier highest figure of 3,366 recorded …. Source article  : 77 more cases of dengue in Delhi.

Biocon net profit up 20 percent in second quarter

BANGALORE – Indias leading biotech firm Biocon Ltd posted net profit of Rs.89 crore for the second quarter (July-Sep) of this fiscal (2010-11), registering a 20 percent year-on-year (YoY) growth.

In a regulatory filing Friday, the company said its total income for the quarter under review (Q2) was Rs.688 crore posting 16 percent YoY.
Operating … Read more : Biocon net profit up 20 percent in second quarter.

Drunkorexia, the dangerous new booze-diet fad to stay skinny

WASHINGTON – Drunkorexia-a new trend that involves not eating in order to save calories for alcohol-is gaining momentum amongst youngsters.

A drunkorexic is a person who restricts food intake to reserve those calories for alcohol and binge drinking, and note that people are more susceptible to drunkorexia in college.

A recent study by the University of …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Drunkorexia, the dangerous new booze-diet fad to stay skinny.

WHO disputes Lancet’s report on number of malaria deaths in India

WASHINGTON – The World Health Organization has disputed the findings of a study on malaria that claimed the number of Indians dying from the mosquito-borne disease each year 13 times higher than the United Nations health agency’s estimate.

The study was published in the British medical journal Lancet.

The research claimed that malaria causes 200,000 … Read more >>>.

Controlled oxygen therapy slashes death rate among COPD patients

SYDNEY – Controlled oxygen therapy can slash death rate among patients of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by up to 78 percent.

COPD is a chronic lung disease that affects over 200 million people worldwide. It is characterised by breathing difficulties, a progressive, disabling and potentially fatal condition.
It is estimated up to be the …. Original source  : Controlled oxygen therapy slashes death rate among COPD patients.

Salmonella ‘could be used to cure cancer’

LONDON – Scientists at Glasgow University have revealed that Salmonella, the bacteria known for causing food poisoning, could be used to cure cancer patients.

They discovered how a protein in the bug manipulates what happens in the body’s cells, causing them to die off- that could be directed to kill cancerous cells, potentially curing the disease.

In …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Salmonella ‘could be used to cure cancer’.

Can GM mosquitoes wipe out dengue?

NEW DELHI – Unable to prevent malaria or dengue with current methods, scientists are now turning to genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes to tackle diseases – amid notes of caution that it could lead to unforeseen problems.

The idea behind genetically modified mosquitoes is to release them into the wild to mate with females and produce …. Source article  : Can GM mosquitoes wipe out dengue?.

Cholera spreads in Haiti; almost 200 people dead

Port-au-PRINCE – At least 200 people have died in a cholera outbreak in earthquake-shattered Haiti, the government said Saturday.

Another 2,500 people were fighting for their lives in hospital, sickened with fever, vomiting and diarrhoea, in the Lower Artibonite region, 80 km north of capital Port-au-Prince.
The outbreak prompted the government to declare a health … Read more »».

UAE to begin livestock vaccination programme

Dubai, Oct 23 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirates is starting a country-wide campaign to vaccinate livestock against several endemic diseases.

The campaign, stretching from October 2010 to April 2011, will see provision of vaccines against aphthous fever, enterotoxaemia, sheep and goat pox and the contagious pleuropneumonia, the ministry of environment and water said.
The ministry … Read more »»».

Malaria claims nine lives in Bikaner

BIKANER – At least nine people have died and several have been hospitalised after an outbreak of malaria in Rajashthan’s Bikaner city on Saturday.

Heavy rainfall has led to an accumulation of water in different parts of city, which in turn have become breeding …. Original article  : Malaria claims nine lives in Bikaner.

Indian doctor head of Asian bariatric surgical society

NEW DELHI – Pradeep Chowbey, an Indian laparoscopic surgeon, Saturday took over as the president of Asia Pacific Metabolic and Bariatric Surgical Society (APMBSS).

The APMBSS promotes the teaching and research of bariatric surgery in the Asia-Pacific region. Additionally, it recommends the guidelines for the management of patients with obesity.
Chowbey’s role would … Read more >>.

Homeopathy treatment can cure dengue, claims doctor

AGRA – A homeopathy doctor here claims to have found an effective treatment for dengue.
Anoop Maheshwari treated not only his own 10-year-old son who had suffered from the mosquito-borne disease, but has also effectively treated scores of cases of dengue with homeopathic drugs.
“Why spend Rs.25,000 and more, when homeopathic medicines [..] Read the original article: here.

Four dead, 2,000 affected by dengue in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – More than 2,000 people are suffering from dengue fever in Pakistan’s Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces and at least four patients have died in the past few days, health authorities said Saturday.
On Saturday, 152 new patients were admitted to hospitals in Karachi while more than 200 have been admitted … Read : Four dead, 2,000 affected by dengue in Pakistan.

Positive social traits ‘good for your health’

WASHINGTON – A new study has suggested that with positive social traits, declines in health could be delayed by up to a decade.

Many studies have documented the dangers of the traditional negative physical risk factors on health-excessive smoking, drinking and being …. Source  : Positive social traits ‘good for your health’.

HIV tests negative for porn stars who worked with ‘Patient Zero’

LOS ANGELES – Officials at a US clinic where a porn actor tested HIV-positive earlier this month said that tests showed no other actors who performed with the individual have tested HIV-positive.

The actor tested HIV-positive Oct. 9 at the … Read more >>>.