Soweto building on award shortlist

[Ray Maota] The Nike Football Training Centre in Soweto in Johannesburg's south-west, could become the second South African building to be named World Building of the Year, after making the shortlist for the award. The facility is used as a training ground by nearly 20 000 young footballers every year and is also an HIV/Aids educational centre. Read more >>

SA's HIV infections; death rate falls

According to a report by AFP, quoting the country's deputy president, Kgalema Motlanthe, the number of South Africans living with HIV has fallen, as has the number of deaths as a result of the pandemic. Read more >>

Trendy young Kenyans reckon free sex is back, thanks to ARVs

Trendy youths in the East African country reckon they have discovered the secret of protecting themselves against unwanted pregnancy and HIV. Read more >>

The windmills of our smiles

The South African Dental Association (SADA) has expressed concern at the way in which reality television shows are distorting the perceptions that the public holds of dentists and dentistry and how, in a developing country such as South Africa, these shows are diverting the attention from the real need for good general dentistry and dental services to our communities. Read more >>

Physical training can substitute as second 'medication' for people diagnosed with depression

Exercise can be as effective as a second medication for as many as half of depressed patients whose condition has not been cured by a single antidepressant medication. Read more >>

Bonitas properties, assets to be sold

Bonitas, South Africa's second-largest open medical aid scheme, which was placed under curatorship after agreement was reached with the Council of Medical Schemes, is to sell its properties to free-up cash according to an article published in Business Report. Read more >>

Travellers to Zambia need Yellow Fever certificate

PRETORIA: South Africans travelling to Zambia will now be required to have a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate, the Department of Health said on Friday, 26 August 2011. Read more >>

Former smokers overpaying for life insurance

An increasing number of smokers in South Africa have considered quitting the habit as a result of more stringent legislation governing smoking in public places as well as the increasing cost. However, if these same people have actually given up smoking up to one or two years ago they may be overpaying for their life insurance by failing to inform their provider of the change in their status. Read more >>

Results of medication studies in top medical journals may be misleading to readers

[Enrique Rivero] A UCLA-Harvard study has highlighted three types of confusing outcome measures. Studies about medications published in the most influential medical journals are frequently designed in a way that yields misleading or confusing results, new research suggests. Read more >>

Scientist finds altered cerebellar functions in those with Down syndrome

A scientist investigating why those with Down syndrome often have poor balance and motor coordination has found that key eye reflexes are substantially altered. Read more >>

New psychological first aid guide to strengthen humanitarian relief

Humanitarian emergencies - such as earthquakes, extreme drought, or war - not only affect people's physical health but also their psychological and social health and well-being. Read more >>

Potential paradigm shift in treatment of depression

The discovery of the relationship between disturbed circadian rhythms and depression marks the beginning of a completely new approach to treating depression and a new era in antidepressant therapy. Read more >>

Seniors learn better from mistakes

OTTAWA: Canadian researchers have found the first evidence that older brains remember information better if it is learned through trial and error, rather than passively taking it in, a study said on Wednesday (24 August 2011). Read more >>

New research reveals brain's natural protection mechanism during stroke

Neuroscientists have identified a natural protection mechanism in some of the brain's nerve cells during the onset of stroke. The findings, published recently in the Journal of Neuroscience, could be used to develop treatments to protect other nerve cell types responsible for speech and movement. Read more >>

Global chefs fight against hunger

[Mamello Masote] Two hundred and fifty chefs from 46 different countries gathered in Sandton on Monday (22 August 2011) as the kick-off for the Chefs against Hunger tour began. Read more >>

Extreme morning sickness could lead to lifelong emotional, behavioural disorders in kids

[Enrique Rivero] An extreme form of pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting known as hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) takes a heavy toll on thousands of women each year and can lead to hospitalization and pregnancy termination. However, new research suggests pregnant women are not the only victims. Read more >>

Eye Care Awareness Month

World Retina Week - 19-25 September - kicks off Eye Care Awareness Month in South Africa. Read more >>

New site to help parents ensure cellphone safety for kids

Cellphones are an inescapable fact of life and are indispensable communication tools for today's children. They also offer stressed-out parents a way to stay in contact with their offspring in what seems to be an increasingly dangerous world. Read more >>

Cipla Medpro to expand Africa footprint

Generic drug manufacturing company Cipla Medpro wants to expand into the rest of Africa in order to accelerate the company's growth according to a report published in Business Day. Read more >>

Drastic steps needed to protect water resources

PRETORIA: Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Rejoice Mabudafhasi, says climate change will have a severe impact on the world's water resources and has called for drastic measures to be put in place to address the challenge. Read more >>

Smokers with mental disorders, drug and alcohol problems need doctors' help to quit

Smokers who also have alcohol, drug and mental disorders would benefit greatly from smoking-cessation counselling from their primary care physicians and would be five times more successful at kicking the habit, a study by researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Centre has found. Read more >>

NHI payments will be based on medical aid fees

The existing payments made to medical aid funds will be used to determine the amount that individual's pay for National Health Insurance according to an article published by Fin24. Read more >>

Mediclinic welcomes NHI plan

Mediclinic has welcomed the National Health Insurance plan proposed by government and says that its private hospitals would remain profitable according to a report published in Business Report. Read more >>

Burn a celebrity

HELSINKI, FINLAND: Non-smoking campaign drops preaching messages in favour of glossy gossip. Read more >>