Health (General) – Newsletter for February 8, 2011

Dogs can sniff out prostate cancer in urine samples

LONDON – Dogs can sniff out chemicals released in urine by prostate tumours, thus opening up a new method for their early detection.

These chemicals have distinct odours that dogs can pick up, says a new study, led by Jean-Nicolas Cornu of Tenon Hospital and colleagues in Paris.
Cornu’s team trained a Belgian Malinois, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Dogs can sniff out prostate cancer in urine samples.

Therapy to prevent heart failure more beneficial for women than men

WASHINGTON – Women receive a significantly greater benefit – a 70 percent reduction in heart failure and a 72 percent reduction in death – from cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator (CRT-D) than men, according to a new study.

“In prior cardiac studies, men and women generally received similar benefit from preventive medical therapy,” said cardiologist Arthur …. Read the original article  : Therapy to prevent heart failure more beneficial for women than men.

US girl eats five soaps a week

LONDON – A 19-year-old girl in the US is getting treatment for her addiction of eating soaps and detergent powders.

Tempestt Henderson, from Florida, eats up to five bars of soap a week and washing powder as well, the Daily Mail reported here.
According to doctors, the toxic compulsion is a rare medical condition, PICA, … Read : US girl eats five soaps a week.

How chocolates protect against heart disease

WASHINGTON – With Valentine’s day round the corner, it’s that time of the year when chocolate-giving and chocolate-taking is at its peak, and scientists have shed light on how this can keep you away from heart diseases.

Scientists have found that this treat boosts the body’s production of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL)-the ‘good’ form of cholesterol … Read more >>.

Outdoor exercise healthier than gym workouts: Study

LONDON – A new study has found that going for a run outdoors is better than exercising in the gym because it has a positive impact on mental, as well as physical health.

The study found that exercise in natural environments was linked to greater feelings of revitalization, … Read more »»».

Caring robot to keep Kiwi elderly entertained

CHRISTCHURCH – Christchurch-based gaming company Stickmen Studios has developed a game – Kung Fu Funk – that can help rehabilitate people who have suffered brain injuries.

Stickmen Studios and the University of Auckland have teamed up to customize a robot with gaming facilities that will help elderly people stay … Read more »»».