http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/?service=Rss http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/profits-before-patients-the-export-of-prescription-medicines-1830662.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/profits-before-patients-the-export-of-prescription-medicines-1830662.html ]]> <p>Profiteering pharmacists, hospitals and wholesalers are putting British patients' lives at risk by selling prescription drugs, intended for the UK, to customers in Europe. </p> Health News Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/chairman-fired-as-another-nhs-trust-is-censured-1829863.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/chairman-fired-as-another-nhs-trust-is-censured-1829863.html <p>A third NHS Foundation hospital with a high death rate, long waiting times and poor leadership was marked as "failed" yesterday and its chairman sacked as details emerged of 26 hospitals across the NHS with mortality rates higher than expected.</p> Health News Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/anger-as-commonwealth-slashes-funding-for-aids-fight-1829875.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/anger-as-commonwealth-slashes-funding-for-aids-fight-1829875.html ]]> <p>The leaders of Commonwealth countries meeting in Trinidad and Tobago were facing a scandal last night after it emerged that the organisation has withdrawn most of its funding for preventing HIV and Aids. </p> World Politics Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/nuclear-science-to-fight-sleeping-sickness-1830108.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/nuclear-science-to-fight-sleeping-sickness-1830108.html ]]> <p>The International Atomic Energy Agency on Friday announced an agreement to help African nations battle the tsetse fly, the main carrier of parasites that causes sleeping sickness with its bites.</p> Health News Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/hospital-ship-plugs-health-gap-in-brazils-amazon-1830420.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/hospital-ship-plugs-health-gap-in-brazils-amazon-1830420.html ]]> <p>For the residents of Mocajuba Island, dirt-poor folk who sleep in wooden shacks under the Amazon's vast canopy of green, the once-a-year visit by the hospital ship is an occasion akin to Christmas.</p> Health News Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/france-calls-in-army-to-meet-demand-for-swine-flu-jab-1830633.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/france-calls-in-army-to-meet-demand-for-swine-flu-jab-1830633.html ]]> <p>French authorities said Saturday they were calling in the army's health services to meet a surge in demand for vaccinations against swine flu, which has killed 30 people in the country.</p> Health News Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/warning-over-late-hiv-diagnosis-1829527.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/warning-over-late-hiv-diagnosis-1829527.html <p> One in three people who discovered they had HIV last year were diagnosed late and could not benefit from early treatment, figures suggested today. </p> Health News Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:01:48 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/shocking-death-toll-at-flagship-hospital-1828747.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/shocking-death-toll-at-flagship-hospital-1828747.html ]]> <p>Poor standards of care at an accident and emergency unit in one of the country's flagship hospitals may have contributed to the unnecessary deaths of over 400 patients, an official NHS investigation has concluded. Dirty equipment and an absence of leadership contributed to a death rate almost 40 per cent above the national average among emergency admissions to the 770-bed Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, inspectors said. </p> Health News Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/how-can-we-choose-a-hospital-if-the-ratings-prove-to-be-so-wrong-1828756.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/how-can-we-choose-a-hospital-if-the-ratings-prove-to-be-so-wrong-1828756.html <p>For the second time in six months, a foundation trust, one of the flagship institutions of the NHS which are supposed to set the gold standard for medical treatment, has been found to be delivering sub-standard care which may have cost hundreds of lives. </p> Health News Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/what-about-eating-one-teaspoon-of-salt-a-day-1828988.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/what-about-eating-one-teaspoon-of-salt-a-day-1828988.html <p>It's widely known that a diet high in salt causes high blood pressure, but new research suggests that reducing daily salt consumption by one teaspoon could also prevent millions of deaths from stroke and cardiovascular disease.</p> Health News Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/clear-your-plate-and-spare-the-planet-1829914.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/clear-your-plate-and-spare-the-planet-1829914.html ]]> <p>Wasting food is wreaking havoc on the environment, scientists say. According to new research, food waste is one of the main reasons why the United States is such a big consumer of fossil fuels. Food waste also uses up excess amounts of freshwater and affects climate change with increased methane and carbon emissions from decomposing food, they say.</p> Health News Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/new-iphone-app-lists-pesticides-on-common-foods-1829029.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/new-iphone-app-lists-pesticides-on-common-foods-1829029.html ]]> <p>As part of its wider mission of reducing the use of pesticides in food production, the US-based Pesticide Action Network has launched an iPhone app to decode pesticides for the non-expert consumer.</p> Health News Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/swine-flu-death-toll-jumps-by-over-1000-in-a-week-who-1829729.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/swine-flu-death-toll-jumps-by-over-1000-in-a-week-who-1829729.html ]]> <p>The number of swine flu deaths showed a sharp jump compared to a week ago, but the World Health Organisation said Friday that the epidemic may have peaked in parts of the northern hemisphere.</p> Health News Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/cellphone-powers-back-pain-chip-in-taiwan-1829510.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/cellphone-powers-back-pain-chip-in-taiwan-1829510.html <p>Taiwanese researchers have developed a chip to treat backpain that is powered by mobile phone, a member of the team said Friday.</p> Health News Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/next-years-superingredients-immunityboosters-and-brain-foods-1829399.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/next-years-superingredients-immunityboosters-and-brain-foods-1829399.html ]]> <p>Functional foods and dietary supplements with ingredients aimed at bolstering the immune system and optimizing brain functioning will be some of the key trends affecting the nutrition sector in 2010, according to research to be published in <em>Nutrition Business Journal</em>.</p> Health News Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/survey-finds-stress-levels-growing-as-fast-as-chinarsquos-economy-1829226.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/survey-finds-stress-levels-growing-as-fast-as-chinarsquos-economy-1829226.html <p>As China's economy has grown at an incredible rate over the past few years so apparently have stress levels among those who are helping make it all possible.</p> Health News Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/features/bar-stool-myths-about-booze-1828229.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/features/bar-stool-myths-about-booze-1828229.html ]]> <p> Bar stool philosophers have provided the world with a great many myths about drinking. </p> Features Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:18:23 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/fda-reaches-out-directly-to-consumers-with-cobranded-site-1827712.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/fda-reaches-out-directly-to-consumers-with-cobranded-site-1827712.html ]]> <p>The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is now reaching out directly to consumers through a co-branded website aimed at providing the latest news and information on a range of health topics as well as on food, medical products, prescription drugs and advice on disease and illness prevention.</p> Health News Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/drugresistant-staph-infections-rising-in-us-1827776.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/drugresistant-staph-infections-rising-in-us-1827776.html ]]> <p>Cases of antibiotic-resistant staph infections usually acquired in the community are growing in the United States and rapidly spreading to hospitals, researchers said.</p> Health News Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/action-on-climate-change-also-averts-health-crisis-1827807.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/action-on-climate-change-also-averts-health-crisis-1827807.html ]]> <p>Climate change will imperil health through malaria, cholera, heatwaves and hunger, but many problems can be eased or avoided if countries make wise policy choices, doctors said on Wednesday.</p> Health News Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/who-says-probing-reports-of-mutating-swine-flu-virus-1828728.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/who-says-probing-reports-of-mutating-swine-flu-virus-1828728.html ]]> <p>The World Health Organisation said Thursday that it is investigating reports of mutations in the swine flu virus, after half-a-dozen countries recorded cases in which the virus was transforming.</p> Health News Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/heavy-drinkers-exercise-to-burn-off-alcohol-british-study-1828289.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/heavy-drinkers-exercise-to-burn-off-alcohol-british-study-1828289.html <p>More than a quarter of drinkers in England who exercise regularly do so in an attempt to make up for bingeing on alcohol, according to a survey published Thursday.</p> Health News Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/bottling-up-work-woes-increases-heart-risk-1827887.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/bottling-up-work-woes-increases-heart-risk-1827887.html <p>Men who bottle up frustrations about unfair treatment at work are twice as likely to have a heart attack, a study published in Britain on Tuesday suggests.</p> Health News Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/nanoparticle-oral-drug-delivery-systems-show-promise-for-biotech-firm-1827998.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/nanoparticle-oral-drug-delivery-systems-show-promise-for-biotech-firm-1827998.html ]]> <p>Drug company NOD Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s application to the US Patent and Trademark office for a patent for a nanoparticle drug carrying method has been allowed, the company says.</p> Health News Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/aids-the-pandemic-is-officially-in-decline-1826914.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/aids-the-pandemic-is-officially-in-decline-1826914.html ]]> <p>The HIV pandemic which started 28 years ago is officially in decline, two of the world's leading health organisations said yesterday.</p> Health News Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/toys-that-will-push-all-the-right-buttons-1826786.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/toys-that-will-push-all-the-right-buttons-1826786.html ]]> <p> If anything short of a new computer game from Santa this Christmas will be a huge disappointment to your child, it may be time to re-think the place of technological toys in their life. In fact, regardless of what your kids would like to see under the tree this year – and indeed, regardless of how old they are – there's never been a better time to think carefully about technological toys. After all, you want to make the most of the huge choice of tools promising to educate and amuse your children, but you don't want to lead them on a path towards the growing problem of computer-game addiction or conversely, to waste your money on expensive purchases that they will stay interested in for only a few days. </p> Features Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/top-toys-to-make-yours-a-happy-christmas-story-1826787.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/top-toys-to-make-yours-a-happy-christmas-story-1826787.html <p> <b>Sylvanian Families Caravan (Flair), £39.99</b> </p> Features Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/cooking-with-children-a-recipe-for-success-1826788.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/cooking-with-children-a-recipe-for-success-1826788.html ]]> <p> Things didn't start well when we discovered we were one egg short of the recipe. "Doesn't matter, mummy," said my three-year-old brightly as she plunged her hands into the ground almonds. We were two ounces short of almonds – did that cancel out the missing egg? – and we had the wrong sort of chocolate. We hadn't even begun to bake and already I was feeling stressed. </p> Features Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/beckhams-asthma-gives-inspiration-1826827.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/beckhams-asthma-gives-inspiration-1826827.html ]]> <p>One of the country's top asthma experts insists that anyone suffering from the condition can still make it to the top in sport.</p> News & Comment Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/us-santas-demand-priority-swine-flu-vaccine-1827011.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/us-santas-demand-priority-swine-flu-vaccine-1827011.html ]]> <p>US Santas want swine flu vaccine so that sneezing children don't give them an unwelcome present this Christmas.</p> Health News Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/ethical-and-organic-products-still-a-lure-for-us-consumers-1827040.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/ethical-and-organic-products-still-a-lure-for-us-consumers-1827040.html ]]> <p>Sales for organic and ethical products in the US are rising -- more so than sales for conventional products -- and consumer demand for those products is increasing despite the global economic downturn, according to a report published in October by Packaged Facts. Approximately one quarter of US adult shoppers buy certified organic food or beverages and one third continue to pay more for organic foods, says the report.</p> Health News Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/venomous-aussie-redback-spiders-invading-japan-1827166.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/venomous-aussie-redback-spiders-invading-japan-1827166.html ]]> <p>Australia's venomous redback spiders are on the march in Japan, where they are believed to have arrived years ago as stowaways on cargo ships, a wildlife expert warned Wednesday.</p> Health News Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/tips-for-a-healthy-thanksgiving-moderation-and-cranberries-1827348.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/tips-for-a-healthy-thanksgiving-moderation-and-cranberries-1827348.html ]]> <p>Thanksgiving -- a North American holiday usually associated with overeating, weight gain and general indulgence -- could also provide an opportunity for healthful eating and even warding off infections.</p> Health News Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/us-women-to-ignore-new-breast-exam-advice-poll-1827423.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/us-women-to-ignore-new-breast-exam-advice-poll-1827423.html ]]> <p>Three-quarters of US women disagree with a high-level panel's recommendations to raise the age of breast cancer screening and even more plan to ignore the guidelines, a poll showed Tuesday.</p> Health News Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/most-boring-video-game-ever-in-charity-fundraising-playathon-1827254.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/most-boring-video-game-ever-in-charity-fundraising-playathon-1827254.html <p>A four-man team from comedy website LoadingReadyRun are taking part in a fundraiser with a difference -- they're benefiting the charity Child's Play with an internet telethon by playing the infamously tedious real-time bus simulator <em>Desert Bus</em> for more than 120 hours in a row, and have already beaten 2008's $70,000 grand total by raising $80,000 in the four days' driving so far.</p> Health News Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/rio-does-away-with-coconuts-on-beaches-1827129.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/rio-does-away-with-coconuts-on-beaches-1827129.html ]]> <p>One of the enduring images of Rio's beaches -- coconuts opened to yield their sweet water -- is about to be a thing of the past under a new clean-up campaign by authorities.</p> Health News Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/winter-deaths-rise-a-national-scandal-1826664.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/winter-deaths-rise-a-national-scandal-1826664.html <p> The highest winter deaths figures in almost 10 years should act as a "deafening wake-up call" for the Government, charities said today </p> Health News Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:19:12 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/big-think-the-hard-science-of-moving-on-from-grief-1826631.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/big-think-the-hard-science-of-moving-on-from-grief-1826631.html Features Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:03:37 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/jeremy-laurance-will-this-pandemic-turn-out-to-be-more-kitten-than-tiger-1826406.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/jeremy-laurance-will-this-pandemic-turn-out-to-be-more-kitten-than-tiger-1826406.html <p>Sir Liam Donaldson, the Government's Chief Medical Officer, let me have it with both barrels at last week's swine flu briefing. I couldn't blame him. It must be extremely galling, after you have worked tirelessly, without a break, to build up Britain's defences against the pandemic and received accolades for your efforts from around the world, to be asked whether the cost of the exercise can be justified. Hardly surprising, then, that he let his irritation show. "I totally disagree ... that we have overdone it on flu," he said, calling up images of "parents standing by intensive care cots in life or death situations."</p> Features Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/are-you-feelingbroodycom-1826407.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/are-you-feelingbroodycom-1826407.html ]]> <p>By the time that Seyi Joseph was 26, she was ready to have a child. She had a good job, a nice house, and felt financially secure. There was just one tiny problem: she was single.</p> Features Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/what-the-web-is-teaching-our-brains-1826419.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/what-the-web-is-teaching-our-brains-1826419.html ]]> <p>Most of us in the developed world now have relationships with computers – and access to information and entertainment – that we could not have dreamt about even a decade or so ago. We spend our days sifting emails and browsing the internet, then relax by tweeting or networking online and playing computer games, sometimes all at the same time. </p> Features Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/stressed-at-work-shout-at-your-boss-1826433.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/stressed-at-work-shout-at-your-boss-1826433.html ]]> <p>The old adage "Don't get mad, get even" may have to be rewritten as doctors have found that getting angry with your boss can be good for your heart.</p> Health News Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/giving-birth-could-slow-ms-1826446.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/giving-birth-could-slow-ms-1826446.html <p>Having children could slow down the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS), research suggested today. </p> Health News Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/company-knew-of-drug-fears-before-withdrawal-1826445.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/company-knew-of-drug-fears-before-withdrawal-1826445.html <p>Evidence that the painkiller Vioxx might increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes emerged nearly four years before the drug was voluntarily withdrawn from the market, research has shown.</p> Health News Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/lab-launches-an-iphone-app-to-track-and-manage-diabetes-1826526.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/lab-launches-an-iphone-app-to-track-and-manage-diabetes-1826526.html ]]> <p>In one of the latest forays by the pharmaceuticals industry into mobile technology platforms for chronic disease management, Sanofi-Aventis has launched the iPhone application GoMeals, designed to help diabetics make the healthiest food choices.</p> Health News Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/global-aids-epidemic-un-snapshot--facts-1826705.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/global-aids-epidemic-un-snapshot--facts-1826705.html ]]> <p>Here is a snapshot of the global AIDS epidemic, based on a report published Tuesday by UNAIDS:</p> Health News Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/aids-deaths-top-25-million-but-infections-slow-1826719.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/aids-deaths-top-25-million-but-infections-slow-1826719.html ]]> <p>AIDS has killed 25 million people worldwide but new infections are slowing sharply, the UN said in an annual report on the crisis Tuesday that mixed hope with a warning against complacency.</p> Health News Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/restaurants-to-serve-up-quality-over-the-next-year-1826624.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/restaurants-to-serve-up-quality-over-the-next-year-1826624.html ]]> <p>Quality will be topping the menus of restaurants around the United States as restaurateurs focus less on price but more on value, according to market research firm Mintel. Restaurants will be working more to deliver classic flavor combinations and authentic, old-fashioned preparations with quality ingredients, according to Mintel's Menu Insight, the company's yearly forecast for upcoming menu trends.</p> Health News Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/school-shut-after-fiveyearold-boy-dies-1826320.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/school-shut-after-fiveyearold-boy-dies-1826320.html <p> A primary school closed today after the death of one of its pupils who may have contracted swine flu. </p> Health News Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:23:48 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/healthy-living/virginia-ironside-next-weeks-dilemma-774154.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/healthy-living/virginia-ironside-next-weeks-dilemma-774154.html <p> <b>Dear Virginia, </b> </p> <p> <b>My wife and I went through a bitter divorce last year – I can't imagine ever speaking to her again, to be honest. But what upsets me is my access to my seven-year-old son. I'm meant to see him every weekend for a day, but nearly every time I go to pick him up she makes some excuse, so I barely see him once a month. I understand why she might want to punish me for my part in the break-up, but why punish my son as well? I'm thinking of going to court. I'm in bits about this. </b> </p> <p> <b>Yours sincerely, Greg</b> </p> Healthy Living Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:26 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/healthy-living/virginia-ironsidersquos-dilemmas-my-brother-abused-me--should-i-reveal-the-truth-to-my-family-1825729.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/healthy-living/virginia-ironsidersquos-dilemmas-my-brother-abused-me--should-i-reveal-the-truth-to-my-family-1825729.html <p> <b>Dear Virginia,</b> </p> <p> <b>My brother sexually and physically abused me from when I was 10 until he left home. A few years afterwards, he tried to attack me and then, three weeks later, after he'd said he wanted a physical relationship, committed suicide. My family were distraught. I'm now in my forties. Having never told them, should I reveal the truth to my family? Do I speak out and tarnish their happy memories of my brother; or keep quiet and continue to feel ashamed and haunted for ever? </b> </p> <p> <b>Yours sincerely, Nell</b> </p> Healthy Living Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/swine-flu-vaccine-effective-despite-mutations-experts-1826068.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/swine-flu-vaccine-effective-despite-mutations-experts-1826068.html ]]> <p>Swine flu vaccines are still effective despite reported cases of mutations in the A(H1N1) virus, health experts in Europe and North America said Saturday.</p> Health News Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/organised-chaos-handling-25-million-pilgrims-1826285.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/organised-chaos-handling-25-million-pilgrims-1826285.html <p>Dr. Mahmoud al-Srouji peers at a laptop computer screen showing technicolor images of a group of Indian pilgrims filing by, just off a flight from Mumbai in Jeddah airport's massive hajj terminal. "They don't know that we are already checking them," he said, referring to the small thermal camera scanning each person for a high body temperature.</p> Health News Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/japan-china-skorea-sign-first-memorandum-on-food-safety-1826301.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/japan-china-skorea-sign-first-memorandum-on-food-safety-1826301.html ]]> <p>Health ministers from Japan, China and South Korea agreed Monday to step up efforts to ensure food safety following concerns over pesticide-tainted Chinese-made dumplings.</p> Health News Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/swine-flu-doctors-blast-antivaccination-movement-1826490.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/swine-flu-doctors-blast-antivaccination-movement-1826490.html ]]> <p>A leading association of clinicians on Monday accused an "anti-vaccination movement" of breeding suspicion about the (A)H1N1 swine flu vaccine in Europe and declared public health and lives were at risk.</p> Health News Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/relationships-at-risk-from-depression-to-get-free-counselling-1825552.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/relationships-at-risk-from-depression-to-get-free-counselling-1825552.html <p>The Government will today announce plans to introduce couples therapy on the NHS for the first time.</p> Health News Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/stem-cells-could-be-the-secret-reason-why-breast-is-best-1825558.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/stem-cells-could-be-the-secret-reason-why-breast-is-best-1825558.html ]]> <p>Breast milk, long revered for the nutritional advantages it gives a newborn, could be just as vital in terms of infant development, a leading scientist will claim this week. Up to three different types of stem cells have been discovered in breast milk, according to revolutionary new research. </p> Science Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/maternity-care-should-be-safe-from-cuts-according-to-poll-1825559.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/maternity-care-should-be-safe-from-cuts-according-to-poll-1825559.html <p>Two out of three people in England believe maternity services should be spared from health service spending cuts, according to a poll out today. </p> Health News Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/asbestos-a-shameful-legacy-1825554.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/asbestos-a-shameful-legacy-1825554.html ]]> <p>They called it "the Barking cough". First it began like any other: a tickle in the chest and slight pain on breathing. Then, within a matter of months, the sufferer was in agony, gasping for air and eventually suffocating to death as a vicious cancer attacked their lungs waiting for the final lingering, inevitable end which might not come for decades.</p> Home News Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/eat-local-senegalese-say-no-thanks-1825605.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/eat-local-senegalese-say-no-thanks-1825605.html ]]> <p>The look on restaurant owner Mame Couma Tandjigora's face tells the story. She scowls, as many in her country might when asked about locally grown rice -- a far bigger problem than it may seem.</p> Health News Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/hajj-pilgrims-in-saudi-unfazed-by-swine-flu-1825647.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/hajj-pilgrims-in-saudi-unfazed-by-swine-flu-1825647.html ]]> <p>Days before a forecast three million Muslim pilgrims pack Mecca to begin the holy ritual of the hajj, the spectre of a possible outbreak of swine flu seems to be fazing few of them.</p> Health News Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/strain-of-swine-flu-found-that-is-resistant-to-drugs-1824939.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/strain-of-swine-flu-found-that-is-resistant-to-drugs-1824939.html ]]> <p>A strain of swine flu resistant to the anti-viral drug Tamiflu is spreading from person to person, health officials in Wales confirmed last night</p> Health News Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/mutation-found-in-swine-flu-virus-1825052.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/mutation-found-in-swine-flu-virus-1825052.html ]]> <p>The World Health Organisation said Friday that a mutation had been found in samples of the swine flu virus taken following the first two deaths from the pandemic in Norway.</p> Health News Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/shun-beef-to-stop-climate-change-says-india-1825196.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/shun-beef-to-stop-climate-change-says-india-1825196.html <p>India, a stronghold of vegetarianism where the cow is a sacred animal for the majority Hindu population, has urged the rest of the world to give up eating beef to help reduce global warming.</p> Health News Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/cuba-offers-free-penis-implants-1825130.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/cuba-offers-free-penis-implants-1825130.html ]]> <p>Cuba's government has offered its first free penis implants, part of a program set to be expanded across the communist island, an official newspaper reported Friday.</p> Health News Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/britain-probes-transmission-of-drugresistant-swine-flu-1825095.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/britain-probes-transmission-of-drugresistant-swine-flu-1825095.html ]]> <p>British health authorities said Friday they are investigating what could be the world's first cases of person-to-person transmission of a strain of drug-resistant swine flu.</p> Health News Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/organics-in-france-command-high-prices-and-are-poised-for-growth-1825211.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/organics-in-france-command-high-prices-and-are-poised-for-growth-1825211.html ]]> <p>In France, organic food is making steady inroads -- but for a price, reveals a recent study by the food retail magazine<em> Linéaires</em>.</p> Health News Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/us-doctors-back-later-start-for-cervical-cancer-tests-1825285.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/us-doctors-back-later-start-for-cervical-cancer-tests-1825285.html ]]> <p>Women should not get their first cervical cancer screening before age 21, the leading US group of women's health care professionals said Friday, also recommending less frequent subsequent tests.</p> Health News Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/vicks-recalls-nasal-sprays-amid-health-fears-1824387.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/vicks-recalls-nasal-sprays-amid-health-fears-1824387.html <p> Thousands of Vicks nasal sprays in Britain were being recalled amid fears they could contain a dangerous bacteria. </p> Health News Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:00:42 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/swine-flu-vaccine-to-be-given-to-children-1824114.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/swine-flu-vaccine-to-be-given-to-children-1824114.html ]]> <p>The swine flu vaccination programme is to be extended to almost one in three of the UK population, the Government's Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, announced yesterday.</p> Health News Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/news/artist-to-have-an-epileptic-fit-live-on-stage-1824122.html http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/news/artist-to-have-an-epileptic-fit-live-on-stage-1824122.html <p>A performance artist who suffers from epilepsy was facing growing criticism last night over her "dangerous" plans to induce a seizure in front of an audience live on stage. </p> News Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/model-moss-rapped-for-skinny-feels-good-motto-1824298.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/model-moss-rapped-for-skinny-feels-good-motto-1824298.html ]]> <p>British supermodel Kate Moss was accused Thursday of giving the wrong message to anorexics and teenage girls when she gave her backing for a slogan encouraging them not to eat.</p> Health News Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/flavor-trends-for-2010-blend-the-familiar-and-the-exotic-1824589.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/flavor-trends-for-2010-blend-the-familiar-and-the-exotic-1824589.html ]]> <p>Next year's flavors for consumer packaged goods are going to be a mix of old and new, as ethnic flavors become the norm and certain spices are added for their functional benefits, according to a new report by market researcher Mintel.</p> Health News Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/mutation-found-in-swine-flu-virus-in-norway-who-1824848.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/mutation-found-in-swine-flu-virus-in-norway-who-1824848.html ]]> <p>The World Health Organisation said Friday that a mutation had been found in samples of the swine flu virus taken following the first two deaths from the pandemic in Norway.</p> Health News Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/mexican-labs-target-adulterers-with-dna-testing-1825022.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/mexican-labs-target-adulterers-with-dna-testing-1825022.html ]]> <p>Suspect your significant other might be cheating on you? In Mexico, numerous laboratories are now offering a way to find out for sure -- DNA tests.</p> Health News Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/comfort-foods-and-beer-top-customer-satisfaction-rankings-1824919.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/comfort-foods-and-beer-top-customer-satisfaction-rankings-1824919.html <p>As the recession bites further into consumers' wallets, people are seeking solace in comfort foods, particularly in beer and candy, according to the American Consumer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) released November 17. The report is a quarterly indicator of customer evaluations of products in over 10 categories.</p> Health News Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/british-poll-reveals-sexual-ignorance-1824657.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/british-poll-reveals-sexual-ignorance-1824657.html ]]> <p>More than one in 10 British people don't realise that a woman can still get pregnant if she has sex standing up, according to a poll Friday.</p> Health News Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/china-orders-accurate-swine-flu-tallies-1824523.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/china-orders-accurate-swine-flu-tallies-1824523.html ]]> <p>China has ordered more accurate reporting of swine flu fatalities after a doctor renowned for helping expose the scale of the 2003 SARS outbreak said deaths were being deliberately underplayed.</p> Health News Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/an-iphone-app-that-rates-products-for-nutrition-sustainability-1824367.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/an-iphone-app-that-rates-products-for-nutrition-sustainability-1824367.html ]]> <p>GoodGuide, a consumer-based website with data on a wide range of consumer products, has released a new iPhone application that scans barcodes to deliver the health, environmental and social responsibility ratings of over 50,000 products and companies.</p> Health News Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/cinema-popcorn-is-nutritional-horror-show-1824348.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/cinema-popcorn-is-nutritional-horror-show-1824348.html ]]> <p>Forget Freddy Krueger or flesh-eating zombies: the real villain of a night at the movies could be lurking in a bag of popcorn or drinks carton, according to a new US study.</p> Health News Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/schoolgirl-with-swine-flu-dies-1823589.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/schoolgirl-with-swine-flu-dies-1823589.html <p> A schoolgirl has died after contracting swine flu. The girl, from Slough, Berkshire, tested positive for the H1N1 virus, and was being treated at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London. </p> Health News Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:22:02 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/underfives-to-be-given-swine-flu-jab-1823582.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/underfives-to-be-given-swine-flu-jab-1823582.html ]]> <p> Healthy children aged under five are to be given the swine flu jab, it was confirmed today. </p> Health News Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:10:33 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/cancer-patients-denied-lifeextending-drug-1823412.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/cancer-patients-denied-lifeextending-drug-1823412.html <p> People with advanced liver cancer will be denied a new drug on the NHS under draft guidance published today. </p> Health News Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:32:11 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/your-independent-no-family-should-face-this-alone-1823082.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/your-independent-no-family-should-face-this-alone-1823082.html ]]> <p> <u><b>Our daughter is perfect</b></u> </p> <p> We recognised every word of Tussie Myerson's story. Our daughter, Clementine, is five years old and has profound mental and physical disabilities. Like Emmy, she is dependent on her parents and other carers for everything. </p> Features Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:50 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/drink-half-a-dozen-beers-every-day-and-have-a-healthier-heart-1823218.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/drink-half-a-dozen-beers-every-day-and-have-a-healthier-heart-1823218.html ]]> <p>Drinking a bottle of wine a day, or half a dozen beers, cuts the risk of heart disease by more than half in men, it has been shown. </p> Health News Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/senate-leader-prepares-for-vote-on-health-bill-1823227.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/senate-leader-prepares-for-vote-on-health-bill-1823227.html <p> The leader of the US Senate, Harry Reid, was ready last night to move ahead at last with a draft healthcare reform bill amid hopes that he can muster the necessary minimum of 60 votes for a motion to begin debate by the full Senate by this weekend. </p> Americas Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/birth-control-pill-use-seen-growing-in-asia-bayer-schering-1823341.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/birth-control-pill-use-seen-growing-in-asia-bayer-schering-1823341.html ]]> <p>The Asia-Pacific market for contraceptives should post strong growth in the next decade as women shed their fears and new products are introduced, drugs giant Bayer Schering Pharma said Wednesday.</p> Health News Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/in-an-unstable-economy-sales-of-dietary-supplements-steady-1823347.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/in-an-unstable-economy-sales-of-dietary-supplements-steady-1823347.html ]]> <p>Despite unsteady economic times, the market for dietary supplements is still stable, with 75 percent of US adult consumers buying supplements as they used to in pre-recession times (before 2008), and 65 percent (up from 64 percent) of them currently taking dietary supplements, according to Ipsos Public Affairs for the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN).</p> Health News Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/boosting-neurotransmitter-could-reverse-down-syndrome-1823389.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/boosting-neurotransmitter-could-reverse-down-syndrome-1823389.html ]]> <p>Boosting a neurotransmitter called norepinephrine in sufferers of Down Syndrome could help reverse the condition, which is the most common cause of mental retardation in children, a study showed Wednesday.</p> Health News Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/experts-warn-antibioticproof-bacteria-threaten-global-health-1823416.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/experts-warn-antibioticproof-bacteria-threaten-global-health-1823416.html ]]> <p>Resistance to antibiotics is increasing in Europe and throughout the world because of their excessive use, a deadly and costly curse according to health experts meeting in Stockholm Wednesday.</p> Health News Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/who-plays-down-reported-swine-flu-vaccination-deaths-1823903.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/who-plays-down-reported-swine-flu-vaccination-deaths-1823903.html ]]> <p>The World Health Organisation said Thursday that checks on many of the 30 deaths recorded following mass pandemic flu vaccinations had so far ruled out a direct link to the vaccines.</p> Health News Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/squatters-unite-for-world-toilet-day-1823796.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/squatters-unite-for-world-toilet-day-1823796.html <p>Since 2001, November 19 has marked World Toilet Day as part of an effort to break the silence surrounding sanitation issues in both richer and poorer countries. The World Toilet Organisation's initiative for 2009 is The Big Squat, and participants have been getting down on their haunches for charity.</p> Health News Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/alcohol-helps-lower-heart-disease-risk-for-men-study-1823662.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/alcohol-helps-lower-heart-disease-risk-for-men-study-1823662.html ]]> <p>Men who drink alcohol every day see a nearly one-third average reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease, according to a long-term study among Spanish men published on Thursday.</p> Health News Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/for-2010-new-twists-on-familiar-standbys-for-many-packaged-goods-1823550.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/for-2010-new-twists-on-familiar-standbys-for-many-packaged-goods-1823550.html ]]> <p>Health, wellness, convenience and sustainability will all be prominently featured in next year's new products, but they'll be getting a makeover as manufacturers give a new twist to familiar items, according to Mintel's 2010 global consumer packaged goods predictions released this month.</p> Health News Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/how-facebook-got-me-through-cancer-1822294.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/how-facebook-got-me-through-cancer-1822294.html ]]> <p>I've been a Facebook refusenik for years. I'm as umbilically linked to the internet as the next working mother – Sainsbury's online, tick; Amazon, tick; BBC iplayer, tick. But as a way to communicate with my friends? Absolutely not. The first Facebook wave passed me by completely, and by the time all my younger colleagues were gaily posting holiday pictures and taking "which movie character are you?" quizzes, I had learnt enough to see it as a navel-gazing, time-wasting indulgence. I preferred to catch up and/or unwind over a glass of Montepulciano and a DVD. But unforeseen, unwelcome events made me change my mind.</p> Features Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/pregnant-women-sceptical-about-swine-flu-vaccination-1822406.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/pregnant-women-sceptical-about-swine-flu-vaccination-1822406.html <p>The public is turning its back on swine flu vaccine, a snapshot survey of family doctors suggests.</p> Health News Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/firm-that-led-the-way-in-dna-testing-goes-bust-1822413.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/firm-that-led-the-way-in-dna-testing-goes-bust-1822413.html <p>Personal DNA testing to diagnose and cure disease – often touted as the future of medicine – was dealt a blow yesterday as the company that pioneered the technique filed for bankruptcy. </p> Health News Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/queens-speech-to-focus-on-healthcare-boost-1822408.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/queens-speech-to-focus-on-healthcare-boost-1822408.html <p>Victims of strokes and serious accidents will be given specialised help to cope with their new circumstances in the final pre-election Queen's Speech today.</p> Health News Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/swine-flu-death-toll-spikes-in-canada-1822574.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/swine-flu-death-toll-spikes-in-canada-1822574.html ]]> <p>The swine flu has contributed to 37 deaths in Canada over the past five days, bringing the total number of fatalities blamed on the A(H1N1) virus to 198, a senior health official said Tuesday.</p> Health News Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000