Millions of people with HIV/AIDS lack access to lifesaving treatment, says AHF

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) today hailed the news that four million people from low and middle income countries living with HIV/AIDS were on lifesaving antiretroviral treatment in 2008, a 36% increase over 2007. Read more >>

BBC examines 'huge imbalance' between funding for HIV/AIDS, other health needs in Uganda

The BBC examines the balance between funding for HIV/AIDS and for the broader health system and other diseases in Uganda. Read more >>

HSFSA distributes 1000 beanies

During winter, the Heart and Stroke Foundation SA (HSFSA) made their annual nationwide appeal for wool donations to knit beanies for all the children listed on its Children's Programme. The programme is geared towards teaching heart healthy habits to crèche and primary school aged children as well as their caregivers. Read more >>

Calcium to cure cardiovascular problems

Calcium is crucial for heart regeneration by cardiac stem cells following cardiovascular problems say scientists in an article published in the journal Circulation Research on 9 October. The study also identifies the body molecules controlling calcium levels in the stem cells and reveals, how their manipulation, can lead to the formation of new cardiac tissue. The work, that follows the recent surprising discovery of stem cells within the heart, can have important implications in the regenerative medicine of this organ in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Read more >>

Hearty hits Cape Town

During September 2009, Heart Awareness Month, the Heart and Stroke Foundation SA mascot, Hearty, in conjunction with Melomed, went on a heart health awareness road trip. Read more >>

New findings on Alzheimer's disease suggest a possible way for treatment

The action of a small protein that is a major villain in Alzheimer's disease can be counterbalanced with another brain protein, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Centre have found in an animal study. Read more >>

World Osteoporosis Day 2009 this October

During World Osteoporosis Day (WOD), on 20 October 2009, the ‘Stand Tall' campaign will recommence continuing to mobilise general public to assist in the call to improve osteoporosis healthcare policies in government healthcare systems, private insurance companies and corporate healthcare networks, this call to action will be maintained during National Osteoporosis Month (November). Read more >>

Impact of swine flu Australia, NZ revealed

A three-month study reveals the impact of swine flu on the health of the general public in Australia and New Zealand. Read more >>

USAID grants over $10.5 million for fight against malaria

The U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), announced over $10.5 million in grants to seven organizations working in six countries in Africa to extend malaria prevention and control activities in communities most affected by the disease, particularly children under age five and pregnant women. Read more >>

Coeliac disease patients at risk of osteoporosis

People with coeliac disease may develop osteoporosis because their immune system attacks their bone tissue, a new study has shown. Read more >>

Low levels of ROS might protect us from diabetes, says study

We've all heard about the damage that reactive oxygen species (ROS) - aka free radicals - can do to our bodies and the sales pitches for antioxidant vitamins, skin creams or "superfoods" that can stop them. In fact, there is considerable scientific evidence that chronic ROS production within cells can contribute to human diseases, including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Read more >>

Adverse childhood experiences double the risk of premature death

Many U.S. children face a terrible burden of stressors that can harm the development of their brains and nervous systems. These stressors can lead to health problems and diseases throughout their lives, ultimately causing some to die prematurely, according to the lead author of a new study. Read more >>

Research and development using stem cells from menstrual blood helps fight against breast cancer

Cryo-Cell International, a global leader in stem cell innovation, is proud to be making progress in the fight against breast cancer through research and development using stem cells from menstrual blood. In honour of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Cryo-Cell is supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure® through C'elle®, the company's service which enables women to collect and cryopreserve stem cells from their menstrual blood. Read more >>

National survey highlights eye-care

While the majority of South Africans (99%) know that carrots, spinach and salmon are good for their eyes, the Transitions Healthy Sight Survey has revealed that less than half (four out of 10) of respondents were aware that unhealthy eating habits can damage your eyes and exacerbate eye-related diseases such as diabetes and glaucoma. Read more >>

Providing right environment is crucial for preschoolers

The Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation has launched a broad-reaching outreach campaign to make people aware that providing the right environment for children under the age of 5 is of the utmost importance in ensuring their success in school. The campaign, entitled Help them grow, puts parents back in the spotlight, valuing their essential role in helping children develop the maturity they need to successfully begin their school years. Read more >>

Gluten-free diet leads to complete recovery of bone mineralization in CD affected children

Celiac disease (CD) is an inherited intestinal disorder characterized by life-long intolerance to the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. Read more >>

Uncontrolled maternal asthma during pregnancy increases likelihood of child developing asthma

One of the largest studies of its kind published in European Respiratory Journal. Read more >>

Multiple intervention programs can reduce teen pregnancies

When teenagers receive health education and information about contraception, the number of them having unintended pregnancies decreases, finds a large new review. Read more >>

Bryan Habana promotes health education

In a bid to educate and empower South Africans and eradicate the spread of disease, rugby star Bryan Habana and over 1,800 children will attempt to break the existing Guinness World Records total of the most people washing their hands at the same time, in the same place. Read more >>

Breast cancer misinformation prevalent among U.S. young women; promotes unnecessary fears

Breast cancer has shifted from a taboo subject to one that is discussed freely in the media and in our daily lives. Young women are not immune to these messages. And the reality is that most girls have a first- or second-hand connection to someone with breast cancer - and limited age-appropriate information on the facts of breast cancer. As a result, it's not surprising that Breastcancer.org found misinformation to be prevalent among young women in the United States, promoting unnecessary fears. Read more >>

Designer T-shirt supports Breast Cancer Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and to highlight the prevalence of the most common cancer in women around the world African Fashion International (AFI) is running the second annual Design for Life fundraiser that employs fashion for a greater purpose. Read more >>

Giving infertile women the chance to raise a child

The first successful egg donation in humans was achieved in 1984, but, while it represented a major breakthrough in modern reproductive treatment, egg donation was still out of reach for many desperate South African couples who were struggling to conceive naturally. Women between 21 and 34 can donate some of their eggs giving infertile women the chance to raise a child. Read more >>