Health (General) – Weekly Newsletter for February 14-21, 2011

Lavasa Women’s Drive to spread cancer awareness

MUMBAI – Aiming to spread cancer awareness, the third edition of the Lavasa Women’s Drive will be flagged off from Mumbai and Pune Feb 27, ahead of the International Women’s Day March 8, a company official said.

An initiative of Lavasa Corporation Limited, in addition to Mumbai, Lavasa Women’s Drive will also be flagged off …. Source article  : Lavasa Women’s Drive to spread cancer awareness.

China reiterates strict ban on hepatitis B tests during pre-employment exams

NEW DELHI – To check companies reported violation of rules to require hepatitis B tests for job applicants, the Chinese Government has reiterated a strict ban on the tests during pre-employment physical examinations.

China’s Ministry of Health said that no health institutions are allowed to provide hepatitis B checks as part of pre-employment physical tests regardless …. Original article  : China reiterates strict ban on hepatitis B tests during pre-employment exams.

Adolescents warned about ‘Love Bug’ on V-Day

LONDON – Young people aged 16-19 years have received Valentines Day missives from health professionals in Britain to raise awareness about the dangers of Chlamydia, an infection that could render them infertile.

The Valentine mail shots were sent to all teenagers in this age bracket, regardless of whether they have ever been sexually active, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Adolescents warned about ‘Love Bug’ on V-Day.

Even minor cuts ‘can trigger tumour’

LONDON – Scientists at the University of California, San Francisco, have found that even a minor cut can rouse dormant cancer cells into forming a tumour.

To determine how cancerous genetic mutations become tumours, Sunny Wong and colleagues engineered mice to express a human cancer gene in hair follicle stem cells.

They then sliced a small patch …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Even minor cuts ‘can trigger tumour’.

Red wine makes cancer drug more potent

LONDON – Resveratrol, a compound which gives red wine its colour, makes breast cancer drug rapamycin more potent.

Lab tests found the ingredient can prevent cancer cells from developing resistance to the drug.
Resveratrol is a potent antioxidant produced by plants such as grapes, raspberries, cranberries and peanuts to fight off fungal and bacterial infections, … Read more >>.

Mild asthma might not need to be treated every day: Study

LONDON – A new study by US researchers suggests that mild asthma might not need to be treated daily.

A “preventer” inhaler containing corticosteroid is part of many asthma sufferers’ daily routine, but it can result in reduced growth and children often forget to take it.

The new study shows that it is possible to manage the …. Source  : Mild asthma might not need to be treated every day: Study.

Michelle Obama to be a guest on Cartoon Network’s Hall of Game Awards

WASHINGTON – US First Lady Michelle Obama, who celebrated the one-year anniversary of her obesity campaign last week, is all set to appear on Cartoon Network.

The network has announced that Mrs. Obama will be a special guest on Cartoon Network’s Hall of Game Awards.

“Mrs. Obama will appear onscreen to announce a set of schools that …. Source  : Michelle Obama to be a guest on Cartoon Network’s Hall of Game Awards.

Obesity is a killer in its own right

LONDON – Scientists have suggested that obesity is a killer in its own right, irrespective of other biological or social risk factors traditionally associated with coronary heart disease.

Increasing weight is associated with a higher prevalence of known risk factors for coronary artery disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol.

And it has … Read : Obesity is a killer in its own right.

Does psychotherapy induce changes in the brain?

TORONTO – Medication and psychotherapy both help people with an anxiety disorder. But research on the effects of psychotherapy on nerve cells has lagged far behind that on medication-induced changes in the brain.

Social anxiety boils down to overwhelming fears of interacting with others and expectations of being harshly judged.
“We wanted to track …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Does psychotherapy induce changes in the brain?.

Moderate-to-heavy alcohol intake may increase risk of abnormal heart rhythm

WASHINGTON – A new study has found that moderate to heavy alcohol intake may increase risk of atrial fibrillation (AF).

AF is the most common cardiac arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm). Atrial fibrillation alone is not in itself generally life-threatening, but it may result in palpitations, fainting, chest pain, or congestive heart failure.

There is no doubt that … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Moderate-to-heavy alcohol intake may increase risk of abnormal heart rhythm.

Red wine compound ‘can give a boost to breast cancer treatment’

WASHINGTON – Scientists have discovered that resveratrol – a compound found in red wine – when combined with rapamycin can have a tumor-suppressing effect on breast cancer cells that are resistant to rapamycin alone.

The study, conducted by researchers from Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute, also indicated that the PTEN tumor-suppressing gene contributes to resveratrol’s anti-tumor … Original source on Gaea Times at : Red wine compound ‘can give a boost to breast cancer treatment’.

Rent-a-womb: India becoming surrogate pregnancy hub

NEW DELHI – Surrogate pregnancy, an assisted reproductive technique (ART) in which a woman carries in her womb the baby of another woman, has seen a spurt in India. Due to the healthier lifestyles of to-be mothers and lower costs compared to the West, the country could become a global hub in the field, gynaecology … Original article on : Rent-a-womb: India becoming surrogate pregnancy hub.

Fibre intake lowers death risk

WASHINGTON – Dietary fibre tends to lower death risk from cardiovascular, infectious and respiratory diseases, a study conducted over a nine-year period says.

Fibre from edible plants is known to ease bowel movements, reduce blood cholesterol levels, improve blood glucose levels, lower blood pressure, promote weight loss and reduce inflammation, among other benefits.
… Read : Fibre intake lowers death risk.

‘Foreign docs, including Indians, 6 times more likely to banned than those trained in UK’

LONDON – Doctors who qualify from non-European countries, including India, are six times more likely to banned for putting patients in danger than those trained in the UK, a study has found.

The Daily Mail quoted the NHS-funded National Clinical Assessment Service (NCAS) study as saying that a GP is three times as likely to be …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : ‘Foreign docs, including Indians, 6 times more likely to banned than those trained in UK’.

Calorie labelling has no effect on food purchases: Study

WASHINGTON – A new study has challenged the idea that calorie labelling has an effect on the purchasing behaviour of teenagers or what parents purchase for their children.

Brian Elbel, assistant professor at the New York University School of Medicine, and his team compared receipts and surveys from 427 parents and teenagers at fast-food restaurants … Original source on Gaea Times at : Calorie labelling has no effect on food purchases: Study.

Scientists 1 step closer to developing treatment for chikungunya

NEW DELHI – Scientists have moved a step closer to developing a treatment for chikungunya, a disease spread by the Aedes mosquito.

According to Straits Times, scientists from Singapore and France have discovered two antibodies that could fight against chikungunya, a disease that currently has no available vaccine or specific treatment.

The two monoclonal antibodies, which were …. Original source  : Scientists 1 step closer to developing treatment for chikungunya.

Michelle Obama promotes breastfeeding

LONDON – As part of her campaign against childhood obesity, US First Lady Michelle Obama is urging women to breastfeed.

She is calling for the removal of barriers to nursing at work.

The Obama administration has already introduced more flexible work rules and tax breaks on nursing equipment in order to encourage American women to breastfeed.

The move … Read : Michelle Obama promotes breastfeeding.

Kids of working mums ‘are up to 3 times more likely to be ill’

LONDON – A new study has found that the children of working mothers are up to three times more likely to be ill.

The research of the health of 90,000 schoolchildren found that those whose mothers worked were more likely to have spent time in hospital, to have been diagnosed with asthma and to have suffered …. Read the original article  : Kids of working mums ‘are up to 3 times more likely to be ill’.

Michelle Obama portrayed as overweight in cartoon attacking her obesity campaign

LONDON – US First Lady Michelle Obama has been portrayed as an overweight, hamburger-munching glutton in a very personal cartoon attack.

The offensive caricature, which was posted on Biggovernment.com, is a dig at her obesity campaign, which celebrated its one-year anniversary last week, reports the Daily Mail.

It comes as Barack Obama’s wife pushes her campaign to … Read more : Michelle Obama portrayed as overweight in cartoon attacking her obesity campaign.

Common bone drugs may cut colon cancer risk

WASHINGTON – Scientists have found that the use of bisphosphonates – drugs already taken by millions of healthy women to prevent bone-loss – for more than one year is associated with a 50 percent reduction in the risk of postmenopausal colorectal cancer.

Lead researcher Prof. Gad Rennert, of the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology Faculty of Medicine, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Common bone drugs may cut colon cancer risk.

Mediation boosts brain health – and just in a few months

WASHINGTON – A new study Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston has found that regular meditation can boost brain health and results begin to show in just a few months.

The researchers tracked 16 people who took a course on mindfulness-based stress reduction that includes guided relaxation exercises and easy stretching – and practiced for about 30 … Read more »»».

Losing hair at 20 linked to increased risk of prostate cancer

WASHINGTON – A French study has found that men who start to lose hair at the age of 20 are more likely to develop prostate cancer in later life.
he research compared 388 men being treated for prostate cancer with a control group of 281 healthy men and found that those with the disease were twice …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Losing hair at 20 linked to increased risk of prostate cancer.

Zinc ‘can treat the common cold’

WASHINGTON – A team of scientists, including an Indian-origin researcher, believes that zinc supplements can reduce the severity and duration of illness caused by the common cold.

The findings, based on a review of data from 15 trials, could help reduce the amount of time lost from work and school due to colds.

The idea that zinc … Original source on Gaea Times at : Zinc ‘can treat the common cold’.

Call to ban ‘cancer-causing’ caramel colouring used in Coke, Pepsi

LONDON – An influential health lobby group has urged the US government to ban an artificial brown colouring agent used in Coca-Cola and Pepsi, warning that the ingredients could cause cancer.

“The caramel colouring used in Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and other foods is contaminated with two cancer-causing chemicals and should be banned,” the Daily Mail quoted … Original article on : Call to ban ‘cancer-causing’ caramel colouring used in Coke, Pepsi.

Cuba develops anti-arthritis drug

Havana, Feb 17 (IANS/EFE) Cuban scientists have developed a “promising” drug for chronic joint diseases to replace a product to which the island does not have access due to an economic embargo by the US, government media reported.

Chromic phosphate 32P is a radioactive medication developed by the Isotope Centre under the ministry of science, … Read more : Cuba develops anti-arthritis drug.

Russia to introduce drug tests for students

Moscow, Feb 16 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russia may introduce mandatory drug tests for students, including schoolchildren, this year, an official said Wednesday.

The issue of students’ drug testing was raised in September 2009 by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who at that time said he backed mandatory drug testing for schoolchildren.
“The earlier we introduce the … Read more »».

Spanish gay couple’s child dream comes true in India

NEW DELHI – A Spanish gay couple who wanted to have a child saw their dream come true in India where, through artificial fertilisation, a surrogate mother delivered their twin babies.

In a press conference in the capital Wednesday, Anoop Gupta, medical director of Delhi IVF fertility research and test tube baby centre, said: “The … Read more >>>.

Take zinc to shake off cold

LONDON – Take zinc to shake off a nasty cold, a review study says.
The latest Cochrane Review found that people who took a zinc syrup solution or lozenge every two hours while they had cold were twice as likely to have shed it within a week as those who took a placebo.

… Read more »».

Smoking, exercise influence Vitamin E’s effect on pneumonia risk

WASHINGTON – Vitamin E supplementation may decrease or increase, or may have no effect, on the risk of pneumonia depending on the level of smoking and leisure time exercise, according to a study.

In laboratory studies, vitamin E has influenced the immune system. In several animal studies vitamin E protected against viral and bacterial infections. However, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Smoking, exercise influence Vitamin E’s effect on pneumonia risk.

Mobile-phone use not linked to increased brain cancer risk

WASHINGTON – A study by University of Manchester scientists suggests that radio frequency exposure from cell phone use does not increase the risk of developing brain cancers by any significant amount.

The researchers used publically available data from the UK Office of National Statistics to look at trends in rates of newly diagnosed brain cancers in … Read more »»».

Nasal spray flu vaccine one step closer

SYDNEY – A University of Adelaide research has suggested that a universal flu vaccine delivered by a simple nasal spray is a step closer.

Darren Miller and colleagues have successfully trialled a synthetic flu vaccine in mice.

Miller said current flu vaccines relied on health authorities being able to predict what the forthcoming viral strain would be … Read more »».

Cancer-killing medical ’smart bomb’ comes closer to reality

WASHINGTON – Scientists have moved a step closer to creating a medical ’smart bomb’ that would seek out and eradicate the root of cancer cells – by developing the world’s first cancer stem cell-targeting chemical missile.

Deakin University medical scientists have worked with scientists in India and Australia to create the world’s first RNA aptamer, a … Read more »»».

What your legs say about your heart health

WASHINGTON – When it comes to heart health, you shouldn’t ignore your legs, say experts.

The Vascular Disease Foundation and its P.A.D. Coalition are urging people to listen to the legs and be alert to the signs of peripheral arterial disease, or P.A.D.

P.A.D. occurs when arteries in the legs become narrowed or clogged with fatty deposits, … Read : What your legs say about your heart health.

Get angry easily? Beware of inflammatory diseases

WASHINGTON – Those who become angry or anxious easily are more prone to inflammatory diseases like cardiovascular ailments than others, says a new study.

“This could help explain why some people with high levels of stress experience chronic health problems,” said Judith Carroll, who conducted the study at the University of Pittsburgh.
The investigators … Read : Get angry easily? Beware of inflammatory diseases.

Sarah Palin mocks Michelle Obama’s breastfeeding initiative

WASHINGTON – Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin has slammed First Lady Michelle Obama after the latter promoted breast-feeding as part of her campaign against childhood obesity.

Palin followed in Rep. Michele Bachmann’s footsteps and took a swipe at Mrs. Obama, mocking her efforts to get mothers to breast-feed their children.

“No wonder Michelle Obama is telling everybody, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Sarah Palin mocks Michelle Obama’s breastfeeding initiative.

India, Cuba to cooperate on natural medicine usage

NEW DELHI – Ties between India and Cuba may soon reach new levels after a top official of a medical research organisation in Havana met Indian scientists to discuss ways to enhance usage of natural medicine.

Concepcion Campa, director of the Finlay Institute in Havana, met scientists and researchers from the Central Council for Research … Original article on : India, Cuba to cooperate on natural medicine usage.

Four of family seriously ill after eating flour

GHAZIABAD – Four members of a family, who fell ill after consuming chapatis made of contaminated flour in Ghaziabad, were still in a critical condition, police said Thursday. The owners of the shop have been detained and a sample of flour sent for tests.

According to police, Shashi Kant Tyagi, a resident of G-block …. Read the original article  : here.

UAE charity to conduct 100 heart surgeries in Bosnia

Abu Dhabi, Feb 17 (IANS/WAM) A voluntary health mission from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will conduct 100 open heart surgeries in Bosnia as part of its efforts to alleviate the suffering of needy patients worldwide.

The Zayed Charity Initiative has so far conducted 1,050 heart surgeries on poor patients in a number of countries …. Source  : UAE charity to conduct 100 heart surgeries in Bosnia.

Prince Harry spotted at UK club that holds naked shows, extols drugs use

LONDON – Prince Harry and his on-off girlfriend Chelsy Davy were spotted at a club in Britain, which features naked shows and praises drugs use.

The club, known as The Box, is tucked out of sight and down an alleyway in Soho, and has an atmosphere that has been described as deliberate debauchery with its glass …. Original source  : Prince Harry spotted at UK club that holds naked shows, extols drugs use.

Tripura on bird flu alert; central teams arrive

AGARTALA – Following an outbreak of the deadly avian influenza, Tripura Saturday sounded a bird flu alert and intensified surveillance.

Two central government teams comprising scientists and doctors arrived in Tripura Saturday to assist the state authorities. They are closely monitoring the situation, an official said.
“We have deployed 16 Rapid Response Teams (RRT) in … Read : Tripura on bird flu alert; central teams arrive.

Cereal with milk is healthiest way to start the day

LONDON – A new study has revealed that the healthiest breakfast choice is cereal with milk.

According to the research, breakfast is the key to a healthy lifestyle determining the quality of your whole day’s nutrition.

And the best way to start the morning is with a simple bowl of cereal, as it makes people less likely … Read more >>>.

Meghalaya sounds alert on bird flu

SHILLONG – Meghalaya has sounded an alert following an outbreak of avian flu in Tripura and Bangladesh, Deputy Chief Minister for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Bindo M. Lanong said Friday.

“All veterinary officials, especially those posted on the Bangladesh border, have been asked to keep a close watch and take all possible preventive measures,” he … Read : Meghalaya sounds alert on bird flu.

UK surgeon faces probe after ‘cleavage-saving’ op leaves cancer behind

LONDON – A top surgeon in Britain, who carried out dozens of “cleavage-sparing” mastectomies, has come under investigation after one patient contracted breast cancer again.

Ian Paterson left small amounts of breast tissue around the cleavage in some NHS patients with the intention of giving them a “better cosmetic result”.

Guidelines recommend not leaving excess tissue to …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : UK surgeon faces probe after ‘cleavage-saving’ op leaves cancer behind.

Six Indian-Americans caught in US Medicare fraud

WASHINGTON – At least six Indian Americans are among more than 100 doctors, nurses and health care executives arrested by the authorities in the biggest US crackdown on Medicare fraud.

In all, 111 persons were arrested in nine cities across the nation Thursday on charges of making false billings to defraud government health insurance programme …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Six Indian-Americans caught in US Medicare fraud.

Chronically ill kids subjected more to physical abuse

LONDON – Children with chronic health conditions are 88 percent more likely to suffer physical abuse than healthy children, says new research.

These kids are also 154 percent more likely to suffer a combination of physical abuse and exposure to intimate partner violence than their healthy school friends.
Researchers from Karlstad University, Sweden, … Read more »»».

Hindus critical of Connecticut yoga tax proposal

NEVADA – Hindus are critical of Connecticut (USA) Governor Dannel P. Malloy’s new proposal of imposing tax on yoga.

Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, who strongly criticized the attempts to regulate yoga in the recent past by various states in USA, urged Governor Malloy to reconsider his proposal and keep the sales tax exemption on yoga.

Zed, … Original article on : Hindus critical of Connecticut yoga tax proposal.

Scientists to develop ‘healthy’ Omani halwa

DUBAI – A research team from Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) is developing low-fat Omani halwa-a symbol of Omani hospitality.

Mohammad Shafiur Rahman of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition has initiated the project to develop the ‘healthy-halwa’.

“Considering the type and amount of fat and sugar content is used for making Omani halwa, it could be …. Source  : Scientists to develop ‘healthy’ Omani halwa.

British soldier gets forces’ first bionic arm

LONDON – A British soldier, who lost his arm in a grenade attack in Afghanistan, has become the country’s first military amputee to be fitted with a bionic arm.

Corporal Andrew Garthwaite of the Queen’s Royal Lancers lost his arm in September last year in a rocket-propelled grenade attack that killed another soldier.
The 23-year-old … Read more »»».

Eating red meat may be good for you

MELBOURNE – Previous studies have linked red meat to an increased risk of having a heart attack or cancer, but a new report has demolished the ‘myths and misconceptions’ surrounding the Sunday roast.

The report says that most people eat healthy amounts, which are not linked to greater risk of disease.

Modern farming methods have cut fat … Read more »».

Retire aging monkeys, Pamela Anderson urges AIIMS

NEW DELHI – International celebrity Pamela Anderson Saturday wrote a letter to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) director N.C. Deka, asking him to free the aging monkeys at the premier health institute’s central facility.

Anderson sent the letter on behalf of People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India after watching video …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Retire aging monkeys, Pamela Anderson urges AIIMS.