Health (General) – Weekly Newsletter for January 17-24, 2011

A big breakfast ‘won’t help you shed those pounds’

WASHINGTON – German researchers have suggested that eating a big breakfast may lead to gaining more weight.

The study, which refutes previous findings that eating a big breakfast reduces total calorie intake over the day, found that those who enjoy a hearty breakfast are likely to have a big lunch and dinner.

Volker Schusdziarra at the Else-Kroner-Fresenius …. Source  : A big breakfast ‘won’t help you shed those pounds’.

Want a flat tummy? Don’t rely on low fat foods!

WELLINGTON – Trying to lose weight by adopting a low fat diet? Well, you may be committing the biggest mistake of your ‘weight loss regime,’ says an Oz fitness expert.

Celebrity trainer James Duigan, whose clients include model Elle Macpherson, said, “I see so many people trying their best and it’s just not working because they …. Source  : Want a flat tummy? Don’t rely on low fat foods!.

Michael Reagan calls half-brother Ron an ‘embarrassment’

WASHINGTON – The controversial claim by Ron Reagan in his forthcoming book ‘My Father at 100′ that his father and former US President Ronald Reagan suffered the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease while in office has now descended into sibling rivalry.

Ron’s conservative half-brother Michael Reagan has called him ‘an embarrassment’ and has asked the public … Original article on : Michael Reagan calls half-brother Ron an ‘embarrassment’.

Swine flu rising in Russia, Europe

Moscow, Jan 16 (IANS/RIA Novosti) The number of people infected with the pandemic A/H1N1 swine flu virus is on the rise in Russia and Europe, a senior Russian official said.

Russia’s chief sanitary doctor, Gennady Onishchenko, said A-type flu viruses account for about 71 percent of all seasonal flu cases in Europe, and 93 percent … Read more : Swine flu rising in Russia, Europe.

14 foods that deliver research-documented benefits to health

WASHINGTON – Trying to incorporate more nutritious foods into your diet? An article in the January issue of a magazine has listed 14 foods that deliver research-documented benefits to health.

Whole Grains

1. Barley: 11 clinical trials spanning almost 20 years found that increased consumption of barley products can lower total and LDL cholesterol.

2. Quinoa and buckwheat: Research …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 14 foods that deliver research-documented benefits to health.

‘Junk food firm, slimming group’ tie-ups ‘cashing in on obesity epidemic’

SYDNEY – Health experts have slammed partnerships between Nestle and Jenny Craig, McDonald’s and Weight Watchers, and Domino’s Pizza and the weight-loss show ‘The Biggest Loser’ for trying to make brands famous for selling burgers, fries and lollies appear more healthy.

Experts claimed that junk food companies are making customers fat, and then sell them the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : ‘Junk food firm, slimming group’ tie-ups ‘cashing in on obesity epidemic’.

Beware, smoking damages your genes within minutes

WASHINGTON – Scientists have issued a stark warning about smoking – it begins to damage your genes within mere minutes and not years after it reaches your lungs.

Their report is the first study to detail the way certain substances in tobacco cause DNA damage linked to cancer, reports the journal Research in Toxicology.
[..] Read the original article: here.

Antibiotics may up irritable bowel syndrome risk in kids

LONDON – Antibiotics may heighten the risk of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s disease in children.

Scientists believe the drugs may encourage harmful bugs and other organisms to grow in the gut, triggering the conditions.
A research team looked at 580,000 children over an eight-year period and examined records of their prescriptions and medical …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Antibiotics may up irritable bowel syndrome risk in kids.

Weekend drinking is more lethal than daily downing

LONDON – There is bad news for exclusive weekend drinkers – they could be harming themselves more than what daily drinkers get.

Researchers at Toulouse University in France compared the drinking habits of middle-aged men in three towns in France with that in Belfast in Northern Ireland.
The Frenchmen drank much more overall, about … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Weekend drinking is more lethal than daily downing.

This nasal spray can mask food aroma, and beat hunger

LONDON – A nasal spray that masks the smell of food could help curb hunger or yearing for food.

Louisiana State University researchers in the US have discovered that a type of drug used to lower blood pressure can also curb appetite and lead to weight loss.
The drug CP404 is a calcium channel … Read more >>>.

French nun credits late Pope John Paul with giving her ’second birth’

LONDON – A French Catholic nun has credited late Pope John Paul with curing her of Parkinson’s disease, and also giving her a ’second birth’.

Sister Marie Simon-Pierre, 49, who was about to quit working because of her ailment, woke up in June 2005, two months after the Polish-born pope had died, to find that she …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : French nun credits late Pope John Paul with giving her ’second birth’.

Kidney gene linked to increased heart failure risk

WASHINGTON – A new study has identified the first DNA sequence variant common in the population that is linked to an increased risk of heart failure, and appears to play a role in causing it.

“It’s a kidney gene. This protein is not even expressed in the heart. Nobody has previously considered that kidney-specific gene defects …. Original article  : Kidney gene linked to increased heart failure risk.

Housewife works out recipe for regrowing hair

LONDON – What did mother-of-three Mary Corrigan do when balding patches on her head devastated her? The 43-year-old housewife came up with a ‘grow-your-hair-back diet’ which did work — within four months.

The former chef turned to her own resources after her trichologist told Corrigan that she would have to live with it as … Read more : Housewife works out recipe for regrowing hair.

Smoking is the main reason why men die sooner than women

WASHINGTON – A new research has revealed that smoking accounts for up to 60 percent of the gender gap in death rates across Europe, and kills twice as many men as alcohol.

The reasons why women have been outliving men in developed European countries since the mid to late 18th century, in some cases, have been … Read more >>>.

Heart failure patients admitted to general wards more likely to die

WASHINGTON – A new study has found that heart failure patients admitted to general wards are twice as likely to die as those admitted to cardiology wards.

The national heart failure audit for England and Wales also suggests that women fared worse than men when it comes to appropriate investigations and treatment, although death rates were …. Source  : Heart failure patients admitted to general wards more likely to die.

A mosquito scam breeding in India?

BANGALORE – The health ministry’s refusal to allow the use of a highly potent mosquito control agent developed by one of its own institutes and granting permission to an imported product, has kicked up a controversy. At stake is not only a Rs.1,000 crore (approx $220 million) market, but also the eradication of diseases like …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Paramedic centre planned in Chandigarh

CHANDIGARH – The government will set up a centre of excellence in paramedics in the city in the coming months, union Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said here Monday evening.

We are going to have a centre of excellence in paramedics in Chandigarh. The government of India will sanction a budget of … Read more »».

Eating fruit, veggies linked to a lower risk of dying from heart disease

WASHINGTON – People who consume more fruit and vegetables have a lower risk of dying from ischaemic heart disease – the most common form of heart disease, says a European study.

However, the authors point out that a higher fruit and vegetable intake occurs among people with other healthy eating habits and lifestyles, and that these …. Source  : Eating fruit, veggies linked to a lower risk of dying from heart disease.

Coke’s ‘health’ drink ‘too sweet to be nutritious’

LONDON – The UK’s advertising watchdog has banned an advertisement of Coca-Cola’s ‘Vitamin Water’ for claiming that the drink is ‘nutritious’ while containing up to five teaspoons of sugar.

It is the second time in little over a year that the firm has been censured for claims about health-giving properties of the drink, which contains 23g …. Read the original article  : Coke’s ‘health’ drink ‘too sweet to be nutritious’.

Prevent gum disease to keep lungs healthy

WASHINGTON – A new research suggests that maintaining periodontal health may contribute to a healthy respiratory system.

The new study says that periodontal disease may increase the risk for respiratory infections, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia. These infections, which are caused when bacteria from the upper throat are inhaled into the lower … Original article on : Prevent gum disease to keep lungs healthy.

Best friends ‘boost kids’ physical activity’

WASHINGTON – A new research has found that boys and girls who take part in physical activity with their best friend in the neighbourhood where they live have higher levels of physical activity.

The study examined the extent to which the physical activity modelling and physical activity actions of best friends are associated with the physical …. Original article  : Best friends ‘boost kids’ physical activity’.

Baby boy delivered in Shimla ambulance

SHIMLA – A baby boy was delivered in ‘108′ Atal Swasthya Sewa, an ambulance service launched by the Himachal Pradesh government last month, an official said here Wednesday.

“A baby was delivered in ambulance when a pregnant woman was on her way to a hospital in Shimla last (Tuesday) evening. The delivery was conducted by …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Mullah Omar treated for heart attack in Karachi hospital with Pak spy agency ISI’s help

WASHINGTON – Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar was treated for several days in a Karachi hospital with the assistance of Pakistan’s spy agency after he suffered a heart attack on January 7, according to a private intelligence network run by former CIA, State Department and military officers.

Operating under the auspices of a private company- “The … Original source on Gaea Times at : Mullah Omar treated for heart attack in Karachi hospital with Pak spy agency ISI’s help.

Mystery virus which killed three identified

GANDHINAGAR – The mystery virus that created a panic of sorts among the medical fraternity in Ahmedabad following the death of a patient, her consulting doctor and nurse, has been identified, state Health Minister Jay Narayan Vyas said here Tuesday.

According to the minister, a sample sent to the National Institute of Virology, Pune, has …. Original article  : Mystery virus which killed three identified.

Healthy UK women demanding gastric bands to stay thin

LONDON – Cosmetic surgery companies in the UK have revealed that more and more healthy women are demanding gastric bands in a bid to stay thin and avoid going to the gym.

Michael Dermody, director of Cosmetic Bliss, which offers procedures in the Czech Republic, said he has had a request for gastric surgery from a …. Source  : Healthy UK women demanding gastric bands to stay thin.

Dieting in pregnancy can lower baby’s IQ

LONDON – Women may be risking a low intelligence quotient (IQ) for their unborn babies by dieting during pregnancy, a new research indicates.

Cutting back on vital nutrients and calories in the first half of pregnancy stunts the development of an unborn child’s brain, says a new study.
Although it was carried out on primates, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Dieting in pregnancy can lower baby’s IQ.

Common antibiotics, BP medications a bad mix: Study

WASHINGTON – A new study has found that mixing commonly used antibiotics with common blood pressure medications may cause hypotension (abnormally low blood pressure) and induce shock in older patients, requiring hospitalization.

“Macrolide antibiotics (erythromycin, clarithromycin and azithromycin) are among the most widely prescribed antibiotics, with millions of prescriptions dispensed in Canada each year,” said …. Read the original article  : Common antibiotics, BP medications a bad mix: Study.

Bogus physiotherapist in UK faces jail for sexually assaulting women

LONDON – A man in Britain, who falsely claimed to be a physiotherapist, is facing a lengthy prison sentence after he sexually assaulted a number of women in his surgery.

Charles Ahme, 50, who had no medical qualification except for an online first-aid certificate, had claimed to be a leading practitioner and set up his own …. Read the original article  : Bogus physiotherapist in UK faces jail for sexually assaulting women.

Congo Fever Threat Under Control

AHMEDABAD, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) which has been detected in India for the very first time, has put authorities on their toes to prevent the virus from spreading any further after it has already claimed three lives in Gujarat. On Wednesday, Gujarat Health Minister Jaynarayan Vyas told reporters that the … Read more >>.

Secondhand TV exposure equally harmful for kids: Study

WASHINGTON – Just switching off the TV set may not you help keep your kids away from negative influence of the idiot-box, as indirect media exposure, i.e., having friends who watch TV, might be even more damaging for a teen, say researchers.

Harvard Medical School scientists examined the link between media consumption and eating disorders among …. Original source  : Secondhand TV exposure equally harmful for kids: Study.

Curry ‘could provide a cure for the common cold’

LONDON – An ingredient often used to make curry may be the key to fending off the cold virus.

For centuries, mothers have used fenugreek, which is rich in antioxidants, to stimulate the production of breast milk during pregnancy and following childbirth, reports the Telegraph.

But now the herb has been hailed as an unlikely “fix-all elixir” …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Curry ‘could provide a cure for the common cold’.

Report about Mullah Omar’s surgery in Pakistan has “no basis whatsoever”: Haqqani

WASHINGTON – The report that Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar had a heart surgery in a Karachi hospital with the assistance of Pakistan’s spy agency has “no basis whatsoever”, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US, Husain Haqqani, has said.

“Sometimes intelligence tips received by professionals turn out to be wrong,” the Dawn quoted Haqqani, as saying, while … Original source on Gaea Times at : Report about Mullah Omar’s surgery in Pakistan has “no basis whatsoever”: Haqqani.

Himachal’s aloe vera crop: In comes money, out goes monkey

SHIMLA – Aloe vera, the highly sought after cactus-like plant with multiple medicinal and therapeutic properties, is bringing home good returns for Himachal Pradesh farmers – with an added benefit. It is keeping the monkeys away!

Cultivation of the medicinal plant is fast picking up in the state. According to forest department officials, it is …. Source  : Himachal’s aloe vera crop: In comes money, out goes monkey.

270 fall ill after having food in China factory

BEIJING – A total of 276 people fell ill after having lunch at an automobile manufacturing company in northern China, an official said.

Most of the affected people in the factory in Shanxi province sought medical treatment Wednesday night for food poisoning caused by a dish of hyacinth beans and meat, Xinhua reported.
The patients …. Original source  : 270 fall ill after having food in China factory.

Nainital Zoo authorities take steps to protect animals from cold

NAINITAL – As the temperature dipped across the country, animals in the Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant Zoo in Nainital are being given proteins and mineral in their diet by authorities to combat the cold.

The high-altitude zoo, situated at a height of 2,075 metres, provides shelter to rare species like black bears, snow leopards, and Siberian … Read : Nainital Zoo authorities take steps to protect animals from cold.

No need to panic about killer virus: ICMR

NEW DELHI – The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) Wednesday asked people not to panic about the Crimian Congo Haemorregic Fever (CCHF) virus that has killed three people in Ahmedabad, saying its outbreak can easily be controlled by proper hygiene.

“The CCHF outbreak can easily be controlled by proper hygiene and infection control … Read more »»».

Travel websites should inform people about risks of malaria, say docs

LONDON – Health experts in UK have suggested that travel websites, especially those that offer ‘last minute’ deals, should inform people about the risks of malaria and the need to take preventative medication before traveling.

Their warning follows three recent cases of malaria in UK citizens returning from ‘winter sun’ holidays to the Gambia, where malaria …. Read the original article  : Travel websites should inform people about risks of malaria, say docs.

Need to focus on palliative care, say experts

NEW DELHI – With only 1 percent of terminally ill patient getting care in India, medical experts Thursday emphasised on the need to focus on palliative care in the country so that people suffering from non-curable diseases could die without pain.

According to doctors, 90 percent of patients in advanced stage of their disease … Read more »».

Lethal virus not spreading in Gujarat, says minister

GANDHINAGAR – The lethal Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is not spreading in Gujarat with all the over 50 samples sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) testing negative and no fresh case coming to light, state Health Minister Jaynarayan Vyas said Thursday.

The minister said that of the four suspected cases of … Read : Lethal virus not spreading in Gujarat, says minister.

Pakistan Army, Afghan Taliban reject report about Mullah Omar’s surgery in Karachi

ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Army has dismissed the report about Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar’s surgery in Karachi with the help of Pakistan’s spy agency as “unfounded and concocted”.

“An ISPR spokesman strongly contradicted the news item that appeared in the local and international media about the medical treatment of Afghan Taliban Mullah Mohammad Omar at …. Original source  : Pakistan Army, Afghan Taliban reject report about Mullah Omar’s surgery in Karachi.

People with HIV ‘three times more likely to have a stroke’

WASHINGTON – People infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may be up to three times more likely to have a stroke compared to those not affected with HIV, new research suggests.

For the study, scientists reviewed all stroke hospitalizations in the United States within the last decade. The number of stroke diagnoses in the general population … Original article on : People with HIV ‘three times more likely to have a stroke’.

‘Robotic surgery needs multi-disciplinary approach in India’

KOLKATA – One of the most renowned urologists across the globe, Prokar Dasgupta feels robotic surgery needs to be made multi-disciplinary to reduce cost and increase its popularity in India.

“One of the most important reasons that prevented the bursting of robotic surgery in India, unlike in the US, is obviously the financial factor.”
… Read the original article on Gaea Times at : ‘Robotic surgery needs multi-disciplinary approach in India’.

Swine flu vaccines go waste in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – District health officials in Pakistan are “not very keen” to use swine flu vaccines donated by the World Health Organisation (WHO), thus resulting in the country’s failure to control the disease, the WHO has said.

In March 2010, about 3.1 million doses of Monovalent Influenza vaccine were given to Pakistan’s health ministry for … Read more >>>.

Air filters linked to improved cardiovascular health

WASHINGTON – Scientists have suggested that using inexpensive air filters may help reduce cardiovascular disease risk that results from exposure to air pollution.

Researchers from Canada, who studied healthy adults living in a small community in British Columbia where wood burning stoves are the main sources of pollution, found that high efficiency particle air (HEPA) filters … Original source on Gaea Times at : Air filters linked to improved cardiovascular health.

Levels of environmental contaminants in mums’ body drop during breast-feeding

WASHINGTON – A new study has revealed that the levels of environmental contaminants in a mother’s body decrease during breast-feeding.

After a year of lactation, the levels of a number of environmental contaminants in breast milk drop by 15 – 94 per cent, the research found.

In a recent study from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Here’s how you can stick to your healthy eating resolution

WASHINGTON – Every year the top New Year resolution is to eat better and finally lose those extra pounds.

Now, it’s time to check in and see if you’ve set yourself up for success this year.

Brittany Glassett, a registered dietitian at Porter Adventist Hospital has come up with … Original article on : Here’s how you can stick to your healthy eating resolution.

Strong social support benefits breast cancer patients

WASHINGTON – A new research has suggested that breast cancer patients who have a strong social support system in the first year after diagnosis are less likely to die or have a recurrence of cancer.

Scientists from Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC) and the Shanghai Institute of Preventive Medicine carried out the study on female breast [..] Read the original article: here.

Fenugreek best way to ward off cold

LONDON – Don’t reach out for paracetamol if you’re down with a cold, instead, try out fenugreek in your curry to keep yourself warm, says a study.

A nutritionist claims fenugreek, a common ingredient in Indian cuisine, is a ‘winter elixir’ whose anti-viral properties not only alleviate cold and flu symptoms but also … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Fenugreek best way to ward off cold.

Breastfeeding can benefit childhood cancer survivors

WASHINGTON – A new study has suggested that breastfeeding can partially offset the long-term side effects of cancer treatment.

Susan Ogg and colleagues from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, have suggested that women who have survived … Original article on : Breastfeeding can benefit childhood cancer survivors.

Brit great-grandma beats cancer 5 times to celebrate 100th birthday

LONDON – A feisty great-grandmother in the UK has beaten cancer five times and is still going strong. She celebrated her 100th birthday recently.

Ellen McDonald had endured several operations in her lifetime, including the one in 1963 where she was read her last rites, as it was believed she would not survive, reports the Daily … Read more »».

UK surgeons call for changes in weight-loss surgery rules

LONDON – With modern lifestyles, excessive weight is an increasingly common condition resulting in greater health risks.

Now, surgeons in the UK are urging lawmakers to change a rule that allows weight-loss surgery on fat people before they become dangerously overweight, reports the Daily Express.

They are trying to …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : UK surgeons call for changes in weight-loss surgery rules.

Brit-Indian honeymooner’s ‘fragile’ mental health worries pals

LONDON – Friends of Shrien Dewani, the Brit-Indian millionaire who is fighting extradition plans to South Africa over charges that he masterminded his wife Anni’s murder during their honeymoon in Cape Town, have expressed concern about his ‘fragile’ mental health as he is suffering flashback of the hijack.

The Guardian quoted Dewani’s friends as saying … Read more >>.

Growing insecurity, stress in society leads to obesity epidemic

WASHINGTON – Researchers have suggested that the obesity epidemic is substantially due to growing insecurity, stress, and a sense of powerlessness in societies where high-sugar and high-fat foods are increasingly omnipresent.he new research was carried by Jon D. Wisman and Kevin W. Capehart at American University in Washington, D.C.

“When I began to look into the …. Read the original article  : Growing insecurity, stress in society leads to obesity epidemic.

Most Aussies failed to lose weight in 2010 due to bad advice

MELBOURNE – One in two Australians tired to shed some extra kilos in 2010, but failed because of bad advice, suggests a new research.

Australia’s Healthy Weight Week Report surveyed more than 1000 Australian adults to investigate how many were attempting to lose weight, their success and where they get their advice.

The Dietitians Association of Australia …. Original source  : Most Aussies failed to lose weight in 2010 due to bad advice.

New ready-made meals help you shed ‘10 lb in 4 weeks’

LONDON – A supermarket has introduced a range of ready-made meal that can deliver a 10lb weight loss in four weeks – without any exercise, say experts.

Researchers, who tested the Simply Fuller Longer regime from Marks and Spencer, have found that it actually deliver …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Now, a breath test that tells you when fat starts to burn off in gym

LONDON – British scientists have developed a breathalyser that tells how much fat you are burning off at the gym.

The device is being built to pinpoint the moment when a sweaty session on the treadmill finally starts to pay off by detecting when the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Now, a breath test that tells you when fat starts to burn off in gym.

Pakistan could see rise in breast cancer cases

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan could face an increase in the number of breast cancer patients in the future because of the unhealthy lifestyle led by most women as well as late diagnosis of the disease, a US health expert has said.

Jo Anne Zujewski, head of the Breast Cancer Therapeutics at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Pakistan could see rise in breast cancer cases.

Huge response for Meerut polio rally

MEERUT – The pulse-polio rally received tremendous response in Meerut Saturday with health workers and UNICEF officials taking out a mass procession through the city streets.

The rally was held ahead of the National Immunisation Day (NID) Sunday.
According to officials, Meerut sub-region comprising Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Saharanpur and Baghpat districts reported only three polio …. Read the original article  : Huge response for Meerut polio rally.

Doctors perform India’s first CT scan-based knee replacement

CHANDIGARH – A 53-year-old woman from Delhi was operated for India’s first CT scan-based custom-fit total knee replacement surgery at Fortis Hospital in Mohali, near here.

Even as knee replacement surgeries are considered to be the last resort and for ripe old age, doctors say CT scan-based knee replacements can be useful for younger … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Doctors perform India’s first CT scan-based knee replacement.

President Patil launches 2011 ‘Pulse Polio’ campaign

NEW DELHI – President Pratibha Devisingh Patil on Saturday administered polio vaccine drops to seven children at the Rashtrapati Bhawan to launch the National Pulse Polio Programme for 2011.

The President had introduced the bivalent oral polio vaccine in the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : President Patil launches 2011 ‘Pulse Polio’ campaign.