‘India unable to eradicate measles due to leadership changes’

KUMASI – “Frequent changes” in the leadership of India’s health service is affecting the country’s ability to eradicate measles, which kills an estimated 200,000 children in India, feels an official of private-public charity United Nations Foundation.

According to Andrea Gay, executive director of Children’s Health of the United Nations Foundation (UNF), India is the only …. Source  : ‘India unable to eradicate measles due to leadership changes’.

Hard to detect dementia in elderly people in Britain

LONDON – Elderly people in Britain who suffer from dementia are hard to detect today as they fare better in intelligence tests than their predecessors, a study has found.

Dementia, which involves forgetfulness, mostly affects people who are in their 70s.
The H70 study by Sweden’s University of Gothenburg provides data on symptoms …. Source article  : Hard to detect dementia in elderly people in Britain.

‘O’ blood group women face double fertility risk

LONDON – Women with the most common blood type could be twice as likely to suffer fertility problems. Those with blood group ‘O’ are at much higher risk of running out of healthy eggs, so they could have problems conceiving as they age, researchers have found.

Almost half the population – 44 percent – have …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : ‘O’ blood group women face double fertility risk.

Johnson & Johnson in trouble for 10,000 faulty hip replacements

LONDON – Pharma giant Johnson & Johnson is facing a multi-million-pound legal claim after more than 10,000 patients in Britain were told their hip replacement operations needed to be reversed.

Many patients have been in excruciating pain, with some unable to walk since the operation. Now some of those affected are preparing a class …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

1,800 Egyptians’ eyes get infected

CAIRO – Over 1,800 people in Egypt have been affected with a viral conjunctivitis known as pink eye, a media report said.

The number of people infected with pink eye has risen to 1,831, health ministry spokesman Abdel-Rahman Shahin said Sunday.
As many as 1,703 cases were detected in Daqahliya, 92 in Port Said and … Read more »»».

Alarmed by deaths, Mayawati warns officials

LUCKNOW – Alarmed by the deaths caused by an “unknown killer virus” in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Mayawati Sunday warned all civic officials to work properly or face action.

Over 55 people have died due to the virus over the last week.
In an official release issued after her return from an election tour of … Original article on : Alarmed by deaths, Mayawati warns officials.

Microsoft offers health products for Dubai hospitals

Dubai, Oct 24 (IANS/WAM) Microsoft Health Solutions Group has showcased a range of its equipment to explore prospects of collaboration with the Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC).

DHCC, a member of Tecom Investments, Sunday announced that an “open-day” for Microsoft group held Oct 17 gave Microsoft a platform to explore collaboration opportunities.
Ayesha Abdullah, managing director …. Original source  : Microsoft offers health products for Dubai hospitals.

200 mn suffer from hypertension in China

BEIJING – More than 200 million people suffer from high blood pressure in China and the disease claims 2.3 million lives a year in the country, China Daily reported Sunday.

At an awareness raising event, experts said that high dietary sodium was a major factor for the high prevalence of hypertension.
…. Source  : 200 mn suffer from hypertension in China.

45 people with diarrhoea hospitalised

KOLKATA – At least 45 people were hospitalised for diarrhoea in West Bengal’s Hoogly district Sunday, officials said.

“We are investigating the reason behind it,” said Unmesh Basu, chief medical officer of health in Hoogly. Most of the cases surfaced in Balagar area, he said
… Read : 45 people with diarrhoea hospitalised.

Malaria causing mosquitoes evolving into new species

LONDON – Two strains of Africa’s most notorious malaria mosquitoes are evolving into new species, having implications for combating the disease as the vectors could become immune to control strategies.

Scientists studied the mosquito Anopheles Gambiae, which is chiefly responsible for spreading malaria in sub-Saharan Africa, the Daily Mail reported.
They found that two … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Malaria causing mosquitoes evolving into new species.

What causes those black flecks in eye?

LONDON – Short-sighted people are susceptible to black flecks in the eye as the jelly within the visual organ is already stretched and strained.

As people age, the jelly-like substance that makes up the eyeball begins to dissolve and break down. This leads to tiny pieces of vitreous breaking loose – these are the ‘floaters’ …. Source  : What causes those black flecks in eye?.

Now, remote sensing to kill prostate cancer

LONDON – Remote sensing is helping a new radiotherapy treatment combat prostate cancer.

The revolutionary technique has already been used on dozens of patients at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London.
Because it only pinpoints cancer cells, it could impart a cutting edge to radiotherapy for thousands of men and save them from … Original article on : Now, remote sensing to kill prostate cancer.

Wheezing and allergies in kids could be determined in the womb

LONDON – A new study has suggested that whether a child will develop allergies or wheezing is closely related to how he or she grew at vital stages in the womb.

The research states that fetuses which develop quickly in early pregnancy but falter later in pregnancy are likely to go on to develop allergies and … Original article on : Wheezing and allergies in kids could be determined in the womb.

Skipping breakfast too often ‘ups heart disease risk’

LONDON – Leaving the house on an empty stomach increases the risk of potentially deadly heart disease, says a new research.

It shows that regularly skipping breakfast leads to obesity, larger fat stores around the stomach and higher cholesterol levels – all major risk factors for heart disease, reports the Daily Mail.

It also triggers higher … Read more >>.

The humble butter is a casualty of brand war (Comment)

Butter has been around almost since the inception of civility. The records reveal that butter originated during the Mesopotamian civilization, between 9000 and 8000 BC. It was initially prepared from sheep/goat since domestication of cattle took place long after.

The benefits of butter for human consumption have been referred to in several ancient documents, including … Original source on Gaea Times at : The humble butter is a casualty of brand war (Comment).

Hot on trail of a Himachal leopard – with GPS

SHIMLA – It’s hiding in bushes, avoiding humans, yet running close to habitations with dogs – perhaps completely oblivious to the fact that wildlife officials are hot on its trail. This is the first time a wild animal, a female leopard at that, is being tracked in Himachal Pradesh with the help of the Global …. Original source  : Hot on trail of a Himachal leopard – with GPS.

Pakistan has 99 cholera cases in flood-hit areas: WHO

GENEVA – Three flood-affected provinces of Pakistan are reporting 99 cases of cholera, and the country was also seeing an increase in other diseases, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said Monday.

The Pakistani health ministry notified WHO Oct 12 of the cholera cases, after the disease was confirmed in laboratory. No reason was given for …. Original source  : Pakistan has 99 cholera cases in flood-hit areas: WHO.

Cholera kills 550 in Cameroon

YAOUNDE – A cholera epidemic in Cameroon since April this year has led to the death of 559 people, the country’s health minister has said.

The disease has affected a total of 8,528 people, Health Minister Andr Mama Fouda said Monday.
The North Rim area suffered the most, with 8,227 cases and 542 deaths, followed … Original source on Gaea Times at : Cholera kills 550 in Cameroon.

Nestle recalls candy over health concerns

NEW YORK – Nestle USA has announced the recall of a candy product that may contain “undeclared” peanuts over concerns that it may cause allergic reactions in some people, a media report said.

The recall involves the Raisinets Fun Size candy, Xinhua reported citing CBS.
“People who have allergies or severe sensitivity to peanuts run [..] Read the original article: here.

Superglue speeds up recovery for heart surgery patients

LONDON – A superglue called Kryptonite reduces the recuperative period from eight to four weeks for patients who have undergone heart surgery.

The glue, named after the mythical green element from the Superman stories, is used to improve closure of the breastbone after open-heart surgery, reports the Telegraph.
Paul Fedak, from Foothills Hospital Medical Centre …. Original article  : Superglue speeds up recovery for heart surgery patients.

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.

‘Freeze your ovaries for healthy babies later’

LONDON – Women in their twenties should freeze parts of their ovaries so they can have children much later in life, says a fertility expert.

Sherman Silber, one of the world’s best reproductive surgeons based at St Louis Hospital in the US, says the controversial procedure is so successful at producing babies it should be …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

How a vegetarian diet can prevent cancer

MELBOURNE – It’s a known fact that vegetarian diet helps fight cancer, but a new research suggests that plants may protect us from cancer in a far more novel way – they may block a cancer’s ability to grow.

Populations that consume less animal food and more plant food have a lower risk of cancer and …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Golden bullet to kill stubborn cancer cells

LONDON – A ‘golden bullet’ against breast cancer is being developed by scientists.

Used with radiotherapy, the tiny shards of gold heat up and destroy the deadly cells that help tumours grow and ease their spread around the body.
More resistant to radiotherapy and chemotherapy than other cells, these cancer ‘mother cells’ or stem cells …. Source article  : Golden bullet to kill stubborn cancer cells.

Now, screen breast cancer at home

LONDON – A radical new portable breast scanner could soon enable women to undergo breast screening in the comfort of their homes.

The device has been designed by Zhipeng Wu of Manchester University in Britain and uses radio waves, like a microwave oven, to scan tissues for suspicious lumps.
It is shaped like a cup …. Read the original article  : Now, screen breast cancer at home.

When White House didn’t mind the f-word

TORONTO – A young Canadian woman’s offensive F*** Cancer campaign to create awareness about the deadly disease is raising eyebrows as well as support for her mission in this country and the US.

In fact, her cheeky campaign got 23-year-old Vancouver woman Yael Cohen an invitation to the White House for the Next Generation Leaders …. Source  : When White House didn’t mind the f-word.

Man climbs tree to escape wife’s medical bill

BHUBANESWAR – A tribal is living atop a tree in Orissa since Tuesday after he failed to pay his wife’s hospital fees, officials said Thursday.

Okil Munda, 26, a resident of Sansanadi village in Mayurbhanj district, admitted his pregnant wife in the government hospital at the district headquarter town of Baripada, some 270 km from …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

55 Bangladesh kids fall ill after eating biscuits

DHAKA – At least 55 children fell ill after eating biscuits distributed by the UN World Food Programme in Bangladesh’s Gaibandha district, officials said.

The biscuits were supplied under the School Feeding Programme of the UN body to the Kalitola primary school in Govindaganj sub-district, 268 km northwest of Dhaka, sub-district chief executive officer Abdul … Original source on Gaea Times at : 55 Bangladesh kids fall ill after eating biscuits.

Asthma patients beware, Diwali is here: Doctors

NEW DELHI – If you suffer from breathing problems and Diwali spells trouble for you, then it’s time to start taking precautions.

The use of fire crackers during the festive season of Dussehra and Diwali pose health hazards for people suffering from asthma, bronchitis and other breathing disorders.
Crackers like “phuljari” and “anar” include …. Read the original article  : here.

Medical council sends notice to ex-chief Ketan Desai

NEW DELHI – Tainted former chief of Medical Council of India (MCI) Ketan Desai was Wednesday issued a showcause notice by the board of governors of the council for his case pending before the ethics committee.

The notice sent to Desai by the MCI has sought a response from him by Nov 9 giving … Original source on Gaea Times at : Medical council sends notice to ex-chief Ketan Desai.

Strong marriages can reduce rheumatoid arthritis patients’ pain

WASHINGTON – A new study has revealed that strong marriages for patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-a painful and debilitating condition-is associated with experiencing less pain and enjoying better functioning and quality of life.

Researchers conducted … Read more »»».

British men can now hope to live till 78

LONDON – The life expectancy for men in Britain has increased by almost three years in the last decade to close the gender gap with women, according to official data.

The improvement means boys born in Britain between 2007 and 2009 can expect to reach the age of 78, while girls are likely to live … Read more »».

B-Vitamins ease depression among stroke victims

SYDNEY – Victims of stroke who regularly take B-vitamins are better able to combat depression.

Researchers demonstrated for the first time that they could reduce the risk of depressive symptoms after stroke with the help of vitamins, said Osvaldo Almeida, research director at The Western Australian Centre for Health and Ageing.
“Previous work had suggested …. Source article  : B-Vitamins ease depression among stroke victims.

Extra-virgin olive oil protects liver

WASHINGTON – A new study has revealed that extra-virgin olive oil can protect the liver from oxidative stress.

As part of the study, scientists exposed rats to a moderately toxic herbicide known to deplete antioxidants and cause oxidative stress, finding that those rats fed on a diet containing the olive oil were partially protected from … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Extra-virgin olive oil protects liver.

Brazil restricts antibiotics in bid to stop superbugs

Rio de Janeiro, Oct 29 (IANS/EFE) Brazil has imposed new regulations on the sale of antibiotics as part of efforts to curb the development and spread of superbugs such as the KPC bacteria blamed for 43 deaths this year.

The latest rules from the National Health Alert Agency, or Anvisa, include a requirement that anyone … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Brazil restricts antibiotics in bid to stop superbugs.

India doubles contribution to population forum

NEW DELHI – India Thursday announced doubling of its contribution to the Partners in Population Development (PPD), an intergovernmental initiative for population and reproductive health related programmes.

Participating in a meeting of the PPD in Indonesia, Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said that India will increase its annual contribution toward the alliance [..] Read the original article: here.

75 more infected with dengue in Delhi

NEW DELHI – The number of dengue cases in the capital continued to rise, with 75 more cases reported Thursday, taking the total this season to 5,363 and putting a question mark on the authorities’ efforts of curbing the vector-borne disease.
With 1,054 cases, Shahdara is the most affected area in the city, … Read : 75 more infected with dengue in Delhi.

Orissa tribal women complain of poor support after husbands demise

RAYAGADA – Tribal women in Orissa’s Rayagada District have complained of poor support after losing their husbands to cholera.

“My husband died of diarrhoea and vomiting. My daughter also died recently. I am old and do not have enough food in my house. I don’t know how I will survive,” said Dalima Naik, a woman villager.

“My …. Source  : Orissa tribal women complain of poor support after husbands demise.

How behaviors toward food early in life can lead to obesity

WASHINGTON – A new study has shed light on understanding how behaviors toward food early in life can lead to obesity.

When it comes to understanding where tendencies to overweight and obesity develop, you have to begin with the very young, says John Spence, a behavioural scientist …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Breastfeeding can benefit even the sickest babies

WASHINGTON – It looks like even the sickest babies can benefit from breast-feeding.

Pediatric researchers at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia describe a successful program in which nurses helped mothers attain high rates of breast-feeding in very sick babies-newborns with complex birth defects requiring surgery and intensive care.

Many of these highly vulnerable newborns immediately experience …. Original source  : Breastfeeding can benefit even the sickest babies.

Green tea does not protect against breast cancer: Study

WASHINGTON – A study of data from approximately 54,000 women has found that green tea does not protect against breast cancer.

Motoki Iwasaki, from the National Cancer Center, Tokyo, worked with a team of researchers to carry out the study.

He said, “Although in vitro and animal-based studies have suggested that green tea may have beneficial …. Read the original article  : Green tea does not protect against breast cancer: Study.

Haiti cholera deaths reach 330

Port-au-Prince (Haiti), Oct 30 (IANS/EFE) The number of deaths from a cholera outbreak in Haiti has reached 330, an official said.

Though the illness continues to spread, steps taken to contain it are beginning to bear fruit, said Gabriel Timothee, director-general of the health ministry.
Of the current 4,714 suspected cholera cases, only 81 patients … Read more »».

New supercharged broccoli to fight off cancer

LONDON – Brit scientists have made a major breakthrough in the fight against cancer – by unveiling a supercharged broccoli.

It comes after a 26-year slog by the scientists to cultivate a special strain of the humble veg.

Their breeding programme – started in 1984 using some wild broccoli picked in Italy – has finally come …. Source  : New supercharged broccoli to fight off cancer.

Turmeric could prevent liver damage

WASHINGTON – A new Saint Louis University study has revealed that a chemical that gives curry its zing holds promise in preventing or treating liver damage from an advanced form of a condition known as fatty liver disease.

The chemical, curcurmin, is contained in turmeric, a plant used by the Chinese to make traditional medicines for …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Turmeric could prevent liver damage.

Delhi mayor down with fever, chikungunya suspected

NEW DELHI – Delhi Mayor Prithvi Raj Sawhney is down with viral fever, his son said Friday. However, a civic body leader said the doctors suspect it to be chikungunya.

“The mayor is having high fever for the past two days and the doctors suspect it to be chikungunya,” a councillor said, pleading anonymity.
…. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Delhi mayor down with fever, chikungunya suspected.

63 more infected with dengue in Delhi

NEW DELHI – As many as 63 more cases of dengue were reported in the capital Friday, taking the total of people infected with the vector-born disease in Delhi this season to 5,426.
Shahdara remains the most affected area with more than 1,000 cases, said an official of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Separate council, new posts for research in Siddha

NEW DELHI – The central government has created a separate council and new posts for research in the ancient Siddha medicine branch.

Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS) has been created as a separate body and 37 additional posts and 21 officials will be provided to focus on promoting the traditional medicine system. …. Source article  : Separate council, new posts for research in Siddha.

Apex institute for communicable diseases on anvil

NEW DELHI – Worried after the outbreak of dengue and swine flu in the country, the government is to soon set up an apex institute for communicable diseases on the lines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States.

The health ministry has put forward a proposal for converting …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Apex institute for communicable diseases on anvil.

One in six people at risk of stroke, say experts

NEW DELHI – One in six people around the world suffer from stroke, making it the second leading cause of death worldwide, doctors said Friday on World Stroke Day.

“The main problem is that people are not able to recognise the symptoms of stroke. If the patient is brought to hospital in time there are …. Original article  : One in six people at risk of stroke, say experts.

Apex institute for communicable diseases to be set up soon

NEW DELHI – Following the outbreak of dengue, malaria and swine flu in the country in recent years, the government is planning to set up soon an apex institute for communicable diseases on the lines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States.

The health ministry has put …. Source article  : Apex institute for communicable diseases to be set up soon.

New drug shows promise against certain lung cancers

LONDON – A new study has shown that more than half of patients with a specific kind of lung cancer are responding positively to a treatment that targets the gene that drives their cancer.

The researchdemonstrated 57 percent of patients with ALK-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer responded partially or completely to a tablet … Read more >>.

WeightWatchers dumps old ‘calorie counting’ plan to make dieting tastier

LONDON – Dieting company WeightWatchers’ fat and calorie-based points is set to be replaced by a new system that allows treats, from birthday meals out to the odd fast food binge.

According to Grocer magazine, the international dieting giant said it was adopting the ‘ProPoints’ system because ’science had moved on’ and the previous style of … Read more »».

Flirting with patients to cost Oz nurses’ their jobs

MELBOURNE – Nurses have been banned from flirting with patients as per the new professional-ethics guidelines introduced in Australian hospitals.

Also forbidden under the code are sexual innuendo, ‘off-colour’ jokes and using offensive language.

The guidelines were drawn up by the newly created Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and have been issued to all nursing staff.

Nurses have …. Source  : Flirting with patients to cost Oz nurses’ their jobs.

Breast density linked to breast cancer risk

LONDON – A new study has found that women with dense breasts and no lobular involution are at a higher risk for developing breast cancer than those with non-dense breasts and complete involution.

Apart from age, family history, and age at menarche, two additional factors associated with breast cancer risk include mammographic breast density and extent … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Breast density linked to breast cancer risk.