Health (General) – Newsletter for March 1, 2011

Hour of daytime sleep can lower blood pressure

WASHINGTON – Even an hour of sleep in daytime could help lower blood pressure after mental stress, researchers say.

A study conducted by Ryan Brindle and Sarah Conklin from the Allegheny College in the US, found that participants who slept 45 minutes in daytime had lower average blood pressure after stress than those who did …. Read the original article  : here.

Pregnant women in China to be tested for HIV, syphilis and Hepatitis B

NEW DELHI – Pregnant women across China will receive free screenings for HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis B, and if they test positive, they will be treated at hospitals to prevent them from transmitting the diseases to their children.

“This is the first nationwide health policy meant mainly to prevent such infections from spreading from mothers to … Read more : Pregnant women in China to be tested for HIV, syphilis and Hepatitis B.

Two-thirds elderly Americans face hearing loss: Study

WASHINGTON – About two-thirds of Americans aged 70 and above suffer from hearing loss, a study says.

The study, conducted by the Johns Hopkins University and the National Institute on Aging, has found that black Americans seem to have a protective cover against this loss.
The findings were published online in the Journal …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Two-thirds elderly Americans face hearing loss: Study.

Gut bacteria exerts control over others organs too

LONDON – Gut bacteria may not just be helping digest food but could be exerting some control over the metabolic functions of other organs like the liver, says a new study.

These findings offer new understanding of the symbiotic relationship between humans and their gut microbes and how changes to the microbiota (microbial flora harboured …. Source article  : Gut bacteria exerts control over others organs too.

More men likely to feel the blues

WASHINGTON – More men are likely to feel the blues as the century progresses, a new study says.

“Compared to women, many men attach a great importance to their roles as providers and protectors of their families,” says study author Boadie Dunlop of Emory University in the US.
“Failure to fulfil the role …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : More men likely to feel the blues.

Daytime nap is good for your heart: Study

WASHINGTON – Grabbing an hour’s sleep during the day could have cardiovascular benefits, according to a new study.

The study by Ryan Brindle and Sarah Conklin, from Allegheny College in Pennsylvania looked at the effect of a daytime nap on cardiovascular recovery following a stress test and found that those participants who slept for at least … Read more >>.

Smoking during pregnancy may cause heart defects in infants

WASHINGTON – Children born to pregnant women who have been smoking in the first three months of their pregnancy may suffer from heart defects, a study has found.

The study conducted by the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has found that women who smoke in the first trimester face a 20 to …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Smoking during pregnancy may cause heart defects in infants.

Anti-HIV vaginal gel deemed safe for rectal use too

WASHINGTON – A new study has suggested that a change in the formulation of tenofovir gel, an anti-HIV gel developed for vaginal use, may make it safer for rectal use as well.

Researchers from the Microbicide Trials Network (MTN) found that the ‘new’ gel was less harmful to the lining of the rectum than the original …. Source  : Anti-HIV vaginal gel deemed safe for rectal use too.

Indian vaccine to save 250 million lives in Africa

ACCRA – A new India-made vaccine against meningitis is to be administered to nearly 250 million children and adults in sub-Saharan Africa, thanks to a joint campaign by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and PATH, an NGO.

MenAfriVac has been produced by the Serum Institute of India and is to be administered to those in … Read more : Indian vaccine to save 250 million lives in Africa.

Sugar-sweetened drinks linked to higher BP

WASHINGTON – A new study has revealed that soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages such as fruit drinks are associated with higher blood pressure levels in adults.

In the International Study of Macro/Micronutrients and Blood Pressure (INTERMAP), for every extra sugar-sweetened beverage drunk per day participants on average had significantly higher systolic blood pressure by 1.6 … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Sugar-sweetened drinks linked to higher BP.