Health (General) – Newsletter for February 23, 2011

Higher vitamin D intake needed to cut cancer risk

WASHINGTON – Scientists have reported that markedly higher intake of vitamin D is needed to reach blood levels that can prevent or markedly cut the incidence of breast cancer and several other major diseases than had been originally thought.

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and Creighton University School of … Original source on Gaea Times at : Higher vitamin D intake needed to cut cancer risk.

One drink a day keeps heart disease at bay

LONDON – A new research has found that people who drink alcohol in moderation (about one drink a day or less) are 14-25 percent less likely to develop heart disease compared to those who drink no alcohol at all.

The study was led by Professor William Ghali from the University of Calgary.

The first paper, led …. Original source  : One drink a day keeps heart disease at bay.

Organic fruit and veggies ‘are less nutritious and do not taste better’

LONDON – Those who have been spending money on organic fruit and vegetables are in for a shock.

A new study has revealed that organic fruit and vegetables are less nutritious and do not taste better than those grown using chemicals.

However, organic food does benefit the environment.

Trials of three garden crops, potatoes, broccoli and tomatoes, found … Original article on : Organic fruit and veggies ‘are less nutritious and do not taste better’.

Women sue Virgin Airlines after firm sacks them over pregnancy

MELBOURNE – Two women, who were allegedly sacked by their employer Virgin Blue because they were pregnant, have now decided to sue the airline.

According to the Daily Telegraph, both had lost their positions in the public affairs department in the same week.

The two women, who had 16 years of service to Virgin Blue between them, …. Original source  : Women sue Virgin Airlines after firm sacks them over pregnancy.

Cannabis ingredient ‘can boost cancer patients’ appetites, sense of taste’

WASHINGTON – A new study has suggested that the active ingredient in cannabis can help cancer patients regain their appetites and sense of taste.

Loss of appetite is common among cancer patients, either because the cancer itself or its treatment affects the sense of taste and smell, leading to decreased enjoyment of food.

This, in turn, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Cannabis ingredient ‘can boost cancer patients’ appetites, sense of taste’.

Brits spent ???2.3bn on cosmetic surgery in 2010

LONDON – A new survey has found that British people spent a whopping 2.3 billion pounds on cosmetic surgery last year.

According to the poll of 2,630 adults, one in five of those questioned want to get their teeth whitened after seeing X Factor judge Cheryl Cole’s brightened smile, reports the Sun.

And one in four would …. Original source  : Brits spent ???2.3bn on cosmetic surgery in 2010.

‘Vampire facelift’ using patient’s own blood latest cosmetic fad

TEXAS – A clinic in Austin, Texas, is offering those who wish to regain their youthful look a new cosmetic procedure called the “vampire facelift”, which uses a patient’s own blood.

The procedure starts with a tube of blood being taken from the patient, and then spun in a centrifuge to separate platelet-rich plasma, or PRP.

“The [..] Read the original article: here.

685 medicine shops sealed in Pakistan province

LAHORE – As many as 685 shops have been sealed by the health department in Pakistan’s Punjab province for selling spurious and expired medicines, an official said.

The shops were sealed during the past two months after complaints were received that they were selling fake medicines, the News International reported Wednesday.
Punjab Secretary Health Fawad …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 685 medicine shops sealed in Pakistan province.

Taking aspirin for heart disease prevention is less costly, more effective

WASHINGTON – A new study has suggested that using aspirin for coronary heart prevention is less costly and more effective than doing nothing in men older than 45 with more than 10 percent 10-year-risk of the disease.

For the study, researchers at RTI International, University of Michigan, and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill used …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Taking aspirin for heart disease prevention is less costly, more effective.

Malaria biggest enemy of Indian border guards in northeast

AGARTALA – Malaria poses a bigger threat than insurgents and smugglers to Border Security Force (BSF) men posted along India’s northeastern border with Bangladesh, with many dying of the disease every year, say security officials.

“Our troopers are now battling malaria, with the disease turning out to be our biggest enemy in the mountainous border …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Malaria biggest enemy of Indian border guards in northeast.