US baby boomers feed need for joint replacements

WASHINGTON, USA: US baby boomers are fueling a wave of joint replacement surgeries, hoping to use new artificial knees and hips to stay active as they get older. 6 Dec 2011 16:42

50-hour youth sports challenge is fact finding as well as fun

Over 3000 schoolchildren from disadvantaged Western Cape communities will be doing more than keeping a ball in motion at the sixth annual Kellogg's Health of the Nation 50-Hour Sports Challenge, taking place at the Western Province Cricket Club in Newlands from Friday 16 (1.30pm) until Sunday 18 September (4pm). 13 Sep 2011 10:10

Mural cells from saphenous vein could have long-term benefits in heart attacks

Stem cell therapies promise to regenerate the infarcted heart through the replacement of dead cardiac cells and stimulation of the growth of new vessels. New research has found the transplantation of stem cells that reside in human veins can help in the recovery of a heart attack. The findings could lead, in the next few years, to the first human clinical trial. 6 Sep 2011 14:14

Physical training can substitute as second 'medication' for people diagnosed with depression

Exercise can be as effective as a second medication for as many as half of depressed patients whose condition has not been cured by a single antidepressant medication. 26 Aug 2011 09:15

Performance enhancing substances: The health risks

Recent reports have firmly placed doping and performance-enhancing substance (PES) abuse amongst adolescent athletes on the South African agenda. In fact, the SA Institute for Drug Free Sport recently said that positive doping stats for April 2010 to March 2011 have doubled. 22 Jun 2011 11:50

Nurses challenged to serve with dignity

PRETORIA: Ahead of International Nurses Day, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Health Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo has reminded nurses of their commitment to serve the people with dignity and respect. 16 May 2011 08:07

Sports Science Institute of South Africa goes digital!

With research showing that over 3.7 million South Africans interact daily on Facebook, and that well over 1.5 million tweets are generated by South Africa monthly, it is clear that the digital platform is where the institute needs to be communicating. Hence, the Sports Science Institute of South Africa (SSISA) has launched its brand-new website www.ssisa.com, which is heavily geared towards substantial interaction on social media forums. 5 Apr 2011 12:48

High altitude training offers clues to fighting lethal health problems

Inflammation can kill, study shows, yet the body can adapt. 5 Apr 2011 06:52

New blood pressure measurement device may enable doctors to treat patients more effectively

In a major scientific breakthrough, a new blood pressure measurement device is set to revolutionise the way patients' blood pressure is measured. 21 Feb 2011 07:57

Alcohol industry sponsorship associated with more hazardous drinking in sportspeople

While policy makers in Australia, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand debate whether alcohol advertising and sponsorship should be banned from sport, new research provides evidence that alcohol industry sponsorship is associated with more hazardous drinking in sportspeople compared to non-alcohol sponsorship. 3 Feb 2011 13:41

Study shows adolescents who were breastfed at birth have stronger leg muscles

Breast feeding newborn babies has lots of advantages in the short and in the long-term for babies. A study has confirmed the recently discovered benefits, which had not been researched until now. Adolescents who are breast fed at birth have stronger leg muscles than those who received artificial milk. 6 Jan 2011 09:57

Boks screened for skin cancer

Members of the Springbok squad and their management team were screened for skin cancer, in support of Rob Louw's melanoma awareness campaign, before departing on their historic Grand Slam Tour. 12 Nov 2010 08:09

High estrogen levels in female athletes associated with higher risk of injury

In female athletes with chronically higher estrogen levels, differences in the mechanical properties of tendons may lead to a higher risk of injury, according to a study in The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, official research journal of the National Strength and Conditioning Association. The journal is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins , a part of Wolters Kluwer Health, a leading provider of information and business intelligence for students, professionals, and institutions in medicine, nursing, allied health, and pharmacy. 13 Sep 2010 07:49

UK study finds black females exhibit greater magnitude of LVH than their white counterparts

A study conducted in the UK has established the extent of cardiac adaptation amongst female athletes competing in a number of sports. Previous studies of cardiac adaptation have been conducted only on male athletes, yet a growing number of females participate at elite level in many sports, nowadays including some such as rugby and boxing that were traditionally undertaken only by males. The results show evidence of changes to the heart, particularly to ventricle wall thickness and cavity size. In addition, the study considered whether ethnicity was a factor in the degree of measured cardiac adaptation. 2 Sep 2010 08:40