HIV transmission among male partners: CFAR scientists discover origin of strains

A team of scientists, led by a virologist from the University of California, San Diego's Centre for AID Research (CFAR), has discovered the origin of strains of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among men who have sex with men. The study, which may be important in developing prevention strategies for HIV, appeared in Science Translational Medicine on 10 February 2010. Read more >>

Be safe, stay safe

With the rapid approach of Valentine's Day on 14 February, love is in the air. Soon romantic rhymes, the rustle of Valentine's cards and the anticipation of intimate dinner dates will be causing hearts to flutter and beat a little louder than before. Read more >>

Top ten myths about sex

Boston Medical Group, a US-based national physician network specialising in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, has released ten of the top myths surrounding sex. From which gender spends the most time fantasising to whether size really matters, the list covers some of the common misconceptions about time spent between the sheets. Read more >>

Whisper sweet nothings in my ear, darling

Undiagnosed hearing loss and failure to correctly remedy the condition are major causes of breakdown in relationships. Read more >>

Training OTC dispensers

The Adcock Ingram's OTC (Over the Counter) Academy of Learning is ready for its 2010 intake of pharmacists and assistants. All delegates who achieve over 90% are entered into a draw and the lucky winners each receive a bursary to study for their Pharmacist's Assistant's qualification, valued at R7100 each Read more >>

SA measles outbreak spreading

The cause of a measles outbreak sweeping South Africa has not as yet been determined, but initial suspicions point to religious objections and unfounded fears that immunizations against the disease increase the risk of autism in children. Read more >>

Swine flu warning ahead of World Cup

South Africans should not be complacent about swine flu ahead of the Soccer World Cup as it remains a grave worldwide health threat, Netcare Travel Clinics warned on Monday. Read more >>

Anorexics have high fat within their marrow

Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston have reported that people with anorexia nervosa have strikingly high levels of fat within their bone marrow. Read more >>

Anxiety drugs like Valium are addictive in the same way as heroin, warn scientists

A popular form of anxiety drugs use the same potentially addictive 'reward pathways' in the brain as heroin and cannabis, scientists have warned. Read more >>

Study indicates women receiving antiretroviral therapy are more likely to become pregnant

In PLoS Medicine this week a study conducted in a multi-country HIV treatment program in sub-Saharan Africa has found that pregnancy rates increase in HIV-infected women after they start antiretroviral therapy (ART). Read more >>

Smoking's lingering dangers...

Health hazards: Clinging tobacco smoke reacts with nitrous acid and produces dangerous carcinogens. Read more >>

Seven-day exercise plan for reducing cancer risk

Being active for at least 30 minutes every day reduces your risk of developing some types of cancer. Fitness experts at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Centre have designed an exclusive exercise plan based on this evidence that will fit into almost anyone's lifestyle. Read more >>

Humans are economical walkers, but not efficient runners

Walking heels-first is less work than walking on your toes or balls of the feet. Read more >>

Parents often recognise signs of asthma in their children but delay home treatment: Report

Parents of young children with asthma often recognise signs that their child is about to have an asthma attack but delay home treatment until the attack occurs, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis report. Read more >>

Low serotonin linked to sudden cot death

After struggling for years to explain why some apparently healthy babies die suddenly in their sleep, a study singles out serotonin deficiency as a key culprit in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or cot death. Read more >>

Moderation makes sense for healthier children

Excessive TV viewing, lack of sleep and low frequency of family meals increases risk of childhood obesity. Read more >>

Haiti: Funding gap for nutrition

Donors have contributed just 6 percent of the funds sought for post-earthquake nutritional assistance to women and children in Haiti, according to the UN. Read more >>

Vital Health Matters on SAFM - Vital Health Foods

George Grieve, the MD of Vital Health Foods, was recently interviewed by Karen Key from SAFM Health Matters, regarding the quality standards in the nutritional supplement market of South Africa. Read more >>