Tobacco Users Have Increased Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infection

People who use tobacco are more susceptible to oral human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16), which is a sexually transmitted infection, revealed a new US research.

Researchers state that oral HPV-16 is one of the main reasons for the increase in incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell cancers. 

The study observed a connection between self-reported number of cigarettes currently smoked per day and oral HPV prevalence. 

How safe are human embryonic stem cell transplants?

Evidence of the medium- to long-term safety of transplanting human embryonic stem cells has been published for the first time, in a report in The Lancet.

Since 1981, when pluripotential cell cultures were first derived, human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have been considered to be a potential source of cells to treat diseases caused by tissue loss or dysfunction.

Toothache or pain in the tooth is one of the most dreaded and bothersome symptom and those who have had it at any time in life can never forget the awful feeling.
Toothache or odontalgia is an uncomfortable condition that interferes with daily activities.
The onset, nature, duration and intensity of the toothache are some important aspects which are taken into account when one attempts to get rid of it. These factors help to determine the underlying cause behind the tooth-ache and thus help in eliminating it.

Prenatal Viral Infection may Cause Diabetes

According to the research at Tel Aviv University, conducted in collaboration with an international team of researchers, women who contract a viral infection during pregnancy transmit viruses to their genetically susceptible fetuses, sparking the development of type 1 diabetes. 

Exercise that can boost long-term memory

You think that improving your memory is all brain training and omega-3 supplements? Think again. A new study from researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta suggests that working out at the gym for as little as 20 minutes can improve long-term memory.

The Future of Cancer Detection

Spotting cancer early is key, but trying to do that -- often when there are no symptoms -- has been challenging.

Still, more and more evidence suggests that all cancers have a signature, or even a scent, that can be detected early. Now, researchers worldwide are testing simpler methods to spot the subtle signs of:

• Breast cancer
• Colorectal cancer

‘How to treat peptic ulcer’........by Dr. G. Ezengige

Do you have peptic ulcer? A naturopath, Dr Gilbert Ezengige, said a combination of good food and herbs can ensure healing for people plagued by peptic ulcer, which is a lesion or an erosion of the lining of the stomach.

According to him, some soup ingredients are known for their medicinal properties, which can help people ailed by peptic ulcer.

They have among other properties the ability to heal gastrointestinal diseases (GI), inflammatory diseases and irritated mucous membrane conditions,” he added.

Fruit and veg consumption tied to mental health

A previous study suggested that consuming five portions of fruits and vegetables a day is the optimum amount for lowering the risk of death from any cause, which contradicts another study that suggested we should be eating seven portions of fruit and veg a day.

The researchers from this latest study, led by Dr. Saverio Stranges of the University of Warwick Medical School in the UK, used data from the Health Survey for England, which included nearly 14,000 adults over the age of 16.

WHO welcomes decision to establish United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response

 Nearly six months after the first case of Ebola in West Africa was reported to the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations (UN) General Assembly and the Security Council have approved resolutions creating the United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER) to contain the ongoing outbreak which has sickened more than 5,500 people and killed over 2,500.

Ebola epidemic could gain 6,800 new cases by end of September

The Ebola epidemic in West Africa is growing exponentially, says a new study published in the journal PLoS Outbreaks that suggests if new control measures are not enacted, new cases could reach 6,800 by the end of September.

Childbirth: how should women facing labor approach their birth plan?

Preparing for the arrival of a child is an exciting time for potential mothers, but there is a lot to consider. Aside from painting the nursery and learning how to change a diaper, pregnant women and their partners need to make decisions on how they want to bring their child into the world. Whether by natural, drug-assisted or surgical means, there are associated risks and benefits across the board, depending on the circumstances. In this feature, 

we examine different birthing methods and their outcomes.

Yoga and Eye Sight

"The fastest way to bring the mind into concentration is through the eyes" -Swami Sitaramananda

It is said that “the face is the index of the mind and the eyes are the windows of the soul.” On a tangible level, eyes are our only windows to the world.

Human eyes need care and attention. As years go by, the muscles around the eyes lose their tone. Eyesight becomes weak after the muscles around the eyes lose their elasticity and become rigid, thereby reducing the power to focus different distances. In addition, tension around the eyes affects the brain causing stress and anxiety.

Hand Shiatsu Explored as a Sleep Aid by Pain Pilot

There was a time, back in Nancy Cheyne's youth, when she combined the poise and grace of a ballerina with the daring and grit of a barrel racer. When she wasn't pursuing either of those pastimes, she bred sheepdogs, often spending hours on her feet grooming her furry friends at dog shows. 

All that seems like a lifetime ago. After 15 years of living with chronic lower-back pain, Cheyne, 64, can't walk from the disabled parking stall to the elevator at work without stopping for a rest. She eats mostly junk food because it hurts too much to stand over the stove and spends most of her spare time in a recliner with a heating pad. 

Health Benefits of Rosemary Herb

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a common household herb grown in many parts of the world. It is an upright evergreen shrub with long needle like aromatic leaves. The herb is used for flavoring food, in beverages, as well as in cosmetics. 

Since ancient times, rosemary is associated with remembering significant events. The early Greeks and Romans threw sprigs of rosemary into the graves to signify their desire to remember the departed. Brides during Tudor period in England and Wales wore sprigs of rosemary to show that they would always remember their families. Even Ophelia mentioned ‘there's rosemary, that's for remembrance’ in Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Migraines & Headaches

What are migraine headaches?

Migraine headaches result from a combination of blood vessel enlargement and the release of chemicals from nerve fibers that coil around these blood vessels.

During the headache, an artery enlarges that is located on the outside of the skull just under the skin of the temple (temporal artery). This causes a release of chemicals that cause inflammation, pain and further enlargement of the artery.

Cataracts and Your Eyes

A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye that can impair vision. More than half of all Americans age 65 and older have cataracts.

What Causes Cataracts?

The eye functions much like a camera. Light rays enter the eye, passing through the cornea, the aqueous humor -- transparent fluid in the front of the eye -- and then the pupil and into the lens. The lens bends the light rays to focus objects onto the retina lining the back of the eye. From there, the image passes through the retinal cells, into the optic nerve, and finally to the back of the brain which process the images.

Diabetes Risk Boosted by Sweeteners

For those who are diabetic or dieting, you may think artificial sweeteners are your best friend. They allow you to get the taste of sugar from foods and beverages without the elevated blood sugar levels or calories. But a new study suggests this may not be the case; artificial sweeteners could actually promote obesity and diabetes.

There could be a link between migraine and Parkinson's?

Could there be a link between migraine and Parkinson's disease? A new study suggests that there could be and that people who experience migraines in middle age could be more likely to develop Parkinson's later in life.

Study author Ann I. Scher, of the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, MD, identifies migraine as the most common brain disorder in both men and women, as well as being a condition that has previously been linked to both cerebrovascular and heart disease.

Antibiotics found in human body bacteria

Researchers discovered the human microbiome - the collection of micro organisms that live in and on our bodies - contains over 3,000 clusters of bacterial genes with blueprints for building cellular factories that make drug-like molecules. In a study published in Cell, they reveal how one gene cluster from bacteria that live in the vagina codes for enzymes capable of making an antibiotic called lactocillin.

WHO welcomes Chinese contribution of mobile laboratory and health experts for Ebola response in west Africa

WHO welcomes the commitment from the Government of the People’s Republic of China to dispatch a mobile laboratory team to Sierra Leone to enhance the laboratory testing capacity for Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the country.

The contribution comes in response to WHO’s appeal for further assistance to Ebola response efforts in Africa and requests by the government of Sierra Leone. In addition to laboratory experts, the 59-person team from the Chinese Centre for Disease Control will include epidemiologists, clinicians and nurses. They will support Ebola response efforts at the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital, which was built in 2012 with assistance from the Chinese Government.

Ebola virus protein offers potential drug target

 our knowledge of the molecular structure of Ebola virus increases, so does our chance of preventing and treating the outbreaks of deadly hemorrhagic fever that it causes. Now, a new crystallography study from the US shows how a key Ebola protein - important for virus replication - could be a target for new drugs.

Endometriosis: Delayed Diagnosis Impacts Disease Management and Patient Well-Being

Endometriosis is a common yet poorly understood illness that affects women of reproductive age and is often under and misdiagnosed. It is believed that endometrial cells that normally line the uterus grow outside the uterus, attaching to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, outer surfaces of the uterus or intestines, and on the lining of the pelvic cavity. Normally, these cells shed during monthly menstruation. With endometriosis, the process of menstruation and ovulation stimulates hormones, causing them to become inflamed, bleed and to cause pain. The disease can lead to scarring known as adhesions, which can be extremely difficult to detect by the naked eye and can become a leading cause of infertility.

Long working hours linked to increased risk of coronary heart disease

According to a recent poll, 18% of adults employed full-time in the US work more than 60 hours a week. Although these long hours may benefit pay packets, the same may not be said for heart health; a new study suggests long working hours may increase the risk of coronary heart disease.

Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)

Renal cell carcinoma is kidney cancer that affects the lining of the kidney tubules. The initial stages of the cancer are asymptomatic in most patients and this makes early management of the disease difficult.

Renal cell carcinoma accounts for about 3% of all adult cancers and is also the most common of kidney cancers (90-95%) affecting mostly men, between the ages 50-70 years. 

In vitro fertilization (IVF)

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the joining of a woman's egg and a man's sperm in a laboratory dish. In vitro means outside the body. Fertilization means the sperm has attached to and entered the egg.

Description

Normally, an egg and sperm are fertilized inside a woman's body. If the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the womb and continues to grow, a baby is born about 9 months later. This process is called natural or unassisted conception.

Ebola virus disease update - west Africa

Epidemiology and surveillance

• The total number of probable and confirmed cases in the current outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the four affected countries as reported by the respective Ministries of Health of Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone is 3069, with 1552 deaths.
• The outbreak continues to accelerate. More than 40% of the total number of cases have occurred within the past 21 days. However, most cases are concentrated in only a few localities.
• The overall case fatality rate is 52%. It ranges from 42% in Sierra Leone to 66% in Guinea.
• A separate outbreak of Ebola virus disease, which is not related to the outbreak in West Africa, was laboratory-confirmed on 26 August by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and is detailed in a separate edition of the Disease Outbreak News.

Health benefits of Walnuts

 
Walnuts have innumerable health benefits. Walnut is an edible seed of the tree nut Juglans regia. The plant originated in India and the regions surrounding the Caspian Sea, and in the 4th century AD, the ancient Romans introduced the walnut to many European countries. The tree serves a multitude of uses; it can be used as food (edible seed), medicine, furniture and dye. The walnut seed has a number of health benefits ranging from weight management to prevention and slowing of various cancers.

Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) is Not Associated With Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a central nervous system disease in which the immune system destroys the protective sheath covering the nerves. This causes a communication disturbance between the brain, spinal cord, and the other body parts. Gradually, the whole nervous system becomes dysfunctional. This disease has no cure. Managing the patient and reducing the symptoms is the only option.

An Egg a day

When you add some vegetables to your eggs and have it with some whole wheat bread your breakfast is the healthiest meal of the day. Eggs have been a topic of hot controversy, though doctors and scientists believe that eggs are healthy.

For almost 40 years now, the debate is still on whether to eat or not to eat eggs, the number of eggs that can be eaten and are they as bad for the heart as smoking.

Benefits of Aloe Vera

 
Aloe Vera is a short stem plant with green succulent leaves widely found in the tropical and sub tropical regions of the world. Aloe Vera is the oldest and famous medicinal plant that has been used for thousands of years in various cultures in traditional home remedies. It has excellent anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti- fungal and anti-inflammatory properties and contains minerals and vitamins. It is used to treat a number of skin ailments and health conditions and is also used in the production of cosmetics like, hair gel, shampoos, body lotion, oil etc.

Facts about Albinism

Affecting 1 in every 17,000 people, albinism is a medical condition characterized by the lack of an essential pigment called melanin, which lends color to the skin, eyes and the hair.

Let’s learn more about this condition and unveil some important facts you should know.

Not the end of the road for HIV patients

An inspiring story was recently published on India HIV/AIDS Alliance blog, about an HIV patient who has dealt with the condition and not allowed the disease to dominate his life.

HIV has destroyed the lives of a large number of people. Men have lost their jobs, women have been ostracized and children have been abandoned. Today, however, there has been a change, though subtle, in the recent years in people's approach to the disease. Yet finally, it remains a fight of the affected person, who can lead a normal life if he/she does not give up.

Legumes Like Beans, Chickpeas, Lentils and Peas Lower Cholesterol Levels

If you have been advised to reduce your cholesterol levels, here is one more suggestion that you can adopt - eat a serving of legumes like beans, chickpeas, lentils and peas every day.

11 Miracle Foods to Slash Cholesterol, Lower Blood Pressure, and Strengthen Your Heart....by Dr. K.J. McLaughlin

---

Dr. K.J. McLaughlin

Dear Reader,
It's no secret. Most diseases that we suffer from are caused by what we eat. And sometimes, even worse diseases are caused by what we don't eat.
The standard American diet of burgers, pizza, French fries, and processed foods is slowly killing us:

Home Remedies for ALCOHOLISM

What is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism is the physical and mental addiction to alcohol. Prolonged use of alcohol will affect both physical and mental conditions, and there are also various social implications from associated behaviors. Physically it affects the digestive system, pancreas, nerves, and heart.

Bananas

Bananas are a store house of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and healthy sugars along with being delicious.

The banana pulp softens dry feet on application.

Mashed and blended with yogurt bananas are good as a conditioner for hair loss.

Blended with milk and applied as a face mask, bananas are wonderful for anti aging of skin and blemishes.

A banana eaten daily is good for dry eyes.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

In vitro fertilization refers to the process of achieving fertilization between the sperm and ovum in the laboratory under artificial conditions, and placement of the dividing zygote into the uterus of the mother.

The number of babies conceived worldwide by in vitro fertilization is increasing day by day, with millions and millions of infertile couples benefiting from the treatment option. It would not be exaggeration if IVF were called “ A Boon to the Medical Field” because the technique has been a dream come true for parents longing for a child.

Health benefits of consuming papaya

The possible health benefits of consuming papaya include a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, aiding in digestion, improving blood glucose control in diabetics, lowering blood pressure, and improving wound healing.
This MNT Knowledge Center feature is part of a collection of articles on the health benefits of popular foods. It provides a nutritional breakdown of papaya and an in-depth look at its possible health benefits, how to incorporate more papaya into your diet and any potential health risks of consuming papaya.

Sparkling White Teeth / How to Get White Teeth Naturally?

 
Do you think it's possible to smile widely and be confident that your teeth are sparkling white? The answer is ‘Yes and without spending a fortune on dental cosmetics!’ What we need are ingredients, which are simple to use and are easily available.

Do’s:

Rubbing the inside fibrous part of the peel, of a ripe banana, makes your teeth sparkle.

Juice of half a lemon when rubbed firmly but gently on the teeth removes yellow stains and tartar.

Obesity

Obesity is a condition in which a person has excess of body fat. When a person is 20 percent or more over their ideal body weight or if their Body Mass Index is 30 or over they are considered obese. Obesity increases an individual’s risk for various diseases, disability, and death.

Obesity has, in the recent years become a global phenomenon. This has serious implications, particularly in countries like India, where one fourth of the population is diabetic. Childhood obesity too has raised grave concerns world- wide. The obesity facts worldwide facts are startling -

Snake Bites - First Aid and Emergency Treatment Guide

Overview

Causes
Types of Venomous Snakes

• s   Viper 
• s   Cobra 
• s   Rattle snake 
• s   Water moccasin 
• s   Coral snake 
• s   Copper head 

Top Ten Facts About Diabetes

 
1. Diabetes is a silent epidemic and according to WHO there are 246 million people in the world living with diabetes. This is almost 6% of the world's adult population.

2. Diabetes in Asians is five times the rate of the white population

3. India is the diabetes capital of the world. It is estimated that currently there are 40 million people with diabetes in India and by 2025 this number will swell to 70 million. This would mean every fifth diabetic in the world would be an Indian.

Foods that keep hair from growing

Trying to grow your hair? Stop eating these foods…

Sugar: For your hair’s sake, please step away from the sweets. Sugar can interfere with the absorption of protein and we all know how important protein is for your hair. Vitamin E is also essential for healthy hair growth and sugar can lower the level of vitamin E that needs to get to your strands! This doesn’t mean you have to cut out sugar altogether. It just means that you should reduce your intake.

Ebola virus is real, rinse your fruits thoroughly

 

This warning is not to cause unnecessary panic or scare, it is simply a heads up for every Nigerian to take precautions, so as to reduce their risk of contracting the Ebola virus which is spread by fruit bats.

Last week, we reported that the deadly Ebola virus had reached some parts of West Africa, including Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, killing over 101 persons in its wake.

Causes of Asthma

The exact cause of asthma is not known.

• What all people with asthma have in common is chronic airway inflammation and excessive airway sensitivity to various triggers.
• Research has focused on why some people develop asthma while others do not.
• Some people are born with the tendency to have asthma, while others are not. Scientists are trying to find the genes that cause this tendency.
• The environment you live in and the way you live partly determine whether you have asthma attacks.

Best apps and websites you’ve never heard of

The internet's best-kept secrets

I’ve tracked down some of the most interesting apps and websites you might not know exist 

The internet is a vast place and humans are also creatures of habit, so we don’t like to stray far from the comfort of our favourite websites. But we should; change is healthy and who knows what we might discover in the middle of the world wide web? When it comes to apps, the app marketplace is a similar beast. There are masses of undiscovered gems out there just begging to be dug up and enjoyed.
To this end, I’ve put in the legwork and tracked down some of the most interesting apps and websites you might not have heard of................enjoy!

Anti-ageing exercise tips

Exercise yourself younger

Sadly you can’t ignore the effect that aging has on your body, but it doesn't mean you can't slow the process down. Here's how. 

Prevent loss of muscle tone

One of your primary exercise goals when getting older is preventing loss of muscle tone. Despite what some people might tell you, this isn't an inevitable part of aging, and women who suffer from it even though they exercise several times a week are probably just doing the wrong kind of exercise (yes, there is such a thing).