Top stories
HIV/AIDS
[Francis Hweshe] CAPE TOWN: Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini has commended gains made in South Africa's HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT) campaign, which has reached close to 15 million people. Read more >>
 Gas and welding products supplier, Afrox hosts a monthly wellness day for its employees with a different health-focus each month. The company recently contracted PocketMedia Solutions to produce a credit card-sized Z-CARD to educate its employees about how to manage HIV/Aids. Read more >>
 [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 >>
Medical
 On 20 August 2001, Andre Rademan and Ken van Ginkel sent out the very first Bizcommunity.com newsletter. Now, almost 10 years to the day, we're mixing up potions and even baking in preparation for our 'high calorie', 'light-fuse-and-stand-back' 10th birthday celebrations! [ twitterfall] Read more >>
Cardiology
 Stem cell therapies promise to regenerate the infarcted heart through the replacement of dead cardiac cells and stimulation of the growth of new vessels. New research has found the transplantation of stem cells that reside in human veins can help in the recovery of a heart attack. The findings could lead, in the next few years, to the first human clinical trial. Read more >>
 Reduced slow wave sleep (SWS) is a powerful predictor for developing high blood pressure in older men, according to new research in Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association. Read more >>
 "Heart disease will kill a third of men and a quarter of women in South Africa," says Dr Vash Mungal-Singh, CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation. "Think about that. Four couples are around a dinner table. At least two people will die from heart disease. Two of your friends. Gone. Heart disease is the world's number one killer and sits at number two in South Africa, second only to HIV/Aids." Read more >>
 It's only recently that we have come to understand, the impact of stress on our bodies, or the physical havoc that emotional trauma can wreak. We're still finding out what price we pay - though we know it's a heavy one - for some of our unnatural everyday lifestyle issues like working night shifts, or spending all day doing computer work. There are aspects of our own bodies that we only vaguely understand, and that's part of what makes us so miraculous. Read more >>
 This September is Heart Awareness Month, with the theme, "One world, one home, one heart, one test". The challenge is on for every South African, regardless of race, age or gender to do just one thing to improve their heart's health. Read more >>
 One of South Africa's leading facilities of its kind, the Life Vincent Pallotti Cardiac Unit is committed to providing superior treatment for the full spectrum of cardiac conditions. Read more >>
Chronic diseases
 Researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have found that high levels of a specific hormone can predict which kidney patients will develop heart problems, require dialysis or die prematurely. Read more >>
CSI
Lesley Simpson Communications (LSC) will be a part of the highly anticipated "Bidvest World Chefs Tour against Hunger", taking place between 21 and 30 August 2011. The event will see 250 chefs from 44 countries, visiting South Africa to raise funds and awareness for the plight of the hungry. Read more >>
Dental disease
 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 >>
Exercise science
 Assisting athletes with disabilities is reaping rewards for the University of Johannesburg (UJ) after two of the tertiary institution's wheelchair tennis players were recently awarded at the South African Sports Awards at Sun City. Lucas Sithole from Newcastle in Kwazulu-Natal and Kgothatso Montjane from Polokwane in Limpopo, were named respectively Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability. Read more >>
 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 >>
Exhibitions and Events
 Professionals in the Health, Social services, Education and Human Resources sectors are cordially invited to a breakfast to hear how the Al-Anon Programme helps thousands of relatives and friends of alcoholics cope with the effects of alcoholism. Read more >>
The Laboratory Medicine Congress (LMC) is currently underway at the Sandton Convention Centre, 31 August to 4 September 2011, with Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics as platinum sponsor of the event. Read more >>
[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 >>
 South Africa's rapidly-changing healthcare industry is creating a level of uncertainty that makes strong leadership and a strong skills base more critical than ever before. High cost structures, technological advances, aggressive healthcare reforms and increasing regulatory and reporting demands are putting increased pressures on already-constrained healthcare staff. Read more >>
Cape Town is set to become the first city in Africa to host the 14th Annual International Generic Pharmaceutical Alliance (IGPA) Conference, a premier event for the global generic medicines industry. Read more >>
Hospital Groups
 New Media has, for a second year running, been awarded and acknowledged by client Mediclinic Southern Africa and its board of management, for delivering outstanding service and dedication in producing the group's quarterly customer magazine Mediclinic Family. Read more >>
Melomed Hospital Holdings has announced a visit by a UK trade delegation led by the Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Michael Bear to Melomed Bellville hospital on 6 September 2011, as part of his annual visit to the African continent. The purpose of this visit is to promote relations between local and international business entities. Read more >>
Infectious diseases
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 >>
Medical Aid
 Comments about private hospitals made by the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) in its 2010/2011 annual report are inappropriate and arguably intent on being divisive says the Hospital Association of South Africa (HASA). Read more >>
 [Graham Anderson] Dental care is one of the most often neglected aspects of healthcare, simply because people don't like to go to the dentist and because looking after their teeth just never seems like a medical emergency. Make an effort to maintain your good dental health - it's worth it. Read more >>
 According to a report in Times Live medical aid members are being ripped off by having to pay "salaries" for their scheme's trustees. Read more >>
Health insurer Discovery Holdings has reported operating profits of almost R2,84-billion for the year to June and its normalised headline earnings per share increased by 31% to 365,8 cents a share according to a report published in Business Report. Read more >>
Medical Research
 Sipping the occasional glass of wine may seem relatively harmless, and could even be beneficial to the drinker's health. However, for parents, even moderate drinking can result in one unintended consequence: an increased risk their children will drive under the influence as adults. Read more >>
 Biologists at the University of Florida have found a reason why men's ring fingers are generally longer than their index fingers - and why the reverse usually holds true for women. Read more >>
Researchers at the University of Bristol have designed a chemical system which represents perhaps the simplest protocell model of cell formation on the early Earth. The work is described in an article published today in Nature Chemistry. Read more >>
JOHANNESBURG: The shortage of skilled clinical researchers is an important obstacle that will need to be addressed if reform of South Africa's healthcare system is to be sustainable. Read more >>
Groundbreaking research reveals clues to the formation of hearts, intestines and other key organs. Read more >>
Medical Technology
 A complete map of active genes in the mammalian brain has been produced for the first time by Oxford University researchers and scientists at the US National Human Genome Research Institute. Read more >>
Siemens Healthcare, in partnership with the Radiological Society of South Africa (RSSA), hosted a congress for radiographers and radiologists in Johannesburg in August which focused on a comprehensive review of recent advances in computed body tomography. Read more >>
South Africa's nuclear facility at Pelindaba, west of Tshwane, is now the world's leading producer of medical isotopes according to an article published on Business Live. Read more >>
 [Kathy Wallis] New research from Neurologist Dr. David Spence of The University of Western Ontario has shown that using 3-D ultrasound to identify ulcers in the carotid arteries is an effective way to pinpoint the small number of high-risk patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis (ACS) who would benefit from surgery to prevent stroke. Read more >>
Mental health
 Making friends is a key part of school life, often shaping our futures and helping us develop as individuals. With youngsters across the country returning to school this week, new research has identified the factors which influence these relationships, with academic achievement, mother's education and personality found to be essential in the friendship formation process. Read more >>
 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 >>
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 >>
 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 >>
 Be it wife or girlfriend, when a man's partner becomes too buddy-buddy with his pals, his sex life may suffer. Read more >>
Neurology
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 >>
 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 >>
 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 >>
Nutrition
 In a bid to stop millions of people dying and suffering every year from malnutrition, WHO today is launching a new web-powered initiative that clarifies guidance on life-saving nutrition interventions, and assists governments and healthcare providers to better scale up action against all forms of malnutrition. Read more >>
[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 >>
Oncology
 HELSINKI, FINLAND: Non-smoking campaign drops preaching messages in favour of glossy gossip. Read more >>
 A clinical trial has shown that a form of gene therapy is safe for treating a deadly form of brain cancer, even when combined with radiation therapy. Read more >>
 SINGAPORE: The rise of skin cancer cases means that people need to be extra careful with their skin during the summer months, particularly that group of sun-worshippers who enjoy nothing more than lying in the hot midday sun, topping up their tans. Read more >>
 Cancer Research UK-funded scientists have discovered that women who carry a faulty copy of a gene called RAD51D have almost a one in 11 chance of developing ovarian cancer, the most significant ovarian cancer gene discovery for more than a decade, reveals a study in Nature Genetics1. Read more >>
 Cancer Research UK scientists have developed a new imaging technique that uses vitamin C to detect cancers likely to be more aggressive or resistant to treatment, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society today. Read more >>
Ophthalmology
 Two students from the Umzi Wethu hospitality training academy in Port Elizabeth can now 'see clearly' thanks to the sponsorship of Spec-Savers. Lifa Tshali and Lerato Tau received their glasses from Spec-Savers Greenacres franchisee, Antonie Wolmarans on Monday, 29 August 2011. Read more >>
 World Retina Week - 19-25 September - kicks off Eye Care Awareness Month in South Africa. Read more >>
Orthopaedics
 Let's face it, you spend much of your time sitting - we all do - but many of us either adopt the wrong posture, which puts various muscles under tension, and/or we don't have a well-designed chair on which to sit. Hence, there are... Read more >>
 Life Healthcare, the private hospital group in South Africa, through investment in its Orthopaedic Hospital, has digitalised the entire centre. The hospital, which offers specialised care from 17 in-house doctors, uses a digital platform in a bid to shorten the gap between patient admission and diagnosis. Read more >>
Paediatrics
 An international study suggests that giving vitamin A supplements to children in low and middle income countries could significantly cut rates of mortality, illnesses and blindness amongst those below the age of five. Read more >>
 70% of 8-month-old babies have a salt (sodium chloride) intake higher than the recommended UK maximum level, due to being fed salty and processed foods like yeast extract, gravy, baked beans and tinned spaghetti. Read more >>
According to AP, via Google News, Ontlametse, the tiny girl refers to herself as "the first lady". Yet, despite being diagnosed with the aging disease that will probably see her living no longer than a couple more years, she dreams of the future. She is reputed to be the first Black child to be diagnosed with the disease. Read more >>
Recent research estimated that 25 000 babies are born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) every year in South Africa. This is the highest reported incidence in the world, a shocking figure when considering FAS can be prevented. Read more >>
 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 >>
Pharmaceuticals
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 >>
Public health
 South Africa, according to AFP, plans to ban alcohol advertising. This is in a bid to reduce violent crime, allegedly fuelled by excessive drinking. Read more >>
 Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi,reports news24.com, says South Africans should exercise more, eat healthily and not use tobacco. Read more >>
WASHINGTON: Insomnia affects around 23 percent of US workers, and brings a national cost for the sleeping disorder at $63.2 billion, a study showed on Wednesday (31 August 2011). Read more >>
 Spring (September to November) is often a particularly miserable time for allergy sufferers. Just as Winter ends and the tree blossoms appear, hay fever headaches and asthma begin to flare up. This is due to pollen which is released by trees, grasses and flowers. Read more >>
DHAKA: Bangladeshi police said on Tuesday (30 August 2011) they had uncovered a major organ trafficking ring that is believed to have persuaded up to 200 people to sell their kidneys for cash. Read more >>
 PRETORIA: According to the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), thousands of emergency care personnel are practicing with fraudulent certificates and are treating the South African public. Over 400 members have already been de-registered by the Professional Board for Emergency Care, while an additional 1 000 members will be removed from the register later this month. Read more >>
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 >>
 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 >>
 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 >>
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 >>
 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 >>
 [John Cranke] The complicated and controversial NHI Green Paper, unpacked. Read more >>
Apparently not. According to a report in Times Live, security is so lax at some public hospitals that staff who should be ensuring staff such as doctors and nurses, and patients, and their possessions are safe, might be found being used as porters. Moreover, no one knows who holds the master keys. Read more >>
According to a report in IOL, instead of encouraging a constructive discussion around the National Health Insurance (NHI) Green Paper, the chair (an ANC appointee) of the Health Portfolio Committee closed the debate, the Democratic Alliance said on Wednesday. Read more >>
 One in three men and one in four women in South Africa will fall victim to heart disease - and the figure's rising. Make sure you're not ONE of them. Read more >>
 Dr E V Rapiti, who has his practice in Mitchells Plain, near Cape Town, says the NHI will benefit patients seeking treatment at public hospitals, including these at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, reoprts Times Live. Read more >>
 [Felix Kessel] Perhaps not to the same degree as yesteryear and even if the message is somewhat more sinister, cigarettes have once again made it back onto the billboards and interrupted our daily journeys once again. Instead of the old lifestyle positioning, the message is all ominous: "Buying Illegal Cigarettes Funds Organised Crime!" Read more >>
 Children in the US are being exposed to almost one advertisement every day for unhealthy food, beverage, and restaurant brands via product placements on prime-time TV, finds a study from Yale's Rudd Centre for Food Policy & Obesity. Read more >>
 Discovery Health has come out in support of the government's National Health Insurance initiative saying that it will have significant benefits for healthcare throughout the country according to a report published by IOL.Discovery's chief executive Jonathan Broomberg as saying the company strongly supports the NHI framework Read more >>
 Confusion still reigns over the interpretation of the Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMB) regulations introduced by the Medical Schemes Act in January 2004. Ian Taylor, executive practice head - healthcare at PSG Konsult Corporate believes that it should not be viewed with the same trepidation as a 'dreaded disease'. "The best defence," he says, "is for members to be as informed as possible." Read more >>
 The Hospital Association of South Africa (HASA) welcomes the release of the green paper on a National Health Insurance (NHI) system released by Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsaoledi. Read more >>
Surgical procedures
Final results may be better when weight loss comes first. Read more >>
Women's health
 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 youths in the East African country reckon they have discovered the secret of protecting themselves against unwanted pregnancy and HIV. Read more >>
 [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 >>
 Prenatal pet exposure, a mother's delivery mode and race are influential factors in a child's risk of developing allergies by age 2, according to a Henry Ford Hospital study. Read more >>
 According to a report in Plus News, international funding for HIV fell by 10% in 2010 from the previous year, the Kaiser Family Foundation and UNAIDS reports. this has led to concerns on the part of activists who fear that a continued reduction will undermine progress in global HIV prevention and treatment efforts. Read more >>
South African provinces spent a paltry 22,9% or R83,8 billion of their combined total budgets of R365,5 billion in the first quarter of this year according to a report published by Business Live. Read more >>
Weigh-Less, one of Southern Africa's leaders in health and weight management, announced last week that after 36 years of prudence, conservatism and leadership in the area of self management training in sustainable sensible dietary lifestyles, the company has been approved by the Department of Health (DOH) as an 'endorsement entity'. Read more >>
 BEAVERTON, US: Nike has announced that 1500 pairs of the mythical 2011 Nike Mag shoes will be auctioned on eBay, nikemag.eBay.com, with all net proceeds going directly to The Michael J. Fox Foundation. Read more >>
More International news...
Taxation
Business Unity South Africa (Busa) is to meet with the South African Local Government Association (Salga) to discuss the proposed tax on businesses in five metropolitan municipalities. Read more >>
The World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Index shows that South Africa and Mauritius have moved up the Index and are the only two African countries in the top half of the index according to Business Live. Read more >>
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