http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/?service=Rss http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/hong-kong-orders-three-million-swine-flu-shots-1816832.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/hong-kong-orders-three-million-swine-flu-shots-1816832.html ]]> <p>Hong Kong has ordered three million doses of swine flu vaccine -- enough for nearly half the city's population -- as it braces for more outbreaks of the virus this winter, officials said.</p> Health News Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/ruth-spellman-managers-not-businesses-must-play-a-key-role-in-alleviating-workrelated-stress-1816188.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/ruth-spellman-managers-not-businesses-must-play-a-key-role-in-alleviating-workrelated-stress-1816188.html <p> Feeling stressed out at work? According to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), your manager is to blame. </p> Health News Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:57:42 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/victims-champion-seeks-justice-reform-1815740.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/victims-champion-seeks-justice-reform-1815740.html ]]> <p>Crime victims suffering acute stress as a result of their ordeal are being "woefully" failed by the National Health Service, the Victims' Champion Sara Payne warned yesterday.</p> Home News Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/beware-of-foetal-heart-monitors-parents-warned-1815742.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/beware-of-foetal-heart-monitors-parents-warned-1815742.html <p>They are marketed as "one of pregnancy's essentials" but they could be death traps for the unwary, according to doctors.</p> Health News Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/nicotine-lozenge-and-patch-combined-help-to-quit-smoking-faster-1815867.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/nicotine-lozenge-and-patch-combined-help-to-quit-smoking-faster-1815867.html ]]> <p>No matter how many times you try, quitting smoking is never easy. But new research shows that the nicotine patch combined with a nicotine lozenge is the most effective method of kicking the habit.</p> Health News Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/fda-issues-warning-about-sexual-enhancement-supplements-1816100.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/fda-issues-warning-about-sexual-enhancement-supplements-1816100.html ]]> <p>The US Food and Drug Administration on Thursday warned consumers about a sexual enhancement product sold online as a dietary supplement because it contains undisclosed prescription drug ingredients that could have potentially dangerous side effects.</p> Health News Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/new-pathway-for-dna-damage-from-nanoparticles-1816048.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/new-pathway-for-dna-damage-from-nanoparticles-1816048.html ]]> <p>Scientists reported Thursday that nano-particles used in medical applications can indirectly damage DNA inside cells by transmitting signals through a protective barrier of human tissue.</p> Health News Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/danish-firm-launches-vitaminrich-gum-for-3rd-world-kids-1816008.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/danish-firm-launches-vitaminrich-gum-for-3rd-world-kids-1816008.html ]]> <p>A Danish firm has launched Vitamin A-packed chewing gum in Nairobi to help fight malnutrition among children in developing countries, the company said in a statement Thursday.</p> Health News Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/sales-of-hand-sanitizers-surging-ahead-of-flu-season-1816547.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/sales-of-hand-sanitizers-surging-ahead-of-flu-season-1816547.html <p>As H1N1 threatens to sweep the western hemisphere, or so consumers in the United States believe, they're taking preventive measures by slathering on copious amounts of germ-killing hand sanitizers and stocking up on the antibacterial gels.</p> Health News Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/minister-gives-warning-over-strong-cannabis-1815384.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/minister-gives-warning-over-strong-cannabis-1815384.html <p> A Home Office minister today pointed to the effect of strong cannabis on friends of his son as he defended the Government's policy on drugs. </p> Health News Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:15:57 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/hospital-staff-fail-patients-in-dying-days-1814788.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/hospital-staff-fail-patients-in-dying-days-1814788.html ]]> <p>Four out of 10 patients admitted to hospital close to the end of their lives received poor care from the NHS, a report says today. </p> Health News Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/doctors-rate-nhs-as-best-in-the-world-1814790.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/doctors-rate-nhs-as-best-in-the-world-1814790.html <p>Britain's family doctors, not noted for their optimism about the NHS, delivered a boost to the Government yesterday by rating the health care delivered in the UK as equal to the best in the world. </p> Health News Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/free-drugs-advice-body-from-ministers-ndash-nutt-1814794.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/free-drugs-advice-body-from-ministers-ndash-nutt-1814794.html <p>The Government's drug advisory body is "fatally flawed" and should be rebuilt from scratch along the lines of the Bank of England, Professor David Nutt said yesterday.</p> Health News Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/to-meet-rising-demand-for-organics-usda-awards-19m-to-organic-research-1815116.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/to-meet-rising-demand-for-organics-usda-awards-19m-to-organic-research-1815116.html ]]> <p>Organic agricultural research in the United States is getting a boost from the Department of Agriculture (USDA) with a $19 million investment into the initiative "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" and that's to be awarded to research programs in universities around the country.</p> Health News Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/new-shoe-tones-legs-thighs-and-buns-1815219.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/new-shoe-tones-legs-thighs-and-buns-1815219.html ]]> <p>Reebok have come up with a new series of ladies' shoes that target and tone the calves, hamstrings, and glutes. With celebrity endorsements from actress Regina King, ex-Spice Girl Mel B, socialite Kim Kardashian, and DJ Samantha Ronson, the shoe looks set to catch the attention of women wanting a secret, walkabout workout from a well-known brand name.</p> Health News Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/high-spending-but-lagging-quality-in-us-health-care-study-1815468.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/high-spending-but-lagging-quality-in-us-health-care-study-1815468.html ]]> <p>Despite spending more than twice as much as other developed countries, the United States still lags behind in terms of access and quality, an international survey said Wednesday.</p> Health News Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/swine-flu-infection-and-vaccine-out-of-sync-official-1815536.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/swine-flu-infection-and-vaccine-out-of-sync-official-1815536.html ]]> <p>Swine flu infections in the United States will be past their peak when (A)H1N1 vaccine becomes readily available, a top health official said Wednesday.</p> Health News Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/confused-try-our-az-of-conflicting-health-advice-1814189.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/confused-try-our-az-of-conflicting-health-advice-1814189.html ]]> <p>Every week, it seems a scientific study appears disproving what last week's study showed. Yesterday saw a classic medical volte face: aspirin, which has been prescribed to millions of people over the decades as a protective measure against heart disease, may have more drawbacks than benefits, according to a review in the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin.</p> Health News Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/extra-millions-for-baby-units-denied-1814192.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/extra-millions-for-baby-units-denied-1814192.html ]]> <p>Ministers last night pulled the plug on funding to bring the care of the sickest babies up to the standard for adults, in a sign of the impact of the credit crunch on the NHS.</p> Health News Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/who-assumes-ukraine-gripped-by-swine-flu-1814111.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/who-assumes-ukraine-gripped-by-swine-flu-1814111.html ]]> <p>The World Health Organisation said Tuesday that it was valid to assume that most of the cases of influenza reportedly sweeping through Ukraine were caused by the pandemic A(H1N1) virus.</p> Health News Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/german-consumer-guide-urges-sustainable-living-eating-1814428.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/german-consumer-guide-urges-sustainable-living-eating-1814428.html <p>The German Council for Sustainable Development has updated its <em>Sustainable Shopping Basket</em> (published in 2003), a guide developed by the Institute on Market, Environment and Society in Hanover to help consumers make more informed purchasing decisions.</p> Health News Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/one-swine-flu-shot-enough-for-pregnant-women-two-for-kids-1814367.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/one-swine-flu-shot-enough-for-pregnant-women-two-for-kids-1814367.html ]]> <p>A single dose of swine flu vaccine produces a robust immune response in pregnant women, one of the groups at high risk of dying from (A)H1N1 influenza, but young children need two shots, US clinical trials have shown.</p> Health News Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/in-the-us-vitamin-sales-booming-especially-among-baby-boomers-1814319.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/in-the-us-vitamin-sales-booming-especially-among-baby-boomers-1814319.html ]]> <p>Recent US government statements that the economic downturn is officially over could spell good news for most people, but vitamin supplement manufacturers might want the recession to last a little longer.</p> Health News Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/frugal-americans-cutting-back-on-bought-lunches-bottled-water-and-morning-coffee-1814534.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/frugal-americans-cutting-back-on-bought-lunches-bottled-water-and-morning-coffee-1814534.html ]]> <p>With lean economic teams still expected, Americans are adjusting their habits accordingly and making such lifestyle changes as buying generic food brands, brown-bagging their lunches and refilling their water bottles with tap water. A Harris Poll released last week surveyed 2,293 random US adults in early October to see how they were spending -- or trying not to spend -- their money -- and found that habits varied across generations.</p> Health News Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/older-people-most-likely-to-die-of-swine-flu-study-1814899.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/older-people-most-likely-to-die-of-swine-flu-study-1814899.html ]]> <p>Tiny infants are most likely to be hospitalized with swine flu, but people over the age of 50 are most at risk of dying in hospital from the disease, US researchers said Tuesday.</p> Health News Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/tests-show-bisphenol-a-in-a-range-of-us-canned-food-products-1814708.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/tests-show-bisphenol-a-in-a-range-of-us-canned-food-products-1814708.html ]]> <p>Nearly 19 brands of canned foods have tested positive for containing measurable levels of the chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) in their containers, according to US-based magazine <em>Consumer Reports'</em> latest tests of canned foods.</p> Health News Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/australian-study-links-folic-acid-intake-to-asthma-1814654.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/australian-study-links-folic-acid-intake-to-asthma-1814654.html <p>Women who take folic acid supplements during the later months of pregnancy may be increasing their baby's risk of developing asthma, according to an Australian study released Wednesday.</p> Health News Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/19-out-of-20-young-women-would-change-bodies-1813551.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/19-out-of-20-young-women-would-change-bodies-1813551.html ]]> <p> Girls as young as seven would like to change something about their appearance and half of 16 to 21-year-olds would consider surgery to achieve their perfect body, a study has revealed. </p> Health News Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:02 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/child-obesity-has-peaked-1813636.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/child-obesity-has-peaked-1813636.html <p> The 30-year rise in child obesity may have peaked, researchers report. The increase in overweight and obesity among children which has continued without pause since the mid-1970s is now on a downward trajectory, according to latest figures. </p> Health News Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/mother-dies-after-catching-swine-flu-1813692.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/mother-dies-after-catching-swine-flu-1813692.html <p>A woman who contracted swine flu died less than three weeks after giving birth to her first child, a health authority has confirmed.</p> Health News Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/un-launches-plan-to-fight-pneumonia-among-children-1813853.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/un-launches-plan-to-fight-pneumonia-among-children-1813853.html <p>The World Health Organisation and UN child agency on Monday launched a global action plan to fight pneumonia, which kills some 1.8 million children under five every year.</p> Health News Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/living-in-western-societies-more-likely-to-trigger-depression-1813858.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/living-in-western-societies-more-likely-to-trigger-depression-1813858.html <p>People who are genetically inclined towards depression are more likely to become depressed in western societies and they are better off in East Asian cultures where there is greater tolerance and support for the condition.</p> Health News Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/burkina-to-hand-out-66m-mosquito-nets-in-2010-1813865.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/burkina-to-hand-out-66m-mosquito-nets-in-2010-1813865.html <p>Burkina Faso health authorities plan next year to hand out 6.6 million mosquito nets in a bid to tackle malaria, the main cause of death in the poor west African country, officials said Monday.</p> Health News Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/sneeze-makes-americans-back-government-health-spending-1813998.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/sneeze-makes-americans-back-government-health-spending-1813998.html <p>A timely sneeze made Americans more likely to back substantial government spending on health care than on job creation, a study concluded Monday.</p> Health News Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/too-much-white-wine-could-ruin-teeth-researchers-say-1814054.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/too-much-white-wine-could-ruin-teeth-researchers-say-1814054.html <p>Drinking white wine regularly could do damage to your pearly whites -- more so than drinking red wine, says a team of German researchers reporting in the journal <em>Nutrition Research</em>.</p> Health News Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/drinking-diet-sodas-could-harm-kidneys-over-the-long-term-1813950.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/drinking-diet-sodas-could-harm-kidneys-over-the-long-term-1813950.html <p>Women who think sugar-free beverages are a "safe" food  might want to think again when popping open another can of diet soda.</p> Health News Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/change-law-on-organ-donation-doctors-say-1813167.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/change-law-on-organ-donation-doctors-say-1813167.html ]]> <p> Every adult in the UK would be legally required to decide whether to donate their organs after death, under a radical solution to the critical shortage of organs for transplant put forward by the country's oldest royal medical college. The ethics committee of the 500-year-old Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has called for an examination of "mandated choice" as a means of boosting the supply of organs, the shortage of which is leading to more than 1,000 avoidable deaths a year. </p> Health News Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/lung-cancer-treatment-in-uk-is-woefully-inadequate-1813188.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/lung-cancer-treatment-in-uk-is-woefully-inadequate-1813188.html <p>Key areas of lung-cancer treatment are still "woefully inadequate" and could be costing up to 3,000 lives a year, leading researchers said today.</p> Health News Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/father-fights-bid-to-switch-off-babys-lifesupport-1813009.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/father-fights-bid-to-switch-off-babys-lifesupport-1813009.html <p> A father is fighting a hospital's attempt to withdraw the support keeping his baby son alive, it emerged today. </p> Health News Sun, 01 Nov 2009 08:59:45 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/blunder-at-top-clinic-sparks-fresh-ivf-fears-1812908.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/blunder-at-top-clinic-sparks-fresh-ivf-fears-1812908.html ]]> <p>A serious blunder at one of Britain's top fertility clinics dramatically increased the risk its patients would suffer a miscarriage or give birth to a child with serious health problems, sparking fresh fears about how IVF centres are run in the wake of a series of scandals.</p> Health News Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/families-call-for-hospital-inquiry-1812912.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/families-call-for-hospital-inquiry-1812912.html <p>The Government will this week come under further pressure to hold a public inquiry into deaths of elderly patients at Gosport War Memorial Hospital in the 1990s, as relatives and lawyers meet Norman Lamb MP, the Lib Dem health spokesman.</p> Home News Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/nhs-is-paying-millions-to-gag-whistleblowers-1812914.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/nhs-is-paying-millions-to-gag-whistleblowers-1812914.html <p>NHS whistleblowers are routinely gagged in order to cover up dangerous and even dishonest practices that could attract bad publicity and damage a hospital's reputation. </p> Health News Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/waiting-list-patients-will-get-right-to-go-private-1812514.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/waiting-list-patients-will-get-right-to-go-private-1812514.html <p> Patients forced to wait 18 weeks for treatment on the NHS will be given a new legal right to receive it from the private sector. </p> UK Politics Sat, 31 Oct 2009 08:55:16 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/sacked-ndash-for-telling-the-truth-about-drugs-1812255.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/sacked-ndash-for-telling-the-truth-about-drugs-1812255.html <p>The Government's drugs tsar was forced to resign last night for stating his view that cannabis, ecstasy and LSD were less harmful than the legal drugs tobacco and alcohol. </p> Health News Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/action-on-britains-epidemic-of-pill-addiction-1812269.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/action-on-britains-epidemic-of-pill-addiction-1812269.html ]]> <p> The Department of Health has launched a review of the million-plus patients addicted to prescribed drugs in the UK in a tacit admission that attempts to control the problem over the last two decades have failed. </p> Health News Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/rise-in-youth-hyperactivity-prescriptions-1811850.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/rise-in-youth-hyperactivity-prescriptions-1811850.html <p> The number of prescriptions for drugs to treat hyperactivity in children is on the rise, figures suggested today. </p> Health News Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:34:50 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/healthy-sweetener-linked-to-high-blood-pressure-1811848.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/healthy-sweetener-linked-to-high-blood-pressure-1811848.html <p> An ingredient in processed foods and soft drinks could be a recipe for high blood pressure, research suggests. </p> Health News Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:30:45 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/cause-of-death-it-depends-what-you-do-for-a-living-1811717.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/cause-of-death-it-depends-what-you-do-for-a-living-1811717.html ]]> <p>Work can be very bad for your health if you are in the wrong job. If you are a carpenter, fitter, electrician, plumber or gas fitter, you run an above average risk of dying from an asbestos-related disease.</p> Health News Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/trying-for-a-baby-let-gravity-do-the-work-1811720.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/trying-for-a-baby-let-gravity-do-the-work-1811720.html <p>The old wives' tale turns out to be true: lying with your feet up after sex improves your chances of having a baby (if you're a woman, that is).</p> Health News Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/hajj-pilgrims-may-be-told-to-take-swine-flu-vaccine-1811722.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/hajj-pilgrims-may-be-told-to-take-swine-flu-vaccine-1811722.html ]]> <p>British Muslims may be required to provide flu vaccination certificates if they want to participate in the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca at the end of November, Saudi Arabia has warned.</p> Health News Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/sophie-morris-how-much-more-evidence-can-the-antidrugs-brigade-take-1811395.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/sophie-morris-how-much-more-evidence-can-the-antidrugs-brigade-take-1811395.html <p> No doubt there were some cross faces at the Home Office this morning. Its very own drugs tsar has rubbished the existing classification system for illegal substances, saying that alcohol and tobacco are far more harmful than many drugs. </p> Commentators Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:35:11 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/many-girls-damaged-by-their-mums-dieting-1811258.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/many-girls-damaged-by-their-mums-dieting-1811258.html <p> Girls whose mothers are on a diet are almost twice as likely to have an eating disorder, a poll of more than 500 teenagers found today. </p> Health News Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:47:18 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/the-big-question-is-depression-increasing-and-what-is-the-best-way-to-treat-it-1810944.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/the-big-question-is-depression-increasing-and-what-is-the-best-way-to-treat-it-1810944.html Health News Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/sharp-rise-in-admissions-for-obesity-1811134.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/sharp-rise-in-admissions-for-obesity-1811134.html <p>There has been a dramatic rise in the number of people admitted to hospital for problems caused by obesity, new figures have shown.</p> Health News Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/wealthy-west-london-tops-caesarean-table-1810507.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/wealthy-west-london-tops-caesarean-table-1810507.html ]]> <p>Popular prejudice about the demanding women of west London, with their busy lifestyles and high-profile careers, is confirmed today with figures showing the local NHS trust is the Caesarean capital of Britain.</p> Health News Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/link-between-migraine-and-stroke-1810508.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/link-between-migraine-and-stroke-1810508.html <p>Young women who suffer from migraines with visual disturbances and who smoke and take the contraceptive pill are at a higher risk of stroke, research suggests.</p> Health News Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/nhs-trust-tried-to-gag-doctor-who-spoke-out-1810515.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/nhs-trust-tried-to-gag-doctor-who-spoke-out-1810515.html <p>An NHS trust tried to impose a gagging clause on a consultant as part of a deal to terminate his employment, to prevent him speaking out about issues of patient safety, it is alleged today. </p> Health News Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/halloween-pumpkins-packed-with-healthy-goodness-1810667.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/halloween-pumpkins-packed-with-healthy-goodness-1810667.html <p>With Halloween just around the corner, carved pumpkins are making their way onto many a front porch. But the distinctive orange-colored household item can do more this time of year than fend off evil spirits; its crisp seeds and nutty flesh have many under-reported health benefits.</p> Health News Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/us-up-to-55-million-swine-flu-vaccine-doses-short-1810688.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/us-up-to-55-million-swine-flu-vaccine-doses-short-1810688.html ]]> <p>The United States will face a swine flu vaccine shortfall of 45 to 55 million doses by the end of the year but half of the population could still be vaccinated, a senior US official said.</p> Health News Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/football-players-given-spitting-swine-flu-warning-1810709.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/football-players-given-spitting-swine-flu-warning-1810709.html ]]> <p>Footballers were warned on Tuesday spitting could increase the risk of catching swine flu as Bolton joined English Premier League rivals Blackburn in saying squad members had contracted the virus.</p> Health News Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/swine-flu-warning-to-spitting-soccer-stars-1810290.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/swine-flu-warning-to-spitting-soccer-stars-1810290.html <p> Footballers were today warned that spitting could increase the risk of spreading swine flu as players at two Premier League clubs were struck down by the virus. </p> News & Comment Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:59:23 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/big-increase-in-number-of-downs-pregnancies-1809936.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/big-increase-in-number-of-downs-pregnancies-1809936.html ]]> <p>Rising numbers of women choosing to have children later in life have led to a sharp increase in Down's syndrome pregnancies, research has revealed.</p> Health News Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/longterm-thumbsucking-pacifier-use-could-affect-speech-development-1809874.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/longterm-thumbsucking-pacifier-use-could-affect-speech-development-1809874.html ]]> <p>Chilean and US health researchers have found that infants who use pacifiers, baby bottles or who suck their fingers or thumbs could be at higher risk of developing speech difficulties as they get older.</p> Health News Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/dairy-products-can-help-with-weight-loss--if-youre-already-on-a-diet-1810093.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/dairy-products-can-help-with-weight-loss--if-youre-already-on-a-diet-1810093.html ]]> <p>Adding more milk, yogurt and cheese to an already healthy and low-calorie diet could help with weight loss and fight obesity, new research suggests, countering  assumptions that the high-fat content in dairy products is related to weight gain.</p> Health News Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/nearly-one-in-three-people-with-hiv-do-not-know-eu-1810050.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/nearly-one-in-three-people-with-hiv-do-not-know-eu-1810050.html ]]> <p>Almost one in three people infected with the virus that causes AIDS do not know they have the disease, increasing the risk of infection, the European Commission warned Monday.</p> Health News Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/who-recommends-swine-flu-vaccine-for-wary-chinese-1810305.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/who-recommends-swine-flu-vaccine-for-wary-chinese-1810305.html ]]> <p>The World Health Organization encouraged Chinese citizens to be vaccinated against swine flu Tuesday, calling the shot "safe and effective" after an opinion poll revealed wariness about quality.</p> Health News Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/foreigners-fired-up-over-kimchi-as-annual-festival-opens-1810492.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/foreigners-fired-up-over-kimchi-as-annual-festival-opens-1810492.html ]]> <p>Maryjoy Mimis vividly recalls her first encounter with kimchi when she arrived in South Korea from the Philippines in 2003 to marry a local man.</p> Health News Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/a-chemical-in-olive-oil-could-ward-off-alzheimers-disease-1810429.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/a-chemical-in-olive-oil-could-ward-off-alzheimers-disease-1810429.html ]]> <p>Olive oil has many proven health benefits -- from neutralizing cancer-causing free radicals and preventing heart disease, to strengthening bones and reducing inflammation and healing wounds. And it now may hold clues to finding treatments for Alzheimer's disease, new research suggests.</p> Health News Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/new-japanese-glasses-bring-tears-to-the-eyes-1810265.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/new-japanese-glasses-bring-tears-to-the-eyes-1810265.html ]]> <p>The Japanese eyewear company behind Sarah Palin's designer glasses has come up with a high-tech solution for obsessive video-gamers and bookworms whose eyes dry out from lack of blinking.</p> Health News Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/canadians-wary-of-swine-flu-vaccine-1810115.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/canadians-wary-of-swine-flu-vaccine-1810115.html ]]> <p>Most Canadians are skeptical of the swine flu threat and of the vaccine to fight it, a survey suggested on Monday as the country's largest-ever vaccination program in Canada got underway.</p> Health News Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/did-you-see-that-unicycling-clown-mobile-phone-users-didnt-1809308.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/did-you-see-that-unicycling-clown-mobile-phone-users-didnt-1809308.html ]]> <p>Pedestrians who talk on a mobile phone are slower, change direction more, have difficulty navigating -- and are less likely to notice obvious distractions like a unicycling clown, a study showed Tuesday.</p> Health News Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/diabetes-drug-also-helps-weight-loss-for-obese-1809357.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/diabetes-drug-also-helps-weight-loss-for-obese-1809357.html ]]> <p>A hormone drug licensed for diabetes also helps obese people lose weight when used in combination with a low-fat diet and physical exercise, according to a trial published online on Friday by The Lancet.</p> Health News Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/global-recession-hits-indias-baby-business-1809508.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/global-recession-hits-indias-baby-business-1809508.html ]]> <p>The global economic downturn has hit businesses around the world, from big banks to local shops, leaving millions in fear of losing their livelihoods and desperate to cut down on spending.</p> Health News Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/more-than-half-of-chinese-dont-want-swine-flu-shot-poll-1809649.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/more-than-half-of-chinese-dont-want-swine-flu-shot-poll-1809649.html ]]> <p>More than half of all Chinese do not plan to be vaccinated against swine flu because they are unsure about the safety of the shot, according to a survey by state media published Monday.</p> Health News Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/gene-therapy-cures-congenital-form-of-blindness-1809590.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/gene-therapy-cures-congenital-form-of-blindness-1809590.html ]]> <p>Exhilarated scientists on Saturday announced they had used gene therapy to restore eyesight to children blighted by a rare, inherited form of creeping blindness.</p> Health News Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/obama-declares-swine-flu-a-national-emergency-1808995.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/obama-declares-swine-flu-a-national-emergency-1808995.html ]]> <p>President Barack Obama has signed a proclamation declaring H1N1 swine flu a national emergency, according to the White House. The proclamation, which Mr Obama signed on Friday night, will make it easier for US medical facilities to handle a surge in patients by allowing the waiver of some requirements of Medicare, Medicaid and other federal health insurance programmes as needed, the White House said in a statement.</p> Americas Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/taiwan-to-allow-import-of-us-beef-on-bone-1808575.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/taiwan-to-allow-import-of-us-beef-on-bone-1808575.html ]]> <p>Taiwan said Friday that it will allow imports of US beef on the bone in a controversial move criticised by some lawmakers and activists for ignoring mad cow disease concerns.</p> Health News Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/swine-flu-spreads-in-europe-as-global-toll-nears-5000-1808632.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/swine-flu-spreads-in-europe-as-global-toll-nears-5000-1808632.html ]]> <p>Swine flu is spreading faster and claiming new fatalities in Europe, health officials said Friday, as the global death toll from the virus rose to nearly 5,000 victims.</p> Health News Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/obama-declares-swine-flu-emergency-1808862.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/obama-declares-swine-flu-emergency-1808862.html ]]> <p>President Barack Obama has declared swine flu a "national emergency," the White House said Saturday, as the United States reels from millions of cases of infection and over 1,000 deaths.</p> Health News Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/irish-gays-hail-sport-stars-coming-out-1809120.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/irish-gays-hail-sport-stars-coming-out-1809120.html ]]> <p>An Irish sporting hero's decision to "out" himself as gay in a new book was hailed as a landmark on Thursday by one the country's leading gay support groups.</p> Health News Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/rise-in-swine-flu-cases-prompts-warning-of-tough-winter-for-nhs-1807635.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/rise-in-swine-flu-cases-prompts-warning-of-tough-winter-for-nhs-1807635.html ]]> <p>A sharp increase in the number of patients with swine flu admitted to critical care, many of them young, was highlighted by government experts yesterday as they warned the NHS faced a tough winter ahead. The number of deaths in the UK has risen to 128, more than half of them of people aged under 45. In England the number of patients in critical care has risen to 99, the highest since the pandemic began.</p> Health News Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/health-campaigners-children-should-learn-the-art-of-a-good-nights-sleep-1807636.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/health-campaigners-children-should-learn-the-art-of-a-good-nights-sleep-1807636.html ]]> <p>Children should be taught about the importance of a good night's sleep as part of the national curriculum, health campaigners say.</p> Education News Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/antiobesity-drug-takes-off-a-stone-in-20-weeks-1807639.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/antiobesity-drug-takes-off-a-stone-in-20-weeks-1807639.html ]]> <p>People taking the highest dose of a new anti-obesity drug lost more than a stone in weight in 20 weeks, a study has shown. </p> Health News Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/men-who-voted-mccain-saw-testosterone-drop-study-1807788.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/men-who-voted-mccain-saw-testosterone-drop-study-1807788.html ]]> <p>Men who voted for Republican John McCain in last year's US presidential election saw their testosterone levels fall significantly when they learned he had lost to Barack Obama, a study showed Thursday.</p> Health News Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/swine-flu-death-toll-touches-5000-mark-1808292.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/swine-flu-death-toll-touches-5000-mark-1808292.html ]]> <p>Nearly 5,000 people have died from swine flu infections since the A(H1N1) virus was uncovered in April, the World Health Organisation said Friday.</p> Health News Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/sexual-dysfunction-high-in-hispanic-women-over-40-study-1807993.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/sexual-dysfunction-high-in-hispanic-women-over-40-study-1807993.html ]]> <p>Sexual dysfunction affects more than half of menopausal Hispanic women over 40, an 11-nation study said Wednesday.</p> Health News Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/african-states-urged-to-curbs-child-aids-infections-1807828.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/african-states-urged-to-curbs-child-aids-infections-1807828.html <p>African leaders were urged Thursday to increase efforts to end HIV infections among children and women, in the world's worst affected continent.</p> Health News Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/womb-transplants-within-two-years-1806878.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/womb-transplants-within-two-years-1806878.html <p>British scientists believe they will be able to carry out the first-ever successful womb transplant within two years. They have worked out how to transplant a womb with a good blood supply which could mean it lasts long enough to carry a pregnancy to term.</p> Science Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/flu-jabs-campaign-starts-with-health-workers-1806879.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/flu-jabs-campaign-starts-with-health-workers-1806879.html <p>Andy Burnham, the Health Secretary, launched a mass immunisation programme against swine flu yesterday, with a call to frontline health and social care workers to get themselves vaccinated against the virus. </p> Health News Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/egypt-to-vaccinate-hajj-pilgrims-against-swine-flu-1807009.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/egypt-to-vaccinate-hajj-pilgrims-against-swine-flu-1807009.html <p>Egypt will give swine flu vaccinations to citizens making the hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, Health Minister Hatem al-Gabali said in a report on Wednesday.</p> Health News Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/alcohol-killing-indian-men-in-britain-study-1807020.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/alcohol-killing-indian-men-in-britain-study-1807020.html ]]> <p>Indian men in Britain are more susceptible to alcohol-related problems than white British males, according to scientific study published Wednesday.</p> Health News Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/a-few-coffees-a-day-keep-liver-disease-at-bay-1807323.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/a-few-coffees-a-day-keep-liver-disease-at-bay-1807323.html <p>Researchers in the United States have found another good reason to go to the local espresso bar: several cups of coffee a day could halt the progression of liver disease, a study showed Wednesday.</p> Health News Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/catholic-church-urges-aids-testing-in-brazil-1807586.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/catholic-church-urges-aids-testing-in-brazil-1807586.html ]]> <p>The Catholic Church said Thursday it will launch a campaign in Brazil urging early testing for AIDS, despite maintaining its opposition to government incentives promoting condom use.</p> Health News Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/prostate-trouble-1806588.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/prostate-trouble-1806588.html <p> Prostate UK is trying to raise awareness about benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland which affect around 3.2 million men in the UK. </p> Health News Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:58:28 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/mass-swine-flu-vaccination-gets-under-way-1806466.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/mass-swine-flu-vaccination-gets-under-way-1806466.html <p> A mass swine flu immunisation programme got under way today with the country's chief medic urging all priority groups to take up the offer of vaccination. </p> Health News Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:07:34 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/alcohol-affects-ivf-success-1806264.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/alcohol-affects-ivf-success-1806264.html ]]> <p>Women who drink just a few glasses of white wine a week cut their chance of successful IVF, research shows. Men can also reduce their hopes of fathering a child if they consume a daily beer.</p> Health News Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/mercury-levels-similar-in-kids-with-without-autism-1806427.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/mercury-levels-similar-in-kids-with-without-autism-1806427.html ]]> <p>Blood levels of mercury are similar in children with autism and in those developing typically, a study released Monday found.</p> Health News Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/boost-food-production-by-70-pct-by-2050-fao-chief-1806650.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/boost-food-production-by-70-pct-by-2050-fao-chief-1806650.html <p>Global food production must increase by 70 percent from its current levels by 2050 if the international community is to meet booming demand, the head of the UN's food agency Jacques Diouf said on Tuesday.</p> Health News Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/us-faces-swine-flu-vaccine-shortage-1806725.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/us-faces-swine-flu-vaccine-shortage-1806725.html ]]> <p>US health authorities on Wednesday acknowledged a swine flu vaccine shortage in the United States and, that manufacturers would likely not catch up until December.</p> Health News Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/child-immunization-round-the-world-hits-alltime-high-1806803.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/child-immunization-round-the-world-hits-alltime-high-1806803.html ]]> <p>Childhood immunization rates reached an all-time high around the world last year and vaccine development is booming, the World Health Organization and the World Bank said in a report Wednesday.</p> Health News Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100