Health (General) – Weekly Newsletter for February 1-7, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
Free morning-after pills fail to cut teen pregnancies
LONDON – Schemes to offer over-the-counter emergency contraceptive pills to under-16 girls in Britain have simply encouraged them to have more unprotected sex, instead of curtailing teenage pregnancies, a study says.
The findings are a blow to public health chiefs who have argued that handing out the morning-after pill cuts schoolgirl pregnancies.
Family campaigners seized …. Source article : Free morning-after pills fail to cut teen pregnancies.
Common drugs can cause abnormal heart beats
SYDNEY – Many common drugs, including some antibiotics, anti-histamines and anti-psychotics, can cause a potentially fatal abnormal heart rhythm, known as arrhythmia.
The group of drugs most commonly associated with this side-effects are anti-psychotic drugs, taken by patients with schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders.
Patients taking these drugs are up to three times more …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Common drugs can cause abnormal heart beats.
Scientists shed light on why some people cannot give up nicotine
LONDON – New anti-smoking treatments could be on their way as scientists have found why some people are unable to get rid of their tobacco addiction.
A team at the Scripps Research Institute has identified a brain pathway which when defective leads to an uncontrollable desire to smoke, reports the Scotsman.
It involves a component, or ’subunit’, …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Scientists shed light on why some people cannot give up nicotine.
There is “Jewish Yoga” in America
NEVADA – Various establishments and individuals across USA now offer what is termed as “Jewish Yoga”.
There are books available on “Torah Yoga”, “Aleph-Bet Yoga”, and “Kabalah Yoga”.
There is an “association of Jewish yoga teachers” (to bring teachers and students together to explore their … Read more >>>.
Many ‘cyberchondriacs’ misdiagnose themselves via Google, say Oz docs
MELBOURNE – Australian doctors have warned that they are coming across various ‘cyberchondriacs’-patients who misdiagnose their illnesses after Googling their symptoms.
The Australian Medical Association is concerned that the ample of online medical information is proving to be more harmful than worthy as patients increasingly refer …. Read the original article : here.
61m dlrs anti-smoking ad campaign set to be launched Down Under
SYDNEY – A 61-million-dollar anti-smoking advertising campaign linking a smoker’s cough to lung cancer is set to be launched in Australia.
The message funded by the federal government is graphic and simple: every cigarette brings cancer closer, reports the Sydney Morning Health.
Health [..] Read the original article: here.
Number of teens going for plastic surgery in Singapore on the rise
NEW DELHI – There has been an increase in the number of teenagers going for plastic surgery in Singapore.
According to the Straits Times, a check with nine plastic surgeons and aesthetic doctors showed an increase of about 30 percent …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Number of teens going for plastic surgery in Singapore on the rise.
Nitrous oxide anesthesia ‘ups heart attack risk’
WASHINGTON – A new study has warned that patients receiving nitrous oxide as part of general anesthesia for surgery may be at increased long-term risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack).
Based on follow-up from a previous randomized trial, the study finds no increased risk of death among patients receiving nitrous oxide, according to Dr. Kate Leslie …. Read the original article : Nitrous oxide anesthesia ‘ups heart attack risk’.
Can’t quit smoking? Blame it on faulty brain receptor
LONDON – Do you know why it is so fiendishly difficult to quit smoking – because of a faulty receptor in the brain.
It can lead to an uncontrollable desire to smoke, thanks to the defect in a receptor protein normally activated by nicotine, which curbs the desire for yet more of the drug. … Original source on Gaea Times at : Can’t quit smoking? Blame it on faulty brain receptor.
New probiotic can treat irritable bowels
WASHINGTON – Probiotics – bugs thought to be healthy for the host organism – found in yogurt have shown promise in combating bowel disorders, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, scientists say.
A genetically tweaked version of a probiotic in yogurt and cheese seems to act effectively against the diseases, which can cause weight loss, … Read more »».
Boys infect boys with swine flu: Study
WASHINGTON – A new study of how swine flu spread in a primary school during the 2009 pandemic has revealed that boys predominantly pass on flu to other boys and girls to girls.
The results also suggest that flu transmission is most intensive between children of the same class, but that sitting next to an … Original source on Gaea Times at : Boys infect boys with swine flu: Study.
New probiotic fights inflammatory bowel diseases
WASHINGTON – Northwestern Medicine researchers say that a genetically tweaked version of a common probiotic found in yogurt and cheese may be an effective therapy for inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
It may also prove to be useful in colon cancer, another disease triggered by inflammation.
The researchers deleted a gene …. Original article : New probiotic fights inflammatory bowel diseases.
Pill to repair damaged hearts ‘just 5 years away’
LONDON – A major research programme involving experts in Scotland has suggested that a pill to repair damaged hearts could be a reality in as little as five years.
Researchers are looking at both stem-cell research and biotechnology, which they hope to use to make damaged hearts as easy to repair as broken bones, reports the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Pill to repair damaged hearts ‘just 5 years away’.
Former French President Chirac rubbishes reports he is suffering from Alzheimers
PARIS – Former French President Jacques Chirac, who faces trials over corruption, has denied reports that he is suffering from Alzheimers.
The weekly Journal du Dimanche had earlier quoted a friend of Chirac as saying that he is facing memory loss problems, and added that his wife Bernadette feared he had Alzheimers, The Telegraph reports. …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Former French President Chirac rubbishes reports he is suffering from Alzheimers.
Labrador can sniff out bowel cancer even in early stage
WASHINGTON – Dogs can sniff out bowel cancer, even in its early stages, in breath and stool samples with 95 percent accuracy, scientists say. They used a specially trained Labrador retriever to demonstrate the findings.
The findings suggest that chemical compounds for specific cancers circulate throughout the body, which opens up the prospect of developing [..] Read the original article: here.
Childhood obesity comes from unhealthy lifestyle: Study
WASHINGTON – In a new study, researchers found that children who are obese were more likely to consume school lunch instead of a packed lunch from home and spend two hours a day watching TV or playing a video game.
The study was conducted by the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center and includes 1,003 Michigan 6th … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Childhood obesity comes from unhealthy lifestyle: Study.
US judge declares Obama administration’s health care overhaul as ‘unconstitutional’
LONDON – A Florida judge has taken the initiating step of declaring the Obama administration’s health care overhaul as ‘unconstitutional’ after rendering his support to 26 states that sued to block it, saying that Americans should be not be compelled to buy health insurance.
U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson slammed Congress for compelling nearly all US …. Original article : US judge declares Obama administration’s health care overhaul as ‘unconstitutional’.
Blame habits for childhood obesity, not heredity
WASHINGTON – Lifestyle and not genes are to be blamed for obesity in kids, a survey has revealed.
Children become obese when they eat more school meals, watch more TV and exercise less than their healthy peers, says the survey of 1,003 sixth graders in a school-based health programme in the US.
The results … Read more »».
A sneeze can contaminate surroundings for hours
LONDON – A single sneeze infests a room with deadly bugs and the contamination can last for hours.
Microscopic droplets sneezed or coughed out float around the air in large enough concentrations to spread disease, researchers say.
A sneeze typically contain as many as 40,000 droplets, some of which leave the body at more than …. Original article : A sneeze can contaminate surroundings for hours.
Scientists find trigger behind spread of cancer
LONDON – Scientists have cracked one of the secrets behind the spread of cancer — a protein that helps the disease thrive and spread through the body, besides aiding its return post treatment.
The breakthrough opens the way to drugs and better ways of picking out the most dangerous tumours, the Journal of Clinical … Read : Scientists find trigger behind spread of cancer.
New measles vaccine that can be inhaled shows promise
WASHINGTON – A research team has developed and successfully tested a dry powder, live-attenuated measles vaccine that can be inhaled.
The team was led by scientists at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the University of Colorado, and the novel vaccine was studied in rhesus macaques.
The current measles vaccine requires two injections … Read : New measles vaccine that can be inhaled shows promise.
Mother’s stroke history ‘can help predict daughter’s heart attack risk’
WASHINGTON – A new research has suggested that a mother’s stroke history can help predict her daughter’s risk of heart attack.
If you’re a woman and your mother had a stroke, you may have a risk of heart attack in addition to a higher risk of stroke, according to the new study on family history and …. Original article : Mother’s stroke history ‘can help predict daughter’s heart attack risk’.
Popeye’s muscles were really down to spinach
WASHINGTON – ‘Superfood’ spinach actually gave ‘Popeye the Sailor Man’ his bulging muscles, suggests a new study.
The new Swedish study has suggested that after eating leafy green vegetables, a source of inorganic nitrate, healthy people showcase increased efficiency of the mitochondria that power our cells.
And the effect is so strong that it starts working in …. Original article : Popeye’s muscles were really down to spinach.
Loneliness the ‘hidden killer’ of elderly
LONDON – Loneliness is the ‘hidden killer’ of the elderly, undermining health as much as obesity or smoking. Almost one in 10 elderly people suffers ‘intense’ loneliness, leading to increased risk of depression, lack of exercise and poor eating habits.
Greater recognition is needed among health professionals of the links between poor health and loneliness, …. Read the original article : Loneliness the ‘hidden killer’ of elderly.
Loneliness a ‘hidden killer’ that threatens health as much as obesity
LONDON – Loneliness can affect all age groups but can be particularly harmful to the elderly, according to British campaigners.
A group of charities has warned that loneliness is a ‘hidden killer’ among older people that poses as great a health risk as obesity or smoking.
While people are aware of the emotional problems of loneliness, …. Source article : Loneliness a ‘hidden killer’ that threatens health as much as obesity.
Patients with high cholesterol”not getting the treatment they need’
LONDON – The largest ever study of 147 million people has claimed that most people around the globe with high cholesterol are not getting the right kind of treatment.
The report, based on the data from England, Scotland and six more nations, has suggested that very few people are given cholesterol-lowering medicines, reports the BBC.
Rust and sand could help detect cervical cancer, diarrhea
WASHINGTON – Scientists in Vietnam say that the next big thing in medical diagnostics could be magnetic nanoparticles of rust (iron oxide) coated with silicon dioxide, the material from which sand is formed.
These nanoparticles, ranging from 29 to 230 nanometers across, could be used to trap antibodies … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Rust and sand could help detect cervical cancer, diarrhea.
Tonsillectomy ‘leads to excess weight gain in kids’
WASHINGTON – A new research has found that children who undergo the surgical removal of their tonsils (tonsillectomy), with or without the removal of their adenoids (adenoidectomy), are at increased risk for becoming overweight after surgery.
Pediatric obesity has increased overwhelmingly over the last 20 years, with recent data suggesting that as many as 33 percent …. Original article : Tonsillectomy ‘leads to excess weight gain in kids’.
Consumers warned about herbal weight loss pill
LONDON – The Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a warning against a weight loss pill sold over the internet and in Chinese medicine shops.
MHRA says anyone taking Herbal Flos Lonicerae (Herbal Xenicol) should stop immediately and contact a doctor, reports the BBC.
The warning comes after reports of side effects such as … Read more >>.
Government for alternative medicines like unani
ALIGARH – The Indian government is making efforts to integrate alternative systems of medicine like unani into the national health care structure, Minister of State for Health S. Gandhiselvan has said.
Inaugurating an international conference on Unani medicine at the Aligarh Muslim University Wednesday evening, Gandhiselvan urged the delegates to explore “how the unani system … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Government for alternative medicines like unani.
Smartphone squint causes premature wrinkles
LONDON – Wrinkles may be a sign of approaching middle age but younger women now have a reason to worry – the smartphone squint.
Many of them are developing premature wrinkles from staring at their smartphones, says London-based anti-ageing expert Jean-Louis Sebagh.
He said peering at a small screen causes facial strain, around and between … Original source on Gaea Times at : Smartphone squint causes premature wrinkles.
Software turns fuzzy x-rays, MRIs into coloured 3D pictures
LONDON – A special software called BodyViz converts fuzzy x-rays, MRIs and ultrasounds into full-colour 3D pictures.
Surgeons can visually slice away the layers to examine a patient’s anatomy and insert virtual instruments into the representation.
They can also adapt the images to suit their need such as using colour to enhance certain organs or …. Source : Software turns fuzzy x-rays, MRIs into coloured 3D pictures.
Lab veins could revolutionise bypass surgery
LONDON – Human veins, grown for the first time in a lab, could revolutionise bypass surgery for thousands every year.
In a breakthrough, researchers created human blood vessels that last for a year or more in cold storage.
These blood vessels, which were mass-produced from donated human muscle tissue, could also help kidney patients dependent … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Lab veins could revolutionise bypass surgery.
In Uttar Pradesh bylanes, children help fight polio
MUZAFFARNAGAR – On any polio immunisation day, eight-year-old Ayad Hussain wakes up early, finishes his breakfast and by 7 a.m., along with a dozen other children, is on the city streets to motivate people to get their children vaccinated.
Ayad is among the thousands of children who are part of ‘bulawa tolis’ (calling groups) in … Original source on Gaea Times at : In Uttar Pradesh bylanes, children help fight polio.
‘Blackberry Botox’ for women staring too much at their smartphones!
LONDON – In what can be called a shocking revelation, many young women are developing premature wrinkles from staring at their smartphones.
Smartphone-related wrinkles are the latest condition that doctors attribute to overuse of technology.
Dr Jean-Louis Sebagh says that peering at a small screen causes your face to scrunch up, creating an area of tension …. Original article : ‘Blackberry Botox’ for women staring too much at their smartphones!.
Obese adults now half a billion worldwide
LONDON – As the prevalence of obesity has nearly doubled since 1980, the worldwide bloated adult population is now half a billion strong.
A study shows that in 2008, more than one in 10 adults was obese. The figure included 205 million men and 297 million women.
It looked at global data to assess …. Source : Gaea News Network.
Moderate physical exercises cut cancer risk: WHO
NEW DELHI – The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that moderate physical exercises can help reduce the risk of cancers such as breast cancer and colon cancer.
On the World Cancer Day Friday, WHO recommended moderate intensity aerobic physical activities of at least 150 minutes a week, for all people aged 18 and over, which … Original source on Gaea Times at : Moderate physical exercises cut cancer risk: WHO.
Nepal president arrives in Chandigarh
CHANDIGARH – Nepal President Ram Baran Yadav, who is to be the chief guest at the 31st annual convocation of the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), arrived here Friday.
Yadav, 62, will go to his alma mater, PGIMER, to attend the convocation. He did his post-graduation in internal medicine in 1985.
[..] Read the original article: here.
1 in 10 of world’s adults obese: Study
LONDON – A new major study has revealed that the worldwide prevalence of obesity has nearly doubled since 1980.
The study looked at all available global data to assess how body mass index, blood pressure and cholesterol changed between 1980 and 2008.
In 2008, more than one in ten of the world’s adult population was obese, with …. Original source : 1 in 10 of world’s adults obese: Study.
New surgery technique to be showcased at cardiology meet
AHMEDABAD – A new surgery procedure called Minimum Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) that reduced the incision size by more than half will be showcased at the three-day international conference on cardiology beginning here Friday.
The conference, ‘CIMS-3C-CON 2011′, is being organized in collaboration with the 4th World Congress International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences. It is …. Original article : New surgery technique to be showcased at cardiology meet.
Staff strike hits Chandigarh medical institute
CHANDIGARH – Health services, including surgeries, at the Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) were hit by a three-day strike launched by operation theatres’ technical staff here Thursday, demanding a pay hike. The institute has termed the strike as illegal.
Everyday around 300 surgeries are conducted at the PGIMER but on Thursday only … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Staff strike hits Chandigarh medical institute.
GTB hospital doctors strike work
NEW DELHI – Patients at Delhi’s Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital were a harried lot Thursday as the doctors again went on a strike, terming the lack of security for them “totally unbearable and unacceptable”.
The doctors had also gone on a strike Saturday following a scuffle with the family of a heart patient who …. Original source : GTB hospital doctors strike work.
Mobile phone radiation poses health risks: Government panel
NEW DELHI – Next time you chat away for hours on your mobile phone, think about the grave health risks from the emitted radiation. It causes loss of memory, lack of concentration, digestive and sleep disturbances, says a government panel on hazards posed by electromagnetic radiation.
According to a study by the eight-member inter-ministerial committee, …. Read the original article : Mobile phone radiation poses health risks: Government panel.
Madhya Pradesh cracks down on striking nurses 100 arrested
BHOPAL – At least 100 nurses were arrested here and 10 suspended Thursday after they refused to call off their strike despite the Madhya Pradesh government invoking the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) to prevent any disruption of health services in the state.
“We have yet to get the exact number of how many nurses …. Source : Madhya Pradesh cracks down on striking nurses 100 arrested.
Indian infant mortality rate dips
NEW DELHI – The infant mortality rate (IMR) – which reflects the number of deaths per 1,000 live births – has dipped by three points in both rural and urban areas of the country, as per the latest estimates released by the union health and family welfare ministry Thursday.
The IMR in urban areas … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Indian infant mortality rate dips.
Peripheral artery disease disables women faster than men: Study
WASHINGTON – For women with peripheral artery disease (PAD), small calf muscles are a major disadvantage despite being a feminine trait.
Scientists at Northwestern Medicine point to the smaller calf muscles of women as a gender difference that may cause women with PAD to experience problems walking and climbing stairs sooner and faster than men [..] Read the original article: here.
Outdoors exercise benefits mental and physical well-being
WASHINGTON – A new analysis by the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry has suggested that there are benefits to mental and physical well-being from taking exercise in the natural environment.
The research team analysed data from a number of sources including 11 randomised and non-randomised control trials incorporating information from 833 adults.
Eligible trials were those … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Outdoors exercise benefits mental and physical well-being.
Bhopal’s nurses call off strike
BHOPAL – In a late night development, the nurses of Bhopal who were on strike along with those of four other medical colleges since the past three days called off their strike Friday after a meeting with health education department officials.
The officers, led by principal secretary of health education Indranil Shankar Daani, after meeting …. Source article : Bhopal’s nurses call off strike.
PGIMER staffers shave heads in protest
CHANDIGARH – Seven members of an employees’ association in the Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) shaved their heads to protest the administration’s failure to meet their demand for a pay hike.
Members of Operation Theatre Technical Staff Association had gone on three-day mass casual leave Thursday and continued their protest Friday even …. Original article on Gaea Times at : PGIMER staffers shave heads in protest.
Police deny woman died due to security rehearsal
CHANDIGARH – Police here Friday refuted reports that a 65-year-old woman died as her ambulance got stuck in a traffic jam caused due to a security rehearsal.
According to the reports, Surjit Kaur, a resident of neighbouring Mohali town, died as her ambulance could not reach the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) … Original source on Gaea Times at : Police deny woman died due to security rehearsal.
Bharat Biotech begins phase III trials of clot-busting drug
HYDERABAD – Bharat Biotech (www.bharatbiotech.com) Friday announced that it has initiated Phase III clinical trials in India of THR-100 (Staphylokinase), a clot-busting drug for patients suffering an acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
The trial is expected to recruit approximately 120 patients, said a statement by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech, a leading vaccine manufacturer.
Bharat Biotech entered into …. Source : Bharat Biotech begins phase III trials of clot-busting drug.
1 in 8 Brit women ‘will develop breast cancer’
LONDON – One in eight British women is likely to develop breast cancer at some point in their life, according to new figures.
The grim statistics released by the Cancer Research UK showed the number of women diagnosed with the disease in 2008 was 47,700, up from 42,400 cases in 1999 – an increase by 3.5 … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 1 in 8 Brit women ‘will develop breast cancer’.
Family mealtimes play key role in asthmatic kids’ health
WASHINGTON – A new study has found that the quality of family interactions during mealtime affects the health of children with asthma.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the University of Rochester Medical Center, and Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York, …. Original source : Family mealtimes play key role in asthmatic kids’ health.
Stamping out cancer like corruption biggest challenge: Kalam
DUBAI – Former president Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has said that corruption is a cancer engulfing India’s political-bureaucratic-judicial system, and requires urgent treatment.
He said stamping out corruption is one of the biggest challenges that India faces, as the country is poised to be a developed nation.
Asked if India is poised to be a superpower, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Stamping out cancer like corruption biggest challenge: Kalam.
Working mothers’ kids more likely to be obese
LONDON – Kids whose mothers work long hours tend to put on weight after missing out on healthy meals, a research has found.
Researchers say that for every 10 hours a week a mother works, the weight of their children increases by an average 1.5 percent.
Childhood obesity has grown enormously since the … Read more »»».
‘Flying donkey’ in Russia dies of heart attack
MELBOURNE – A donkey that rose to fame last year after being forced to parasail above the beaches of southern Russia has died of a heart attack.
A veterinarian said the heart attack was likely the result of stress brought on by the experience, which sparked an international outcry from animal-rights activists, reports the Herald Sun.
The …. Original source : ‘Flying donkey’ in Russia dies of heart attack.
Raw milk straight from cow’s udder unsafe for health: Experts
SYDNEY – Australian food authorities are determined to stamp out the sale of raw milk and raw-milk products, claiming it is a highly dangerous and illegal practice.
Though selling unpasteurised milk and cheese for human consumption is illegal, it is still available to buy under names like “bath milk” in certain health-food shops and markets.
According …. Source : Gaea News Network.
Beware! Your wood-burning stove may be harming your health
WASHINGTON – More people are turning to wood to warm their homes, particularly to ward off winter’s chill.
However, a new study has raised concerns about the potential health effects of the smoke released from blazing fireplaces and wood-burning stoves.
It found that the invisible particles inhaled into the lungs from wood smoke could trigger health-related …. Source : Beware! Your wood-burning stove may be harming your health.
Drinking milk every day ‘keeps cancer at bay’
LONDON – A new research has found that kids who drink milk are 40 per cent less likely to suffer bowel cancer as adults.
Scientists from New Zealand found that half a pint of milk a day had a powerful protective effect against the cancer.
The key to its anti-cancer effects lies in daily consumption over long …. Source : Gaea News Network.
Petrol stations near homes carry cancer risk
LONDON – Petrol stations seem to increase cancer risk, especially those situated within 100 metres of residential areas, says a study.
Marta Doval, a researcher at the University of Murcia in Spain, and his associates found that the air at petrol stations and in their vicinity was affected by emissions stemming from evaporated vehicle fuels, …. Original source : Petrol stations near homes carry cancer risk.
Delhiites walk to mark cancer day
NEW DELHI – Hundreds of people, including cancer survivors, participated in a walk Sunday to mark World Cancer Day which was observed two days ago.
Organsied by NGO CanSupport, the walk aimed to sensitise people about the growing threat of cancer and the need to face this challenge by aiding the growth of services that … Read more »»».