Medical News

RSS

Mad cow disease found in animal in the U.S.

In disturbing news this week, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said a U.S. animal has tested positive for mad cow disease.

12 Jun 2005

No need to rush to take epilepsy drugs

A new study from the UK says that it is not neccessary to rush to put people on drugs if they have only infrequent seizures.

12 Jun 2005

Crystal Meth Summit in Canada wants drug re-classified

Crystal meth, a powerful addictive drug has now become such a problem in Canada that law enforcement officials met in Regina last week for a Crystal Meth Summit.

12 Jun 2005

New fungus-based pesticides zap out mozzies

Researchers at Imperial College London, have discovered that mosquitoes carrying a malaria parasite, when exposed to surfaces coated with fungus-based pesticides had a dramatically reduced ability to transmit malaria.

12 Jun 2005

Patients lives at risk because of in-adequate out-of-hours service

Out-of-hours services by general practicioners have come under strong criticism with doctors claiming that the provision is putting patients lives at risk.

12 Jun 2005

Texas girl with Hodgkin's sees return of the disease- treatment to go ahead

12-year old Katie Wernecke, the child at the centre of a nasty court battle between her parents and state officials, has seen a return of the Hodgkin's cancer her parents have tried to resist having treated by radiation therapy.

12 Jun 2005

Diabetic men at risk of sexual dysfunction

A new study has found that diabetic men over 45 years of age are more than twice as likely as non-diabetic men to have low testosterone, putting them more at risk of sexual dysfunction.

12 Jun 2005

Poor diet during pregnancy increases risk of child being obese

It is common knowledge that a well balanced diet in pregnancy is crucial, but now scientists say they believe a poor diet during pregnancy appears to raise the chances of having an obese child.

12 Jun 2005

Exercise while you work in office of the future

According to a Mayo Clinic obesity researcher, if he had his way sitting at their desks is about the last thing workers would do in his office of the future.

12 Jun 2005

Hospital patients to be checked for MRSA infection before admission

According to a survey of hospital chief executives, released by the NHS Confederation, even though surgery is statistically more risky, patients are now more scared of catching an infection than of going under the knife.

12 Jun 2005

Ibruprofen and other commonly used painkillers for treating inflammation may increase the risk of heart attack

Patients should not stop taking the drugs involved - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) - but further investigation into these treatments is needed, say the authors.

10 Jun 2005

Experts call for more research into treatments for children's brain tumours

More independent study is needed into the biology of children's brain tumours if effective treatments are to be developed, experts at The University of Nottingham have said in a leading journal.

10 Jun 2005

Survey highlights need for primary care guidance on NSAID use

New guidance on NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) use is urgently needed to ensure the best patient care, European experts said today. The news coincides with the results from a European survey of 626 arthritis patients which found that many are confused and worried about the potential side-effects of their medication.

10 Jun 2005

Low birth weight - another risk factor for diabetes

Obesity, physical inactivity, genetics and age have long been recognized as risk factors for developing high blood glucose and diabetes. But over the past few years, scientists have discovered another risk - low birth weight.

10 Jun 2005

Ibuprofen may cause heart attacks - full disclosure of all data - including industry safety data - is essential

Speaking at the annual European conference of rheumatology, EULAR 2005, in Vienna, Austria, today (Friday 10 June 2005), Dr. Gurkirpal Singh, from Stanford University, USA, said:

10 Jun 2005

Pharmacists support generic drug substitution, but need more information to advise customers

Pharmacists and their customers could benefit from having more information to help them understand and compare the costs of prescription drugs, according to a new AARP study that looks at attitudes and practices regarding the use of generic drugs.

10 Jun 2005

Ruling does not overturn California law permitting the use of medical marijuana

California Attorney General Bill Lockyer issued the following statement on this week's ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in Gonzales v. Raich, which holds that federal laws prohibiting the use of medical marijuana remain in effect regardless of state laws that permit its use:

10 Jun 2005