A first for Wits School of Public Health

The Wits School of Public Health and the Soul City Institute launch a Division of Social and Behaviour Change Communication - it's believed to be an African first. Read more >>

Bariatric surgery diabetes cure

Four years ago, Natasha Minny was overweight, and suffering from diabetes Type-2, high blood pressure and severe depression. Similarly, an overweight Alex Vowles was suffering chronic pain and was also diagnosed with diabetes. Read more >>

AAT boosts snake bite anti-venom initiatives

The Falls Medical Centre in Victoria Falls is in critical need of snake-bite poly-valent anti-venom after considering the lack of preparation and evaluating the recent trauma of the last two life threatening envenomations in the area, and Africa Albida Tourism (AAT) took it on their shoulders to drive the initiative. Read more >>

Surprise, surprise, ladies... feel good, look good...

Research seems to have confirmed that regular workouts make women feel stronger, healthier, confident, energised and accomplished. Read more >>

Home based care - a viable option for medical scheme members

South Africa's first comprehensive home based medical healthcare service was launched in Johannesburg by general practitioner, Dr Robert Odes, in June this year. Read more >>

Study finds common risk factors link to painkiller addiction

A new Geisinger study begins to unlock the puzzle of painkiller (opioid) addiction - why some people are more likely to become addicted than others. Geisinger investigators have found that patients with four common risk factors have a significantly higher risk of addiction. In addition, a history of severe drug dependence and drug abuse compounds the risk. The findings appear in the September issue of Addiction. Read more >>

New weapon against haemorrhagic shock

Researchers identify molecule to slow down dysfunctional immune response in haemorrhagic shock. Read more >>

Children and young people want greater involvement in healthcare consultations

The involvement of children and young people in consultations about aspects of their health or illness is often limited, with their role in diagnosis and decision-making on treatment options secondary to that of parents or carers. However, research shows that most children and young people want greater involvement, that this can both improve their understanding of their illness and positively influence healthcare outcomes. Read more >>

Researchers identify molecular signals that impact male fertility

Penn study reveals how changes in gene expression could lead to infertility. Read more >>

Human umbilical cord blood cells appear to protect astrocytes from cell death: Research

Human umbilical cord blood cells (HUCB) used to treat cultured rat brain cells (astrocytes) deprived of oxygen appear to protect astrocytes from cell death after stroke-like damage, reports a team of researchers from the University of South Florida (USF) Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair. Read more >>

Migraine with aura increases mortality rate by heart diseases: Research

Research: Migraine with aura and risk of cardiovascular and all cause mortality in men and women: Prospective cohort study Read more >>

Fluoridation exposure during childhood prevents adult tooth loss

Children drinking water with added fluoride helps dental health in adulthood decades later, a new study finds. Read more >>

New diagnostic tool proves cost-effective in identifying rare genetic disorders

Mutations in a single gene can cause several types of developmental brain abnormalities that experts have traditionally considered different disorders. With support from the National Institutes of Health, researchers found those mutations through whole exome sequencing - a new gene scanning technology that cuts the cost and time of searching for rare mutations. Read more >>

Perspectives of the heart

Siemens introduces new solutions for the diagnosis and therapy of heart diseases. Read more >>

Cigarettes as mood enhancers increase risk of depression

Universities of Toronto and Montreal study published in Addictive Behaviors. Read more >>

New non-invasive method to diagnose osteoarthritis

Researchers at New York University have developed an innovative way to look at the development of osteoarthritis in the knee joint-one that relies on the examination of sodium ions in cartilage. Their work, which appears in the Journal of Magnetic Resonance, may provide a non-invasive method to diagnose osteoarthritis in its very early stages. Read more >>

South Africa: Army steps in to the breech

The South African army has deployed more 1800 medical staff to 47 public hospitals throughout South Africa to substitute for striking doctors and nurses as the nine-day industrial action becomes increasingly ill-tempered. Read more >>

Informed specific consent should be sought before blood transfusion

Two legal experts argue on bmj.com today that informed consent should be obtained from competent patients before blood transfusions takes place. Read more >>

Adventure Boot Camp calls for sponsors for 2011

Adventure Boot Camp invites all healthy consumer brands who are dedicated to inspiring a change in South African women through health and wellness, to partner with them as sponsors in 2011. Read more >>