Prevention

Nutrition and health

In Europe today, obesity is assuming epidemic proportions.

Nutrition and health

According to figures released in 2006 by the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF), around 14 million children, aged 7-11 years, are overweight - and three million of these are obese.

Where abortion isn't illegal, it should be safe and accessible

Each year about 46 million women in the world decide to have an abortion because of unwanted pregnancy. Half of them have no other choice but to access unsafe abortions, leading to the death of worldwide 70,000 women every year - including Europe. At least in areas where abortion is not illegal, this disgrace can be abolished by the access to safe abortions.

US$ 1.5 billion for pneumococcal vaccines development

Canada, Italy, Norway, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation today committed US$1.5 billion to launch a pilot Advance Market Commitment (AMC) to help speed the development and availability of a new vaccine which is expected to save the lives of 5.4 million children by 2030. The new initiative will target pneumococcal disease, a major cause of pneumonia and meningitis…

Norovirus epidemic in Germany

Fortunately, the influenza virus has not swapped over to Germany yet because the country has enough to do with the norovirus which is expected to attack up to one million people during the next weeks. People affected by the virus suffer from strong nausea and diarrhoea that last at least two days.

Influenza season has begun

Greece, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Scotland, Spain and Switzerland are the first European countries affected by an increase of the influenza virus. Other countries will follow over the coming weeks and should prepare.

“Outlook for the future on healthcare in Europe”

During the course of the EU Council Presidency, Germany is setting a special focus on the health policy with the priorities prevention, innovation and access to health services. The latter was the first topic discussed by European experts from politics, research and health insurances during the conference “The social dimension in the Internal Market — Outlook for the future of healthcare in…

Europeans experience their life in a positive light - but feel tired

Regarding the results of the Eurobarometer survey on health and mental well-being, most Europeans feel healthy and happy. However, there seems to be a gap between the EU member states.

Five win certificates in pain free hospital pilot scheme

A pain-free Hospital pilot project launched in Germany three years ago has ended with the first five of 25 hospitals being awarded a Qualified Pain Therapy certification.

Carotid stenting suffers a setback

The debate between carotid artery stenting (CAS) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA) - the surgical approach - for treating a narrowing of the carotid artery in the neck to prevent stroke has tipped in favour of the more proven procedure of operation.

Political agreement on the EU Health Programme 2007-2013

A “political agreement” on the EU Health Programme 2007-2013 recently has reached the Health Ministers Council in Brussels. The programme is a framework for the Commission´s funding of projects relating to health and will be part of a broader EU health strategy to be put forward by the Commission next year.

No Link between cell phone use and increased cancer risk

According to a study published in the December issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute the widespread concerns of cell phone users about an increased cancer risk are causeless. Cell phone antennas emit electromagnetic fields that can penetrate into the human brain, and scientists have wondered if this might cause tumors in the head or neck.

Underage Alcohol Poisoning Increases In UK

Apparently, 20 children are diagnosed each day in the UK with alcohol poisoning.

Monitoring our own health

Health Manager, a new diagnostic system for personal health monitoring, will be launched by Biocomfort at Medica in November.

Breast cancer screening

20% of all cancers diagnosed annually among Lithuanian women is cancer of the breast. Screening programms should reduce this number.

Fracture risk prediction osteoporosis patients

Simple clinical measurements raise hope of targeted treatments for those at highest risk. The future risk of osteoporotic fracture can be predicted with 75% accuracy using a new mathematical formula, according to research published in the October issue of Radiology (RSNA.org).