Genetic breakthrough boosting natural immunity

Genetic breakthrough supercharges immunity to flu and other viruses; McGill researchers discover way to boost cells’ natural anti-virus defences. – Researchers at McGill University have discovered a way to boost an organism’s natural anti-virus defences, effectively making its cells immune to influenza and other viruses.

Most with high blood pressure do not follow DASH diet

The dietary profile of adults with HTN (Hypertension) in the United States has a low accordance with the (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) DASH dietary pattern, and the dietary quality of adults with HTN has deteriorated since the introduction of the DASH diet, suggesting that secular trends have minimized the impact of the DASH message. – A relatively small proportion of individuals with hypertension (high blood pressure) eat diets that align with government guidelines for controlling the disease, according to a report in the February 11 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Healthy lifestyle for long life

70-year-olds who take regular exercise, eat well, and do not smoke greatly increase their chance of living until 90. – A healthy lifestyle during the early elderly years-including weight management, exercising regularly and not smoking-may be associated with a greater probability of living to age 90 in men, as well as good health and physical function, according to a report in the February 11 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Acupuncture during IVF improves pregnancy chances

Acupuncture given within one day of IVF with embryo transfer improves rates of pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing in vitro fertilisation cycle (IVF), revealed by US researchers. – Acupuncture given with embryo transfer improves rates of pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing in vitro fertilisation cycle (IVF), revealed by US researchers. Acupuncture given within one day of IVF proved beneficial.

Ban use of bisphenol A in baby bottles

Environmental health groups call for immediate moratorium on bisphenol A in baby bottles, food and beverage containers. Baby bottles leach toxic chemical, according to new U.S. and Canadian Study. – Dozens of state and national environmental health organizations in the U.S. and Canada are calling for an immediate moratorium on the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in baby bottles and other food and beverage containers, based on the results of a new study that demonstrates the toxic chemical BPA leaches from popular plastic baby bottles when heated.

Occupational cancer risk in fruit and veg growers, hairdressers

New research by staff at the University’s Centre for Public Health Research show occupational cancer risk in fruit and veg growers, hairdressers and sewing machinists. – Increased risk of cancer for occupational groups including hairdressers, sewing machinists, field crop and fruit and vegetable growers, reported by New Zealand researchers. Occupational cancers account for 330 deaths in New Zealand each year, about five per cent.

Pfizer’s anti smoking Chantix latest safety information

Pfizer’s anti smoking Chantix latest safety information

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Public Health Advisory to alert health care providers, patients, and caregivers to new safety warnings concerning Chantix (varenicline), a prescription medication used to help patients stop smoking. – Chantix (varenicline), a prescription medication used to help patients stop smoking reported to have certain adverse effects like changes in behavior, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal ideation, and actual suicidal behavior. US FDA issued a Public Health Advisory to alert health care providers, patients, and caregivers.

Simple urine test detecting prostate cancer accurately

New, non-invasive prostate cancer test beats PSA in detecting prostate cancer, researchers report. Simple urine test leads to more accurate diagnoses, fewer false-positive results. – An experimental biomarker test developed by researchers at the University of Michigan more accurately detects prostate cancer than any other screening method currently in use, according to a study published in the February 1 issue of Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

Abbott to educate Chicago-area women about heart disease

Abbott named exclusive Chicagoland ‘Hometown’ Partner of the American Heart Association’s ‘Go Red for Women’ Campaign – As a leader in cardiovascular treatment and the exclusive Chicagoland “hometown” partner for the national “Go Red for Women” program, Abbott is partnering with the American Heart Association (AHA) to raise awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of death for women in America.

165000 smokers quit smoking 6 months

Big increase in quitters following introduction of smokefree England. Statistics show unprecedented demand for Stop Smoking Services. – Around 165,000 smokers quit between April and September 2007 – an increase of 28 per cent compared to the same period the previous year, according to new statistics out by the UK health agency.

Health Newstrack