Americans concerned about their family during swine flu pandemic

Survey finds nearly half of Americans concerned they or their family may get sick from swine flu. – Following the declaration of a public health emergency due to the new H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, the Harvard Opinion Research Program at the Harvard School of Public Health conducted a poll about how concerned Americans are about the outbreak, how they are responding and what they believe about transmission, prevention and treatment.

Swine influenza update – 13 countries, 367 cases

Influenza A(H1N1) – update 8.1 = World Health Organization reported 13 countries have officially reported 367 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection. – The situation continues to evolve. As of 23:30 GMT, 1 May 2009, 13 countries have officially reported 367 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.

Swine Flu Situation as on 30th April 2009

Update on Swine Flu Situation as on 30th April 2009 – World Health Organization has reported human cases of Swine Influenza A [H1N1] caused by a re-assorted Swine flu virus. As on 29th April, 2009 nine countries have officially reported 148 cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 infection with 8 deaths.

Avoid nonessential travel to Mexico

Swine flu screening has been instituted at airports and land borders for travelers departing Mexico, according to Mexican health authorities. – CDC is concerned that continued travel by U.S. travelers to Mexico presents a serious risk for further outbreaks of swine flu in the United States. At this time, CDC recommends that U.S. travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico.

Universal health insurance may narrow gaps in health care, US

Universal health insurance coverage may reduce persistent disparities in Americans from different racial, socioeconomic or ethnic groups. – Health care disparities in the U.S. have long been noted, with particular attention paid to the gaps separating racial and economic groups.

Scorpion venom with nanoparticles slows brain cancer spread

Scorpion venom’s Chlorotoxin with nanoparticles slows spread of brain cancer – a highly invasive tumor. – By combining nanoparticles with a scorpion venom compound already being investigated for treating brain cancer, University of Washington researchers found they could cut the spread of cancerous cells by 98 percent, compared to 45 percent for the scorpion venom alone.

Control and treatment of bed bugs challenging

Pest control and eradication of bedbugs is challenging due to insecticide resistance, lack of effective products, and health concerns about spraying mattresses with pesticides. – A review of previously published articles indicates there is little evidence supporting an effective treatment of bites from bed bugs, that these insects do not appear to transmit disease, and control and eradication of bed bugs is challenging, according to an article in the April 1 issue of JAMA.

Crestor reduced blood clots in the veins

CRESTOR — Rosuvastatin — reduced risk of blood clots in the veins. – A new analysis from the JUPITER study shows that CRESTOR (rosuvastatin calcium) 20mg significantly cut the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) by 43% compared to placebo among men and women with low to normal cholesterol levels and elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP).

Public transit users 3 times more healthy and fit

Public transit users 3 times more likely to meet fitness guidelines: UBC research – A new study by researchers at the University of British Columbia suggests taking public transit may help you keep fit.

Gonorrhea increases from 2% to 28% in Ontario, Canada

Antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea increases from 2 percent to 28 percent in Ontario ? Canada’s most populous province. – The prevalence of quinolone-resistant gonorrhea has increased rapidly in Ontario ? Canada’s most populous province ? from a rate of 2% in 2001 to 28% in 2006, found a study published in CMAJ.

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