Category: Health alert
Smoking kills half of all elderly smokers
At least one out of two smokers aged 65 and above are killed by smoking-induced illnesses, according to a study published in the journal Addiction. However, the good news is that quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of death, suggesting […]
HK hospitals gear up amid bird-flu fears
HONG Kong hospitals raised the alert level yesterday as a woman diagnosed with the deadly H7N9 avian-flu virus was in critical condition. The 68-year-old woman was hospitalised on Thursday, after returning from the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen almost two […]
Patients with ‘flesh-eating bacteria’ hit record
JAPAN – A record high 263 patients are suffering from streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome (STSS), a deadly infection that causes necrosis in limbs and a consciousness disorder, as of mid-December, according to a survey that began in 1999. The National […]
Reading iPad before bedtime may adversely impact sleep: study
Use of a light-emitting electronic device (LE-eBook) such as iPad before bedtime can adversely impact sleep and overall health, a U.S. study comparing LE-eBook to printed books said Monday. The study, published in the U.S. journal Proceedings of the National […]
Blood pressure apps may be dangerously wrong
Millions of people could be trying to measure their blood pressure with untested, inaccurate and potentially dangerous smartphone applications, or apps, a new study finds. Researchers analyzed the top 107 apps for “hypertension” and “high blood pressure” that are available […]
Christmas advice: Eat what you want but maintain your weight
MANILA, Philippines – This advice from a health expert surely won’t spoil your Christmas: Forget the diet and eat whatever you want. But make sure you maintain your weight throughout the holiday season. Dr. Sheryl Tugna, an endocrinologist, said resisting […]
Ebola death toll passes 7,500
More than 7,500 people have now died from the Ebola virus, as the number of cases climbs towards 20,000, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Monday. The UN health agency reported that as of December 20, 19,340 people had been […]
It’s time to fight traditions that harm women’s health – WHO
Some of the major health problems faced by women in developing countries are caused by “terrible” traditions that must be stopped, said the head of public health at the World Health Organisation (WHO). Traditions such as child marriage or female […]
Thyroid disorder affects millions of people worldwide
The most common is papillary thyroid cancer, accounting for 80% of cases and usually affecting women of childbearing age. The increasing cases of thyroid problems are posing a great threat to human lives as millions of people have been affected […]
Excessive arsenic levels in two Chinese medicines: HSA
A batch of two Chinese Proprietary Medicines (CPM), Zhenzhu Shedan Chuanbeimo and Huatan Zhike Chongcao Zhenzhu Chuanbeimo, have been found to contain levels of arsenic that exceed the permissible limits allowed. They are manufactured by Kang Sheng Chinese Medicine Manufacturer […]
