Health (General) – Weekly Newsletter for December 1-6, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
Removing tobacco displays makes smoking less tempting
LONDON – Putting away tobacco displays makes puffing less tempting to young people, a study says.
Conducted by the University of Nottingham Centre for Tobacco Control Studies in Britain, the researchers found that the number of teenagers who recalled tobacco displays dropped from 81 percent to only 22 percent after the displays were removed, reports …. Original article : Removing tobacco displays makes smoking less tempting.
A moving account of fighting and living with breast cancer (IANS Book Review)
Book: The Red Devil – To Hell With Cancer – and Back; Author: Katherine Russell Rich; Category: Non fiction; Publisher: Tranquebar; Price: Rs: 275.
Author Katherine Russell Rich’s account of her long fight with breast cancer takes the reader deep into the abyss of devastation that a cancer patient goes through in Cancerland. But through …. Original article on Gaea Times at : A moving account of fighting and living with breast cancer (IANS Book Review).
Red Ribbon Express in Delhi to spread AIDS awareness
NEW DELHI – The Red Ribbon Express, a train for spreading AIDS awareness, will be in the capital Nov 29-Dec 1.
The eight-coach train, with both doctors and volunteers, will be stationed at the Safdarjung Railway Station Nov 29-Dec 1.
During its halt, the volunteers will disseminate information on prevention of HIV/AIDS.
The … Original source on Gaea Times at : Red Ribbon Express in Delhi to spread AIDS awareness.
Karachi cargo plane crash: DNA samples taken from bodies
KARACHI – DNA samples have been taken from the bodies recovered from the debris of the Russian-made cargo plane that crashed near residential apartments in Karachi on Sunday.
Sindh Health Minister Dr Sagheer Ahmed declared an emergency in all hospitals of the city after the first report regarding the plane crash was received, Geo News reports.
At …. Read the original article : Karachi cargo plane crash: DNA samples taken from bodies.
Parkinson’s drug side effects turns IT manager into sex-crazed transvestite
LONDON – A former IT manager has revealed how he became a sex-crazed transvestite and spent thousands due to side-effects from Parkinson’s disease medication.
Peter Shepherd, 60, was prescribed the drug Cabergoline by his GP in 2001 and it had such a devastating impact on him that he blew 400,000 pounds on a luxury lifestyle and … Read more >>>.
WikiLeaks reveals Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has terminal cancer
WASHINGTON – US diplomatic cables released by the whistleblower website ‘WikiLeaks’ include remarks of an Iranian informant telling American officials in 2009 that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei had terminal cancer and could die within months.
Ayatollah Khamenei, the chief religious leader of Iran, who holds the final word in state affairs is a hardliner …. Original source : WikiLeaks reveals Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has terminal cancer.
Paracetamol doubles risk of asthma in kids
LONDON – Babies given Calpol or other forms of paracetamol are twice as likely to develop asthma.
Those fed the medicines in the first 15 months of their life are also at much higher risk of allergies when they are older.
Researchers attribute the surge in childhood asthma over the last 50 years to increasing … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Paracetamol doubles risk of asthma in kids.
Haiti cholera toll rises to 1,721
Port-au-Prince, Nov 30 (IANS/EFE) The number of deaths from the cholera epidemic afflicting Haiti since mid-October has risen to 1,721, health officials said.
In all, 75,888 people have been attended for the disease, of whom 33,485 were hospitalised, though 32,283 of them recovered and were sent home.
Cholera, which was eradicated in the impoverished Caribbean …. Source : Haiti cholera toll rises to 1,721.
Top 10 Health News Last week (22nd – 28th Nov 2010)
A healthy body paves the way to a healthy mind. In this busy life are you aware of the latest health news that is happening around you. Take a step back and relax for a few minutes because we are here to provide you the latest health updates for a week that can keep … Read : Top 10 Health News Last week (22nd – 28th Nov 2010).
Gujarat to check kids – and treat them
GANDHINAGAR – More than 300,000 officials, including 5,528 doctors, will medically check over 1.52 crore children across Gujarat from Dec 3 to Feb 15, 2011, it was announced Monday.
Health Minister Jaynarayan Vyas said the special drive had been taken up at the behest of Chief Minister Narendra Modi with the twin objectives of ensuring …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Gujarat to check kids — and treat them.
Delhi to launch AIDS awareness campaign in slum areas Dec 1
NEW DELHI – Delhi Health Minister Kiran Walia Monday said an awareness campaign about AIDS will be launched in the capital’s slum areas from Dec 1.
Elaborating on the plans by the Delhi government to mark World AIDS Day, Walia said a Red Ribbon Marathon will be organised besides plays.
“An integrated campaign ‘Delhi …. Source : Gaea News Network.
India-Sweden to strengthen ties in healthcare
NEW DELHI – Furthering their collaboration in the field of healthcare, India and Sweden Monday decided to focus on areas like maternal and child health, and alcohol abuse, among others.
Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad met Sweden’s State Secretary of Ministry of Health and Social Affairs Karin Johansson and discussed the collaboration between the two …. Original article on Gaea Times at : India-Sweden to strengthen ties in healthcare.
Walking slows Alzheimer’s progress
LONDON – Walking five miles or about eight kilometres a week may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Walking slowed the decline in memory skills in people showing early signs of the disease and reduced brain shrinkage, symptomatic of Alzheimer’s.
The team at University of Pittsburg in Pennsylvania, US, tracked for 10 … Read more >>>.
Binge-drinking creating class of aggressive women
LONDON – The number of teenage girls who are physically aggressive and lash out at school and at home has risen at an alarming rate in Britain, with more and more girls going in for binge drinking, and emulating male behaviour, experts said.
The disturbing trend has been noted by the British Association of …. Source : Gaea News Network.
Work on inequalities to get rid of AIDS: UN
NEW DELHI – Removing deep rooted inequities in gender, economic status and education – from which millions of AIDS and HIV positive women and children suffer – is crucial to universal access to knowledge, protection and prevention of mother-to-child transmission, a UN report said.
Dec 1 is observed as World AIDS Day.
“Children and … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Work on inequalities to get rid of AIDS: UN.
First baby boy conceived with IVF alternative
LONDON – A couple revealed that they were the first to conceive with an IVF alternative dubbed the ‘fertility sat nav’.
Marie and Mirco Martinelli believed they would never be able to have children after suffering three miscarriages in just two years.
They signed up for IVF but were told there was a two-year waiting …. Source article : First baby boy conceived with IVF alternative.
Acupuncture no placebo, does relieve pain
LONDON – Scans show that sticking needles into a body calms brain cells that process and perceive pain.
The finding will vindicate those who have spent hundreds of pounds on acupuncture for bad backs, sprained ankles and other aches and pains.
The research team from the University Hospital in Essen, Germany, studied whether acupuncture …. Source article : Acupuncture no placebo, does relieve pain.
Thousands run for AIDS awareness in Jharkhand
RANCHI – Thousands of school children, NCC cadets and others ran in this Jharkhand capital Wednesday to raise awareness on AIDS, which NGOs claim has infected over 20,000 people in the state.
‘Run for World AIDS Day’, organised by the Jharkhand AIDS Control Society (JACS), began at the Albert Ekka roundabout and concluded at the … Read more >>>.
This AIDS day, talk of universal access and human rights (Dec 1 is World AIDS Day)
NEW DELHI – With ‘universal access and human rights’ the theme for World AIDS Day this year, the focus of the Indian government is on increasing diagnosis and treatment facility.
“Increasing the reach of diagnosis and treatment facility to the affected is on the fore of the policy,” said an official of …. Source article : This AIDS day, talk of universal access and human rights (Dec 1 is World AIDS Day).
Housewives now AIDS’ worst victims in Nepal
KATHMANDU – Though hailed by the UN Wednesday – observed as World AIDS Day – as one of nearly three dozen countries to achieve a significant decline in new HIV infection rates, Nepal however is now witnessing a new alarming trend with housewives accounting for nearly half of the fresh infections.
The rocketing number of … Original source on Gaea Times at : Housewives now AIDS’ worst victims in Nepal.
The Untouchables: Children living with HIV, AIDS in Manipur (Dec 1 is World AIDS Day)
IMPHAL – Growing up in a conflict zone, children living with HIV in the northeastern state of Manipur are deprived of more than their childhood.
Eleven-year-old Tina, who is HIV-positive, contracted measles and had to be taken to the far-off Imphal General Hospital. After initial treatment and medication was administered, the doctors referred her to …. Source article on Gaea Times at : The Untouchables: Children living with HIV, AIDS in Manipur (Dec 1 is World AIDS Day).
K. Chandramouli is new health secretary
NEW DELHI – K. Chandramouli Wednesday took over as the secretary in the health and family welfare ministry.
A 1975 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from Uttar Pradesh cadre, Chandramouli succeeds K. Sujatha Rao, who retired Tuesday.
He was working as secretary and director general of National AIDS Control Organisation before his appointment …. Source : Gaea News Network.
Black rice bran could reduce inflammation: Study
WASHINGTON – A new study has claimed that black rice, a little-known variety of the grain that is the staple food for one-third of the world’s population, may help soothe the inflammation involved in allergies, asthma and other diseases.
Mendel Friedman and colleagues at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Western Regional Research Center in Albany, California … Read more »»».
Depression cure with little side-effects found
TORONTO – Canadian neuroscientists have developed a protein peptide to cure deep depression with little side-effects.
In their study at the University of Toronto and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) here, the neuroscientists found that coupling between two dopamine receptors – which control neurological processes in the central nervous system- was significantly … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Depression cure with little side-effects found.
Number of polio cases radically down: Azad
NEW DELHI – Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad Thursday said the new bivalent polio vaccines have brought down the number of polio cases to just 39, from 800 last year.
Speaking at a health summit organised by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), Azad said the vaccine which targets both type 1 and type 3 … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Number of polio cases radically down: Azad.
Finger length clue to risk of prostate cancer?
LONDON – A man’s risk of prostate cancer can be gauged by looking at his hands – those with index fingers longer than ring fingers are significantly less likely to develop the disease, according to a study.
It is thought that less exposure to the sex hormone testosterone in the womb results in a longer …. Source : Finger length clue to risk of prostate cancer?.
Azad invites private sector in healthcare infra
NEW DELHI – Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad Thursday urged the private sector to participate in the health ministry’s project of building hospitals and medical colleges on land owned by the railways.
Over 400 sites (owned by railway ministry) have been identified and handed over to the health ministry. We will work with state …. Source article : Azad invites private sector in healthcare infra.
Unicef teams up with West Bengal for total sanitation campaign
KOLKATA – With a view to improve sanitation and hygiene and safe water in West Bengal, the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) has joined hands with the West Bengal government to roll out a total sanitation campaign Dec 1-7 across the state.
With 35 million people defecating in the open and a substantial number of … Read more : Unicef teams up with West Bengal for total sanitation campaign.
How swallowing worms can heal ulcerative colitis
WASHINGTON – A man who swallowed worm eggs to relieve symptoms of ulcerative colitis has shed new light on how worms promote healing in the intestine.
The study also identifies potential targets for more conventional ways of treating colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease.
“The idea for treating colitis with worms is not new, but how … Read more >>>.
Douse that anger with spoonful of sugar
LONDON – High sugar levels seem to help control aggression and prevent loss of temper, so indicates a study.
Ohio State University researchers in the US compared the behaviour of sugar-starved volunteers with those who had been given a sweet drink, and concluded the latter were less inclined to snap.
Researchers believe the … Original article on : Douse that anger with spoonful of sugar.
Focus on states with low AIDS prevalence, high vulnerability: Azad (Second Lead)
NEW DELHI – As World AIDS Day was observed Dec 1, Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad called for focusing, under the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP), on states with low prevalence of the infection but high vulnerability.
Speaking at the function to mark conclusion of the AIDS awareness train Red Ribbon Express, Azad said the … Read more : Focus on states with low AIDS prevalence, high vulnerability: Azad (Second Lead).
New pictorial warnings on tobacco products in effect
NEW DELHI – Tobacco products in the country must carry a new set of pictorial warnings depicting a cancer-stricken mouth from Dec 1, a notification by the ministry of health and family welfare said Wednesday.
Tobacco product retailers and distributors who fail to comply will face legal consequences with a fine and imprisonment under Section … Read more : New pictorial warnings on tobacco products in effect.
37 Bangladeshis died due to AIDS in 2010
DHAKA – Thirty-seven people died this year due to AIDS as the total number of HIV/AIDS cases in Bangladesh rose to over 2,000, the country’s health minister said Wednesday.
The number of AIDS cases rose to 2,088, compared to 1,745 in 2009, Health and Family Welfare Minister Ruhul Huq said at a programme organised in … Read more : 37 Bangladeshis died due to AIDS in 2010.
Thousands of men in UK shave off moustaches as Movember ends
LONDON – As the month of November ended, thousands of men in Britain were very ecstatic, reason being that they could finally cut off the moustaches they had been growing to bring awareness of prostate cancer.
The men had been growing their Mos, or moustaches to the uninitiated, from the start of November, turning the …. Original article : Thousands of men in UK shave off moustaches as Movember ends.
Soyfoods protect against breast cancer, lower cholesterol
WASHINGTON – Including soyfoods in a balanced diet will protect against breast cancer, lower cholesterol, and support nutrient adequacy, say experts.
Soy and Women’s Health
A review of data has suggested that there is no increased risk of breast cancer linked to moderate soy consumption.
“Soy appears to be protective and is associated with a lower risk of … Read more »».
Symptoms of Huntington’s disease appear a decade before diagnosis
LONDON – A new Australian research has revealed that people with Huntington’s disease show symptoms more than a decade before they are likely to get a clinical diagnosis.
These early effects of the disease don’t affect day-to-day functioning, but will help drug developers evaluate treatments that target the early stages of the disease, reports New …. Source : Gaea News Network.
Healthy lifestyle ‘cuts risk of first stroke by 80pc’
WASHINGTON – Those who make healthy lifestyle choices- such as not smoking, eating a low-fat diet high in fruits and vegetables, drinking in moderation, exercising regularly and maintaining a normal body weight – can lower risk of first time stroke by 80 percent compared to those who don’t make such changes, according to revised American …. Source : Gaea News Network.
‘US was urged to quash ‘foreign contractors hiring Afghan dancing boys’ scandal’
KABUL – WikiLeaks’ recently released secret cables have revealed that former Afghan Interior Minister Hanif Atmar was in panic over a scandal involving foreign contractors employed to train Afghan policemen who took drugs and paid for young “dancing boys” to entertain them in northern parts of the country, and begged the US embassy to stop …. Source article on Gaea Times at : ‘US was urged to quash ‘foreign contractors hiring Afghan dancing boys’ scandal’.
Artificial kidney made by Indian American awaits human trials
WASHINGTON – A coffee cup sized implantable artificial kidney being developed by a US researcher of Indian origin, is awaiting animal and human trials to bring affordable treatment to millions of kidney failure patients worldwide.
Shuvo Roy, working with a team of engineers, biologists and physicians at the University of California, San Francisco, to shrink …. Source : Artificial kidney made by Indian American awaits human trials.
Mylanta a Johnson & Johnson Product on FDA Recall List
NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com) — Another product has lined up from Johnson & Johnson affiliated products to be in the list of FDA recall 2010. Mylanta and AlternaGel liquid antacids has been recalled.
According to FDA the recall is done after a trace amount of alcohol was found in the product that was not mentioned in …. Source article : Mylanta a Johnson & Johnson Product on FDA Recall List.
Women living near roads more likely to have premature birth
LONDON – Pregnant women who live near busy roads have a higher risk of delivering a premature baby compared to those residing in quieter areas, a study has pointed out.
Study author Takashi Yorifuji from Japan’s Okayama Graduate School of Medicine said air and noise pollution from the traffic could be blamed.
The Okayama team …. Read the original article : Women living near roads more likely to have premature birth.
Binge drinking linked to coronary heart disease
LONDON – A new study has revealed that the pattern of drinking affects the relation of alcohol intake to coronary heart disease.
The study found that French drink more than the Northern Irish each week, as they drink daily, rather than more on less occasions, the French suffered from considerably less coronary heart disease than the … Read more >>.
Health impairment primarily due to bad lifestyle, not aging
WASHINGTON – Sports scientists have revealed that impairments to health and physical performance are not primarily a result of aging but of bad lifestyle habits and lack of exercise.
Sporty elderly people have a life expectancy that is almost 4 years higher and are often faster than younger athletes.
Dieter Leyk and his team analysed …. Source : Gaea News Network.
World Disability Day Observed Today across the World
NEW YORK (GaeaTimes) — Today, 3rd December the whole world will be observing the World Disability Day. This day aims to promote and make people aware of the rights and dignities of persons with some kind of disability issues. This the day to lean and preach our duties towards the disabled persons and to …. Original article : World Disability Day Observed Today across the World.
Carla Bruni to visit Safdarjung Hospital Monday
NEW DELHI – Taking her association with the cause of HIV-AIDS a step forward, French first lady Carla Bruni would visit Safdarjung Hospital here Monday.
“The French President’s wife would be visiting the hospital. We are holding a meeting with the French delegation and it’s difficult to tell about details of the plan right now,” … Original source on Gaea Times at : Carla Bruni to visit Safdarjung Hospital Monday.
Free Breast Cancer Screening Program in California Begins
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA (GaeaTimes.com) — The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) declared its breast cancer detection program enrollment starts today. In this program women aged 40 or above will be provided free breast cancer screening and diagnosis.
This noble program which is termed as Every Woman Counts program is specially for under-privileged women and women … Original source on Gaea Times at : Free Breast Cancer Screening Program in California Begins.
For Women: Expose to Sun Regularly to Live Longer
NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com) — A recent study conducted a specialist in Sweden has claimed that women who expose themselves to sun regularly are likely to live longer.
The study was carried out by a leading cancer specialist, Hakan Olsson at the the oncology unit at Lund University in Sweden. It was conducted on 40,000 women …. Read the original article : For Women: Expose to Sun Regularly to Live Longer.
FDA Panel Approves Obesity Surgery over Weight loss Pills
NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com) — A 10-member panel of FDA (Food and Drug Administration ) has voted for the use of ‘Lap Band‘, a weight reducing device by the people having a BMI (body mass index) between 30 and 35. Lap Band, a product of Allergan Inc. of Irvine, Calif is approved by FDA which … Original source on Gaea Times at : FDA Panel Approves Obesity Surgery over Weight loss Pills.
Lethal Protein that Triggers Prostate Cancer Growth Discovered
NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com) — A recent study by the U.S scientists has revealed the fact that a protein that turns healthy prostate cells into cancerous cells is discovered. This latest discovery may prove very useful in treatment of prostate cancer that has potential to claim the lives of as many as 35,000 men in … Original source on Gaea Times at : Lethal Protein that Triggers Prostate Cancer Growth Discovered.
China to have 1.2 mn HIV-affected people by 2015
BEIJING – China will have about 1.2 million people living with HIV/AIDS by 2015, says a government report.
China has over 740,000 HIV/AIDS patients in the mainland and sex is one of the major means of transmission of the disease.
The report, titled “Action Plan to Prevent and Control HIV/AIDS (2011-15)” and scheduled for formal … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : China to have 1.2 mn HIV-affected people by 2015.
Paralysed man creates ‘robotic trousers’ to help patients walk, climb stairs
LONDON – An Israeli entrepreneur who was left paralysed after a car crash, has now invented ‘robotic trousers’ that he claims would help paraplegics walk again.
Amit Goffer was paralysed in a car crash in 1997 and immediately set out to invent a device – ‘ReWalk’: robotic trousers that use sensors and motors to allow paralysed …. Source article : Paralysed man creates ‘robotic trousers’ to help patients walk, climb stairs.
MCD to promote mosquito-proof coolers
NEW DELHI – The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Friday asked the city residents to use special mosquito-proof coolers (MPC) to keep dengue and chikungunya at bay.
The civic body is planning to publish advertisements to make people aware about these coolers which are environment friendly. The coolers were developed by the National Centre for …. Original article on Gaea Times at : MCD to promote mosquito-proof coolers.
Karnatata ITBT minister resigns
BANGALORE – The Karnataka Information Technology and Bio-technology Minister Katta Subramanya Naidu resigned a day after FIRs were filed against him, his son and eight others allegedly involved in a land scam.
He is alleged to have accepted Rs.67 crores as bribe to allocate 385 acres of land to ITASKA Software, a company set up by …. Source : Gaea News Network.
Robotic trousers to help paraplegics walk, climb stairs
LONDON – An Israeli entrepreneur, who was paralysed in a car crash over 10 years ago, has invented robotic trousers that can help paraplegics walk again.
After the accident in 1997, Amit Goffer immediately set out to invent a device that could replace the wheelchair.
He has invented ‘ReWalk’, robotic trousers that use sensors and …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Robotic trousers to help paraplegics walk, climb stairs.
90,000 Bihar kids die in first month of birth
PATNA – About 90,000 children die in Bihar every year within the first month of their birth, state principal health secretary C.K. Mishra said here Sunday.
“Every year in Bihar, about 90,000 children die within the first month of life, that is, about 250 neonates dying every day. Most of these deaths can be prevented,” …. Read the original article : 90,000 Bihar kids die in first month of birth.
UV radiation bouncing off eyes may cause skin cancer
SYDNEY – Ultraviolet radiation bouncing off eyes may be causing higher than average rates of skin cancer on the nose.
Benjamin Birt, who recently did his PhD at the Queensland University of Technology, Australia, found that high rates of skin cancer on the sides of the nose could be due to ultraviolet (UV) radiation …. Source : Gaea News Network.
e-cigarettes are potentially harmful
WASHINGTON – Electronic or e-cigarettes, that vapourize nicotine, are being increasingly used all over the world even though information about their effects is very sketchy.
Researchers from University of California, Riverside, US, conclude that e-cigarettes are potentially harmful and have suggested their removal from the market until their safety is established.
They evaluated … Read more : e-cigarettes are potentially harmful.
9 in 10 Delhiites still need to be vaccinated against Hepatitis B Virus: Experts
NEW DELHI – Experts attending a Hepatitis B Awareness Camp” at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) in Vasant Kunj, South Delhi, on Saturday said that nine out of every ten residents in New Delhi still need to be vaccinated against the Hepatitis B virus.
The event, which was organized jointly by the Delhi …. Source article on Gaea Times at : 9 in 10 Delhiites still need to be vaccinated against Hepatitis B Virus: Experts.
Shiela Dikshit unveils cancer treatment unit
NEW DELHI – Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dixit Saturday unveiled a new cancer treatment facility at Indraprastha Apollo hospital here.
I am delighted to launch the Novalis Tx and the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Indraprastha Apollo today. Apollo Hospitals has done tremendous work in creating awareness about cancer. Its burden can be decreased significantly … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Shiela Dikshit unveils cancer treatment unit.