Health (General) – Weekly Newsletter for February 21-28, 2011

Oral sex bigger cause of throat cancer than tobacco

LONDON – A virus spread during oral sex is the main cause of throat cancer in people under 50 years of age.

Scientists say the human papilloma virus (HPV) spread during unprotected sex is to blame for a disturbing rise in potentially deadly oral cancers in the last few decades.
Doctors have called for boys …. Read the original article  : here.

New ‘healthy’ flavoured water has as much sugar as 3 doughnuts

LONDON – A drink that has been parading as healthy flavoured water actually contains as much sugar as a plate of Krispy Kreme doughnuts.

The most popular brand, Volvic’s Touch of Fruit in lemon and lime, has 27.5g of sugar in its standard 500ml bottle – equivalent to almost seven teaspoons.

The drink is supposed to … Read more »».

Five burgers a week ups cancer risk

LONDON – Britons will be urged to eat not more than 70g of red meat per day that is equivalent to eating to four gourmet beef burgers to decrease the risk of cancer, following official advice from the Government scientists.

Under recommendations to be issued by the Coalition this week, consumers will be told to eat …. Source  : Five burgers a week ups cancer risk.

Device to revolutionise blood pressure measurement

LONDON – A new device is set to revolutionise the way a patient’s blood pressure (BP) is measured.

Developed by scientists at the University of Leicester and HealthSTATS – a medical device company in Singapore – it gives a more accurate reading than the current method used.
The device monitors the pressure close to … Read more : Device to revolutionise blood pressure measurement.

UAE team in Pakistan to vaccinate over 2 mn kids

Karachi, Feb 20 (IANS/WAM) A team of volunteers of the UAE Red Crescent Authority (RCA) is undertaking a campaign to vaccinate over two million Pakistani children against measles and polio in coordination with Unicef.

The campaign has been funded by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, chairperson of the General Women’s Union and of Family …. Original article  : UAE team in Pakistan to vaccinate over 2 mn kids.

Cereal with milk is healthiest way to start the day (Re-issue)

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 …. Source  : Cereal with milk is healthiest way to start the day (Re-issue).

Here’s how you can keep your heart happy and healthy

WASHINGTON – A healthful diet and active lifestyle are some of the best weapons to fight heart disease.

According to the International Food Information Council Functional Foods/Foods for Health Consumer Trending Survey, cardiovascular health risks, including high blood pressure, stroke and high cholesterol, are the top health concern for many people.

“Consuming a diet that is low … Read more »».

McDonald’s new Favourites Combo has enough calories for a whole day

MELBOURNE – McDonald’s new Favourites Combo meal contains almost the entire daily recommended calorie and fat intake, say nutritionists.

It contains 1623 calories and 68.5g of fat.

Tania Ferraretto, a dietician for 17 years, said she would never recommend anyone eat the calorific meal.

She said a person’s required calorie intake was variable depending on age, gender and …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Eat less red meat to reduce cancer risk, scientists warn

LONDON – British people will be urged to reduce their consumption of red meat to decrease the risk of cancer, following official advice from the Government scientists.

Under recommendations to be issued by the Coalition this week, consumers will be told to eat no more than 500g (1.1lb) of red or processed meat each week, or …. Read the original article  : here.

In rare case, woman delivers after ovarian tumour surgery

MUMBAI – In what doctors call a first for India, a Mumbai-based woman who had undergone a critical laparoscopic ovarian tumour surgery delivered a healthy girl child and both the mother and daughter are doing fine, her doctor said here Tuesday.

Akhtari Ansari, 25, underwent a laparoscopic ovarian tumour surgery in the Lokmanya Tilak … Read more : In rare case, woman delivers after ovarian tumour surgery.

Ex Miss Venezuela’s book on her breast cancer battle breaks taboos

MELBOURNE – Former Miss Venezuela Eva Ekvall’s book on her battle with breast cancer has encouraged other women to seek breast examinations.

Ekvall, 27, who is featured in a new book of photos called, ‘Fuera de Foco’ (Out of Focus), looks in her own words, “not pretty at all”, with her bald, sick, puffy and exhausted …. Original source  : Ex Miss Venezuela’s book on her breast cancer battle breaks taboos.

Congress MP denies making ‘bloody Indian’ remark to Ramdev, offers to resign

NEW DELHI – The Congress lawmaker from Arunachal Pradesh, who has been accused of calling yoga guru Baba Ramdev a “bloody Indian” and a “dog”, has offered to resign from Parliament if the charges are proved to be true.

Ninong Ering told ANI in an exclusive interview on Tuesday that he had only told Baba Ramdev … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Congress MP denies making ‘bloody Indian’ remark to Ramdev, offers to resign.

Protein that fuels inflammation in pancreatic and breast tumors identified

WASHINGTON – Scientists have identified a protein that drives tumor-promoting inflammation in pancreatic and breast tumors.

Inflammatory reactions come in several flavors-Th1 and Th2, for example-each classified according to the proteins, or cytokines, that predominate.

Tumors are often infiltrated with cells that produce Th2 cytokines, which some studies suggest drive tumor growth.

But the signals responsible …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Protein that fuels inflammation in pancreatic and breast tumors identified.

A ‘memory lane’ for body donors at Chandigarh institute

CHANDIGARH – An Asian Games gold medallist, a leading Punjabi litterateur and a top ranking bureaucrat. These three personalities may not have had anything common in their entire life or even met each other, but in their death one thing has unified them – body donation.

Asian gold medallist Ajmer Singh, Punjabi literature legend Santokh …. Original source  : A ‘memory lane’ for body donors at Chandigarh institute.

Baba Ramdev must prove financial transparency: Digvijay Singh

KANPUR – Senior Congress leader, Digvijay Singh on Monday said yoga guru Baba Ramdev should prove that money used to make his ashram is not black money and tax has been paid on it.

While condemning the abusive language used against Baba Ramdev by lawmaker Ninong Ering, Singh said: “Abusive words should not be used against … Original source on Gaea Times at : Baba Ramdev must prove financial transparency: Digvijay Singh.

Kate Middleton’s uncle in sex, drugs shame invited to wedding

LONDON – Kate Middleton’s uncle, who had brought shame to the family with his sex and drugs revelation, has been invited to attend her wedding to Prince William.

Gary Goldsmith, 43, a millionaire property developer, who is Kate’s mother Carole’s younger brother, was exposed as a cannabis-smoking drugs dealer in July 2009.

He is said to have …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

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.

Tiny laser detects signs of skin cancer

LONDON – A tiny laser can detect signs of skin cancer and save thousands of lives, scientists say.

The device fires a double laser beam, with less combined energy than a laser pointer, into a suspicious mole and analyses the locations of different skin pigments.
Scientists then look at the amount of eumelanin …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Traffic fumes more dangerous than cocaine?

LONDON – Traffic fumes trigger more than eight times as many heart attacks as snorting cocaine, according to a new study.

If an individual with heart disease takes cocaine, their chance of having a heart attack increases 26-fold. If a person with heart disease is exposed to heavy traffic fumes, their chance of having …. Read the original article  : Traffic fumes more dangerous than cocaine?.

Girls as young as 9 selling sex for drugs, says Oz politician

MELBOURNE – An Australian politician has said that girls as young as nine are selling sex for drugs and alcohol.

Araluen MLA Robyn Lambley told Northern Territory Parliament that young children were roaming the streets of Alice Springs in the middle of the night and ’soliciting’ their bodies for money, reports News.com.au.

“If it’s true what we …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Girls as young as 9 selling sex for drugs, says Oz politician.

Cycling seen as one of biggest causes of heart attacks

LONDON – Cycling has always been touted as being good for health, but now a study has found that it is actually one of the biggest triggers of heart attacks.

The study, which analysed 36 pieces of research on everyday risks, proves that the “final straw” in bringing on a heart attack is spending time in …. Original article  : Cycling seen as one of biggest causes of heart attacks.

Too high or too low a BMI influences risk of death among Asians

LONDON – A study has found that Asians with a normal weight were far less likely to die from any cause than individuals whose body-mass index (BMI) was too high or low.

The study of one million Asians was conducted by Wei Zheng at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tenn., Paolo Boffetta at Mount Sinai School of …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Too high or too low a BMI influences risk of death among Asians.

How brain chemicals determine whether your love will last

LONDON – An eminent U.S. anthropologist claims to have found why some relationships are a smooth sail while others are a little trickier.

Dr Helen Fisher, who has studied romantic love for 30 years, believes that that attraction is closely linked to the chemistry of your personality type and how it matches – or clashes – … Original article on : How brain chemicals determine whether your love will last.

Struggling with yo-yo diet? Key protein could end your weight woes soon

LONDON – Scientists claim they have discovered a key protein that signals whether you will be more vulnerable to weight gain after coming off a diet.

Yo-yo dieters constantly grapple with weight issues because they tend to pile on the pounds the minute they relax their regime but the new find could end their woes.

Researchers from … Original source on Gaea Times at : Struggling with yo-yo diet? Key protein could end your weight woes soon.

Digvijay Singh defends Arunachal MP accused of abusing Ramdev

NEW DELHI – Congress General Secretary Digvijay Singh on Wednesday defended Ninong Ering, the Congress lawmaker from Arunachal Pradesh, who has been accused of having used abusive language against renowned yoga guru Baba Ramdev.

Singh said he had met the Ninong Ering and discussed the issue with him.

“I met Ninong Ering, lawmaker from Arunachal Pradesh, and … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Digvijay Singh defends Arunachal MP accused of abusing Ramdev.

How tansy may be a herpes treatment

WASHINGTON – Scientists from Britain and Spain believe tansy may work as a treatment for herpes.

The team’s findings are the result of joint work between two teams to established scientific evidence for traditional medicines.

Tansy, Tanacetum vulgare, is a flowering plant found across mainland Europe and Asia. From the Middle Ages onwards the plant, whose …. Read the original article  : How tansy may be a herpes treatment.

Social networking group promotes eating disorders

WASHINGTON – A secretive social support group emerging on the web is promoting negative behaviours associated with eating disorders.

It can be a helpless and heartbreaking situation for families as they try to confront a family member with anorexia — an eating disorder.
What they may not know is that theres a society …. Source  : Social networking group promotes eating disorders.

Mindfulness key to coping with pain, suffering

WASHINGTON – Mindfulness can help people cope with both pain and suffering, says a health expert. It is a consciousness focused on the here and now, rather than brooding over past failures or future longings.

This lesson in living, based on the teachings of the Buddha, is given by Karen Hilsberg, from the Los Angeles … Read more : Mindfulness key to coping with pain, suffering.

Steroids to treat asthmatic children: How safe are they?

WASHINGTON – A new University of Montreal study is evaluating the impact of steroid use on the immune system of kids.

The study has suggested that kids experiencing an asthma attack who are treated with a short burst of oral steroids may have a transient depression of immune response.

These findings have implications for asthmatic children …. Read the original article  : Steroids to treat asthmatic children: How safe are they?.

‘Wonderdrug’ keeps breast cancer away

LONDON – Experts have found that breast cancer drug Herceptin could keep new tumours away for more than four years.

They found that four years on, patients who received Herceptin -dubbed a ‘wonderdrug’ in 2005-are still 24 per cent less likely to have their tumours recur.

Women usually have surgery to remove the cancer and then receive … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : ‘Wonderdrug’ keeps breast cancer away.

Tripura, Mizoram on bird flu alert

AIZAWL/AGARTALA – Mizoram Friday sounded a bird flu alert following the outbreak of the avian influenza in neighbouring Tripura and also in Myanmar and Bangladesh, which border the state.

The authorities in Tripura, after the fresh cases of bird flu, have culled more than 6,000 ducks and poultry birds and are now busy with … Original article on : Tripura, Mizoram on bird flu alert.

Over 4,000 compounds detected in blood samples

TORONTO – Researchers have detected the presence of a mind boggling 4,229 compounds in human blood samples, up from the dozen or so listed medically, based on a three-year exhaustive analysis.

“Right now a medical doctor analysing the blood of an ailing patient looks at something like 10 to 20 chemicals,” said University of Alberta … Original article on : Over 4,000 compounds detected in blood samples.

Multiple childbirth linked to increased risk of ‘triple-negative’ breast cancer

WASHINGTON – A new study has found that the more times a woman gives birth, the higher her risk of ‘triple-negative’ breast cancer, a relatively uncommon but particularly aggressive subtype of the disease.

However, women who never give birth have a 40 percent lower risk of such breast cancer, which has a poorer prognosis than other … Read more »».

Rs.85,000 to woman who conceived after surgery

JODHPUR – A Lok Adalat (people’s court) here has ordered the Rajasthan government to pay maintenance of Rs.85,000 to a woman who conceived a child even after undergoing sterlisation surgery at a government organised camp.

Rukma Devi, 35, a resident of Bhopalgarh town in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur district, said she had mental depression and claimed maintenance … Read more »»».

Home temperature and sleep loss linked to obesity

LONDON – An Italian study has suggested that living in a cooler home and getting a decent night’s sleep could help rein in the obesity epidemic.

A research team, led by Simona Bo at the University of Turin in Italy, found the odds of a person becoming obese declined by 30 per cent for each hour …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Home temperature and sleep loss linked to obesity.

Antioxidants in pecans ‘good for your heart’

WASHINGTON – Naturally occurring antioxidants in pecans may help contribute to heart health and disease prevention, according to a new study from Loma Linda University (LLU).

Pecans contain different forms of the antioxidant vitamin E-known as tocopherols, plus numerous phenolic substances, many of them with antioxidant abilities.

The nuts are especially rich in one form …. Original source  : Antioxidants in pecans ‘good for your heart’.

Menopausal hot flashes ‘may protect women’s hearts’

WASHINGTON – A new study has found that women who suffer from hot flashes when they begin menopause may be at lower risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke and death.

For the study, researchers reviewed medical information from 60,000 women who were enrolled in the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study and followed for ten years, to determine … Original article on : Menopausal hot flashes ‘may protect women’s hearts’.

One-third HIV cases in age group 15-24: UNICEF report

NEW DELHI – Of the over 33 million HIV-AIDS cases reported worldwide every year, around one-third are adolescents of the age group 15-24 years, revealed a report by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The State of the World’s Children (SOWC) report 2011 was released by UNICEF in the capital Friday.
According to UNICEF’s annual flagship … Read this article on Gaea Times at : One-third HIV cases in age group 15-24: UNICEF report.

Super-specialty wing for Safdarjung hospital planned

NEW DELHI – A proposal for setting up a super-specialty wing in New Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital is under consideration and at a preliminary stage of examination in the health ministry, parliament was told Friday.

“The salient features of the proposal include new services like tele-medicine facility, solar panels, an hospital information system, rain harvesting system, …. Original article  : Super-specialty wing for Safdarjung hospital planned.

Newborn mouse’s heart can heal itself

WASHINGTON – A mammalian newborn’s heart can heal itself completely — a discovery that looks more like science fiction than a reality.

Researchers working with mice found that a portion of the heart removed during the first week after birth grew back wholly and correctly, as if nothing had happened.
“We found that the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Newborn mouse’s heart can heal itself.

Childbirth more nerve-racking than marriage, buying a home

LONDON – A survey has found that childbirth can be more nerve-racking than first-time sex, marriage, surgery or buying a house.

The survey commissioned for a new police series called ‘Rookie Blue’, on the Universal TV channel, showed that top of the anxiety list for both men and women was childbirth.

Second on the list was the …. Source article  : Childbirth more nerve-racking than marriage, buying a home.

Kids with less Vitamin D more likely to have allergies

WASHINGTON – Children with low vitamin D levels are more likely to develop allergies, a new study warns.

Researchers looked at vitamin D levels in blood samples collected from more than 3,100 children and 3,400 adults under the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
One of the blood tests assessed was sensitivity to …. Original article  : Kids with less Vitamin D more likely to have allergies.

Hot flushes protect women from heart attacks

WASHINGTON – Millions of middle-aged women racked by hot flushes should really count them as a blessing in disguise – a survey shows that hot flushes protect them from heart disease and stroke during the onset of menopause.

The results were based on the survey of 60,000 women enrolled in Women’s Health Initiative, a 10-year … Read more : Hot flushes protect women from heart attacks.

Myths related to spring allergies busted

WASHINGTON – Not satisfied with the kind of information available pertaining to spring allergies and want something reliable? Well, here’s what you need to read.he American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) and its allergist members, who are experts at diagnosing and treating allergies and asthma, have offered the following myth-busting advice:yth: ver-the-counter (OTC, …. Original source  : Myths related to spring allergies busted.

Commendable progress made in rural health: official

NEW DELHI – The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) has shown a commendable progress in its sixth year in creation of infrastructure and human resource for health, officials said Saturday.

Releasing the Fourth Common Review Mission (CRM) Report 2010 of the mission, Health Secretary K.Chandramouli said that a huge human resource has been added to … Original source on Gaea Times at : Commendable progress made in rural health: official.