Health (General) – Weekly Newsletter for December 6-13, 2010

Drug Rituximab can delay the Onset of Chemotherapy in Cancer Patients

NEW YORK (GaeaTimes) — A recent survey by a team of scientists have found out that a drug called rituximab can delay the appearance of symptoms in patients suffering from follicular lymphoma. Follicular lymphoma is a type of slowly developing cancer of the lymphatic system which is incurable and according to the latest discovery … Original article on : Drug Rituximab can delay the Onset of Chemotherapy in Cancer Patients.

Marmite vitamin ‘could prevent heart problems’

LONDON – Experts have claimed that a vitamin found in Marmite has the potential to prevent heart diseases.

Scientists from Bristol University, who carried out the experiment in mice, also suggested that a derivative of vitamin B1, called benfotiamine, speeds up the healing of tissue following heart damage, reports the Daily Express.

The discovery could offer fresh … Read more »»».

Carla Bruni interacts with HIV patients at Delhi hospital

NEW DELHI – French First Lady Carla Bruni Monday interacted with counsellors and HIV positive patients at the Safdarjung Hospital and a home for HIV positive children here while her husband Nicolas Sarkozy held talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Dressed in a formal navy blue suit and a blue scarf, the glamorous Bruni reached … Read more »»».

Hyperactive immune system kills adults during pandemic flu

WASHINGTON – A study suggests that people are made critically ill, or even killed, by their own immune response during H1N1 flu pandemic.

Fernando Polack, associate professor of paediatrics at the Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, and colleagues in Argentina and Nashville provide a possible explanation for this alarming phenomenon of pandemic flu, according to a …. Original source  : Hyperactive immune system kills adults during pandemic flu.

Painting exhibition to create AIDS awareness organised in Chennai

CHENNAI – A social group organised a painting exhibition titled ‘Art-AIDS’ to mobilise funds for the welfare of HIV patients in Chennai.

The funds raised by selling the paintings of artists would be utilised to help children affected with HIV /AIDS in India.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Tamil film actor Karthik along with eminent film director … Read more »»».

New drug shows promise in leukaemia

LONDON – A new drug for children who relapse with a type of leukaemia has been found to improve survival rates dramatically.

Called Mitoxantran, the drug has now been shown to increase three-year survival rates to almost 70 percent.
A study in 216 children, funded by Cancer Research UK and Leukaemia & Lymphoma …. Original source  : New drug shows promise in leukaemia.

Carla Bruni to visit Safdarjung Hospital to see anti-natal, HIV care procedure

NEW DELHI – France’s First Lady Carla Bruni will visit the Safdarjung Hospital and the New Delhi-based Naz Foundation Trust, an NGO working on HIV/AIDS and sexual health on Monday.

Most people around the world know Bruni as an Italian-born French songwriter, singer and former model, but few know that she is also the brand ambassador … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Carla Bruni to visit Safdarjung Hospital to see anti-natal, HIV care procedure.

Nurses continue hunger strike atop water tank

HYDERABAD – At least 10 nurses of a government-run hospital in Warangal Monday continued their indefinite hunger strike atop an overhead water tank to press their demands, including regularisation of services.

Braving the cold, the nurses stayed on the water tank for the third day at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital (MGM) in Warangal town, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Magnetic pulses can burn cancer cells

LONDON – Cancer can be ‘burned up’ with a new technique that uses magnetic pulses to heat tumour cells until they die.

Scientists have found they can surround cancer cells with tiny particles of iron-oxide that vibrate when in a magnetic field, causing the cells to heat up.
Tests on mice have shown … Read more : Magnetic pulses can burn cancer cells.

Quitting smoking improves your mood

LONDON – Many smokers reach for a cigarette to ease their anxiety during stressful periods. But US researchers have found that quitting smoking makes people happier, and the effect lasts for as long as they manage to kick the habit.

The team from Brown University and the University of Southern California said it showed quitting … Read : Quitting smoking improves your mood.

Electric shocks soften up cancer cells for treatment

LONDON – A device that ’softens up’ tumours with electric shocks before chemotherapy could transform cancer treatment.

It makes cancer cells porous so that more of the toxic drugs attack the tumour rather than healthy cells.
Initial results suggest the treatment reduces the amount of medicine needed and may prevent side effects such as nausea, …. Read the original article  : Electric shocks soften up cancer cells for treatment.

Marmite helps heart attack victims live longer

LONDON – Heart attack victims can now boost their chances of survival, thanks to a vitamin B1 derivative found in foods such as marmite.

Marmite is a type of thick, dark brown spread. The savory spread, with a strong and distinctive flavour, is made from a concentrated yeast sludge, a byproduct of the beer brewing … Original source on Gaea Times at : Marmite helps heart attack victims live longer.

Arthritis Patients Prone to Suffer from a Higher Risk of Heart Attack

KOLKATA, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com) — A new research has highlighted the fact that patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis have 60% higher chance of heart attack only after one year of diagnosis.
The chance of a heart attack becomes severe within a few months to one year after the patient is diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. The …. Original article  : Arthritis Patients Prone to Suffer from a Higher Risk of Heart Attack.

New Video Games Promises to Cut Obesity Rate in Children

KOLKATA, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com) — After a lot of speculation on video games leading to rise in the number of childhood obesity, a new study has shown that new video games are encouraging children to consume healthier foods such as fruits and vegetables. Rise of obese children in US is a major health concern in …. Read the original article  : New Video Games Promises to Cut Obesity Rate in Children.

Death due to Cancer can be Reduced using Aspirin

KOLKATA, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com) — Aspirin, the common tablet that we take to relieve us from headache is found to reduce the death rates in cancer treatment. A very recent research has revealed the amazing truth about aspirin which confirms that prolonged use of aspirin on a daily basis can cut down the death rates …. Source  : Death due to Cancer can be Reduced using Aspirin.

People with psychotic disorders 12 times likelier to commit suicide

WASHINGTON – A psychiatrist has said that people with psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, are 12 times more likely to commit suicide than average.

The research found that the rate of suicide was highest in the first year following diagnosis (12 times national average) and that high risk persisted – remaining four times … Read : People with psychotic disorders 12 times likelier to commit suicide.

Indian American’s book among NYT’s 10 best of 2010

WASHINGTON – Just three weeks after publication, Indian American cancer specialist Siddhartha Mukherjee’s first book “The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer” has been rated among “The 10 Best Books of 2010″ by the New York Times.

The list featuring New Delhi-born Mukherjee’s book in the third place among five non-fiction books will … Original source on Gaea Times at : Indian American’s book among NYT’s 10 best of 2010.

Haiti cholera outbreak toll rises to 2,071

Port-au-PRINCE – The toll in the cholera epidemic which began in Haiti at the end of October has killed 2,071 people till date, officials have said.

Haiti’s health ministry said in a report Monday that around 91,770 people have been infected, of whom 43,243 were hospitalised and 41,806 were discharged after their conditions improved, Xinhua … Read more >>.

Women Beware of your Heart Risks

KOLKATA, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com) — A recent survey in Northern Ireland has revealed the fact that almost 90% of women are unaware of the risks of heart diseases. Consequently they tend lose their lives from a heart disease that is preventable.
The study was conducted by the British Heart Foundation which showed that women just ignore … Original source on Gaea Times at : Women Beware of your Heart Risks.

NYPD-gay community mediator Kevin Czartoryski dies of lung ailment

NEW YORK – Kevin Czartoryski, a retired police detective, who acted as a mediator between the New York Police Department and the city’s gay community, has reportedly died from a lung ailment that he suffered following the 9/11 terror attacks.

The New York Post quoted Police Commissioner Ray Kelly as saying that Czartoryski “served with … Read more : NYPD-gay community mediator Kevin Czartoryski dies of lung ailment.

Longer Index Finger in Men Protects against Prostate Cancer

KOLKATA, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com) — A recent study published in British Journal of Cancer showed that the size of the index finger in men can be used to determine the risk of occurrence of prostate cancer. Men with longer index finger under 60 are less likely to suffer from prostate cancer.
How the index finger in … Read more »»».

Keep Alzheimer’s at bay with purple fruit

LONDON – Eating blueberries and other purple fruit and vegetables can keep Alzheimer’s at bay because they are a rich source of chelators, scientists say.

Chelators bind the loosely configured iron molecules in the body and prevent them from producing dangerous toxins, called hydroxyl radicals, which trigger degenerative illnesses like Alzheimer’s.
Prof. Douglas …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Keep Alzheimer’s at bay with purple fruit.

New drug halts post-traumatic stress disorder

LONDON – Scientists have discovered a way to stop post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD) in its tracks by injecting a calming drug into the brain.

Around 30 percent of people who experience a traumatic event will develop PSTD – a severe anxiety disorder that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope.
Symptoms can include vivid flashbacks, … Read more : New drug halts post-traumatic stress disorder.

Why does music chill and thrill some people?

WASHINGTON – Most people feel chills and shivers in response to music that thrills them, but some people hardly feel them at all.

People who are particularly open to new experiences are most likely to have chills in response to music, according to a new study.
Researchers Emily Nusbaum and Paul Silvia of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Why does music chill and thrill some people?.

Good grades lead to better health: Study

WASHINGTON – Good grades do make you teachers’ favorite whereas parents shower excessive love if you are their ‘A’ grader child. And now a new research has revealed that they also make students healthier adults.

Studies have long shown that education is linked to better health showed that higher academic performance in high school plays a …. Source article  : Good grades lead to better health: Study.

Vitamin supplements ‘reduce incidence of measles and diarrhoea’

WASHINGTON – A new research has strongly endorsed the continuation of vitamin A supplementation programmes, which reduce the incidence of measles and diarrhoea and ultimately save lives.

Most of the low and middle-income countries suffer from Vitamin A deficiency. People whose diets do not include enough of the vitamin may have impaired body functions, and be … Read : Vitamin supplements ‘reduce incidence of measles and diarrhoea’.

Eating blueberries, blackberries ‘ward off Alzheimer’s, heart problems’

LONDON – Consuming purple coloured fruit can keep age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s, heart problems and cancer at bay, according to a new study.

The study, conducted by the University of Manchester, suggests that the odds of developing multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease may also be reduced by consuming blueberries, blackberries, blackcurrants or plums.

Researchers say one …. Read the original article  : Eating blueberries, blackberries ‘ward off Alzheimer’s, heart problems’.

US man’s tongue bitten off during kiss

MELBOURNE – A 79-year-old Wisconsin man had to go for a surgery overnight to have his tongue reattached after his wife bit it off during a kiss.

The victim called police and an ambulance and officers were sent to his home in Sheboygan, north of Milwaukee, despite having trouble understanding what he was saying, the Sheboygan … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : US man’s tongue bitten off during kiss.

Second-hand smoke ups invasive meningococcal disease risk in kids

WASHINGTON – A new study has pointed out that children exposed to second-hand smoke are more likely to get invasive meningococcal disease than children who are not exposed.

Researcher Chien-Chang Lee and his colleagues at the Harvard School of Public Health also found a possible association of second-hand smoke exposure with invasive pneumococcal disease and Haemophilus …. Original article  : Second-hand smoke ups invasive meningococcal disease risk in kids.

Elizabeth Edwards succumbs to breast cancer at 61

LONDON – Elizabeth Edwards, the wife of former senator and vice presidential candidate John Edwards, has succumbed to breast cancer that she had been fighting for many years.

According to the Telegraph, the news of her death came just hours after the former lawyer and author wrote on her Facebook page that she had stopped …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Elizabeth Edwards succumbs to breast cancer at 61.

Parents have limited influence on children’s eating habits

WASHINGTON – If you thought you could influence your child’s eating habits, you are wrong – at least partially, for a new study claims that this influence is limited.

Researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reviewed and assessed the degree of association and similarity between children and their parents’ dietary intake based …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Parents have limited influence on children’s eating habits.

New ’score’ to predict heart disease in youngsters

LONDON – University of Nottingham researchers have developed a new ’score’, which could be useful for general practitioners (GP) to detect heart disease in youngsters – before it damages their health.

The researchers studied data of over two and half million people and then developed, validated and evaluated the new lifetime ’score’ which takes account, among … Read more : New ’score’ to predict heart disease in youngsters.

Majority of Singaporeans hit by mobile phone syndrome

Kuala Lumpur, Dc 09 (ANI): A Singaporean survey found that majority of people constantly think that their mobile phone is ringing – when it’s not.

Sin Chew Daily reported that a random survey of 50 people found that some 80 percent of them suffered from the mobile phone syndrome.

These folks would check their mobile phones incessantly …. Original source  : Majority of Singaporeans hit by mobile phone syndrome.

Rolls-Royce engine worries continue for Qantas’ A380 fleet

SYDNEY – Sydney-based Qantas Airways’ headaches over its A380 fleet have been compounded after a defect was found in an engine on one of its superjumbos, which is still on the factory floor in France.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the discovery of what is believed be a faulty oil tube in one of the …. Read the original article  : here.

Whey supplements ’significantly reduce blood pressure’

WASHINGTON – A Washington State University study has found that beverages supplemented by whey-based protein can significantly reduce elevated blood pressure, reducing the risk of stroke and heart disease.

Research led by nutritional biochemist Susan Fluegel found that daily doses of commonly available whey brought a more than six-point reduction in the average blood pressure of …. Source  : Whey supplements ’significantly reduce blood pressure’.

Azad asks ICMR to speed up research in Malaria and Cancer

NEW DELHI – Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has urged the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) scientists to put special efforts on transnational programmes so that affordable diagnostic solutions can be made available to people.

Azad specifically asked scientists to speed up research on Malaria and Cancer, “as the country needs these technologies … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Azad asks ICMR to speed up research in Malaria and Cancer.

Irish Women have Higher Risk to Suffer from Breast Cancer

NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com) — A new EC report has revealed that Irish women have the higher risk to suffer from breast cancer than the women in any other country in Europe. The report which was released yesterday showed that the death rate in Ireland is 31.1 per 100,000 women and this is almost [..] Read the original article: here.

Frequent sex makes neurotic newlyweds happy

WASHINGTON – People who are neurotic often find it hard to manage their relationships. But if neurotic newlyweds have frequent sex, their marital satisfaction is every bit as high as their less neurotic counterparts, a study says.

Neuroticism is the tendency to experience negative emotion. Such people get upset and irritated easily, have mood swings … Read more : Frequent sex makes neurotic newlyweds happy.

Till receipts contain high levels of ‘cancer chemical’: Study

LONDON – A new study has found that till receipts and paper money contain high levels of bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical associated with cancer and early puberty.

The chemical mimics the female hormone oestrogen and scientists have long suggested it poses a risk to health – especially to young children.

In the latest research, a team … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Till receipts contain high levels of ‘cancer chemical’: Study.

Poor education ‘leads to heart failure’

WASHINGTON – Poorly educated people are more likely to be admitted to hospital with chronic heart failure than the better educated, even after differences in lifestyle have been taken into account, results from a large European study have suggested.

Researchers followed 18,616 people for as long as 31 years (range 0-31 years, average follow-up was 21 … Read more >>>.

Don’t block affordable Indian medicines, EU urged

BRUSSELS – As leaders from India and the European Union (EU) meet for a bilateral summit in the Belgian capital, health activists Friday urged the 27-nation bloc not to prevent access to affordable Indian medicines.

In a statement before the 11th India-EU summit opened, Mdecins Sans Frontires (MSF) – a global NGO that provides emergency …. Read the original article  : Don’t block affordable Indian medicines, EU urged.

Sex advice on mobiles for teens causes uproar

WASHINGTON – Under a controversial National Health Service (NHS) scheme, children as young as 13 are being sent sex advice by text message.

They are being encouraged to send in questions about losing their virginity, where to get the morning-after pill and how to get tested for infections.

Within minutes they receive a detailed reply from a … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Sex advice on mobiles for teens causes uproar.

Estrogen alone can cut risk of breast cancer

WASHINGTON – A new study has suggested that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) utilizing estrogen alone helps in reducing breast cancer risk.

“Our analysis suggests that, contrary to previous thinking, there is substantial value in bringing HRT with estrogen alone to the guidelines. The data show that for selected women it is not only safe, but potentially …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Just one puff of cigarette is enough to trigger a heart attack!

LONDON – Think a single puff won’t harm you? Well, you may be wrong, as smoking even one cigarette is sufficient to block your arteries and trigger a heart attack, warns scientist.

The 700-page the US Surgeon General’s report has found there was no safe level of exposure to cigarette smoke-whether you deliberately inhale or breathe …. Source  : Just one puff of cigarette is enough to trigger a heart attack!.

Obama said ‘yes, we can’ – and quit smoking

WASHINGTON – Barack Obama became US president on a campaign of “yes, we can” but he has struggled hard for three decades to stop smoking. Now, going by his press secretary’s word, he may have finally kicked the habit.

“I have not seen or witnessed evidence of any smoking in probably nine months,” Robert …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

1 in 3 Brits believe cancer is down to fate

LONDON – A new UK research has found that more than a third believe cancer is down to fate and there is nothing they can do to avoid it.

Cancer Research UK stated that one in five men and women feared cancer ahead of debt, knife crime, Alzheimer’s disease and losing their job whereas 34 percent … Original source on Gaea Times at : 1 in 3 Brits believe cancer is down to fate.

Kerala math announces relief package for pesticide victims

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Amritananda Mayi Math, the organisation of “hugging saint” Amritananda Mayi, Thursday announced a relief and rehabilitation package for the endosulphan pesticide victims in more than 250 families in Kerala’s Kasargode district.

Addressing the media here, the math’s second in command, Swami Amritaswaroopananda said that they would require the support of the state government …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Heart Disease in Teenagers can be predicted Now

KOLKATA, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com) — A new study has revealed anew score to determine risk of heart diseases in teenagers. This could prove very effective for the GP (general practioners) to predict the heart health of youngsters.
The study is carried out in University of Nottingham. This new score has the potential to identify younger people … Read more >>>.

Obesity Rate Found Higher in Europe

NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com) — A recent study by the European Commission and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) stressed the fact that almost 50 percent of adults living in Europe and Britain suffer from obesity and are overweight.
It may be surprising but true that UK is filled with the highest number of …. Source article  : Obesity Rate Found Higher in Europe.

HIV-positive porn star calls for compulsory condom use in films

LONDON – Adult film star Derrick Burts, who tested positive for HIV, is calling for mandatory condom use in the industry.

The 24-year-old performer, who is known as Derek Chambers in gay films and Cameron Reid in straight films, admitted that he was the unnamed actor …. Original source  : HIV-positive porn star calls for compulsory condom use in films.

Intel helping healthcare reach rural Karnataka

BANGALORE – Global chip maker Intel has initiated a joint telemedicine programme to take benefits of healthcare to rural Karnataka in association with the state government, a senior company official said Friday.

“We have provided IT infrastructure and offsite technical resources at the Angodu primary healthcare centre and Harihara taluk hospital in Davangere district to … Read more >>.

Elderly man gets Asia’s first biosoluble stent

NEW DELHI – Asia’s first biosoluble stent has been successfully implanted in a 65-year-old man for treating his artery blockage, doctors said here Friday.

M.P. Singh, a native of Bihar, was the first patient to undergo the procedure Tuesday.
The surgery at the Escorts Heart Institute was part of the trials being conducted …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

New guidelines to aid food allergies diagnosis released

WASHINGTON – Food allergies are one of the biggest challenges today. But they are often hard for doctors to diagnose, and are even harder for parents to manage.

That is why a new standard for evaluating and treating food allergies is being developed by the US National Institute of Health.

The new guidelines are directed at …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : New guidelines to aid food allergies diagnosis released.

Elderly man gets Asia’s first biodegradable stent

NEW DELHI – Asia’s first biodegradable stent has been successfully implanted in a 65-year-old man for treating his artery blockage, doctors said here Friday.

M.P. Singh, a native of Bihar, was the first patient to undergo the surgery Tuesday.
The surgery at the Escorts Heart Institute was a part of the trials going …. Source  : Elderly man gets Asia’s first biodegradable stent.

Every year, 30M Americans drive drunk on average

WASHINGTON – 30 million Americans drive drunk, while 10 million drive under the influence of drugs over the course of an average year, reveal a new survey.

The study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) … Original article on : Every year, 30M Americans drive drunk on average.

Cholera strain sheds light on new mechanism causing disease

WASHINGTON – A fresh study has found new clinical strains of cholera, which appear to have evolved a distinctly different mechanism to cause the same disease.

Vibrio cholerae is the causative agent for the diarrheal disease cholera.

While there are more than 200 different serogroups only the O1 and the O139 strains have been known to …. Original article  : Cholera strain sheds light on new mechanism causing disease.

Extra cup of coffee can double stroke risk

LONDON – Drinking an extra cup or two of coffee can double stroke risk for light coffee drinkers, says a new study.

Light coffee drinkers – who drink coffee just once or twice a day – are twice as likely to suffer a brain blood clot if they have an extra cup or two, the … Read more »»».

Spoonful of honey boosts energy

LONDON – Ancient Greek athletes consumed honey to boost their energy and performance levels during Olympics events as it contains glucose and fructose, known to produce tremendous reserves of glycogen in the liver.

Having a spoonful of unprocessed honey before bed can support your brain function. The fructose is stored as energy reserves in the … Read : Spoonful of honey boosts energy.

Increasing coffee intake ‘doubles stroke risk’

LONDON – A new study has revealed that drinking more coffee than usual could double your risk of a stroke.

Experts at Harvard Medical School in Boston found that light coffee drinkers who normally have no more than one a day are twice as likely to suffer a blood clot on the brain if they increase … Read more >>.

Younger gay men willing to take sexual risks: Oz HIV study

MELBOURNE – A new Oz study of HIV transmission has revealed that younger gay men are taking sexual risks frequently and becoming infected with the virus at an early stage.

As compared with older men who have sex with men (MSM), those aged under 35 have been found to be more likely to have never previously … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Younger gay men willing to take sexual risks: Oz HIV study.

KFC’s $500 gift cards spark outrage as Australia battles obesity crisis

MELBOURNE – KFC has outraged health experts in Queensland by offering Christmas gift cards worth up to 500 dollars.

The fast-food giant’s outlets have been promoting the cards, ranging in value from 10 to 500 dollars and to be used within 12 months, as a “thoughtful gift idea for any occasion”.

A 500 dollars card could purchase …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : KFC’s $500 gift cards spark outrage as Australia battles obesity crisis.

How to slay ‘the emperor’? Ask Indian American cancer specialist

WASHINGTON – Indian American cancer specialist Siddhartha Mukherjee, whose very first book has become a runaway success, advocates a strong anti-smoking campaign and breast cancer screening to battle the growing incidence of the disease in India.

Less than a month after publication, Mukherjee’s book, “The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer”, on the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : How to slay ‘the emperor’? Ask Indian American cancer specialist.

A Canadian yoga teacher traces her Indian roots

NEW DELHI – Shobha Rae had two missions when she came to India from Canada – complete a yoga teachers’ training course and seek out her relatives for whom she had launched a search four years ago.

For Shobha, freedom of information (equivalent to right to information) administrator for Vancouver city, her first trip to …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : A Canadian yoga teacher traces her Indian roots.

Obama describes Holbrooke as ‘towering figure’, prays for him

WASHINGTON – U.S. President Barack Obama on Saturday described his Special Envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan, Richard C. Holbrooke, as “a towering figure in American foreign policy” and said that he was praying for his recovery from aortic surgery.

In statement issued on Saturday night, President Obama said he had spoken with Holbrooke’s wife and told … Read more »»».

Pakistan praying for Holbrooke’s recovery: Qureshi

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan on Saturday described U.S.President Barack Obama’s Special Envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan, Richard C. Holbrooke as a great friend of the country, and hoped that he would recover soon from aortic surgery.

In statement issued on behalf of the Pakistan Government and the Pakistan Foreign Office, Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi said: …. Read the original article  : here.

Key Obama aide Holbrooke critical after aorta surgery

Washington, Dec.11. (ANI): U.S.President Barack Obama’s Special Envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan, Richard C. Holbrooke, was said to be in critical condition on Saturday after undergoing aortic surgery at the George Washington University Hospital here.

A medical bulletin issued by hospital staff said that doctors had performed … Read more >>.