Health (General) – Weekly Newsletter for January 24-31, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
Anti-estrogen medication ‘cuts risk of dying from lung cancer’
WASHINGTON – Tamoxifen, an anti-estrogen breast cancer medication, may reduce an individual’s risk of death from lung cancer, says a new study.
The research supports the hypothesis that there is a hormonal influence on lung cancer and that estrogen levels play a role in lung cancer patients’ prognosis.
Led …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Anti-estrogen medication ‘cuts risk of dying from lung cancer’.
Mumbai doctors call off strike
MUMBAI – Residents doctors of the Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital here called off their strike after the hospital management assured them that security inside the premises will be increased, an official said.
Over 150 resident doctors of the hospital struck work early Monday to protest manhandling by relatives of some patients.
“The dean urged …. Source : Mumbai doctors call off strike.
Eating while watching TV ‘can cause hunger later on’
LONDON – A new research has found that eating while watching TV can cause hunger later on, which could make one more likely to indulge in late-night snacks.
The study conducted on young women found that those who ate while watching television packed away more calories later in the day, reports the Daily Mail.
It is …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Eating while watching TV ‘can cause hunger later on’.
New TB vaccine protects before and after infection
LONDON – Danish scientists have developed a new vaccine that can fight tuberculosis (TB) before and after infection.
It could offer protection for many years more than is now possible, reports the BBC.
TB is a disease of the lungs, causing symptoms such as coughing, chest pains and weight loss. Untreated, it can be deadly.
However, only in …. Source : Gaea News Network.
How battle against polio was won in Uttar Pradesh
MEERUT – From 26 cases of polio in 2009 to none last year, Meerut district is a mirror of the cheering development taking place in polio-endemic Uttar Pradesh.
And a key role played in this success story is by the influencers or volunteers who go from house to house to overcome initial resistance, especially in … Original source on Gaea Times at : How battle against polio was won in Uttar Pradesh.
Sticking plaster that zaps skin cancer
LONDON – A revolutionary light-emitting sticking plaster can help zap skin cancers.
The device, called the Ambulight, is a form of photodynamic therapy (PDT) – an alternative to surgery for many forms of skin cancer – using laser, combined with a light-sensitive drug to destroy cancer cells.
PDT treatment avoids the scarring associated …. Read the original article : here.
Research for Congo virus antidote on: Health expert
NEW DELHI – Further research needs to be done to come up with an antidote to the Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) that has claimed at least three lives in Gujarat, a senior health official has said.
“We have suggested some strong anti-viral drugs to counter the symptoms, but more research will have to be done … Original source on Gaea Times at : Research for Congo virus antidote on: Health expert.
Oz taxpayers’ money funding guide to snorting cocaine, other party drugs
MELBOURNE – The Australian taxpayers’ money is being used to fund a guide on ways to inject, snort, and swallow cocaine and other party drugs.
The guide, however, is being released under the guise of AIDS prevention.
The guide titled ‘Routes of Administration’, is being published by the former AIDS Council of NSW, now known as ACON, …. Source article : Oz taxpayers’ money funding guide to snorting cocaine, other party drugs.
Tara Stile’s rebel yoga drawing flak from purists
NEW YORK – Tara Stile, who has reinvented what it means to practice yoga, is drawing flak from traditional practitioners for her unconventional approach.
The 29-year-old former model-turned-yoga teacher does not talk about sacred Hindu texts, personal intentions or charkas in her class. She does not even ask her students to chant, reports the … Read : Tara Stile’s rebel yoga drawing flak from purists.
GM food preferable to chemical ones: Indian American oncologist
NEW DELHI – There are many kinds of “organic” food flooding the market, but they are actually produced using chemicals, says Indian American oncologist Siddhartha Mukherjee, author of a much-talked about book on cancer, adding he would prefer GM food instead.
I tend to think that genetically-modified food is safer than chemically-modified food. I know … Original article on : GM food preferable to chemical ones: Indian American oncologist.
Stress management program benefits patients with heart disease
WASHINGTON – Scientists have found that a cognitive behavioral therapy program focusing on stress management decreases the risk of recurrent heart attacks and other cardiovascular events in patients with heart disease.
Mats Gulliksson and colleagues at …. Source : Gaea News Network.
Lowering BP in middle-aged women cuts heart disease risk
WASHINGTON – A new study has suggested that middle-aged women can reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular disease by lowering their blood pressure.
Researchers found that high systolic blood pressure (the pressure when the heart contracts) is a powerful risk factor for …. Original article : Lowering BP in middle-aged women cuts heart disease risk.
Weight loss plus walking ‘can improve mobility in older, obese adults’
WASHINGTON – A new Wake Forest University study has suggested that weight loss combined with walking can improve mobility by 20 percent in older, obese adults with poor heart health.
These findings run counter to the commonly held belief that it is unhealthy for older adults to … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Weight loss plus walking ‘can improve mobility in older, obese adults’.
Blocking rogue gene could halt the spread of most cancers
WASHINGTON – University of East Anglia scientists have discovered a rogue gene, which – if blocked by the right drugs – could stop cancer in its tracks.he culprit gene – known as WWP2 – is an enzymic bonding agent found inside cancer cells. It attacks and …. Original article : Blocking rogue gene could halt the spread of most cancers.
Blocking rogue gene could stop cancer
LONDON – In a major breakthrough, scientists have discovered that blocking a rogue gene with the right drugs could halt cancer in its tracks.
The culprit gene, known as WWP2, attacks and breaks down a natural inhibitor which normally prevents cancer cells from spreading.
A University of East Anglia team found that blocking WWP2 raised …. Original article : Blocking rogue gene could stop cancer.
Oestrogen patch for sharper memory?
LONDON – An oestrogen skin patch could boost memory in post-menopausal women, researchers say.
Latest theories suggest that the hormone, which drops during menopause, also has a protective effect on nerve cells in the brain, including those involved in memory.
The implications of the clinical trial could be enormous, say researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Oestrogen patch for sharper memory?.
Rising indoor winter temperatures associated with obesity
WASHINGTON – Increases in winter indoor temperatures in developed countries may be contributing to rises in obesity in those populations, according to UCL research.
The review paper examines evidence of a potential causal link between reduced exposure to seasonal cold and increases in obesity in the UK and US.
Reduced exposure to cold may have two effects …. Original article : Rising indoor winter temperatures associated with obesity.
Smoking linked to increased risk of breast cancer
WASHINGTON – A new study has revealed that smoking before menopause, especially prior to giving birth, may be associated with a modest increase in the risk of developing breast cancer.
Using data collected from the Nurses’ Health Study, Fei Xue, of Brigham and Woman’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, and colleagues examined the records of … Read more »»».
New vaccine against pneumonia ‘to save thousands of lives’
LONDON – A new vaccine against pneumonia is being introduced in Africa and some other countries across the world.
The vaccine could save more than half a million lives a year globally, reports the BBC.
The Gavi Alliance, a global health partnership of public and private sectors for immunisation, says 19 countries will get the jab at …. Original article on Gaea Times at : New vaccine against pneumonia ‘to save thousands of lives’.
Shot Congresswoman Giffords may be released from ICU next week
WASHINGTON – Gabrielle Giffords, the Democrat Representative who was in critical condition after being shot in Arizona, may be released from intensive care and transferred to a brain rehabilitation hospital as early as this week.
ABC News quoted her doctors as saying that fluid accumulation in her brain that concerned them … Read more : Shot Congresswoman Giffords may be released from ICU next week.
New vaccine strategy tested in mice shows promise against TB
LONDON – A research team has found that a new vaccine strategy tested in mice provides stronger, more long-lasting protection from tuberculosis (TB) infection than the vaccine currently used in humans, known as BCG.
Caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), TB remains one of the major causes of disability and death worldwide, with an estimated …. Source article : New vaccine strategy tested in mice shows promise against TB.
Exercise may help patients with irritable bowel syndrome
WASHINGTON – A new study has suggested that exercise could benefit irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients.
The research, conducted at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg and at Alingsas Hospital, included 102 IBS patients between the ages of 18 and 65.
Half the group was randomly allocated to increase their physical activity and the other half to …. Read the original article : here.
Hot flushes tied to lower risk of breast cancer
WASHINGTON – A new study by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have shown that women who have experienced hot flushes and other symptoms of menopause may have a 50 percent lower risk of developing the most common forms of breast cancer than postmenopausal women who have never had such symptoms.
“In particular we found …. Original source : Hot flushes tied to lower risk of breast cancer.
Employees most invested in their jobs ‘have highest stress levels’
WASHINGTON – A new study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has suggested that a workplace’s key employees may be at the greatest risk of experiencing high levels of work stress.
In a survey of 2,737 workers, 18 per cent reported that their job was “highly stressful.”
The odds of having high stress were …. Read the original article : Employees most invested in their jobs ‘have highest stress levels’.
Common garden weed ‘can cure skin cancer’
LONDON – A new study conducted by scientists in Australia has revealed that a common weed can cure skin cancers.
The sap from a plant known as petty spurge or milkweed – found by roadsides and in woodland – can ‘kill’ certain types of cancer cells when applied to the skin, reports the Daily Mail.
It …. Original article : Common garden weed ‘can cure skin cancer’.
Voila! Pakistani girl is now a boy
ISLAMABAD – A 17-year-old Pakistani girl, who had been very sick for the past few months and turned into a boy after a sex-change operation, is grateful to be healthy and alive now and said post-operation: “I don’t care about whether I am a boy or a girl as long as I am alive.”
…. Original source : Voila! Pakistani girl is now a boy.
Traffic noise ‘can increase stroke risk’
WASHINGTON – A new study has shown that exposure to noise from road traffic can increase the risk of stroke, particularly in those aged 65 years and over.
The study, which is the first to investigate the links between road traffic noise and the risk of stroke, found that for every 10 decibels more noise the … Read more >>>.
US team in UAE to explore healthcare system
Abu Dhabi, Jan 25 (IANS/WAM) Officials from over a dozen American healthcare and pharmaceutical companies have arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to explore opportunities for partnerships between the two countries.
The “US Commercial Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Life Sciences, and Technology Trade Mission to the UAE” is an initiative led by the US-UAE Business Council … Read more : US team in UAE to explore healthcare system.
Ayurvedic physician among medicine Padma winners
NEW DELHI – Late ayurvedic physician K. Raghavan Thirumulpad is among the Padma award winners from the field of medicine this year.
A total of 10 awards were given in the field of medicine, which included two Padma Bhushans and eigth Padma Shris.
Vaidyabhooshanam K. Raghavan Thirumulpad, ayurvedic scholar and physician from Kerala, and …. Read the original article : here.
Why some people become depressed when they are stressed
WASHINGTON – A new research has explained how stress impacts the brain, which detail why some individuals are predisposed to depression when they experience chronic stress.
Researchers from Yamaguchi University in Japan have revealed complex molecular mechanisms associated with chronic stress.
“Many individuals exposed to stressful … Read more >>.
Food-borne bacteria causes difficult-to-treat heart infections
WASHINGTON – Scientists have found that particular strains of a food-borne bacteria are able to invade the heart, leading to serious and difficult-to-treat heart infections.
The bacteria Listeria monocytogenes is commonly found in soft cheeses and chilled ready-to-eat products, according …. Source : Gaea News Network.
How broccoli fights cancer
WASHINGTON – Scientists have discovered how broccoli and its veggie cousins fight cancer.
They found for the first time that certain substances in the vegetables appear to target and block a defective gene associated with cancer.
The finding could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating cancer.
Fung-Lung Chung and colleagues showed in previous experiments that … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : How broccoli fights cancer.
Highly-caffeinated energy drinks may pose ‘high’ health risks
WASHINGTON – A research team has warned that highly-caffeinated energy drinks – even those containing no alcohol – may pose a significant threat to individuals and public health.
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Public Health and Wake Forest University School of Medicine recommend immediate consumer action, education by health providers, voluntary disclosures by …. Read the original article : here.
Malaysia release of GM insects ‘may create uncontrollable new species’
LONDON – In the first experiment of its kind in Asia aimed at combating dengue fever, Malaysia has released 6,000 genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes in an uninhabited forest area.
The landmark trial, however, has sparked widespread concern among environmentalists who fear it might create uncontrollable new species and affect the ecosystem, reports the Daily Mail.
The field …. Read the original article : here.
Could cleanliness be exposing girls to certain infections?
WASHINGTON – Little girls growing up in western society are expected to be neat and tidy, “all ribbon and curls”. But this cleanliness may be linked to higher rates of allergies and asthma in adult women, says a new study.
Oregon State University philosopher Sharyn Clough, who studies science and gender differences, points out that … Original source on Gaea Times at : Could cleanliness be exposing girls to certain infections?.
Eating poorly ‘can increase the risk of depression’
WASHINGTON – A new study has found that the ingestion of trans-fats and saturated fats increase the risk of suffering depression while olive oil protects against this mental illness.
Scientists from the universities of Navarra and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria confirmed this after studying 12,059 SUN Project volunteers over the course of six years.
The volunteers …. Original article : Eating poorly ‘can increase the risk of depression’.
Obama names two Indian-Americans to key posts
WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama has named an Indian-American doctor to an Advisory Group on Prevention, Health Promotion and Integrative and Public Health and re-nominated an Indian American agricultural scientist as chief agricultural negotiator in trade talks.
“Our nation will be greatly served by the talent and expertise these individuals bring to their new … Read : Obama names two Indian-Americans to key posts.
Debate rages whether E-cigarettes are miracle cure or menace
LONDON – Electronic cigarettes, which are being touted as the latest ’stop smoking’ device, are facing a ban in New York as debate rages whether they are a miracle cure or a menace.
These battery-powered sticks are filled with a nicotine or non-nicotine solution that is …. Source : Debate rages whether E-cigarettes are miracle cure or menace.
Miracle weed emerges as skin cancer cure
LONDON – The sap from milkweed, a common garden weed, can kill certain types of cancer cells when applied to the skin.
It works on non-melanoma skin cancers, which affect hundreds of thousands of Britons each year.
They are triggered by sun damage and, although not usually fatal, can be disfiguring without treatment, the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Miracle weed emerges as skin cancer cure.
Buy tickets to watch brain surgeon operate
SYDNEY – A prominent brain surgeon in Australia has startled the medical fraternity by auctioning tickets to let people watch him perform surgeries in the operation theatre.
Apalled by such an action, the medical authorities here have launched a probe against Charlie Teo, a Sydney brain surgeon.
Teo, who was made a Member of … Original article on : Buy tickets to watch brain surgeon operate.
Aging-related protein holds breast cancer clues
WASHINGTON – A new study has linked a common type of breast cancer in older women to a protein that fends off aging-related cellular damage.
The study, led by Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center researcher David Gius, has shown how deficiency in this aging-associated protein may set the stage for estrogen and progesterone receptor (ER/PR) positive breast cancer …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Aging-related protein holds breast cancer clues.
HIV street drug ‘Whoonga’ is South Africa’s latest high
LONDON – South Africa’s battle against Aids is being threatened with a street drug called ‘Whoonga’, which is a cocktail that includes the antiretroviral (ARV) medication prescribed to people with HIV.
Users crush the ARVs and smoke them with a mixture of rat poison, detergent and marijuana to get high, and the powder is said …. Source : HIV street drug ‘Whoonga’ is South Africa’s latest high.
Man dies after eating contaminated yoghurt
LAHORE – An employee at a hospital in this Pakistani city died while two employees fell critically ill after they ate contaminated yoghurt, a media report said.
Zubair Khan, an employee at the Lahore General Hospital, died Thursday after eating the yoghurt. Two other employees, who ate the yoghurt along with him, were battling for …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Man dies after eating contaminated yoghurt.
Morning sex ‘can improve your health and mood’
LONDON – Want to kick start your day feeling healthy and positive? Look no further than the bedroom, suggests a new study
According to the research, adults who make love first thing in the morning apparently not only feel more upbeat for the rest of the day, but also benefit from a stronger immune system.
The study … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Morning sex ‘can improve your health and mood’.
‘3kg of cocaine’ found in flat given to Berlusconi’s model friend
LONDON – Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who is already embroiled in a sex case, has also been accused of keeping drugs in a flat that he lent to one of his female guests.
The investigation into the sex case was voted by 11 to eight by the parliamentary committee to recommend that the investigation be … Read : ‘3kg of cocaine’ found in flat given to Berlusconi’s model friend.
SleepCare Solutions launches sleep disorder treatment facility
HYDERABAD – The country’s first facility to treat sleep disorders has been set up here by the Hyderabad-based SleepCare Solutions (SCS) in collaboration with Philips Respironics, and plans are afoot for 25 more state-of-the-art centres.
With an overwhelming majority of Indians facing sleep disorders, the facililty has come up in consonance with the guidelines …. Source article on Gaea Times at : SleepCare Solutions launches sleep disorder treatment facility.
Poor sleep affects 1 in 3 Brits
LONDON – Amid a growing epidemic of insomnia, a new survey has found that one in three Brits is suffering from sleep problems.
The Great British Sleep Survey of 5,000 people also found that disturbed nights are causing relationships to crumble and people to suffer depression, reports the Daily Express.
It revealed …. Original source : Poor sleep affects 1 in 3 Brits.
Shockable cardiac arrests ‘more common in public settings than home’
LONDON – Scientists say that cardiac arrests which can be treated by electric stimulation, also known as shockable arrests, were found at a higher frequency in public settings than in the home.
Their study compared home and public cardiac arrests under various scenarios. For …. Source article : Shockable cardiac arrests ‘more common in public settings than home’.
Vitamin D pills advised for under-fives to avoid rickets
LONDON – All children aged between six months and five years should be given vitamin D supplements to prevent rickets, especially during winter.
Such children are at risk of developing the condition because of their couch potato lifestyles, said Sally Davies, director general of research and development in the UK.
Rickets causes the bones to become …. Read the original article : here.
Starting hormone therapy at menopause ‘ups breast cancer risk’
WASHINGTON – A new study has shown that starting hormone therapy at around the time of menopause is associated with a greater risk of breast cancer compared to starting after a longer gap.
In this large, prospectively followed cohort of women, those who started hormone therapy five years or more after menopause had little or no …. Source article : Starting hormone therapy at menopause ‘ups breast cancer risk’.
Smoking habits are passed on from mum to daughter, dad to son
WASHINGTON – A new study has found that smoking habits are transmitted from mother to daughter and father to son.
“However, if a mother smokes it does not seem to impact on the probability of her son smoking, and similarly a father that smokes does not affect his daughter”, said Loureiro, a researcher at the Universidade … Read more >>.
The ???1-a-day pill that keeps heart diseases, cancer at bay
LONDON – A new pill that costs just one pound a day and promises to keep heart disease and cancer at bay is set to go on sale in the UK.
The pill contains resveratrol supplement, derived from grape skin and naturally present in wine, claim makers Biotivia.
It also protects against Alzheimer’s, delays ageing and tackles … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : The ???1-a-day pill that keeps heart diseases, cancer at bay.
Haiti cholera death toll tops 4,000
Port-au-Prince, Jan 29 (IANS/EFE) The number of deaths caused by the cholera epidemic that Haiti has suffered since mid-October has risen to 4,030, with a total of 209,034 people treated, health authorities said Friday.
A bulletin from the public health ministry released Friday said that 115,238 of the patients that have been seen have no …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Haiti cholera death toll tops 4,000.
Prevent misuse of technique in female foeticide: President
NEW DELHI – President Pratibha Devisingh Patil Friday stressed the need to prevent misuse of diagnostic technology in female foeticide calling it detrimental to the society.
“An aspect that needs attention is the prevention of diagnostic tests conducted for pre-natal detection of abnormalities of a baby, from being misused for the purpose of pre-natal … Read more : Prevent misuse of technique in female foeticide: President.
Chocolate gift causes heart attacks to school boy
LONDON – A schoolboy here suffered two heart-attacks after a school teacher handed him a chocolate with a whole hazelnut inside it.
Seven-year-old Rehan Butt had a massive allergic reaction and had to be rushed to hospital where he was put on ventilator to help him breathe, reported Daily Mail Friday.
It is …. Source article : Chocolate gift causes heart attacks to school boy.
Exposure to smokers ’still a major cause of asthma attacks in kids’
WASHINGTON – A survey has found that exposure to smokers is still a major cause of asthma attacks in children in the United States.
During Aug. and Sept. 2010, the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital poll asked 1,621 parents across the United States, whose children have asthma about factors …. Read the original article : Exposure to smokers ’still a major cause of asthma attacks in kids’.
UK man pulled over for erratic driving had eight different drugs in his body
LONDON – A man in UK, who was pulled over for driving erratically, has been arrested after he was found to have consumed eight different drugs.
Tests showed that Jamie Harrison, 32, had taken heroin, cocaine and cannabis, and there were also traces of the heroin substitute methadone, morphine, opiates, codeine and benzodiazepine in his system. …. Read the original article : UK man pulled over for erratic driving had eight different drugs in his body.
Kids with food allergies may feel unsafe at school
WASHINGTON – Young people who have experienced life-threatening anaphylactic shock from specific food exposures have significantly different views of the risks associated with their allergies based on their age and can benefit from discussing their perceptions of the safety of their school environment in improving their ability to cope, a new research by Canadian researchers …. Original source : Kids with food allergies may feel unsafe at school.
Eighth Aero India 2011 – International Seminar to be held in Bangalore
BANGALORE – The eighth Aero India 2011 – International Seminar conducted will held at National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) Convention Centre here from February 7 to 9, as a prelude to the ‘Aero India 2011 Exposition’.
The seminar, organized by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) in association with the Aeronautical … Read more >>.