Wednesday 29 February 2012

South China Morning Post-Asian Financial Centre-Industrial Pollution-Air Pollution Levels

Hong Kong air pollution at worst levels ever: report

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Air pollution levels in Hong Kong were the worst ever last year, the South China Morning Post reported on Monday, a finding that may further undermine the city's role as an Asian financial centre as business executives relocate because of health concerns. Worsening air quality in Hong Kong caused by vehicle emissions and industrial pollution from the neighboring Pearl River Delta is already forcing many in the financial community to move to Singapore. ... read more..

Health Authorities-Southern China-Bird Flu Virus-Deadly Disease-Bus Driver

Man dies from bird flu in southern China
Health Authorities-Drug Shortages-Skin Cancer-Cancer Drug
The H5N1 virus is fatal in humans in about 60 percent of cases

A bus driver in southern China who contracted the bird flu virus died Saturday, health authorities said, in the nation's first reported human case of the deadly disease in 18 months. read more..

Cardiovascular Research Center-University Of Connecticut-Red Wine

Red wine-heart research slammed with fraud charges

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A University of Connecticut researcher who studied the link between aging and a substance found in red wine has committed more than 100 acts of data fabrication and falsification, the university said Wednesday, throwing much of his work into doubt. Dipak K. Das, who directed the university's Cardiovascular Research Center, studied resveratrol, touted by a number of scientists and companies as a way to slow aging or remain healthy as people get older. ... read more..

Global Health Scare-Breast Implants-Colombia

Colombia to pay for removal of French breast implants

Colombia will pay for the removal of defective French-made breast implants for patients whose doctors recommend it, the health ministry has said, responding to a growing global scare. read more..


French breast implant maker denounces 'untruths' in scandal

The founder of the French breast implant maker at the centre of a global health scare said Thursday much of the information emerging in the scandal was untrue but refused further comment. read more..

Health Authorities-Breast Implants-Pip

Dutch urge removal of faulty PIP breast implants
Health Authorities-Drug Shortages-Skin Cancer-Cancer Drug
About 300,000 women in 65 countries are estimated to have received implants made by PIP

Dutch health authorities on Wednesday recommended the removal of breast implants made by now-defunct French company PIP after conflicting reports about the product's safety. read more..

Faulty Breast Implants-Health Watchdog-Pip Implants-Belgium-Cholera

Haiti cholera death toll nears 7,000: expert

Nearly 7,000 people have now died from cholera in Haiti in an epidemic which has become one of the worst of recent decades, a top health official said Friday. read more..


Five women in Belgium have had PIP implants removed

Five women in Belgium have had potentially faulty breast implants made by French firm PIP removed since the beginning of December, the country's health watchdog said Saturday. read more..

Healthday News-Hallucinogen-Pregnancy-Fetus

Ecstasy Use During Pregnancy May Harm Fetus: Study

TUESDAY, Feb. 28 (Healthday News) -- Taking the hallucinogen ecstasy during Pregnancy may harm the health of the fetus and lead to poorer motor control in infants, a new study suggests. read more..

Health Officials-Safety Warnings-Memory Loss-Statin

FDA adds new safety information to statin drugs

Federal Health Officials are adding new safety warnings about risks of memory loss and elevated blood sugar to Statins, the most widely prescribed group of cholesterol-lowering medications. read more..

Primary Source-Spending Money-Boyfriends

Boyfriends' Money Affects Girls' Condom Use

Teen girls whose primary source of spending money comes from their boyfriends are less likely to use condoms, according to a new study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health. read more..

Traditional Chinese Medicine-Clinical Trial-Acupuncture-Ivf

Does acupuncture boost IVF success?

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Acupuncture may help some women conceive through in-vitro fertilization (IVF), a new analysis of past research concludes. But the true benefit in the real world, if any, remains unclear. The technique has been used for millennia in traditional Chinese medicine, for a whole range of ills. Ten years ago, a study in Germany was the first clinical trial to report that acupuncture seemed to improve pregnancy rates in women undergoing IVF. But since then research has turned up mixed results. ... read more..

President Barack Obama-Contraception-White House

White House sticking to contraception plan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama will not make any more changes to the rule announced last week requiring health insurance plans to provide women with coverage for contraception, although U.S. Roman Catholic bishops have said it violates the Church's religious principles. "We put out the plan that reflects where the president intended to go. This is our plan," White House chief of staff Jacob Lew said on CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday. ... read more..

Related Health Care-Lifetime Earnings-Costly Disease-Healthday News

Too Much Vitamin D Could Be Harmful to Heart

TUESDAY, Jan. 10 (Healthday News) --Studies have shown that vitamin D is critical for bone health and could have a protective benefit for the heart, but new research suggests that too much of it could actually be harmful. read more..


Diabetes Takes a Toll on Lifetime Earnings: Study

TUESDAY, Jan. 10 (Healthday News) -- Diabetes is a costly disease, and new research suggests those costs may extend far beyond the obvious expense of medicine and related health care. read more..

Birth Control Pills-Health Authorities-India

US recalls India-made birth control pills
Health Authorities-Drug Shortages-Skin Cancer-Cancer Drug
A batch of birth control pills manufactured in India for US distribution has been recalled

A batch of birth control pills manufactured in India for US distribution has been recalled due to a packaging error that could make the pills ineffective, US health authorities said on Monday. read more..

Sleep Standards-Sleep Studies-Expert Advice-Enough Sleep

With no firm science, sleep standards are slipping

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Kids never got enough shuteye, even back in grandpa's day. That's according to a century's worth of expert advice and sleep studies, which a team of researchers has now distilled into a brief report in the journal Pediatrics. "There is a common belief that children are not getting enough sleep and that children's total sleep time has been declining," Lisa Anne Matricciani of the University of South Australia in Adelaide and colleagues write. ... read more..

Healthday News-Office Workers-Mental Health

Bored Workers Often Turn to Chocolate, Booze, Study Finds

FRIDAY, Jan. 13 (Healthday News) -- Chronic boredom grips one-fourth of office workers, which may affect their quality of work as well as their physical and mental health, a new study suggests. read more..

Geisinger Health System-Cleveland Clinic-Healthday News-Workplaces

At More U.S. Workplaces, Smokers Need Not Apply

FRIDAY, Jan. 13 (Healthday News) -- Following the lead of the Cleveland Clinic and a growing number of other hospitals, Pennsylvania's Geisinger Health System will turn away job applicants who smoke starting next month. read more..

Tuesday 28 February 2012

Medical Condition-Brain Fog

What were we typing...? Oh yeah, 9 reasons you can't concentrate:

What were we typing...? Oh yeah, 9 reasons you can't concentrate:Sharpen Concentration and Get Rid of Brain Fog - Prevention.comhttp://bit.ly/wrmdUVCan't concentrate? Improve your focus and memory by finding out the reasons for your brain fog, whether it's a medical condition like ADHD, too much stress, not eating healthy, or other health issues. read more..

Health Authorities-Fruit Bats-Flu Virus-Influenza

New flu virus is found in bats
Health Authorities-Drug Shortages-Skin Cancer-Cancer Drug
This file illustration shows bats hanging from the ceiling of an abandoned building

A new strain of influenza A has been found in fruit bats, indicating for the first time that bats, like birds, can be carriers of the virus, though it is not believed risky to humans, according to US health authorities. read more..

Birth Control Pills-Health Authorities-India

US recalls India-made birth control pills
Health Authorities-Drug Shortages-Skin Cancer-Cancer Drug
US recalls India-made birth control pills

A batch of birth control pills manufactured in India for US distribution has been recalled due to a packaging error that could make the pills ineffective, US health authorities said on Monday. read more..

Preventable Deaths-England And Wales-Heart Disease-Liver Disease-Alcohol

Alcohol seen killing 200,000 Britons in next 20 years
Heart Disease Rates-Heart Health-Statistics
To match Reuters Life! BRITAIN-PUBS/

LONDON (Reuters) - Up to 210,000 people in England and Wales will be killed prematurely by alcohol over the next 20 years, with a third of those preventable deaths due to liver disease alone, health experts warned Monday. Other alcohol-related deaths will be due to accidents, violence and suicide, or from chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, strokes, heart disease and cancer, the experts warned in a projection study in the Lancet medical journal. ... read more..

Everyday Foods-Healing Foods-Fruit-Nosh

Feeling stressed or anxious? Nosh on this fruit to feel calmer:

Feeling stressed or anxious? Nosh on this fruit to feel calmer:16 Simple Healing Foods - Prevention.comhttp://bit.ly/zC8T5jMany everyday foods contain nutrients and other properties that can ease aches, pains, and common health concerns. From ginger for nausea to yogurt for constipation, these 17 kitchen cures will make you feel better fast! read more..

Health Symptoms-Heartburn-Headache

Usually a headache is just a headache, and heartburn is just a sign that you ran...

Usually a headache is just a headache, and heartburn is just a sign that you rang the Taco Bell a few times too many. Except when they're not. Seven symptoms you should never ignore: http://ow.ly/9k2TzWarning Signs: The 7 Symptoms You Should Not Ignoreow.lyYour body's warning signs: Learn what health symptoms are very important to take note of read more..

Shoes

Killer shoes--not in a good way. These 4 pairs are pretty dangerous to your heal...

Killer shoes--not in a good way. These 4 pairs are pretty dangerous to your health. (And this isn't just a list of sky-high heels!)4 Shoes that Wreck Your Body | Fitbiefitbie.msn.comThe wrong shoes slow you down, make you fat, and set you up for a lifetime of injuries. Check out our lab results and you'll never shoe shop the same way again read more..

South African President Nelson Mandela-Diagnostic Procedure-Abdominal Pains-Jacob Zuma

Mandela in hospital, expected to go home soon

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Former South African president Nelson Mandela was comfortable in hospital on Saturday after undergoing a "diagnostic procedure" for abdominal pains, the government said, telling people not to panic about the health of the 93-year-old anti-apartheid leader. A statement from President Jacob Zuma said Mandela, who is popularly known by his clan name, Madiba, should be discharged on Sunday or Monday after being checked out for a "long-standing abdominal complaint". ... read more..

Healthy Lifestyle-Healthier Eating-Vegetables

I weigh 121, and want to lose 10 pounds. But my eating habits are..horrible. I hate vegetables, what are some ways I can make them more appealing for myself, I need to get healthier.

If you’re looking to make healthier eating and lifestyle choices, read here. As far as making them more appealing, there will just be certain Vegetables that you favor and will like being made certain ways. Vegetables aren’t my favorite either because I didn’t grow up with much of them. My salads consisted of nothing but lettuce and Italian dressing because I hated anything else in it, and I began to change that when I began to change to a healthy lifestyle less than a year ago. So, you just need to find what works for you. Simple changes like putting spinach on sandwiches or having spinach salads with fruits and veggies in them will help. If you like Stir-fry or if you kind of like it and can maybe get used to it, that is something good you can have tons of veggies in. You just need to experiment. The more healthy foods you eat, the more appealing it will all be to you. If you experiment more with vegetables, you’ll find out which ones are your favorites and how you like them cooked. read more..

Government Health Officials-Healthday News

More U.S. Babies Born at Home: Report

THURSDAY, Jan. 26 (Healthday News) -- The rate of home births in the United States has made a dramatic upturn since 2004, reversing a trend of decline throughout the 1990s, Government Health Officials said Thursday. read more..

World Health Organisation-Faulty Breast Implants-Health Warnings-Energy Drinks

Australia experts call for energy drink warnings

Researchers in Australia called for health warnings on caffeine-loaded energy drinks following a spike in the number of people reporting medical problems after drinking them. read more..


WHO issues guidelines for contested breast implants

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Tuesday intervened for the first time in the roiling global scandal over faulty breast implants, urging women with the devices to seek medical advice if they have any concerns. read more..

National Institutes Of Health-Birth Defects-Unborn Babies-Cmv Infection-Antibodies

U.S. to test therapy to prevent birth defects

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is set to launch a large trial using antibodies to test a way to prevent birth defects, such as blindness and deafness, caused by mothers passing a common virus to their unborn babies. Australian blood plasma group CSL said on Thursday it would donate $2.5 million worth of cytomegalovirus (CMV) antibodies from human plasma to the NIH for the trial in the United States. Analysis of the trial is expected in 2016. There is no vaccine available yet to prevent CMV infection, the most common infection that causes birth defects. ... read more..

Monday 27 February 2012

Kidney Failure Patients-Mental Distress-Healthday News-Serious Health

Kidney Failure Patients Prone to GI Tract Bleeding

THURSDAY, Jan. 19 (Healthday News) -- Many kidney failure patients experience bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, a problem that can cause serious health problems and even early death, a new study shows. read more..


Breast Cancer Before 50 Linked to More Distress

FRIDAY, Jan. 20 (Healthday News) -- Younger women with Breast Cancer may experience a decrease in their health-related quality of life because of increased mental distress, weight gain and other factors, a new study finds. read more..

University Of Illinois Medical Center At Chicago-University Of Illinois At Chicago

Mentally ill flood ER as states cut services

CHICAGO/NEW YORK (Reuters) - On a recent shift at a Chicago emergency department, Dr. William Sullivan treated a newly homeless patient who was threatening to kill himself. "He had been homeless for about two weeks. He hadn't showered or eaten a lot. He asked if we had a meal tray," said Sullivan, a physician at the University of Illinois Medical Center at Chicago and a past president of the Illinois College of Emergency Physicians. Sullivan said the man kept repeating that he wanted to kill himself. "It seemed almost as if he was interested in being admitted. ... read more..

Mental Health Experts-Contagious Illness-Whooping Cough-Healthday News-Autism

Experts Weigh Changes to Definition of Autism

FRIDAY, Jan. 20 (Healthday News) -- The number of people diagnosed with autism will likely decrease if a new definition of the disorder is adopted by mental health experts later this year. read more..


No whooping cough deaths in California last year

California did not suffer a single death from whooping cough in 2011, the first year since 1991 that there have been no fatalities in the state from the highly contagious illness, health officials said Tuesday. read more..

American Academy Of Pediatrics-Poor Urban Neighborhoods-Pediatricians-Playtime-Aap

Poor kids miss out on playtime, pediatricians say

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Children in poor urban neighborhoods need more chances for old-fashioned playtime in their daily lives, says a new report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). A number of experts have raised concerns that children these days have little time for unstructured play -- which, they say, is important for kids' physical and mental development. The new report follows another from the AAP a few years ago, which argued that U.S. suburban children are "overscheduled" with formal classes and lessons, leaving them little time for simple play. ... read more..

Health Authorities-Southwest China-Bird Flu Virus-Human Death

Bird flu claims second victim in China
Health Authorities-Drug Shortages-Skin Cancer-Cancer Drug
Most human H5N1 infections are the result of direct contact with infected birds

A man in southwest China who contracted the bird flu virus died on Sunday, health authorities said, the second human death from the virulent disease in the country in just under a month. read more..

Rally

Wall Street ends 5-day rally on renewed euro-zone concerns

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell more than 1 percent on Wednesday after a hefty year-end rally and the S&P 500 erased gains for the year on renewed concerns about the euro zone's financial health. The selloff followed the euro's slide to an 11-month low against the U.S. dollar as regional debt worries prompted a wave of selling, with thin trading exacerbating volatility. "It seems like the weakness in euro, breaking that $1.30 level, really made investors push that 'sell' button," said Ryan Detrick, senior technical strategist with Schaeffer's Investment Research in Cincinnati. ... read more..

American Academy Of Pediatrics-Gardasil Vaccine-Cancer Vaccine-Hpv Infections

Group backs HPV shot recommendation for boys

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Boys 11 years and up should get Merck & Co's Gardasil vaccine to protect them against HPV infections, which can cause genital warts as well as oral, penile and anal Cancers, the nation's largest group of pediatricians said Monday. "What we are hoping will come out of this is that we can push this as a cancer vaccine," said Dr. Michael Brady of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). "We now have the ability to interrupt the transmission and the development of cancer." The new statement leans on recommendations released last year by U.S. ... read more..

Federal Health Officials-Global Health Scare-National Targets-Breast Implant-Healthday News

French police arrest boss of breast implant company

French police on Thursday arrested Jean-Claude Mas, the founder of the PIP breast implant company that sparked a global health scare by using substandard silicone, as part of a manslaughter probe. read more..


Too Few Americans Getting Screened for Common Cancers: CDC

THURSDAY, Jan. 26 (Healthday News) -- The number of Americans being screened for colon, breast and cervical Cancers still fall below national targets, federal health officials said Thursday. read more..

Journal Science-Bird Flu

Bird Flu Might Not Be as Deadly as Thought

A study published in the online journal Science has found that H5N1, more commonly known as bird flu, might be far less deadly than previously thought, according to a report by Reuters. The research contradicts earlier estimates by the World Health Organization. read more..

American Academy Of Pediatrics-Gardasil Vaccine-Cancer Vaccine-Hpv Infections

Group backs HPV shot recommendation for boys

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Boys 11 years and up should get Merck & Co's Gardasil vaccine to protect them against HPV infections, which can cause genital warts as well as oral, penile and anal Cancers, the nation's largest group of pediatricians said Monday. "What we are hoping will come out of this is that we can push this as a cancer vaccine," said Dr. Michael Brady of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). "We now have the ability to interrupt the transmission and the development of cancer." The new statement leans on recommendations released last year by U.S. ... read more..

Global Health Scare-Breast Implant-Healthday News-French Judge-Red Wine

French judge charges boss of breast implant firm

A French judge has charged the founder of the breast implant company at the heart of a global health scare with causing "involuntary injuries", prosecutors said on Friday. read more..


Scientists May Be Closer to Developing 'Red Wine' Drug

THURSDAY, Feb. 2 (Healthday News) -- U.S. researchers believe they've discovered how resveratrol -- a chemical found in red wine and other plant products -- provides health benefits. read more..

Legionnaires' Disease-Breast Implant Case-Health Officials-Nevada Officials-Global Health

Nevada officials: Luxor guests had Legionnaires'

Health officials in Las Vegas said Monday that the bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease was found in water samples at the Luxor hotel-casino this month after a guest died of the form of pneumonia. read more..


France urges Europe-wide controls after implant scandal

France vowed Wednesday to strengthen the regulation and monitoring of prosthetics and called for Europe-wide controls after a defective breast implant case sparked a global health scare. read more..

Breast Implants-Renato Balduzzi-Italy Orders-French Firm-Clinics

Italy orders list of women with French firm's implants
Parasympathetic Nervous System-Flawless Skin-Nerve Cells-Women
The logo of the French company Poly Implant Prothese is seen outside the company's building in La Seyne-sur-Mer near Toulon

ROME (Reuters) - Italy will tell hospitals and clinics to compile a list of women who received breast implants from a French firm accused of selling faulty prosthetics, Health Minister Renato Balduzzi said Thursday. Clinics that had not used any implants manufactured by the now-defunct French firm Poly Implant Prosthese (PIP) would be required to send a declaration saying they had not done so, he said. PIP is accused of selling breast implants made with industrial rather than medical silicone, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of women worldwide. ... read more..

World Health Organization-Leprosy

WHO calls for stepped-up fight against leprosy

The World Health Organization called Monday for greater efforts to fight leprosy, warning the disfiguring disease was defying efforts to wipe it out across many countries in the Asia-Pacific region. read more..

Breast Cancer Foundation-Planned Parenthood-Health Officials-American Adults-Healthday News

Too Few American Adults Getting Needed Vaccinations: CDC

THURSDAY, Feb. 2 (Healthday News) -- Each year, some 45,000 Americans die from diseases that could have been prevented by vaccines, Health Officials said Thursday. read more..


Breast cancer fund to restore money after outcry
Women's Health Advisor-Essential Fatty Acids-Dryness-Foods
Nancy Brinker, Founder, Susan G. Komen for the Cure makes remarks on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, in 2007

A major US breast cancer foundation Friday reversed its decision to stop funding Planned Parenthood after outcry over the move sparked a political and fundraising backlash by women's health advocates. read more..

American Health Officials-Insight: Breast Implant

Insight: Breast implant scandal shows regulators in dark on risk

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Long before the latest global breast implant scare, American health officials were toying with the idea of building a registry that would track patients with implants. The registry would give a better idea of the number of complications over time, such as rupture or infection. But to this day, none exists for the world's largest healthcare market, which often serves as a global model for regulatory practice. Some individual countries in Europe have made their own attempts but with only limited success, and there is no continent-wide registry. ... read more..

Sunday 26 February 2012

Health Officials-Catholic Leaders-Everyday Foods-Healthday News

Everyday Foods Add Up to Major Salt Problems: CDC

TUESDAY, Feb. 7 (Healthday News) -- Americans still eat way too much salt, and much of it comes from dietary staples such as bread, poultry, cheese and pasta, U.S. Health Officials reported Tuesday. read more..


White House Alters Controversial Birth Control Rule

FRIDAY, Feb. 10 (Healthday News) -- Facing a firestorm of criticism from Catholic leaders, the Obama administration on Friday said it will adjust its health care guideline mandating that religious employers provide women with access to Birth Control. read more..

Maximum Units-Guidelines-Britons-Health

Britons told to 'stay off drink for two days a week'
Flavorful Foods-Delicious Foods-Healthy Choice-Conagra Foods
To match Reuters Life! BRITAIN-PUBS/

LONDON (Reuters) - Britons should avoid drinking alcohol for at least two days a week to protect their health, a committee of MPs said in a report published Monday. Current guidelines focus on maximum units of alcohol that can be safely consumed but people sometimes struggle to understand how many units there are in their glass of wine or pint of beer. "We suggest that, if daily guidelines are retained, the Government consider simplifying the guidelines so that, as is the case in Scotland, all individuals are advised to take at least two alcohol-free days a week," the report said. ... read more..

Dietary Supplements-Health Store-Buzzwords

Confused by all the buzzwords surrounding dietary supplements? Check out this ea...

Confused by all the buzzwords surrounding dietary supplements? Check out this easy-to-use guide before you head to the health store: http://bit.ly/yYuBSeA Basic Guide to Dietary Supplementswww.shape.comWhat's a phytochemical? 12 terms you need to know before you buy. read more..

Disease

Snacking on fiber-rich food can keep you full "might fend off disease. It may t...

Snacking on fiber-rich food can keep you full & might fend off disease. It may take only 8-10g a day to stay safe http://on.self.com/wZfOfW6 Health Investments and How to Pay for Themon.self.comFrom food to gear, here are so-worth-it ways to stay well, plus the cash to cover them. read more..

source:self.com

Health Insurance Policies-Mandatory Birth Control-Religious Institutions-President Barack Obama

States Should Fight Church Mandatory Birth Control Insurance Coverage

COMMENTARY | Seven states are pushing for blocks on President Barack Obama's mandatory birth control coverage on health insurance policies for employees of religious institutions, says the Associated Press. read more..

Guidelines-Britons

'Stay off drink two days a week' - Britons told

LONDON (Reuters) - Britons should avoid drinking alcohol for at least two days a week to protect their health, a committee of MPs said in a report published on Monday. Current guidelines focus on maximum units of alcohol that can be safely consumed but people sometimes struggle to understand how many units there are in their glass of wine or pint of beer. "We suggest that, if daily guidelines are retained, the Government consider simplifying the guidelines so that, as is the case in Scotland, all individuals are advised to take at least two alcohol-free days a week," the report said. ... read more..

Smoothie-Coffee-Quiz

Take our quiz: Your a.m. drink of choice is...A: A smoothie. B: A large coffee....

Take our quiz: Your a.m. drink of choice is...A: A smoothie. B: A large coffee. C: Green tea. http://on.self.com/ABNZgfHow Daily Habits Can Have Big Health Payoffson.self.comJust by tweaking the little things you do every day, you'll fight back against germs. read more..

source:self.com

Genetic Information-Medical Clinics-Dna Reader-Genome

Insight: New DNA reader to bring promise

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New DNA reader could bring genetics to medical clinics After years of predictions that the "$1,000 genome" - a read-out of a person's complete genetic information for about the cost of a dental crown - was just around the corner, a U.S. company is announcing Tuesday that it has achieved that milestone and taken the technology several steps ahead. The new genome-sequencing machine from Ion Torrent, a division of Life Technologies Corp., in Guilford, Connecticut, is 1,000 times more powerful than existing technology, says CEO and chairman Jonathan Rothberg. ... read more..

Proportions-Protein-Diets

Calories count, but not where they come from: study

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Sticking to Diets with strict proportions of fat, carbs and Protein may not be more effective for people who want to lose weight and fat mass than simply cutting back on calories, according to a new comparison of four diets. The results suggest that it doesn't matter where the calories come from, as long as dieters reduce them. "If you're happier doing it low fat, or happier doing it low carb, this paper says it's OK to do it either way. They were equally successful," said Christopher Gardner, a Stanford University professor who was not involved in the study. Dr. ... read more..

Executive Arm Urged Governments-Eu Urges Tighter Breast Implant-Breast Implants

EU urges tighter breast implant controls
Prescription Medications-The Ultimate Fitness-Medical Devices-Insulin Pump
More than 400,000 women around the world are thought to have received implants made by PIP

The European Union's executive arm urged governments on Thursday to tighten controls of medical devices after faulty French-made breast implants sparked a global health scare. read more..

Women's Health Advocacy Groups-Susan G. Komen For The Cure-Birth Control Services

Komen struggles to defuse Planned Parenthood crisis
Health Benefits Of Carrot Juice-Cancer Prevention-Beta Carotene-Breast Cancer
A police officer watches pro-life and pro-choice supporters demonstrating in Washington

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The world's leading breast cancer charity, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, struggled on Thursday to defuse a growing crisis over its decision to cut funding for Planned Parenthood, which provides abortion and birth control services. The sudden rift between the two top U.S. women's health advocacy groups triggered a furious debate on social media sites between supporters and opponents of abortion rights. ... read more..

Bird Flu Virus

Bird flu claims third victim this year in Indonesia

Tests on a 19-year-old woman who died last week showed she had contracted the bird flu virus, Indonesia's third human death from the deadly disease this year, the health ministry said on Tuesday. read more..

Pharmaceutical Company Roche-Public Health Officials-Counterfeit Drug-Healthday News

Handling Divorce May Be Easier Later in Life

MONDAY, Feb. 13 (Healthday News) --Getting divorced at a younger age causes more harm to health than getting divorced later in life, perhaps because older people have more coping skills to deal with the stress of divorce, a new study suggests. read more..


Roche issues counterfeit drug warning in US

Counterfeit versions of the cancer-fighting drug Avastin have been discovered in circulation in the United States, public health officials and the pharmaceutical company Roche warned Wednesday. read more..

China says HIV/AIDS cases are soaring

China says HIV/AIDS cases are soaring

BEIJING (Reuters) - The number of new HIV/AIDS cases in China is soaring, state media said on Wednesday, citing health officials, with rates of infections among college students and older men rising. The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention issued figures showing 48,000 new cases in China in 2011, the official Xinhua news agency said. Nearly 82 percent of those new cases were transmitted through sexual intercourse, Xinhua said, up from 11.6 percent between 1985 and 2005. ... read more..

Saturday 25 February 2012

Hepatitis C Infection-Health Authorities-Liver Disease

Hepatitis C kills more Americans than HIV: study
Health Authorities-Drug Shortages-Skin Cancer-Cancer Drug
A patient is tested for hepatitis C

More Americans died in 2007 of hepatitis C infection, which causes incurable liver disease, than from the virus that causes AIDS, US health authorities said this week. read more..

Food And Drug Administration-Healthday News-Fda Advisers-Weight Loss

FDA Advisers Back Weight-Loss Drug Qnexa

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 22 (HealthDay News) -- A U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel gave its blessing Wednesday to a highly anticipated weight loss pill that had been rejected by health advisers once before. read more..

Health Authorities-Drug Shortages-Skin Cancer-Cancer Drug

US to import short-supply cancer drug from India
Symptoms Of Skin Cancer-Metastatic Melanoma
Prescription drug shortages in the United States nearly tripled from 2005 to 2010

US health authorities said Tuesday they will import a drug to treat ovarian, bone marrow and AIDS-related skin cancer from India in order to ward off a worrying shortage. read more..

Dangerous Blood Clots-Birth Control Pills-Generation

FDA advisers: revise popular birth control labels
Parasympathetic Nervous System-Flawless Skin-Nerve Cells-Women
A chemist displays birth control pill of German drugmaker Schering and a cortisone of drugs and chemicals group Merck in a Berlin apothecary

ADELPHI, Maryland (Reuters) - U.S. health advisers recommended a revision of labels for the widely used new generation of birth control pills, based on data showing they may put women at a higher risk of dangerous blood clots. Although all common birth control pills increase women's chances of getting blood clots, concerns have recently been mounting about an even higher risk linked to a newer generation of pills that contain the compound drospirenone, such as Bayer AG's popular Yaz and Yasmin. ... read more..

Health Care Industry-Bachelor

NY bill would require bachelor's degrees for RNs

New registered nurses would have to earn bachelor's degrees within 10 years to keep working in New York under a bill lawmakers are considering as part of a national push to raise educational standards for nurses, even as the health care industry faces staffing shortages. read more..

National Institutes Of Health-Birth Control Pills-Contraceptive Drugs-Health Regulators

FDA favors more risk info on birth control pills

Federal health regulators are leaning toward adding new information about the risk of blood clots to the labels of widely prescribed Birth Control pills such as Yaz, in light of growing evidence that the newer contraceptive drugs may be riskier than older drugs. read more..


Active Surveillance May Benefit Men With Low-Risk Prostate Cancer

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 7 (Healthday News) -- As more men are screened for and diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer, a new draft report released Wednesday by a U.S. National Institutes of Health panel concluded that research on the safety of "active surveillance" is needed. read more..

Painful Menstrual Periods-Birth Control Pills-Swedish Researchers-Menstrual Cramps

Women on the Pill have less menstrual pain
Scary Side Effects-Birth Control-Immune System-Heart Trouble
A box of Tri-Cyclen Lo birth control medication for women is seen in a pharmacy in Toronto

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Young women on birth control pills tend to have less painful menstrual periods than those not on the contraceptives, a new study finds. Swedish researchers found that of 2,100 women followed from age 19 to 24, those on the combined birth control pill (estrogen and progestin) had less-severe menstrual pain over time. It's already common practice for doctors to recommend the Pill to women with dysmenorrhea -- menstrual cramps, back pain and other symptoms that are severe enough to disrupt a woman's life. ... read more..

Neurodevelopmental Conditions-Neurologic Conditions-Flu Vaccinations-Health Officials

Flu Prevention Critical for Those With Neurologic Conditions, CDC Says

THURSDAY, Jan. 5 (Healthday News) -- Children and young adults with neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions are at high risk for complications from the flu and should receive flu vaccinations, say Health Officials who investigated a flu outbreak in Ohio in February 2011. read more..

Computer Screen-Healthday News-Family Tips-Fitness

Family Tips for Getting Fit

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 4 (HealthDay News) --Families hoping to improve their Fitness and overall health in 2012 should spend less time in front of a TV or computer screen and more time being active together, according to the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. read more..

China Officials Saya-Health Officials-Genetic Analysis-Bird Flu Virus-Complications

Bird Flu Strain That Killed Man Won't Spread, China Officials Say

A Chinese bus driver died after complications from the bird flu virus Saturday, but after genetic analysis, the country’s Health Officials announced Monday that the strain contracted by the man can’t spread from person-to-person, the Associated Press reported. According to the country’s official Xinhua News... read more..

Criticisms Mountwashington-President Barack Obama-Catholic Universities-Campaign Adviser

White House defends contraception rules as criticisms mount
Scary Side Effects-Birth Control-Immune System-Heart Trouble
A man uses an umbrella as shelter from the snow in front of the White House in Washington

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Obama administration is willing to work with Catholic universities, hospitals and other church-affiliated employers to implement a new policy that requires health insurers to offer birth control coverage, a top adviser to the president's re-election campaign said on Tuesday. David Axelrod, a senior campaign adviser to President Barack Obama, said the administration had heard the Church's concerns and never intended to "abridge anyone's religious freedom. ... read more..

Crisis Proportions-Population Ages-Healthday News

U.S. Wants to Buttress Alzheimer's Arsenal by 2025

TUESDAY, Jan. 17 (Healthday News) -- With the Alzheimer's epidemic predicted to reach crisis proportions as the U.S. population ages, a panel of experts is meeting for two days to draft a plan to combat a disease that is fast emerging as one of the nation's biggest -- and costliest -- health threats. read more..

Archives Of Pediatric And Adolescent Medicine-Middle Ear Disease-Secondhand Smoke

Parent Smoking Increases Risk of Ear Infection, Surgery in Kids

Children's exposure to secondhand smoke has long been a health concern. A study published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine adds increased Risk of middle ear disease to the list of SHTS-related issues. Here are details about ear infections, household smoking and resources for parents. read more..

Consumer Health-Drug Companies-Excedrin-Bufferin-Nodoz

Excedrin, Bufferin, NoDoz and Gas-X Recalled

Novartis Consumer Health Inc.,  one of the world’s largest drug companies, announced today that it is voluntarily recalling several over-the-counter products after complaints about broken pills found in some products. The company described the move as a precaution to strengthen its standards. The recall follows... read more..

New York State Health Department-Loyola University Health System-Conversion Disorder

Four More Suspected Cases of Conversion Disorder in New York Town

Conversion disorder made the headlines Friday as the New York State Health Department released its preliminary findings regarding 12 girls in LeRoy who have been diagnosed with the disorder beginning late last year. It was also announced the doctor treating the 12 cases had potentially identified at least four more in the last two days. read more..


Dealing With Head Lice

SUNDAY, Feb. 5 (Healthday News) -- Although there is a stigma associated with having head lice, infestations with these small insects are common and nothing to be ashamed of, according to Dr. Hannah Chow-Johnson, a pediatrician at Loyola University Health System. read more..

Human Papillomavirus-Cervical Cancer-Healthday News-Young Women

Women Can Take Steps to Prevent Cervical Cancer

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 25 (Healthday News) -- Women need to get recommended Pap tests, while girls and Young Women should be vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) to protect them from cervical cancer, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises during Cervical Health Awareness Month. read more..

Friday 24 February 2012

World Health Organization-Colic In Infants-Health Problems-Bird Flu Virus-Healthday News

Bird Flu Studies Can Be Published After All: WHO

SATURDAY, Feb. 18 (Healthday News) -- Research on a mutated, more contagious form of the bird flu virus can be published in full, the World Health Organization announced Friday, despite concerns that bioterrorists could use the information to start a pandemic. read more..


Study Links Colic in Infants to Migraines in Moms

MONDAY, Feb. 20 (Healthday News) -- Experts are beginning to believe some that some non-headache Health Problems in childhood -- such as vomiting and vertigo -- might be linked to migraines later in life. Now, a new study suggests a connection between mothers with migraines and colic in infancy. read more..

Remote Controls-Healthday News-Osteoporosis-Microchip

Implanted Microchip Might Be Future of Drug Delivery

THURSDAY, Feb. 16 (Healthday News) -- Remote controls may not be for just appliances anymore. In a new small study, women with severe Osteoporosis were implanted with a Microchip that releases bone-building drugs at the push of a button, a delivery method that could someday become common for various health conditions. read more..

President Barack Obama-Catholic Universities-Roman Catholic Church-Campaign Adviser

White House defends contraception rules as criticism mounts
Scary Side Effects-Birth Control-Immune System-Heart Trouble
A man uses an umbrella as shelter from the snow in front of the White House in Washington

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Obama administration is willing to work with Catholic universities, hospitals and other church-affiliated employers to implement a new policy that requires health insurers to offer birth control coverage, a top adviser to the president's re-election campaign said on Tuesday. David Axelrod, a senior campaign adviser to President Barack Obama, said the administration had heard the Roman Catholic Church's concerns and never intended to "abridge anyone's religious freedom. ... read more..

Whooping Cough-Health Experts-Healthday News

All U.S. Adults Should Get Whooping Cough Shot: Panel

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 22 (Healthday News) -- U.S. health experts recommended Wednesday that all adults get vaccinated against whooping cough (pertussis), an infectious bacterial disease that triggers uncontrollable coughing and is especially dangerous to infants. read more..

Racial And Ethnic Groups-Teen Pregnancy Rate-Abortion Rates-Hispanic Teens

Teen pregnancy, abortion rates at record low, study says
Personal Trainers-Shit Girls-Pregnancy
Pregnant woman reading her ballot paper is seen through curtain in booth at polling station at ...

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Birth and abortion rates among U.S. teens fell to record lows in 2008 as increased use of contraceptives sent the overall teen pregnancy rate to its lowest level since at least 1972, a study showed on Wednesday. But disparities among racial and ethnic groups continued to persist, with black and Hispanic teens experiencing pregnancy and abortion rates two to four times higher than their white peers, the Guttmacher Institute, the nonprofit sexual health research group that conducted the analysis, said. ... read more..

Cervical cancer vaccines may cut need for screening

Cervical cancer vaccines may cut need for screening

LONDON (Reuters) - Using GlaxoSmithKline's Cervarix vaccine to protect girls against the HPV virus that causes cervical cancer is so effective that health authorities could reduce the need for later cervical screening, scientists said on Wednesday. read more..


Newer birth control pills again tied to blood clots

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A study out Monday adds to evidence that a newer type of birth control pill may carry a higher risk of blood clots than older versions. read more..

Macular Degeneration-Judi Dench

Actress Judi Dench recently revealed she's coping with macular degeneration. Fin...

Actress Judi Dench recently revealed she's coping with macular degeneration. Find out what it means, and how you can prevent it.Eye Health: What Is Macular Degeneration? - Prevention.comhttp://bit.ly/wjOheQ read more..

Symptoms Of Stress-Signs Of Stress

Can you spot your body's signs of stress? http://ow.ly/9fKlt

Can you spot your body's signs of stress? http://ow.ly/9fKltManaging Stressow.lyRecognize the symptoms of stress (sneezing, acne, hunger) to help fight serious health problems read more..

Which of these easy, belly-busting tips do you plan on incorporating into your e...

Which of these easy, belly-busting tips do you plan on incorporating into your e...

Which of these easy, belly-busting tips do you plan on incorporating into your everyday life? http://fitbie.msn.com/slideshow/10-daily-gut-busters10 Daily Gut Busters | Fitbiefitbie.msn.comThe editors of Men's Health give you 10 ways to lose lard without trying too hard read more..

President Dmitry Medvedev-HIV Infections-Hiv Crisis-Russia

Insight: Russia says no to West's way with HIV

MOSCOW (Reuters) - In 2010, President Dmitry Medvedev said heroin was a threat to Russia's national security. This year, Russia pledged to finance programs to reduce the harm done by drug use, including an HIV crisis that is one of the most severe in the world. But even though the number of new HIV infections in Russia jumped 10 percent over 2011, health workers and global HIV authorities say Moscow has not honored that promise. This is not due to a lack of cash - Russia is doubling its budget for HIV in 2012 from 2010 levels. At issue is how it will use the funds. ... read more..

Infection Control Measures-Stomach Flu Symptoms-Norovirus Infection-Bloody Diarrhea

Help prevent the spread of Norovirus in our community

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is reporting an increased incidence at local hospitals of people with stomach flu symptoms, often associated with Norovirus, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. In order to limit transmission of the virus in hospitals and to reduce the chance of further spread, the following infection control measures have been implemented in several area hospitals:Additional housekeeping measures Prompt identification and isolation of symptomatic patients Increased promotion of hand hygiene Hospital visitor policy is being reinforced and signage has been posted at the entry of the units Local hospitals are also trying to reduce the chance of cases coming through the Emergency Department. If you are experiencing typical flu-like symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, please do not visit the Emergency Department unless you feel it is necessary to get care there.  We recommend you drink lots of fluids and see your family doctor if your symptoms last longer than three days or if you have bloody diarrhea or a high fever.  At this time of year, increased cases of Norovirus circulate in the community and can affect schools, hospitals, day care centres and long term care facilities, and anywhere groups of people gather. To avoid infection with Norovirus, we recommend the following: Wash your hands frequently Stay home from school or work if you are illAvoid visiting people in hospital or long-term care homes when ill If you think you have Norovirus, the following will help you and help prevent others from getting sick with Norovirus:  Stay home and rest for at least 24 hours after your vomiting/diarrhea have resolved and you feel well Do not prepare or handle food that will be eaten by others  For more information:                                                                        Hazel Harding, Communications AdvisorThe Ottawa Hospital613-737-8460 Ottawa Public Health Information Line613-580-6744  (TTY: 613-580-9656)  Background - Norovirus  Norovirus is a well known “Small round-structured virus” that circulates rapidly through groups of people. It is transmitted by direct contact with the virus, either through contaminated hands, or possibly through droplet spread during vomiting. It can also be transmitted in contaminated food and drink, and ingested directly. It takes less than 100 virus particles to result in illness (it has been suggested that it may take as few as ten virus particles), and so infection is easily transmitted from person to person.The main symptoms of Norovirus infection begin approximately 24-48 hours after exposure to the virus. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. A low grade fever may occur and dehydration is possible. The illness usually lasts from one day to three days; however, Norovirus can be spread for up to three days after the symptoms stop, and some people may carry the virus for up to two weeks after the symptoms end.  For more information on how to prevent the spread of germs, please visit ottawa.ca/health  You can also connect with OPH on Facebook and Twitter (@ottawahealth) for the latest public health information. read more..

source:ottawa.ca

Food And Drug Administration-Generic Drugmakers-Health Regulators-Glaxosmithkline

FDA says Merck's HIV drug gets generic threat

(Reuters) - Health regulators said they have received applications from generic drugmakers to make copycat versions of Merck & Co's HIV drug Isentress, GlaxoSmithKline's HIV drug Epivir and Bayer AG's birth control pill Beyaz. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration did not disclose the names of the generic drug applicants. Isentress was first approved in 2007 for use in adult patients. Last month, the FDA expanded the label on the drug for use in children and adolescents. Merck shares were trading almost flat at $38.58 on Tuesday on the New York Stock Exchange. ... read more..

World Health Organisation-Improvements-Human Rights-Gay Men

HIV Boy: 'Tears' After Pa. School Snub

An HIV positive student was denied entry to the Milton Hershey School in Pennsylvania because the school said it was concerned about the health and safety of other students. The boy answered ABC News' questions via written responses. read more..


Human rights key in combating AIDS among gay men: WHO

Vast improvements in human rights and access to treatment are needed to protect gay men against HIV/AIDS, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said Monday. read more..

Thursday 23 February 2012

Catholic Leaders-Healthday News-Birth Control-White House

White House Alters Controversial Birth Control Rule

FRIDAY, Feb. 10 (Healthday News) -- Facing a firestorm of criticism from Catholic leaders, the Obama administration on Friday said it will adjust its health care guideline mandating that religious employers provide women with access to Birth Control. read more..