High incidence of HIV infection is found among South African gays

New research from UCSF examining HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the township of Soweto in South Africa has found that a third of gay-identified men are infected with HIV. Read more >>

Importance of becoming organ donor highlighted

With August being organ awareness month, the Livingstone Hospital renal unit is stressing the importance of people becoming donors. Read more >>

Transplant recipient's second chance at life

[Lebogang Tsele] "Last September I received a truly precious gift," says Killian Nair, "I want to say thank you to the family that so graciously donated this gift to me. Their generosity has secured a brighter future for me." Read more >>

SA's need for organs made personal at Organ Donor Tribute Day

“Organ transplant” can, to the lay person, be such a sterile and clinical term, but on Thursday, 20 August, 2009, a personal face was put to this miraculous medical procedure at the Organ Donor Tribute Day 2009, held in Johannesburg. Read more >>

Common causes for shoulder pain in adults

We rarely think about or marvel at the muscle movements it takes to simply lift up our arms - until we get a nagging shoulder pain that hinders our movements. Read more >>

Fatty liver associated with metabolic problems

New findings from nutrition researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis suggest that it's not whether body fat is stored in the belly that affects metabolic risk factors for diabetes, high blood triglycerides and cardiovascular disease, but whether it collects in the liver. Read more >>

Melomed opens new hospital in Bellville

Melomed, a wholly black-owned and fully compliant black economic empowerment (BEE) company, has announced the launch of the Melomed Bellville Hospital and Medical Centre, in the Western Cape. Melomed Bellville will be the flagship hospital that plans to reach out to previously disadvantaged communities. Read more >>

Medical aids feeling the pinch, MPs told

An increasing number of South Africa's 119 medical aid schemes are feeling the financial pinch, members of parliament's health portfolio committee heard on Wednesday, 26 August 2009. Read more >>

Smokers twice likely to get erectile dysfunction, says study

A survey by the Boston Area Community Health, done over a nine-year period, showed that the incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED) was twice as high amongst smokers compared to non-smokers. The survey investigated the association between smoking (active and passive smoking) and erectile dysfunction [ED]. With 5506 respondents [2301 men, and 3205 women] the study revealed a strong association between smoking and ED. Read more >>

Increased testosterone levels boost appetite and career choices in women

The battle of the sexes rages on, this time from the trading floor. While there has long been debate about the social and biological differences between men and women, new research by the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and the University of Chicago's Department of Comparative Human Development explores how the hormone testosterone plays an important role in gender differences in financial risk aversion and career choice. Read more >>

Scientists cultivate multiple types of retina cells from human stem cells

A team of scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health has successfully grown multiple types of retina cells from two types of stem cells — suggesting a future in which damaged retinas could be repaired by cells grown from the patient's own skin. Read more >>

Rooibos helps fight allergies

Rooibos can help fight allergies by boosting the production of Cytochrome P450, an important enzyme that helps to metabolise allergens. Japanese researchers at Showa University have found that when Rooibos is consumed regularly as a beverage, it helps to improve allergy status as a result of the increased levels of this enzyme in the body. Read more >>

Increased expenditure on tobacco products leads to poorer nutrition for children

A new study finds that smokers in rural Indonesia finance their habit by dipping into the family food budget-which ultimately results in poorer nutrition for their children. The findings suggest that the costs of smoking in the developing world go well beyond the immediate health risks, according to authors Steven Block and Patrick Webb of Tufts University. The study is published in the October issue of Economic Development and Cultural Change. Read more >>

Immunisation programs must include Rotavirus vaccines - African health experts

NAIROBI: One child dies every minute in Africa because of the rotovirus associated diarrohea which is preventable through vaccination, a health workshop has been told. The workshop, composed of leading scientists, pediatricians and policy makers from Africa, Europe, Asia and Latin America asked African Governments to incorporate the rotavirus vaccine into their respective countries' national expanded programs for immunisation (EPI) for children. Read more >>

Alcon Laboratories renews contract with X/Procure

Alcon Laboratories has renewed its advertising contract with Primedia Unlimited's X/procure. The pharmaceutical manufacturer in its latest communication seeks to promote its itchy and watery eye fighter Patanol. The campaign will run for a period of four months, coinciding with the approaching change of seasons. Read more >>

Patients given old medicine

[Eddie Botha] An investigation by Dispatch Crusaders has uncovered numerous expired medicines in the dispensary of an East London doctor. Read more >>

Pregnant women most at risk of swine flu

[Zinhle Mapumulo] Eighteen people have been killed by swine flu in South Africa in less than a month. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) now fears the number could continue to escalate. Read more >>

Polycystic ovary syndrome in women can be relieved by acupuncture and exercise

Polycystic ovary syndrome, a common condition among women, can be relieved by the use of acupuncture and exercise. This has been shown by a recent study at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Read more >>