Study shows importance of formal education in preventing spread of HIV in Africa

Simply teaching people the facts about how to protect themselves from HIV may not be enough to prevent the spread of AIDS in Africa, a new study suggests. Read more >>

'Mystery' illness identified

'The illness that took the lives of two young men who were hospitalised and later died at Netcare Olivedale Hospital a number of days ago has been positively diagnosed. All viral haemorrhagic fevers and other epidemic-prone diseases have been totally excluded,' says Robert Jordaan, general manager of Netcare Olivedale Hospital. Read more >>

Diabetes set to cripple healthcare in Africa

Diabetes is fast becoming a silent epidemic with over 300 million people worldwide living with the disease, 80% of these are living in developing countries where they have little or no access to proper medical care. In sub-Saharan Africa the disease is becoming what the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has called a "public emergency (unfolding) in slow motion". Read more >>

Mall, top celebrities unite against child abuse

To celebrate their 1st birthday, Parkview Lifestyle Mall is supporting "Celebs Unite against Child Abuse". Read more >>

Health of the Nation scores with Kellogg's

The Kellogg Company of South Africa has announced that it will continue its sponsorship of the annual Health of the Nation 50-Hour Sports Challenge for the (second) consecutive year. More than 6000 children will keep a ball in motion for 50 uninterrupted, hours to highlight the importance of physical activity in children's lives. Read more >>

Media invited to CANSA three day Women's Health Conference

The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) is hosting a three day Women's Health Conference in celebration of Women's Health and is inviting media to attend. The theme is Awareness, Coping and Beyond - A Cancer Conference for our Time. Read more >>

Mystery illness: 'No definitive cause of death as yet'

"A definitive cause of death has not as yet been established following the death of two brothers at Netcare Olivedale Hospital a number of days ago but tests will continue," says Robert Jordaan, general manager of Netcare Olivedale Hospital. Read more >>

Hospital offers reassurance, and an update

Netcare Olivedale Hospital today, 8 September 2010, issued a further update following the death of two brothers at the facility a number of days ago. The hospital stated that no new cases of the illness have been reported to date and that close personal contacts all remain in good health. Read more >>

Medshield/Oxygen merger gets green light

The Registrar of the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) has approved the proposed merger between Medshield Medical Scheme and Oxygen Medical Scheme. Following a few months of careful evaluation and consultation the Boards of both Schemes are extremely upbeat about the amalgamation, which will be effective from 1 October and will yield the country's fourth largest open medical scheme. Read more >>

More men than women discontinue medications due to side effects

Men are more likely than women to discontinue a medication due to side effects. More and more men are diagnosed with age-related issues like enlarged prostate and men are being prescribed medications that have side effects. These side effects often cause men to say "NO." Read more >>

Cleaning products do not increase risk of breast cancer: Research

Results of a new US study published today have looked at whether cleaning products are linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. They appear to show that women who say they used such products in the past are more likely to have breast cancer. Read more >>

Obesity key lies in the brain: Study

[Dr Ananya Mandal, MD] According to a new international study led in Australia by the Monash Obesity and Diabetes Institute (MODI) at Monash University, high fat diets that lead to obesity and weight gain make the brain immune to signals that tell the body to stop eating and to burn energy. Read more >>

TNS therapy improves depression: Study

Major depression is a common and disabling brain condition marked not only by the presence of depressed mood but also by its effects on sleep, energy, decision-making, memory and thoughts of death or of suicide. Read more >>

Breakfast beats obesity and disease

It's an old cliché that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But it is true. The evidence is there. Breakfast helps beat obesity and associated diseases so it's surprising that it is the most often skipped meal of the day. Read more >>

Turning the tide against FAS in Northern Cape

As we recognise International Day of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), it may seem like a daunting task to reduce harm created by alcohol abuse, but happily, it's something the Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (FARR) and the Industry Association for Responsible Alcohol Use (ARA) are making good progress with in the Northern Cape. Read more >>

Weaning your baby on junk food? NOT a good idea

[Dr Ananya Mandal, MD] According to a recent study in Perth, Australia, babies here are being fed high calorie junk foods like biscuits, cakes, hot chips and ice cream before they turn one. This practice affects their eating habits for life say researchers. The report appeared in the Australian Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics. The study was undertaken by the Telethon Institute of Child Health Research, University of Western Australia and Curtin University and South Australia's Flinders University. Read more >>

Hay fever alert

With the rise in hay fever symptoms, Twinsaver tissues offers these insights into the causes and relief for 20% of the population who are currently feeling stuffy and nasal as the season changes. Read more >>

Disinfectant hand gels not effective against swine flu: Study

[Dr Ananya Mandal, MD] According to the latest research published this Sunday, regular use of alcohol-based disinfecting hand gels has little effect on the H1N1 swine flu infection rates. The authors of the study said that the infection is spread by air droplets rather than touch and contact. Read more >>

Safe sex campaign for over 50's

[Dr Ananya Mandal, MD] New figures have shown an alarming rise in sexually transmitted infections among the over-50s in Britain. Health charity FPA (Family Planning Association) has come up with a nationwide campaign using fashion adverts from the 60s and 70s to encourage members of the baby boomer generation to use condoms and practice safe sex. Read more >>

We're overweight, unfit, unhealthy - and in denial

According to a major national health survey South Africans in denial over their health - we're a nation of people in denial when it comes to perceptions of how overweight, unfit and unhealthy we are. Read more >>

New drug in schools...

This is a new drug, known as 'strawberry quick', and according to Lieutenant Colonel P. G. Selele of the South African Police Services, parents of school-going children, and the general public, needs to be aware of it. Read more >>

Maputo still on the alert list

Dr Ian Cornish, regional MD of International SOS said expatriates, business and leisure travellers should be aware of the current risks of travel to Mozambique and have contingency plans in place. Read more >>

High estrogen levels in female athletes associated with higher risk of injury

In female athletes with chronically higher estrogen levels, differences in the mechanical properties of tendons may lead to a higher risk of injury, according to a study in The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, official research journal of the National Strength and Conditioning Association. The journal is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins , a part of Wolters Kluwer Health, a leading provider of information and business intelligence for students, professionals, and institutions in medicine, nursing, allied health, and pharmacy. Read more >>

Photographer shoots cancer campaigners

When photographer Liezel Barrow approached the organisers of the Nashua Largest Ever Bikini Photo Shoot about becoming the official image taker, it was more than a professional decision - it was a deeply personal one. Read more >>

IMD paddles against cancer in Dragon Boat race fundraiser

L'ABBAYE, SWITZERLAND: IMD teamwork, networking with clients and fun in the sun - all these ingredients and more were on display as two IMD sponsored teams took part in the Paddle for Cancer DragonBoat Festival yesterday in L'Abbaye, Switzerland. Read more >>