Tough Legislation on Underage Drinking Seems to Save Lives
Not all laws are created equal when it comes to reducing the number of drinking-related auto accidents, say researchers who analyzed the impact of underage drinking laws and alcohol-related traffic fatalities. Most effective, they found, are laws targeting the purchase and possession of alcohol by youth, including use-and-lose laws that allow the suspension of a [...]
Taiwan Should Participate In World Health Assembly
The participation of both China and Taiwan in the World Health Organization is key to helping anticipate and manage infectious disease outbreaks such as a bird flu pandemic or SARS, writes Dr. Amir Attaran and the editorial team in a CMAJ editorial http://www.mediconews.com With negotiations underway between China and Taiwan on whether the latter will [...]
Power Of Herbs In Our Lives
Herbs and leaves are aromatic plants, rich in nutrients and minerals. They are also used for medical purposes and sold over-the-counter as remedies for colds, flu, throat infections and pain. The medicinal benefits of herbs have been known for centuries. Man has always been dependent on herbs. The healing properties of herbs have not changed [...]
Nine Lives: Cats’ Central Nervous System Can Repair Itself And Restore Function
Scientists studying a mysterious neurological affliction in cats have discovered a surprising ability of the central nervous system to repair itself and restore function. the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a team of researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison reports that the restoration in cats of myelin — a fatty insulator of nerve [...]
Time Of Conception Linked To Birth Defects In United States
A study published in the April 2009 issue of the medical journal Acta Pædiatrica is the first to report that birth defect rates in the United States were highest for women conceiving in the spring and summer. The researchers also found that this period of increase risk correlated with increased levels of pesticides in surface [...]
Association Of Air Medical Services Cautions Spring Vacationers To ‘Plan Ahead, Play It Safe’ In Avoiding Traumatic Brain Injuries
First came the news of the tragic death of Tony-award-winning actress Natasha Richardson from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after a fall on a Canadian ski slope. Then came the article about Janice Jackson, of Cincinnati, who died from a head injury after being thrown off a motor scooter while vacationing in Cozumel, Mexico. Their [...]
5 In 1 Polypill May Significantly Cut Heart Risk In Healthy People
A study conducted in India suggested taking a single capsule containing five drugs: a statin, aspirin and three blood pressure drugs, could significantly cut the risk of heart disease among healthy people without side effects. The phase II clinical trial was the work of principal investigator Dr Salim Yusuf of McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, [...]
With Alzheimer’s, Health-Care Costs Could Triple
Experts urge greater investment in research to stem ‘crippling’ expenses In a new report, the Alzheimer’s Association estimates that Alzheimer’s disease and dementia triple the health-care costs for afflicted seniors. In addition, people who live in nursing homes or assisted living facilities pay an average of $16,689 in out-of-pocket costs each year, researchers found. The [...]
