KwaZulu-Natal supports CANSA with Shavathons

Durban shopping centres contributed to the annual CANSA drive with Shavathons, raising R17 931 at four centres in and around the city on Saturday 3 March 2012. Members of the public were able to shave their hair, or have it sprayed with brightly coloured hairspray, for a donation of R50, with children under 12 years donating R25 to support cancer sufferers and their families. Read more >>

Stor-Age supporting our kids

Stor-Age, one of South Africa's leading self-storage companies, is no stranger when it comes to supporting the kids of our communities. Through initiatives such as the Create Happiness Drive as well as donations and school sponsorships, The company aims to better the lives of children throughout the country. Read more >>

From discovery to delivery at 2012 International Microbicides Conference

The biennial International Microbicides Conference is the premier gathering for those working on new approaches to HIV prevention and this year's conference in Sydney, Australia, will place a strong emphasis on the role of community in both research and implementation of scientific findings. The conference will take place from 15 - 18 April 2012 at the Sydney Exhibition and Conference Centre located on the Darling Harbour waterfront. Read more >>

Plan to cut medical top-up, gap cover could hurt consumers, medical schemes

Government's recent announcement of its plans to cut medical top-up¹ and gap cover² could hit middle- and low-income consumers the hardest. Read more >>

Biomarkers assist in detecting life-threatening kidney injury after cardiac surgery

[Helen Dodson] Following heart surgery, patients commonly experience acute kidney injury (AKI) and a progressive loss of kidney function. But a Yale-led study identifies specific blood and urine markers that can predict which patients will suffer these serious complications. The findings suggest that early detection and better patient monitoring could prevent kidney deterioration. The study appears online in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. Read more >>

Red meat boosts risk of dying young: study

WASHINGTON, USA: Eating a portion of processed red meat daily can boost a person's risk of dying young by up to 20%, said a long-running US study of more than 120,000 people released on Monday, 12 March 2012. Read more >>

Toast the path for beating gout

[Francesca Esposito] If you've ever had gout, you will know all about it: gout is a condition characterised by sudden attacks of pain caused by swelling and inflammation in the joints. Read more >>

Nestlé announces research partnership with CSIR

[Zeenat Moorad] Earlier today, 6 March 2012, Nestlé announced a research partnership with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), a science council which reports to the minister of science and technology. Read more >>

Radiation still used despite evidence of little benefit to some older breast cancer patients

[Karen N. Peart] Even though a large clinical study demonstrated that radiation has limited benefit in treating breast cancer in some older women, there was little change in the use of radiation among older women in the Medicare program, Yale School of Medicine researchers report in the March Journal of Clinical Oncology. Read more >>

Draft regulations on baby formula, foods published

The Department of Health has released draft regulations relating to foodstuffs for infants and young children for public comment. Read more >>

Raw chicken bacteria on the rise in Europe: study

ROME, ITALY: A type of bacteria mostly found in raw chicken meat that can cause diarrhoea and fever is on the rise in the European Union, according to a report from European food safety agencies published on Thursday, 8 March 2012. Read more >>

US health authorities warn against 'inhalable caffeine'

WASHINGTON, USA: US health authorities on Tuesday, 6 March 2012, issued a warning to the maker of a new inhalable caffeine product sold in the United States and France, citing mislabeling and safety concerns. Read more >>

Preggie Pamper Day at Cradle Health Spa

The Cradle Health Spa and Medical Wellness Facility in Magaliesberg provides a unique service where a full conventional medical check can be combined with a day of luxury spa pampering and treatments in a safe and cosy environment. On Saturday 17 March 2012, the spa will be hosting a Preggie Pamper Day specially for soon-to-be-moms. Read more >>

Probe into school sex scandal almost complete

Five teachers, including a principal in a Limpopo school, continue to draw their salaries from the provincial department of education while doing nothing. Read more >>

Alcohol ads ban 'only under discussion'

There are no definite plans to ban alcohol adverts but all options to curb alcohol abuse are being considered, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Elizabeth Thabethe said on Thursday. Read more >>