Heavy smoking doubles Alzheimer’s risk

LONDON – Middle-aged smokers who puff 40 cigarettes a day more than double their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, a study shows.

The study also found that heavy smoking greatly increased chances of another common form of dementia.
Scientists in the US followed the progress of more than 21,000 middle-aged men and women for an … Original source on Gaea Times at : Heavy smoking doubles Alzheimer’s risk.

Cholera in Assam tea gardens: 16 killed, 150 affected

GUWAHATI – At least 16 people have died and up to 150 affected in a deadly cholera outbreak in Assam, with most casualties reported from tea garden areas, officials said Wednesday.

Most casualties were reported from tea garden areas. Prima facie it appears the victims were down with cholera due to poor hygiene conditions, said … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Cholera in Assam tea gardens: 16 killed, 150 affected.

Following healthy lifestyle tips could prevent bowel cancer

LONDON – A new study has indicated that almost a quarter of colorectal (bowel) cancer cases could be prevented if people followed healthy lifestyle advice in five areas including diet and exercise.

Researchers from Denmark found that following recommendations on physical activity, waist circumference, smoking, alcohol and diet could reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer … Read more >>>.

Why men are at greater risk than women for gum disease

LONDON – University of Maryland Dental School researchers have indicated that sex hormones may be the biological reason why men are at greater risk than women for destructive periodontitis, an infection of the gums.

To establish better management and risk assessment models for periodontal disease, Harlan Shiau, assistant professor, and Mark Reynolds, professor at the Dental …. Original source  : Why men are at greater risk than women for gum disease.

High resting heart rate may shorten life

WASHINGTON – A direct link between heart rate at rest and risk of death in people with stable heart disease has been found in a study.

If you are a person who already has stable heart disease, how fast your heart beats at rest can predict your risk of dying, not only from heart disease but …. Source  : High resting heart rate may shorten life.

Just 5 minutes of ‘green’ exercise could improve mental health

NEW YORK – A new research has suggested that just five minutes of outdoor activity – such as exercising in a park, working in a backyard garden or walking on a nature trail – is good for the brain, with tangible benefits for mental health.

It indicated that physical activity in natural areas, known as ‘green’ …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Desk jobs ‘can kill you’

NEW YORK – For those with desk jobs, doing exercises while sitting can make a lot of difference, suggests a new study.

The research reported in Men’s Health cautioned that those who sit for hours at a time – even if they regularly work out at the gym – are at an increased risk for an …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Anti-obesity drugs dull brain pleasure centres to ‘food porn’

WASHINGTON – Anti obesity drugs might make that pastry look a lot less appetizing, according to scientists at the University of Cambridge.

Professor Paul Fletcher and colleagues discovered that the anti-obesity drug sibutramine reduced brain responses in two regions of the brain, the hypothalamus and the amygdala, both of which are known to be important in … Read more »»».

Malaysian woman with New Delhi superbug never travelled overseas

KUALA LUMPUR – A Malaysian woman has been detected with a superbug, which is resistant to antibiotics.

The 24-year-old has been detected with NDM-1 (New Delhi metallo-lactamase-1), although she has never travelled overseas.

It is the first known case in Malaysia.

“Fortunately, she is only a carrier and we were able to extract the bacteria from her body,” …. Source article  : Malaysian woman with New Delhi superbug never travelled overseas.

Obese kids show signs of middle-aged heart disease

LONDON – Obese children are showing signs of heart disease that doctors only expect to see in middle-aged adults.

A study of overweight youngsters found that their blood vessels had stiffness typically seen in adults with cardiovascular disease.
Lead author Kevin Harris told the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress 2010 that it was as if the … Original article on : Obese kids show signs of middle-aged heart disease.