Health (General) – Weekly Newsletter for January 1-3, 2011

Monday, January 3, 2011

Texting before going to bed ‘affects sleep, mood’

WASHINGTON – It may be time for you to put you cellphone aside before going to bed for it might affect your sleep and moods, according to a new study.

Text messaging and other electronic communication media were linked to excessive movement during [..] Read the original article: here.

Booze ‘much more harmful than crack or heroin’

LONDON – A study has revealed that alcohol causes much more damage to health than heroin or crack cocaine.

Professor David Nutt, the government’s former chief drug adviser, conducted an analysis that assesses both harm to the individual and harm to the rest of society – and alcohol turned out to …. Original article : Booze ‘much more harmful than crack or heroin’.

Nurses go on strike in Madhya Pradesh

BHOPAL – Around 2,500 nurses in government hospitals of Madhya Pradesh struck work Monday, demanding a hike in salary and improvement in work conditions, even as the state government invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) on nursing services for three months.

“Along with other demands, salaries at par with sixth pay commission recommendations … Read : Nurses go on strike in Madhya Pradesh.

City of lakes attracts thousands at National Forest Fair

BHOPAL – You name a forest-related product and you will get it at the ongoing tenth National Forest Fair in the city of lakes.

The fair, organised by the Madhya Pradesh Minor Forest Federation, has showcased products for treatment of various diseases with the help of roots, branches or leaves.
The idea may … Read more »»».

‘Good bacteria’ in yogurt may not be as healthy as you think!

MELBOURNE – Probiotic yoghurts and yoghurt drinks may not be as healthy as they are claimed to be – the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has found that there is not enough evidence that these products have a positive effect on the immune system and digestive health.

The manufacturers of these products had been claiming that … Read more >>>.

‘Miracle’ diet pill reduces food cravings, burns calories even while sitting!

LONDON – A new ‘miracle’ weight loss pill that is being used by the likes of Eva Longoria and Courteney Cox is all the rage.

Meratol increases metabolism, reduces calorie intake, blocks carbohydrates and burns calories all at once, claim its makers.

It even claims to enable people to burn 310 calories while sitting at their desk, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : ‘Miracle’ diet pill reduces food cravings, burns calories even while sitting!.

Jab that could help you drop two dress sizes

LONDON – A diet drug that helps women drop two dress sizes in six months could be available in just three years.

The jab has produced “phenomenal” results helping men and women who have struggled with their weight for years shed a stone and a half (or roughly 9.5 kg).
This makes the …. Source article : Jab that could help you drop two dress sizes.

Two women die after sterilisation in Bihar

PATNA – Two women died after undergoing a sterilisation operation at a primary health centre in Bihar’s Purnia district, police said Monday.

Gunjan Devi, 25, and Somna Devi, 28, died late Saturday soon after the surgery at a sterilisation camp at Barhara Kothi primary health centre in Purnia, about 350 km from here.
“Their family … Read more : Two women die after sterilisation in Bihar.

Paid news syndrome eroding Indian media: Press council

AGARTALA – Stating that the Indian media was “terribly” deviating from its objectives, Press Council of India (PCI) chairman Justice G.N. Roy said here Sunday that the “paid news syndrome” was leading to the erosion of journalism.

“The media in India terribly deviated from its aims and objectives. Trivialization of news is another …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Coming soon: A trap to trick pregnant mosquitoes!

WASHINGTON – Experts are developing an innovative trap to fight dengue fever – using mosquitoes’ motherly instincts.

Researchers at the Tulane University are deploying small devices with just the right mix of chemicals to convince the disease-carrying mosquitoes that they have found the perfect place to lay their eggs.

And once they fly into this lethal …. Original source : Coming soon: A trap to trick pregnant mosquitoes!.

Our immune system has back-up to fight infection

WASHINGTON – Our immune system has an effective backup plan to protect the body from infection when its “master switch” fails, says a new study.

Our immune system protects the body against infections caused by bugs and viruses, but also causes inflammation which, when uncontrolled, can trigger chronic illnesses such as heart disease, arthritis, …. Original source : Our immune system has back-up to fight infection.

Health chip to provide instant diagnoses

LONDON – Your family doctor will no longer have to send blood or cancer cell samples to the lab. A little chip will give him test results on the spot.

A blood sample today needs to be submitted to a central lab for analysis, and weeks may pass before results are provided. The same thing … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Health chip to provide instant diagnoses.

A medical tourism company – with end-to-end solutions

CHANDIGARH – With Punjab and its capital Chandigarh attracting an increasing number of overseas patients, most of them NRIs, a group of doctors has floated a medical tourism company to provide end-to-end solutions — including pick-ups from the airport and doctors’ appointments.

Touted to be the first of its kind medical tourism company in northern … Original source on Gaea Times at : A medical tourism company – with end-to-end solutions.

Feeling guilty about eating too much butter? Don’t – it’s good for you

LONDON – It’s holiday season and that means rich and butter-laden food – cookies, pudding, cakes – almost every other dish; so should you feel guilty every time you take a bite?

Contrary to what health Nazis say about butter, it’s actually good for you, say some health experts.

While it is true that we sometimes … Original source on Gaea Times at : Feeling guilty about eating too much butter? Don’t – it’s good for you.

‘Miracle’ diet drug ‘linked to deaths of thousands’ in France

LONDON – A new official report has revealed that a ‘miracle’ diet drug prescribed to French people may have killed thousands.

Since its launch in 1979, Mediator was prescribed to up to five million people until it was banned last year. It was also used as an appetite-suppressing drug by thousands of healthy men and …. Source article : ‘Miracle’ diet drug ‘linked to deaths of thousands’ in France.

DNA test urged to determine if Lincoln’s assassin escaped death

LONDON – Descendants of John Wilkes Booth have agreed to exhume his body for DNA testing in an attempt to determine whether the assassin of President Abraham Lincoln escaped his well-recorded shooting death and lived for 40 years in Texas and Oklahoma.

Booth killed the 16th President of the United States on April 14, 1865, just …. Original article : DNA test urged to determine if Lincoln’s assassin escaped death.

Over 2,700 dead in Haiti from cholera

Port-au-Prince, Dec 28 (IANS/EFE) At least 2,707 people have died in Haiti in the cholera epidemic that has affected the impoverished country since mid-October, according to figures released Monday by the public health ministry.

The bulletin said that another 128,251 people have been affected by the disease, of whom 68,764 were hospitalised, though 66,876 of …. Source article : Over 2,700 dead in Haiti from cholera.

Indian girl, 6, is world’s youngest yoga trainer!

LONDON – An Indian girl, Shruti Pandey, who is just six years old, has become the youngest yoga trainer in the world.

The bendy youngster has been teaching adults at an ashram, in northern India, for the last two years.

Her trainer, Hari Chetan, 67, set up the ashram 35 years ago and as soon as little …. Original source : Indian girl, 6, is world’s youngest yoga trainer!.

Warming up before training improves athletic performance

SAARBRUECKEN – Athletes who warm up before training perform better and are less likely to injure themselves, notes Sven Fikenzer, a sport scientist at the German University of Applied Sciences for Prevention and Health Management.

He said that warming up the body loosens tense muscles and increased both blood supply to tendons and lubrication of …. Original article : Warming up before training improves athletic performance.

New method for testing foetus genes could end miscarriage risks

HONG KONG – For decades doctors and pregnant women have relied on amniocentesis – taking a sample of DNA from the amniotic fluid – to diagnose certain disorders in unborn babies, despite the risk of triggering a miscarriage.

Now scientists in Hong Kong have made a groundbreaking discovery which will make it possible for doctors …. Source : Gaea News Network.

How New Year’s Eve can be dangerous for your health

WASHINGTON – New Year’s Eve – a time to enjoy – can be dangerous for your health, say experts.

Experts at the Loyola University Health System have said that the health hazards of too much revelry include drunk walking, fattening holiday drinks and the surprising ways that alcohol is bad for you.

Drunk walking: Research has shown …. Original source : How New Year’s Eve can be dangerous for your health.

Positive attitude could help you bounce back from illness: Study

LONDON – A positive attitude on life could help you to bounce back from the challenges of ill health, suggests a new study.

Psychologists say that putting on a brave face works even for serious complaints such as arthritis, diabetes and heart conditions.

The study of Britons aged 50 to 90 found that those with resilient personalities … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Positive attitude could help you bounce back from illness: Study.

Bulging waistlines put women at higher cancer risk

LONDON – Women with bulging waistlines are at higher risk of developing cancer, warn experts.

Despite the popular belief that men suffer most from middle-age spread, UK government figures have shown it is actually women with the largest girths.

While only one in three men is wider around the middle than he should be, the rate rises … Read more >>>.

Women with wide waists face higher cancer risk

LONDON – Almost half of women have a higher risk of cancer because of their bulging waistlines.

Most people think men carry more weight around their tummy, but the reality is that women are way out in front.
Forty-four percent of women in England have a large waistline linked to a range of cancers and …. Original article : Women with wide waists face higher cancer risk.

No charges hike at AIIMS, says health ministry

NEW DELHI – The health ministry Tuesday rejected a media report that the government was set to hike treatment charges at Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), saying the report was “speculative” and a “distortion of facts”.

However, the ministry clarified that it has decided to raise charges for services and procedures … Read more : No charges hike at AIIMS, says health ministry.

Swine flu makes comeback, 20 cases in a week

NEW DELHI – Swine flu has made a comeback with 20 cases and one death being reported from across the country in the week ending Dec 26, the health ministry said Tuesday.

This is against last week’s (Dec 13-19) figures when only one case was reported across the country, according to health ministry’s figures. …. Source : Swine flu makes comeback, 20 cases in a week.

Obesity and Diabetes can be Triggered by Air Pollutants

NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com) — A recent study has revealed that increased exposure of children to air pollutants can increase the risk of diabetes and obesity.
They also discovered that the pollutants cause increased insulin resistance, which can lead to the development of Type 2 diabetes. The results are based on tests on mice and the …. Original source : Obesity and Diabetes can be Triggered by Air Pollutants.

Surya Pharma’s arm acquires US’s ActivOn for $22 mn

MUMBAI – Surya Pharmaceuticals Tuesday said its subsidiary has acquired US-based ActivOn, a leading over-the-counter (OTC) analgesic drug brand, for $22 million.

“Surya Pharma’s wholly owned subsidiary, Surya Pharmaceutical (Singapore) Pte Ltd, has acquired ActivOn with global marketing rights,” the company said in a regulatory filing.
The investment will be funded through a …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Surya Pharma’s arm acquires US’s ActivOn for $22 mn.

Cooling Caps to Restore Hair in Cancer Patients

NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com) — A new kind of skull caps is claimed to prevent cancer patients from losing their hair during chemotherapy.
The devices are skullcaps, chilled to 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5.6 degrees Celsius), a temperature frigid enough to slow blood flow and keep chemo drugs from getting into hair follicles.
The idea that cooling the …. Original source : Cooling Caps to Restore Hair in Cancer Patients.

Alcoholism booms in ‘dry’ Pakistan, as does addiction counseling

ISLAMABAD – Despite being banned in Pakistan, alcohol is easily available across the country, prompting rising alcoholism and a growing trade in clinics trying to treat middle-class patients.

Pakistan has been dry for much longer- since 1977- and drinkers risk severe punishment: 80 lashes of the whip under strict Islamic laws, the Guardian reports.

But the law … Original article on : Alcoholism booms in ‘dry’ Pakistan, as does addiction counseling.

Free yoga to unemployed in USA

NEVADA – Due to current high unemployment rates across USA, some yoga studios have reportedly started offering free or discounted yoga classes to the unemployed.

When the national unemployment rate is around 10 percent, it is believed that yoga will help reduce stress, bring calmness, improve concentration and make the unemployed feel good about themselves. Many …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Controlling adipose tissue key to tackling obesity: study

WASHINGTON – A thesis by biologist Aline Jelenkovic from University of the Basque Country found that apart from BMI, the amount of adipose tissue should also be considered in the fight against obesity because it is linked to blood pressure.

According to Jelenkovic the characteristics or phenotypes defining the height, the shape and the adipose tissue [..] Read the original article: here.

Mexican woman gives birth at checkpoint

Mexico City, Dec 30 (IANS/EFE) A drunk-driving checkpoint in the Mexican capital became an improvised delivery room for a 25-year-old pregnant woman, authorities said.

“This is the first occasion where a case like this has occurred in seven years of operating the drunk-driving checkpoints,” the Mexico City Public Safety Office said in a communique Wednesday.
…. Original article : Mexican woman gives birth at checkpoint.

S. American drug gangs funding al-Qaeda terrorists

SAO PAULO – South American drugs gangs are reportedly providing millions of pounds of funding to al-Qaeda terrorists to ensure the safe passage of cocaine across North Africa and towards Europe.

Islamic rebels familiar with the barren terrain of the Sahara have struck deals under which they provide armed security escorts for drug traffickers in return … Original article on : S. American drug gangs funding al-Qaeda terrorists.

Chandigarh doctors clown around – and get children smiling

CHANDIGARH – Most parents dread taking their children to the doctor. The combination of white coats, medicines and injections is enough to transform even the most angelic toddler into a shrieking tantrum-throwing brat. But doctors at a hospital here have come up with a novel solution to this problem – they dress up as clowns!

…. Original article on Gaea Times at : Chandigarh doctors clown around – and get children smiling.

Be Positive to Ward Off Common illness

NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com — A positive attitude towards life can help you combat against chronic diseases like arthritis, diabetes and heart conditions.
The study of Britons aged 50 to 90 found that those with resilient personalities felt better despite their various aches and pains.
Unfortunately, this inner strength takes years to develop and cannot be turned … Original source on Gaea Times at : Be Positive to Ward Off Common illness.

FDA Recalled Rolf’s Patisserie Desserts

NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com) — The US Food and Drug Administration issued a recall on some of the foods of Rolf’s Patisserie desserts due to food poisoning.
The bacteria which the desserts are infected with are able to cause symptoms that range from vomiting to stomach cramps and they can last anywhere between one to three …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Larger Waistline in Women may Rise Cancer Risk

NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com) — Experts have claimed that women with large waistline are more prone to be attacked by cancer than women who flaunts slim figure. Popular belief suggests that men suffer most from middle-age spread but government figure shows that 44% of women in England having bulging waistline are at risk of cancer … Read : Larger Waistline in Women may Rise Cancer Risk.

70-day diet of ‘biscuits, cakes, fat-laden junk food’ to help you lose weight!

MELBOURNE – Ever thought gobbling fat laden junk food, biscuits, cakes and other high-sugar could help shed those extra kilos? If not, then here’s something you should know-an American professor managed to be leaner, healthier and happier after a 10-week junk-food diet.

After eating sponge cakes, biscuits, some raw vegetables and drinking full fat milk and … Original source on Gaea Times at : 70-day diet of ‘biscuits, cakes, fat-laden junk food’ to help you lose weight!.

Edible vaccine for malaria on way

BANGALORE – A spoonful of genetically modified starch could be a new malaria vaccine if a new strategy that seems to work in mice also performs well in humans.

At present there is no efficient vaccine against malaria, which is caused by the plasmodium parasite. Now researchers from two laboratories in France have successfully vaccinated … Read more : Edible vaccine for malaria on way.

New legal party drugs ‘as dangerous as cocaine’

LONDON – Many teenagers in UK have been admitted to the hospital after taking dangerous new strains of ‘legal highs’, it has emerged.

A report compiled by drugs workers in Cambridge revealed teens are suffering serious illnesses from consuming legal drugs called ‘Diablo’ and ‘Eric 3′.

They gained popularity after the Government banned the drug Meow Meow … Read : New legal party drugs ‘as dangerous as cocaine’.

Consistent exercise linked to lower risk of colon cancer death

WASHINGTON – A new research has found that consistent exercise is associated with a lower risk of dying from colon cancer.

The study, led by researchers at the Siteman Cancer Center at Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, is among the first to show that physical activity can make … Read more >>>.

Risk for alcoholism linked to obesity risk: Study

WASHINGTON – Scientists have revealed in a new study that those at risk for alcoholism are also at an increased risk for obesity.

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis noted that the association between a family history of alcoholism and obesity risk has become more pronounced in recent years.

“In addiction research, we …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Risk for alcoholism linked to obesity risk: Study.

Yoga in the snow? Mountaineer challenges Baba Ramdev

LUCKNOW – He’s a mountaineer and a yoga instructor and claims to have performed yoga bare-bodied in Ladakh’s snow-clad mountains at an altitude of over 14,000 ft. And Ajai Kumar Bajpayee has now dared renowned yoga guru Baba Ramdev to match his feat.

Bajpayee, 32, a liaison officer with the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) and … Original article on : Yoga in the snow? Mountaineer challenges Baba Ramdev.

Haryana gives 300 acres land for AIIMS-like institute

CHANDIGARH – The Haryana government Thursday approved the lease of 300 acres of land in the states Jhajjar district for the setting up of a premier medical institute on the lines of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences.

The formal approval for giving the land on lease in Badsa village of Jhajjar district to …. Original article : Haryana gives 300 acres land for AIIMS-like institute.

Heart Disease risk increases with Poor Response to Anti-anemia Drug

NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com) — Scientists have claimed that patients ith diabetes, kidney disease and anemia who don’t respond to treatment with an anti-anemia drug have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease or death.
This finding suggests that lowering the blood iron levels in the body of the affected patients may reduce the risk. The results …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Malaysian police arrest yoga teacher for detaining girls as sex slaves

SELANGOR – Police in the Malaysian city of Kuala Kubu Baru have arrested a 54-year-old yoga instructor for holding three girls as sex slaves in his house for about a month.

Police raided his house on Wednesday evening and rescued the girls, two of who were aged 16, while the third was aged 20.

It is believed …. Original article : Malaysian police arrest yoga teacher for detaining girls as sex slaves.

Chinese students eat roundworm eggs to look thin

LONDON – Female students in China have been eating roundworm eggs to lose weight for job interviews – because employment is so hard to come by, a media report said.

They hatch in the stomach, allowing those who take them to shed pounds without exercising or dieting in Xiamen, China.
But swallowing the worms is … Original source on Gaea Times at : Chinese students eat roundworm eggs to look thin.

More than 50pc drunker drivers misjudge booze recovery time

LONDON – If you think you know how much time it takes for you to recover from alcohol’s influence, you are most probably wrong.

A new study has revealed that half of New Year revellers who take to the road this weekend will still be under the influence because they misjudge how long it takes alcohol … Original source on Gaea Times at : More than 50pc drunker drivers misjudge booze recovery time.

Binge drinking ‘ups future depression risk in teens’

WASHINGTON – Researchers have warned that binge-drinking teenagers are more likely to have mood disorders such as anxiety and depression in adulthood.

Researchers at the Loyola University Health System have found that exposing adolescent rats to binge amounts of alcohol permanently altered the system that produces hormones in response to stress.

This disruption in stress hormones “might …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Binge drinking ‘ups future depression risk in teens’.

Club drug ecstasy good for autism, post-traumatic stress patients

NEW YORK – Ecstasy pills-a favourite among club goers-may help people who have trouble connecting to others, suggests a new study.

The drug, also known as MDMA, has been known to heighten feelings of happiness and playfulness in people despite its dangers.

“These ‘empathogenic’ effects suggest that MDMA might be useful to enhance the psychotherapy of people … Read more >>>.

Nintendo’s new 3D gizmo could harm kids’ eyesight

LONDON – Playing 3D games on Nintendo’s new 3DS hand-held games console could harm the eyesight of kids under six, the company has warned.

The Japanese computer giant has said children under the age of six should not use the device in 3D mode as it may harm their eyesight.
The Nintendo 3DS represents a … Read more : Nintendo’s new 3D gizmo could harm kids’ eyesight.

AN OLD AGE COUPLE IN NORTHERN INDIA PROVIDES SHELTER TO DISCARDED AIDS PATIENTS

NATURAL WITH HINDI AND BHOJPURI SPEECH

DURATION: 2.39

SOURCE: ANI

TV AND WEB RESTRICTIONS: NO ACCESS BBC

An old age couple in northern India provides shelter to discarded AIDS patients.

An old age couple in Allahabad city of India’s northern state of Uttar Pradesh provides shelter to AIDS patients who have been discarded by their family members.

SHOWS:

ALLAHABAD, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA … Read this article on Gaea Times at : AN OLD AGE COUPLE IN NORTHERN INDIA PROVIDES SHELTER TO DISCARDED AIDS PATIENTS.

Meanwhile, a small number of men-one in … Read more >>.