Preventative mastectomies unnecessary for some at-risk women

As Angelina Jolie had the genetic mutation known as BRCA1, which although uncommon, does create an exceedingly high risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, most women with genetic risks should discuss the matter fully with their doctors before following her step of a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. 21 May 2013 11:45

Get tested this International Thyroid Week

Thyroid disorders are some of the most frequent diseases in the world with about 1,6 billion people worldwide at risk. International Thyroid Week, 27 - 31 May 2013, is an initiative of Merck Serono in association with Thyroid Federation International that aims to bring to light the importance of having your thyroid checked regularly so as to correctly prevent and/or manage these disorders. 20 May 2013 13:52

Did Stone Age man have the answer to a healthy body shape?

Unilever scientists have recently released the results of a clinical study that suggests meals rich in nutrients and fibre inspired by our Palaeolithic ancestors are better at satisfying the appetite than a regular meal and could also help combat obesity and even type 2 diabetes. 20 May 2013 14:30

Gene clues for testicular cancer, heart defect

PARIS, FRANCE: Separate studies of the human genome have found tantalising clues to the inherited causes of testicular cancer and non-inherited causes of congenital heart disease, journals reported. 15 May 2013 16:38

Allergen SA appoints new country manager

Morné Steenkamp has been appointed country manager of Allergan South Africa, a subsidiary of US-based Allergan Inc., a global multi-speciality health care company with portfolios in eye care, neurosciences, medical dermatology, medical aesthetics and breast prostheses. 14 May 2013 11:40

2013 Florence Nightingale Award winners

International Nurses' Day, celebrated on 12 May, acknowledges nurses and their significant contribution to our communities. The third annual Florence Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursing is a Bio-Oil initiative that aims to elevate the tireless, often unrecognised work being done by South Africa's nurses. 14 May 2013 08:37

Bugs are food of the future: UN agency

ROME, ITALY: Beetles, caterpillars and wasps could supplement diets around the world as an environmentally friendly food source if only Western consumers could get over their "disgust", the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) said on Monday, 13 May 2013. 13 May 2013 16:48

Netcare moans about competition probe

[Tamar Kahn] Private hospital group Netcare's chief executive Richard Friedland says he is disappointed that the Competition Commission's planned enquiry into the private healthcare sector will exclude the pharmaceutical sector. 21 May 2013 10:44

Crohn's Disease forms part of IBD month

As May is the month to highlight Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), pharmaceutical company, AbbVie wishes to create further awareness around one particular, debilitating IBD - Crohn's Disease. 21 May 2013 10:51

Sport nutrition products can contain banned substances

With 55 doping violations between April 2011 and June 2012 in South Africa, the trend is increasing according to recent statistics released by the SA Institute for Drug Free Sport. However, while some athletes use drugs to seek a competitive advantage, others including amateurs may inadvertently consume banned ingredients through sports nutrition products. 20 May 2013 16:00

Rats, rats as big as bloomin' cats

City of Johannesburg spokesman Nthatisi Modingoane said the environmental directorate conducts rodent control blitzes regularly. 17 May 2013 10:43

SA's epilepsy-related deaths double

Epilepsy South Africa says the number of epilepsy-related deaths has doubled since 2004 and accuses the Department of Health of not taking the condition seriously. 17 May 2013 12:12

Inflow of migrants pushes population to 53 million - Stats SA

South Africa's population is estimated to have grown to just under 53 million by the middle of this year, with an inflow of migrants behind much of the 1.2 million population increase since the 2011 Census, Statistician General Pali Lehohla said earlier this week. 16 May 2013 06:42

No cold frosties for Motsoaledi

A beer maker's plans to boost the sale of its product in Africa has left a sour taste in Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi's mouth. 16 May 2013 07:45

NHI is a reality says Motsoaledi

South Africans should stop wasting time opposing National Health Insurance (NHI)‚ Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said on Wednesday (15 May). 16 May 2013 10:07