Health (General) – Weekly Newsletter for January 10-17, 2011

Slimming products may ‘up risk of heart attacks and strokes’

MELBOURNE – Oz authorities have warned consumers about imported slimming products, citing the increased risk of heart attacks and strokes after consumption.

Slimming products like tea, coffee and chocolate, many of which are imported from China apparently contain the banned substance sibutramine.

“Everyone is full …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Slimming products may ‘up risk of heart attacks and strokes’.

Yoga has “avatars” in America

NEVADA – Yoga seems to have been “reincarnated” in America and some other parts of the world.

Various organizations are promoting “Christian Yoga”, claiming to provide a Christian approach to yoga.

There are DVDs like “Christoga: Yoga Filled Body – Christ Filled Soul” (60 minutes of Yoga with bible scriptures recited by Janine. Yoga with Christ …. Original article  : Yoga has “avatars” in America.

Prozac restores movement after paralysing stroke attack

LONDON – Taking Prozac, an anti-depressant, may help restore movement in stroke victims and ease paralysis. The drug may aid recovery after a stroke whether patients are depressed or not, researchers have found in the largest study of its kind.

They said the beneficial effect of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the class of drug …. Read the original article  : Prozac restores movement after paralysing stroke attack.

Kerala women’s panel wants HIV test before marriage

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – The Kerala Women’s Commission (KWC) has asked the state government to pass resolutions and, if necessary, a law to ensure that all those who get married undergo an HIV test.

“This is an issue that is affecting the entire humanity and hence adequate measures have to be taken to safeguard all,” KWC chairperson …. Read the original article  : Kerala women’s panel wants HIV test before marriage.

Using metal jewellery for tongue piercing ‘can cause infection’

WASHINGTON – Tongue piercing is a fad these days, a bold style statement that lures many teenagers. Unfortunately, people tend to overlook the possible health hazards that can be caused by it.

A new study has found that wearing a metal tongue stud puts …. Read the original article  : Using metal jewellery for tongue piercing ‘can cause infection’.

Democratic Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was Palin’s target over ‘health care reform’ backing

WASHINGTON – Gabrielle Giffords, who is in critical condition after being shot in Tucson, had become a target of potential presidential candidate Sarah Palin in the mid-term elections last year, and had reportedly posted on her Facebook page that a U.S. map with crosshairs of a rifle scope over the districts repped by Giffords and …. Original source  : Democratic Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was Palin’s target over ‘health care reform’ backing.

Condom vending unit for Kerala Technopark

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Over 30,000 employees at the Technopark campus here will have a condom vending unit at their disposal in a week’s time, with healthcare firm HLL Lifecare Ltd set to install one there.

It was not too long ago that plumbers had a nightmare on the campus as toilet drains were found clogged … Original source on Gaea Times at : Condom vending unit for Kerala Technopark.

Two new drugs can slash stroke risk

LONDON – Two new drugs could slash stroke risk and blood clots for those with atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm problem, a study suggests.

Blood-thinning drugs rivaroxaban and dabigatran have proved more effective in combating the condition than the conventional treatment warfarin.
Atrial fibrillation – a fast, erratic heartbeat – affects 800,000 people in … Read more »»».

Laughter boosts chances of IVF success

LONDON – Bouts of laughter could really boost the chances of IVF success, a study says.

Professor Shevach Friedler of the Assaf Harofeh Medical Centre in Israel who led the study believes laughter helps clear stress.
He based his findings on a study of about 200 women going through fertility treatment, the journals American …. Original source  : Laughter boosts chances of IVF success.

High-sugar diets in teens ‘increase heart disease risk later in life’

WASHINGTON – Teenagers who consume high sugar foods in their diets may be at an increased risk of heart disease later in life, says a new study.

The study showed that teens who consume elevated amounts of added sugars in drinks and foods are more likely to have poor cholesterol and triglyceride profiles, making them susceptible … Read : High-sugar diets in teens ‘increase heart disease risk later in life’.

Risks linked to secondhand smoke in cars carrying kids

WASHINGTON – A new study has determined the risks associated with secondhand smoke in cars carrying children.

The authors first looked at the mixture of chemicals that make up second-hand smoke and its concentration in cars under different conditions such as volume, speed and ventilation.

Second, they looked at how long a person would be in the …. Source  : Risks linked to secondhand smoke in cars carrying kids.

Ugg boots ‘can cause fungal infections’

NEW YORK – Uggs-the trendy, flat-booted suede boots which are popular among celebs and comfort-craving pedestrians-can increase your chances of getting fungal, infection especially if you wear them without socks.

A fungal infection can result from any shoe that doesn’t “breathe,” said Mitchell Greenbaum, chief of podiatry at St. Francis Hospital.

“There are a lot of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Ugg boots ‘can cause fungal infections’.

Excess sugar may cause heart attacks later

WASHINGTON – Teenagers fond of too much of sugar in their diet are likely to face a higher heart attack risk as adults.

A study found that teens who consume elevated amounts of added sugars in drinks and foods are more likely to have poor cholesterol and triglyceride profiles which may lead to heart … Original article on : Excess sugar may cause heart attacks later.

4 hours of TV a day ‘raises heart risk’

WASHINGTON – Scientists have found that spending too much leisure time in front of a TV or computer screen dramatically increases the risk for heart disease and premature death from any cause, perhaps regardless of how much exercise one gets.
Study data show that people who devote more than 4 hours each day on screen-based entertainment …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Now, a ’sports cord’ that burns 400 calories in just 20 minutes!

LONDON – Do you hate spending hours at the gym? Here’s a new exercise machine that claims to give your body a full workout in just 20 minutes and burns up to 400 calories.

The Ripcore FX is a 12-foot long ’sports cord’ which can be attached to any fixed pole, reports the Daily Mail.

To use …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Now, a ’sports cord’ that burns 400 calories in just 20 minutes!.

Anti-epileptic drugs ‘increase risk of fracture in older adults’

WASHINGTON – A new study has found that most anti-epileptic drugs are associated with an increased risk of non-traumatic fracture in individuals 50 years of age and older.

Nathalie Jette, of the University of Calgary, Foothills Hospital, Alberta, Canada, and colleagues studied medical records of 15,792 individuals who experienced non-traumatic fractures between April 1996 and March … Read more >>.

Ibuprofen could treble stroke risk

LONDON – Large regular doses of ibuprofen and similar painkillers could treble the risk of stroke and up the likelihood of heart attacks, scientists warn.

Researchers have found that high doses of ibuprofen may carry health risks similar to painkillers withdrawn from the market several years ago on safety grounds.
Up to eight million Britons … Read more : Ibuprofen could treble stroke risk.

Fat-busting pill helps shed two pounds a week

LONDON – A new fat-busting pill could help people shed two pounds a week without restricting their diet, according to a study.

Start-up US drugs company Zafgen has announced the results of a promising human trial of a drug called ZGN-433.
In the study, a group of 24 obese women lost an average of two … Original source on Gaea Times at : Fat-busting pill helps shed two pounds a week.

New way to stop pancreatic cancer in early stages discovered

WASHINGTON – Scientists at the University of Oklahoma have found a novel way to stop early stage pancreatic cancer.

C.V. Rao, and his team were able to show for the first time that a drug used in current chemotherapy for later stages of pancreatic cancer had a dramatic effect if used earlier.

With low doses of Gefitinib, …. Source  : New way to stop pancreatic cancer in early stages discovered.

New treatment for cancer using camel’s milk, urine?

Sharjah, Jan 12 (IANS/WAM) A team of researchers are claiming to have made a scientific breakthrough by developing a medical formula for treating cancer using camel’s milk and urine.

Abdalla A. Alnajjar, president of the Arab Science and Technology Foundation, said the team had started its project in 2008 and reached “wonderful” results at the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : New treatment for cancer using camel’s milk, urine?.

New pill helps obese shed 2 pounds a week without changing their diets

LONDON – A new fat-busting pill could help obese people shed two pounds a week – without changing their diets.

Start-up U.S drugs company Zafgen have announced the results of a promising human trial of a drug called ZGN-433, reports the Daily Mail.

The double-blind placebo-controlled study found 24 obese women lost an average of a week …. Source article  : New pill helps obese shed 2 pounds a week without changing their diets.

Common painkillers increase risk of heart problems: Study

WASHINGTON – A new study has associated common painkillers to increased risk of heart problems.

The drugs include traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) as well as new generation anti-inflammatory drugs, known as COX-2 inhibitors.

NSAIDs have been the cornerstone of managing pain in patients with osteoarthritis and other painful conditions.

So researchers in Switzerland performed a comprehensive analysis …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Common painkillers increase risk of heart problems: Study.

Taking regular breaks from sitting good for heart, waistline

WASHINGTON – Get up and move around as often as you can, for it’s good for your heart and waistline, says a new study.

The study links the total amount of time spent sitting down and breaks in sedentary time with various indicators of risk for heart disease, metabolic diseases such as diabetes, and inflammatory processes … Read more >>.

Beware, ATMs are as dirty as public toilets

LONDON – The next time you take out money from an automated teller machine (ATM), make sure you either wear gloves or wash your hands. Cleanliness tests have revealed that cash machines are as dirty and carry the same germs as public toilets.

Health experts took swabs from the numeric key pads on a string …. Original article  : Beware, ATMs are as dirty as public toilets.

India needs to focus on healthcare: Study

NEW DELHI – Even as Indian economy is booming, the public healthcare system has gone on the backfoot and immediate attention is needed to upgrade the services, a study by medical magazine Lancet said Tuesday.

A collection of seven papers by leading experts was published Tuesday by Lancet.
“India is experiencing a period of record … Original source on Gaea Times at : India needs to focus on healthcare: Study.

Spanish study challenges image of healthy Mediterranean diet and lifestyle

WASHINGTON – A long-held belief that people in the Mediterranean enjoy more healthy diets and lifestyles has been questioned by a Spanish study.

“Cardiovascular diseases account for 33 per cent of deaths in Spain, making it the main cause of mortality in the country,” … Read more »»».

‘Thirdhand smoke’ bigger health hazard than suspected

WASHINGTON – Cigarettes produce “thirdhand smoke” – an invisible residue that deposits on carpeting, clothing, furniture and other surfaces – that may be a bigger health hazard than previously thought, Israeli scientists have reported.

The study, published in “Environmental Science & Technology” journal, extends the known health risks of tobacco to people who encounter the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : ‘Thirdhand smoke’ bigger health hazard than suspected.

Roll-your-own smokers more addicted: Study

WELLINGTON – New research has suggested that people who roll their own cigarettes are more addicted than those who smoke the readymade variety.

Amy Lewis of the Victoria University has found that cigarettes contain a number of addictive elements within the tar, in addition to the commonly cited nicotine.

“This is concerning for roll-your-own smokers as New … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Roll-your-own smokers more addicted: Study.

High BP responds better to combo therapy

LONDON – A new research has found that starting treatment of blood pressure with two medicines rather than the one produces better and faster results and fewer side effects.

The research, led by Cambridge in collaboration with the Universities of Dundee, Glasgow and the British Hypertension Society, challenges popular medical practice for the treatment of high …. Source article  : High BP responds better to combo therapy.

Culprit gene behind Alzheimer’s identified

TORONTO – There is cheering news for Alzheimer’s patients and people with Down’s syndrome as Canadian researchers have identified the gene that destroys brain cells in these diseases.

According to researchers at the Vancouver-based University of British Columbia and the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, the identification of the gene responsible for the destruction of … Original source on Gaea Times at : Culprit gene behind Alzheimer’s identified.

Kashmiri people have Dravidian genes, says writer French

NEW DELHI – Noted British non-fiction writer Patrick French says his research into the genetics of the Indian caste system showed “there were traces of Dravidian genes” in Kashmiris because people from far south have settled there in the last 3,000 years.

“Caste can be substantiated through genetics,” French said, citing a slice of genetic …. Original source  : Kashmiri people have Dravidian genes, says writer French.

10 swine flu cases reported last week

NEW DELHI – Ten swine flu cases were reported in the country in the week ending Jan 9, the health ministry said Wednesday.

No deaths were reported during the period. Four cases were reported from Tamil Nadu, while one case each was reported from Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab, Kerala and Gujarat.
Swine flu, which … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 10 swine flu cases reported last week.

Foods that will sabotage your diet

WASHINGTON – It’s a new year and a time when many of us resolve to lose weight – but dieting is tricky – low calorie or low fat, sugar free or fat free? Now an expert points out the foods that will definitely sabotage your diet.

Dr. …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Foods that will sabotage your diet.

5 easy steps to pump up your heart

WASHINGTON – Want to keep your heart healthy? Then you need to know the following.

Holly Andersen, director of education and outreach at the Ronald O. Perelman Heart Institute of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital has offered some easy steps to improve heart health and overall well-being throughout the year.tep 1: Know your numbers. Your … Original source on Gaea Times at : 5 easy steps to pump up your heart.

Tea, coffee and chocolate milk- best healthy beverages!

WASHINGTON – A new research has described old-school beverages-tea, coffee and low fat or chocolate milk-as the best elixirs for nutrition, health and workout recovery.

Research indicates that tea strengthens the body’s immune system, reduces buildup of plaque on arterial walls, and aids in the control and prevention of diabetes.

Tea is an antioxidant-rich beverage containing more … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Tea, coffee and chocolate milk- best healthy beverages!.

Household chores can send BP soaring!

LONDON – Doing routine household chores like cooking and cleaning can send your stress levels and blood pressure (BP) soaring.

A study suggests that stresses and strains of life don’t end when we leave work for the day. Instead, the pressure continues to mount up when we return home.
Scientists from … Original article on : Household chores can send BP soaring!.

6 months of breastfeeding alone could harm babies, say experts

LONDON – Child health experts are questioning the current guidance that advises mothers to exclusively breast feed their babies for the first six months.

The researchers, led by Dr Mary Fewtrell, a consultant paediatrician at the UCL Institute of Child Health in London, have reviewed the evidence behind the current guidance and say the time is …. Source  : 6 months of breastfeeding alone could harm babies, say experts.

Marathi theatre veteran Prabhakar Panshikar dead

PUNE – Veteran Marathi theatre actor Prabhakar Panshikar died of cardiac arrest and renal failure at a private hospital here late Thursday, family sources said. He was 79.

Some of Panshikar’s popular plays include “Bhatala Dili Osari”, “To Mi Navhech”, “Ithe Oshalala Mrutyu”, “Ashrunchi Jhali Phule”, “Thank You Mr Glad” and “Jevha Gavtala Bhale Phutatat”.
… Read more >>>.

Household chores ‘worse for heart than workplace tensions’

LONDON – Forget workplace pressure, it’s the stress of running a household that sends blood pressure soaring, suggests a new study.

The research shows that simple household chores from cleaning and cooking to carrying out repairs and budgeting can increase stress levels and blood pressure.

It suggests that the stresses and strains of modern life do not … Original source on Gaea Times at : Household chores ‘worse for heart than workplace tensions’.

Blood donation in China goes down due to cold

BEIJING – Cold weather in China has discouraged people to donate blood, as blood supplies have gone down rapidly in many provinces, officials said.

“Few are willing to donate blood in such cold weather, and many non-local people have gone home for the Spring Festival,” said Zeng Jia, an official with the provincial blood centre … Read : Blood donation in China goes down due to cold.

Britain’s swine flu death toll rises to 112

LONDON – The death toll due to swine flu in Britain has risen to 112, according to a government report.

The figure went up on the 50 cases reported last week and includes six children under five, nine aged five to 14 and 70 aged 15 to 64, The Independent reported.
The number of people … Read more : Britain’s swine flu death toll rises to 112.

Obesity cutting life expectancy for today’ youth

WASHINGTON – Today’s youth regularly snack on junk foods, watch more television and are less active than their parents were.

So it was less shocking when a new research suggested that today’s younger generation would live shorter lives than …. Source  : Obesity cutting life expectancy for today’ youth.

Thanks to bacteria, Titanic ‘will be reduced to a rust stain in a few years’

LONDON – Scientists have revealed that bacteria are eating away at the once magnificent Titanic, which sits at the bottom of the ocean now.

Rust-eating bacteria called Halomonas titanicae will reduce the massive ship to a huge “rust stain”, they said.

“I think Titanic has maybe 15 or 20 … Original source on Gaea Times at : Thanks to bacteria, Titanic ‘will be reduced to a rust stain in a few years’.

‘Thirdhand smoke’ may be bigger health hazard than previously thought

WASHINGTON – A new study has suggested that ‘thirdhand smoke’- the invisible remains of cigarette smoke that deposits on carpeting, clothing, furniture and other surfaces- may be even more of a health hazard than previously thought.

The study has extended the known health risks of tobacco among people who do not smoke but encounter the smoke … Read more : ‘Thirdhand smoke’ may be bigger health hazard than previously thought.

Pandit Bhimsen Joshi critical in Pune hospital

PUNE – Eminent Hindustani classical vocalist and Bharat Ratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi’s condition is “grim” in a hospital here, his physician said Saturday.

“He is on a ventilator and requires periodic dialysis. He is critical, but there has been no further deterioration in his health in the past 12 hours,” Atul Joshi, his consulting physician … Original article on : Pandit Bhimsen Joshi critical in Pune hospital.

Ronald Reagan suffered from Alzheimer’s while still in White House: Son

WASHINGTON – Former US President Ronald Reagan’s son has claimed in his new book that his father suffered from Alzheimer’s disease while he was still in the White House.

Reagan’s youngest son, Ron, claimed in a new book about his father, “My … Original article on : Ronald Reagan suffered from Alzheimer’s while still in White House: Son.

Pollution causing cancer in children in China

BEIJING – Over 32,000 children under 14 in China today suffer from cancer and such cases are on the rise due to the rampant pollution and unhealthy lifestyles, the health experts here have warned.

“The fatal disease long considered a problem of older people is now striking more and more children,” said Zhang Guangchao, … Read more »»».

Babies can be given solid food earlier than six months

LONDON – New mothers have been told to breastfeed their babies for six months only to prevent allergies, food aversion and even obesity but now research says babies can be safely given solid foods at least eight weeks earlier.

Researchers have questioned guidelines issued in 2001 by the World Health Organisation, asking women to breastfeed …. Source  : Babies can be given solid food earlier than six months.

Poll: Health care reform is Barack Obama’s best and worst

WASHINGTON – Americans are evenly divided over health care that nearly identical percentages say reform is President Barack Obama’s greatest accomplishment and his worst one since taking office, according to a new poll.

Asked what they considered the best thing Obama’s done, 26 percent of registered voters surveyed by the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute pointed to … Read more >>.

Kiwi Spanish resident complains of racist abuse

WELLINGTON – New Zealand police are looking into a racial abuse complaint filed by a Spanish-origin child cancer researcher camping on conservation land.

Lucia Alonso-Gonzalez, who was born in Spain, but has lived in New Zealand for five years, claimed that she and her partner Alan McDermott had pitched their tent at the Piano Flat camp …. Read the original article  : Kiwi Spanish resident complains of racist abuse.

Resistance exercise beneficial for cardiovascular health

WASHINGTON – A new research has shown that resistance training has some similar effects as aerobic exercise in lowering a person’s blood pressure.
he research was conducted in the College of Health Sciences’ Department of Health, Leisure and Exercise Science at Appalachian State University.

The study is part of the growing body of research being conducted at …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Cigarette smoke causes ‘genetic damage within minutes after inhaling’

WASHINGTON – Scientists have warned that smoking begins to cause genetic damage within minutes-not years-after inhalation into the lungs.

It is the first human study to detail the way certain substances in tobacco cause DNA damage linked to cancer.

Stephen S. Hecht and colleagues have pointed out that evidence indicates harmful substances in tobacco smoke termed … Read more : Cigarette smoke causes ‘genetic damage within minutes after inhaling’.

Spain helping 40 percent of Haitians suffering from cholera

Madrid, Jan 16 (IANS/EFE) Forty percent of Haitians suffering from cholera are receiving economic aid from Spain, Deputy Prime Minister Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba has said.

Rubalcaba, however, added that there was still “very much” left to do in the earthquake-devastated country.
The deputy prime minister said: “Spain has clearly fulfilled its commitments. We have invested …. Read the original article  : Spain helping 40 percent of Haitians suffering from cholera.

UAE charity campaign arrives in Egypt

ABU DHABI – The United Arab Emirates’ humanitarian campaign to offer free health care services to needy children worldwide has arrived in Egypt.

The specialist doctors and paediatric surgeons volunteering for the Emirates World Humanitarian Hospital, who arrived in Egypt Friday, will treat 400 children and perform surgeries on 40 other adult patients as … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : UAE charity campaign arrives in Egypt.

Gurgaon hospital launches state-of-art birthing centre

GURGAON – A super speciality hospital in Gurgaon Saturday launched ‘Happy Nest’, a state-of-art birthing centre with individualised labour rooms where the family has an option to be part of the birth process.

According to a statement by the Artemis Health Institute (AHI), besides individualised labour rooms, the centre will offer exclusive features like a … Read more : Gurgaon hospital launches state-of-art birthing centre.

New breastfeeding advice leaves mums livid, baffled

LONDON – The latest scientific controversy about breastfeeding-mothers should not follow advice recommending that they exclusively breastfeed for the first six months-has left mothers angry and confused.

The confused mums besieged Internet forums and radio phone-ins to express their frustration at the latest controversy about breastfeeding, reports the Independent.

A team at the University of London’s Childhood …. Source article  : New breastfeeding advice leaves mums livid, baffled.

Early educational enrichment can bring improved health in adulthood

WASHINGTON – A new study has suggested that that early educational enrichment can bring improved health and healthier behaviors in early adulthood.

For the study, researchers at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health used data from a well-known Carolina Abecedarian Project (ABC), a randomized control study that enrolled 111 infants in the 1970s and continued …. Source  : Early educational enrichment can bring improved health in adulthood.