Health (General) – Weekly Newsletter for November 22-29, 2010

Monday, November 29, 2010

Some US doctors open to sex with patients

NEW YORK – Some doctors in the US are now open to a romantic or even a sexual relationship with patients, but after at least six months have elapsed since the treatment got over, a survey has revealed.

Around 10,000 American physicians were asked 20 “ethically thorny” questions in a poll conducted by WebMD, an … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Some US doctors open to sex with patients.

650,000 to get Hepatitis B vaccine in Tripura by 2011

AGARTALA – As many as 650,000 people in Tripura will be vaccinated against Hepatitis B by March next year, says an NGO that has undertaken a mass immunisation programme in association with the state government.

“Tripura is the only state in India where the Hepatitis Foundation of Tripura (HFT), an NGO of northeast India, in …. Read the original article : 650,000 to get Hepatitis B vaccine in Tripura by 2011.

Pet dogs can transform lives of the disabled

LONDON – Pet dogs can transform the lives of the disabled, including autistic children, researchers say.

There is a growing awareness that dogs can play a key role in ending tantrums in children, reports the Telegraph.
Experts site the case of five-year-old Jude, an autistic.
Kristina Hughes, his mother, has seen his explosive … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Pet dogs can transform lives of the disabled.

South Africa’s ‘Whoonga’ craze: mixing HIV drugs with marijuana

LONDON – Patients suffering from AIDS in South Africa are unable to get right quantities of their lifesaving drugs so that they can be mixed with marijuana and smoked, say authorities and health experts.

The mixture is called ‘whoonga’.

Whoonga smokers may be fooling themselves into believing the AIDS drugs are giving them a high, when it’s …. Source : South Africa’s ‘Whoonga’ craze: mixing HIV drugs with marijuana.

US doctors now open to sex with patients

NEW YORK – Doctors in the US are now open to a romantic or even a sexual relationship with patients, a survey has revealed.

Around 10,000 American physicians were asked 20 “ethically thorny” questions in a poll conducted by WebMD, an online medical consultancy, which found out that 11.7 percent admitted they could become romantically … Read more »»».

Twins who can ‘hear each other’s thoughts, see through each other’s eyes’

LONDON – A pair of conjoined twins has amazed doctors to no end – the two children, who share a brain, can not only hear each other’s thoughts, but also see through each other’s eyes.

The girls have a conjoined thalamus, the part of the brain that sends physical sensations and motor functions to the cerebral …. Original source : Twins who can ‘hear each other’s thoughts, see through each other’s eyes’.

Gynaecologists use thin film for cesareans in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Gynaecologists in the capital are now using a thin film called ’seprafilm’ during cesareans to avoid post-operation and future complications.

According to Meena Naik, senior consultant and gynaec laparoscopic surgeon at Max Hospital, many gynaecologists in the capital prefer this thin film as it reduces complications in cesarean operations.
“I have used … Original article on : Gynaecologists use thin film for cesareans in Delhi.

Beware: A kiss could trigger allergic reaction

WASHINGTON – The next time you plan to kiss your beloved, give it a second thought. The kiss can trigger an allergic reaction in your partner, a study says.

“If you have food allergies, then having an allergic reaction immediately after kissing someone who has eaten the food or taken oral medication that you are … Read more >>>.

Organ donors, recipients participate in Transplant Games

MUMBAI – Aiming to dispel common myths about organ donation, over 150 people, both donors and receivers, participated in the Transplant Games sports meet here Sunday.

“It is a pleasure to watch the enthusiasts coming from different parts of the country. This event has been inspiring not only for the many potential recipients and … Read more »».

Longevity test may be flawed, study shows

LONDON – A scientific test used to check whether someone will reach the age of 100 or not may be flawed, researchers say.

Earlier, scientists had claimed that by studying genomes, it was possible to predict a person’s lifespan with 77 percent accuracy. They said people carrying certain ‘longevity genes’ were likely to live …. Original article : Longevity test may be flawed, study shows.

Sickle cell patients number rising globally: Experts

RAIPUR – The number of patients suffering from sickle cell anaemia – a form of blood disorder – are increasing across the world due to lack of awareness about it, experts at an international meet here on the disease said Monday.

Citing the lack of screening facilities in interior areas as well as less awareness … Read more »».

Swine flu cases drop significantly

NEW DELHI – Swine flu cases have come down significantly with only about 22 cases and one death being reported across the country during the last week.

According to the health ministry, 22 cases of H1N1 have been reported between Nov 16 to 21, across three states. The lone death was reported from Orissa, which …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Swine flu cases drop significantly.

Kidnapped Brit couple kept fit by doing yoga and aerobics

LONDON – Yacht couple Paul and Rachel Chandler, who were held by land-based pirates for 388 days, after their yacht was seized off the Somali coast, said they practiced yoga and aerobics to keep fit and healthy while in captivation.

“We did aerobic exercises while the pirates looked on bemused,” the Daily Mail quoted Rachel …. Read the original article : Kidnapped Brit couple kept fit by doing yoga and aerobics.

Transgenders at higher risk of HIV infection: UN

NEW DELHI – Transgenders are at a higher risk of contracting HIV infection, said a UN report on AIDS epidemic released Tuesday.

The 2010 UNAIDS report on the global AIDS epidemic found among the high risk group that got HIV infection in India in 2009 — 9.2 percent were those using injected drugs, 7.3 percent …. Source : Gaea News Network.

50 pc drop in HIV cases in India in 10 years: UN

NEW DELHI – India has shown a 50 percent drop in the number of new HIV infections in the last 10 years as the AIDS epidemic is beginning to reverse globally with a decline in the newly-infected HIV cases and AIDS-related deaths, says a United Nations report released Tuesday.

The 2010 UNAIDS Report on the … Original source on Gaea Times at : 50 pc drop in HIV cases in India in 10 years: UN.

Super-speciality hospital to come up in Himachal

SHIMLA – Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Gulam Nabi Azad will lay the foundation stone of a super-speciality hospital in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh Wednesday, a state minister said here.

“The hospital will be constructed with an outlay of Rs.150 crore in the Rajendra Prasad Medical College campus in Tanda,” health minister Rajeev …. Source : Super-speciality hospital to come up in Himachal.

14 more dengue cases push Delhi total to 6,190

NEW DELHI – The national capital reported 14 more cases of dengue Tuesday, taking the total number of people in the city infected with the vector-borne disease to 6,190, an official said.

According to a Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) official, Shahdara (North) zone is the most affected with 868 cases, followed by Rohini zone … Read more : 14 more dengue cases push Delhi total to 6,190.

Corruption needs to be uprooted: Baba Ramdev

GORAKHPUR – Yoga guru Baba Ramdev has said corruption is India’s biggest problem and needs to be uprooted.

Speaking during the Bharat Swabhiman Yatra here, Baba Ramdev said corruption has created a hole in India’s economy, and has further deepened the difference between the rich and the poor.

“Rupees … Original article on : Corruption needs to be uprooted: Baba Ramdev.

More than 50pc of depressed patients give up their treatment

WASHINGTON – With the number of depression cases going up every year, a study has underlined that more than half of the patients give up their treatment before the prescribed time.

The research from Catalan researchers stated that most patients who take anti-depressants leave their treatment in less than six months, which is the minimum period …. Original source : More than 50pc of depressed patients give up their treatment.

A pill to erase painful memories in offing

LONDON – Scientists in the US believe they may be able to help people erase painful memories with the help of a pill.

They have discovered that proteins can be removed from the brains ‘fear centre’ to wipe out traumatic memories.
The US research has parallels to the plot of the science fiction film “Eternal …. Source : A pill to erase painful memories in offing.

Pakistan to enlarge pictorial warning on cigarette packs

ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan government will increase the size of the pictorial health warning on cigarette packets from 30 to 50 percent, a media report said Tuesday.

The size of the text message on cigarette packets will also be increased from the existing 10 percent, following the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) of … Read : Pakistan to enlarge pictorial warning on cigarette packs.

Indo-Canadian minister expelled by party in Canadian province

TORONTO – An Indo-Canadian deputy minister in Alberta province was Monday thrown out of his party for slamming health policies of his own government after poor emergency care given to his critically ill father.

Indian-born Raj Sherman, who moved to Canada as a child and served as Alberta’s deputy health minister, paid for lashing … Read more >>>.

A quarter of overweight women think they’re normal

LONDON – A quarter of obese women don’t think they have a weight problem at all, a study shows.

Young mothers are particularly at risk of obesity, but fail to recognise they are still carrying the pounds put on during pregnancy, US researchers say.
However, this encourages denial of health-related problems caused by obesity such …. Read the original article : A quarter of overweight women think they’re normal.

A supplement that cures erectile dysfunction

Rome, Nov 25 (IANS/AKI) Italian scientist and doctor Ermanno Greco claims to have created a supplement which cures erectile dysfunction and which has been successful in 85 percent of the cases tested.

Greco, who is director of the Centre of Reproductive Biology and Medicine at the European Hospital in Rome, said the supplement has produced …. Source article on Gaea Times at : A supplement that cures erectile dysfunction.

Chocolate may ease symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome

LONDON – Dark chocolate may ease the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, says a new research.

It is characterised by extreme, persistent fatigue for six months or more with other problems as muscle pain, headaches and poor memory.
Dark chocolate is rich in chemicals known to increase signals carried around the brain but …. Source : Chocolate may ease symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.

‘Kicking butt reduces lung cancer by 90 percent’

NEW DELHI – Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of lung cancer by nearly 90 percent, an expert said Wednesday.

“Smoking causes about 90 percent of lung cancer deaths among tobacco consumers, said Arun Goel, senior consultant of surgical oncology at Galaxy Cancer Institute in the capital.
Tobacco, responsible for 40 percent cancer-caused deaths in …. Source article : ‘Kicking butt reduces lung cancer by 90 percent’.

Awareness key to combat breast cancer: Experts

NEW DELHI – Awareness about the causes and ways to check breast cancer early can help combat the disease, experts said here Wednesday.

The incidence of breast cancer is rising in metropolitan cities. The causes include obesity, late marriage, smoking and even alcohol intake, Rajeev Agarwal, oncologist at Sir Ganga Ram hospital in …. Source article : Awareness key to combat breast cancer: Experts.

All in a day’s work: Doctor delivers 15 babies

KOLKATA – A gynaecological surgeon of Kolkata created a record of sorts by successfully performing 12 caesarean operations in a single day to deliver 15 babies.

Gautam Khastgir, a consultant gynecological surgeon and infertility specialist, performed all the deliveries Oct 10 in a span of 10 hours, resulting in the birth of 15 babies as … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : All in a day’s work: Doctor delivers 15 babies.

Positive outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis linked to early diagnosis

WASHINGTON – A new study has found that positive outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are closely linked to early diagnosis and treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

Researchers in the Netherlands found that patients who are assessed by rheumatologists soon …. Source article : Positive outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis linked to early diagnosis.

Pregnant mums’ oral care of utmost importance to baby too

WASHINGTON – A new study has said that a pregnant woman’s oral health can have a significant impact on the baby’s health too.

Pregnant women can experience gingivitis, pregnancy tumors, and mild to severe gingival enlargement.

“Although bleeding and inflammation of the gums has been noted in all trimesters of pregnancy, …. Source article : Pregnant mums’ oral care of utmost importance to baby too.

Melamine-tainted dairy product reappears in China

BEIJING – Reports of melamine-tainted dairy products resurfacing in China’s markets have triggered alarm bells once again in the country, less than two years after a dairy scandal in 2008 caused much concern over food safety.

Market regulators in Xiangfan city in Hubei province have asked local businesses to trace 50 packages – each containing …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Melamine-tainted dairy product reappears in China.

After ‘Iron Lady’, Manipur produces a ‘Mr India’

PANAJI – If Irom Sharmila, who is on a fast for the past 10 years to protest human rights violations by security forces in Manipur, is the state’s ‘Iron Lady’, then Khundrakpam Pradip Kumar Singh is its ‘Mr India’.

Pradip was infected by the deadly HIV/AIDS virus in 2000, when he injected himself with … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : After ‘Iron Lady’, Manipur produces a ‘Mr India’.

IAS urges Pope to strongly support condom use

WASHINGTON – Following Pope’s comments that condom use could, in specific circumstances, be acceptable, the International AIDS Society (IAS) has urged him and the Catholic Church to come out clearly and strongly in support of all evidence-based methods of HIV prevention, including condom use.

By implying that there can only be some exceptional circumstances that could …. Original article : IAS urges Pope to strongly support condom use.

Half of antibiotics produced in China fed to animals

BEIJING – Nearly half of the antibiotics produced in China are being fed to animals rather than used to fight viruses in people, a media report said Friday.

Of the 210,000 tonnes of antibiotics made in China each year, 97,000 tonnes end up in animals, Xiao Yonghong, a professor from the Institute of Clinical Pharmacology …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Half of antibiotics produced in China fed to animals.

Fight obesity to fight ailments, say doctors (Nov 26 is Anti-Obesity Day)

NEW DELHI – From heart disease to high blood pressure, urological complications to those related to pregnancy, obesity attracts a whole lot of ailments, doctors said Friday as India observed the Anti-Obesity Day.

As of 2008, more than 20 million people in India suffered from obesity.
Said Hrishikesh Pai, a gynaecologist: “Studies point to … Original article on : Fight obesity to fight ailments, say doctors (Nov 26 is Anti-Obesity Day).

Being fat by age 9 ups heart disease risk

LONDON – Children who are overweight by the age of nine have greater chances of developing heart disease.

By the time they are 15, they have higher blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood insulin levels than normal, which raise the chance of a premature death from heart disease.
Tam Fry of the National …. Source : Being fat by age 9 ups heart disease risk.

Sarah Palin blasts Michelle Obama, Barbara Bush

LONDON – Sarah Palin has slammed Michelle Obama for her campaign against childhood obesity and dismissed Barbara Bush as one of the “blue bloods” trying to fix the political system.

In a radio interview Palin, the 2008 vice-presidential nominee who is considering a 2012 White House bid, said Michelle’s anti-obesity push reflected a belief that parents … Original article on : Sarah Palin blasts Michelle Obama, Barbara Bush.

Milk, meat from cloned cattle ’safe to consume’

LONDON – Meat and milk from cloned cattle and their offspring is “no different to conventional produce and is safe to consume”, British government advisers have said.

The Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) launched an investigation after reports surfaced in August this year about milk and meat from offspring of cloned cows … Original source on Gaea Times at : Milk, meat from cloned cattle ’safe to consume’.

HIV pill could lessen infection risk among healthy gays

LONDON – A pill used to treat people with HIV when given to healthy gay and bisexual men during a three-year global trial lessened their chances of infection, says a new study.

The drug Truvada lowered the chances of infection by 44 percent, and by 73 percent or more among men who took their pills …. Source : Gaea News Network.

EU bans chemical from baby bottles

BRUSSELS – A widely used chemical – Bisphenol A – will be banned from baby bottles in the European Union (EU) from the middle of next year, Europe’s food safety agency has ruled, according to a spokesman for the European Commission.

Bisphenol A is used in many common products including in tin cans for preservation …. Read the original article : EU bans chemical from baby bottles.

Jet lag clouds memory for a long time

WASHINGTON – Chronic jet lag affects the brain in ways that bring on memory and learning problems which stay for a month after a flight.

Twice a week for four weeks, researchers subjected female Syrian hamsters to six-hour time shifts – the equivalent of a New York-to-Paris airplane flight.
During the last two … Read more : Jet lag clouds memory for a long time.

Binge drinking doubles heart attack risk

LONDON – Binge drinkers are at twice the risk of a heart attack than those who consume the same amount but spread it over a week.

Researchers, led by Jean-Bernard Ruidavets from the Toulouse University in France, examined almost 10,000 healthy men aged between 50 and 59 and tracked them for 10 years.
… Original article on : Binge drinking doubles heart attack risk.

Smoking cannabis ‘ups cancer risk’

LONDON – A new US study has found that smoking cannabis may increase the risk of cancer by suppressing the immune system.

Scientists believe the drug triggers the production of cells that weaken the body’s resistance to cancer, reports the Scotsman.

The study found that cannabinoids – the active compounds in cannabis – activated biological pathways [..] Read the original article: here.

Over 50 percent Indians suffer from tooth problems: Survey

NEW DELHI – Over 50 percent of Indians suffer from tooth decay problems and nearly 77 percent have not visited the dentist in the past one year, a study revealed Saturday.

Nearly 53 percent Indians suffer from common tooth problems such as bleeding gums, bad breath, sensitive teeth, receding gums and decayed teeth, revealed a … Read : Over 50 percent Indians suffer from tooth problems: Survey.

Save lives, become an organ donor (Nov 27 is World Organ Donation Day)

NEW DELHI – There is a huge shortage of organs in India, and patients die while on waiting list as they do not get an organ on time, said a health expert, adding that a brain-dead person’s organs can give a new lease of life to at least nine people.

Organ donation is …. Original source : Save lives, become an organ donor (Nov 27 is World Organ Donation Day).

Air travelers ‘at risk from disease-causing secondhand smoke’

WASHINGTON – One in four of the largest U.S. airports still allows smoking indoors, potentially exposing travelers and workers to disease-causing secondhand smoke, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control …. Read the original article : Air travelers ‘at risk from disease-causing secondhand smoke’.

Tobbaco products should sport more graphic warnings: Survey

NEW DELHI – A majority of Indians want stringent pictorial warnings on tobacco products to warn smokers against the hazards of consuming tobacco, said a survey released here Friday.

The Health Related Information Dissemination Amongst Youth (HRIDAY) and the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) conducted the survey among 5,300 people in the last 15 … Read more »».

Coffee with sugar activates attentiveness, memory

LONDON – A cup of coffee activates attentiveness and memory if it is taken with sugar.

University of Barcelona scientists found that taking caffeine and sugar together boosts the brain’s performance – more than taking them separately.
Researchers now believe each one boosts the effect of the other on brain functions such as attention span …. Read the original article : here.

Thousands take part in Hyderabad run for good health

HYDERABAD – Thousands of people, including celebrities, Sunday participated in the Hyderabad 10K Run for good health around Hussain Sagar lake in the heart of the city.

The environs of the picturesque lake warmed up on a cool morning as about 20,000 people, including politicians, film personalities, sportspersons and software professionals, joined the run.
Sponsored … Read more »».

Hindu group stirs debate over yoga’s ‘ownership’

NEW YORK – Who owns yoga? It may be a difficult question to answer, but it is the most talked about topic in the yoga community-thanks to a group that ignited the debate.

The group of Indian-Americans has spurred a fierce debate in the gentle world of yoga by starting a campaign to acquaint Westerners with … Read : Hindu group stirs debate over yoga’s ‘ownership’.

‘Parent-to-child transmission of HIV high in India’

BANGALORE – While India may have stemmed the AIDS epidemic “it miserably failed in prevention of parent to child transmission of HIV”, says the AIDS Society of India (ASI), a professional body of doctors in HIV care.

Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad told parliament on Nov 24 that nearly 53,000 children in the country are … Original source on Gaea Times at : ‘Parent-to-child transmission of HIV high in India’.

Laser blasts open blocked arteries

LONDON – A high-powered laser, which unblocks arteries in minutes, is being used on patients for the first time in London.

The Turbo Elite ‘drill’ fitted to a new laser, called the Excimer, blasts tissue into particles so small they can only be seen under a microscope.
Trials at University College Hospital in … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Laser blasts open blocked arteries.

Speaking at a function to mark the first Organ Donation Day in the country, Azad said that the amended legislation would “address concerns about optimum utilisation … Original source on Gaea Times at : ‘Stiff penalties mooted for unethical practices in organ grafting’.