HIV/AIDS: The future of HIV epidemics and funding

New modelling has offered governments and donors a glimpse into the future of HIV epidemics - and what it will cost to prevent and treat them. Researchers warn of hard choices ahead and a need for some countries to take more responsibility for their national programmes. Read more >>

Mugg & Bean's in the pink

For most women, one of life's most treasured treats is a heart-to-heart with a close girlfriend over a delicious cup of coffee. During October, coffee-loving bosom buddies who pop in to a Mugg & Bean coffee shop will be in for a 'pink' surprise. Throughout the month, Mugg & Bean stores nationwide will be serving 'pink' cappuccinos in support of breast cancer awareness and education. Read more >>

Research to focus effective use of artemisinin stocks for malaria

The frontline malaria treatment artemisinin could soon be treating more people for less cost, thanks to research collaboration between Bradford and Shanghai. Read more >>

'NHI plan cheapest in long run'

[Brendan Boyle] The proposed national health insurance scheme would require a substantial increase in public spending and could increase the income tax burden of the highest earners from about 41% to 45%. Read more >>

SAICA warns on insurance shake up

A new accounting standard for the insurance industry - expected to come into force in 2014 will likely have a big impact on the medical aid sector and on start-up insurance companies which could lead to insurers passing on the cost of upgrading their systems to consumers. This is according to the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). Read more >>

Police medical scheme introduces new mobi technology

The South African Police Service Medical Scheme, POLMED, has introduced a first in mobile phone technology for the healthcare sector. Members can now view their latest claims and contributions through a monthly WAP SMS, with the added benefit of being available 24 hours a day. Read more >>

Research reveals that fragrances can cause contact allergy

The fragrances used in many household and skincare products can cause contact allergy when exposed to oxygen in the air, reveals research from the University of Gothenburg's Faculty of Science in conjunction with the University of Gothenburg to be presented at the dermatologist conference in Gothenburg. Read more >>

PIASA course on clinical trials

The Pharmaceutical Industry Association of South Africa (PIASA) recently sponsored a course in Durban under the auspices of the Foundation for Professional Development (FPD). The course was designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct clinical trials according to current good clinical practice (GCP). Read more >>

Researchers discover rhythmic changes in synapse numbers regulate sleep cycles

With the help of tiny, see-through fish, Stanford University School of Medicine researchers are homing in on what happens in the brain while you sleep. Read more >>

Tobacco consumption raises risk of death in comparison with non-smokers

Researchers from the Polytechnic University of Cartagena (UPCT) estimate that each pack of cigarettes really costs €107* for men and €75 for women, when premature death is taken into account. These figures confirm previous studies, and are of key importance in the cost-benefit analysis of smoking-prevention policies. Read more >>

Lowering blood pressure may reduce risk of kidney disease progression

Keeping blood pressure at a low level in African-Americans with kidney disease may slow the progression of the condition in patients with proteinuria, UT Southwestern Medical Centre researchers found in a national study published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Read more >>

Study finds link between air pollution and breast cancer

Air pollution has already been linked to a range of health problems. Now, a ground-breaking new study suggests pollution from traffic may put women at risk for another deadly disease. Read more >>

Happiness linked to healthy lifestyle, religion and working hours: Study

[Dr Ananya Mandal, MD] Earlier belief that happiness is a genetic trait influenced by early life experiences has been contradicted by new research from Germany. This new study found that feelings of happiness and wellbeing respond to external factors such as healthy lifestyle, religion and working hours. The study was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Read more >>

Study finds brain first capture mechanism differs from subsequent events

New neuroscience research by life scientists from UCLA and Australia may potentially help people who have lost their ability to remember due to brain injury or disease. Read more >>

What to eat and drink when pregnant: New studies

[Dr Ananya Mandal, MD] There is fresh debate over drinking during pregnancy. Researchers agree that the area is "highly politically and morally charged". Read more >>

Yoga decreases anxiety in childhood cancer patients and their parents

A new study reports that yoga can reduce the stress of cancer diagnosis and treatment experienced by childhood cancer patients and their parents. The findings were published in the September/October 2010 edition of Journal of Paediatric Oncology Nursing, published by the Association of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Nurses (APHON). Read more >>

Fight prostate cancer - eat fish

Prostate cancer can kill, and has killed many men - sometimes never having revealed itself when they were alive - but you can fight it - by eating fish. Read more >>

Most men unaware of breast cancer risk

A study, published in the October issue of the American Journal of Nursing (AJN), revealed that nearly 80% of men are unaware of their breast cancer risk despite having a family history of the disease. 100% of respondents also reported that their healthcare provider did not discuss the disease with them. AJN, the leading voice of nursing since 1900, is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 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 >>

Cost-effective ways for early detection of 'lazy eye'

Amblyopia, known as "lazy eye," is a major cause of vision problems in children and a common cause of blindness in people aged 20 to 70 in developed countries. In amblyopia the person's stronger eye is favoured and his/her weaker eye gradually loses visual power as a result. Read more >>

Tips on pregnancy care from NHS Choices

Having a baby is one of the most exciting things that can happen, but parents-to-be might be feeling nervous as well. If it's a first baby, it's hard to know what to expect and you'll want to know what's normal for pregnancy and what's not. Read more >>

X-rays increase risk of developing childhood leukaemia

Diagnostic X-rays may increase the risk of developing childhood leukaemia, according to a new study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley's School of Public Health. Read more >>

Hygiene 'scores on doors' idea not wanted by SA restaurants

[Dr Ananya Mandal, MD] As an independent MP 'eggs' on the procedure to come down tough on eateries' health standards across South Australia (SA), restaurants feel it is futile effort. Read more >>

Tiens Group launches state-of-the-art healthcare centre in China

World-class health and wellness facilities now on offer for South Africans who frequently visit the country. Read more >>

Tampons designed to provide the last line of defence

All women have those few items that they consider to be their last line of defence in emergencies - lip ice, gum, and floss or a mirror and manicure set in your handbag. Most women have tampons in their handbags but do these tampons offer a true last line of defence? Read more >>

Philips AVENT breastfeeding tips - The Baby Expo - MamaMagic

Visit Philips AVENT at The Baby Expo Cape Town (29-31 October, CTICC) and Joburg in November (25-28), Coca-Cola dome, as they provide comfortable, private and relaxed breast-feeding and bottle warming Stations for your convenience. Read more >>