Quitting smoking reduces pneumonia risk in HIV patients - research

The BioMed Central's open access journal, BMC Medicine, has today published a report that finds that current smokers with HIV were at double the risk of bacterial pneumonia than non-smoking counterparts, but that when people stopped smoking their risk was reduced. Read more >>

Learning pillbox assists compliance

The patented evriMED medicine reminder, is described as the world's first learning pillbox, as it requires no configuration and automatically learns the user's pill taking habits and reinforces them, tracking dosage times, which can change from time to time. Read more >>

World's first non-surgical closure of leaking heart valve

The cardiac team at Mediclinic Panorama, Cape Town on 5 January 2013, performed the world's first non-surgical closure of a leaking heart valve on a patient with dextrocardia with situs inversus. The team was assisted by two world experts in the percutaneous closure of such valve leaks, Professor Eric Eeckhout and Dr Alain Delabays from Lausanne, Switzerland. Read more >>

Home hair growth system cleared by FDA

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Apira Science clearance for its iGrow Hair Growth Platform. This patented red light technology device is used in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss). Read more >>

Capitalise on Healthy Lifestyle awareness month

[Andrew Edwards] February is Healthy Lifestyle awareness month and, following an indulgent year-end, is meant to stop us in our tracks and remind us of the importance of following a healthy, balanced lifestyle if we are to realise our goals of living a longer, more fulfilled life. Read more >>

Medical first allows Blount's disease patient to walk upright

In what is described as a medical first, an orthopaedic team at the Netcare Unitas Hospital in Centurion, Pretoria has undertaken four hours of reconstructive surgery on a 25-year old Blount's disease patient, enabling him to walk upright. Read more >>

Adcock Ingram buys Indian pharmaceutical company

Adcock Ingram on Friday, 18 January 2013, announced the completion of the acquisition of Cosme Farma Laboratories Limited, a pan-Indian pharmaceutical company based in Goa, India for R745 million. Read more >>

Opportunities open up for SA drug companies

[Tamar Khan] Sub-Saharan Africa offers significant opportunities for SA's pharmaceutical manufacturing companies‚ as a growing middle class and an increasing disease burden push up demand for medicines‚ according to research by Frost & Sullivan. Read more >>

Improvement in registration of nurses

Though SA remains challenged by the shortage of health-care professionals there has been an improvement in the number of registered nurses. Read more >>

Make your health IQ skyrocket in 2013 with Health Intelligence

[Issued by Health Intelligence] Health Intelligence isn't just another glossy magazine; it's your window to wellness, bringing you the truth about the health industry and real advice you can live by. The Jan/Feb edition is on sale now. Read more >>  visit press office >>

Recent court decision affects State's constitutional responsibility for health

The Constitutional Court's recent finding in favour of a former inmate who contracted TB while in prison is a heartening case not only for prisoners, but for the whole of South Africa. Read more >>

Trust awards NGO R2-million grant to combat gender-based violence

The 1st for Women Insurance Trust recently awarded NGO, Afrika Tikkun, a grant of R2-million to help break the vicious cycle of violence and abuse and deliver much-needed family support services in Diepsloot through a holistic network of partners. Read more >>

Will technology kill us or make us stronger?

NEW YORK, US / JOHANNESBURG, SA: McCann "Truth about Wellness" global research study reveals multiple contradictions & cultural upsets around the world. More than half of respondents (54%) think that technology is making us healthier while 46% think it is making us sicker; globally 94% of consumers agree brands have a role in supporting their wellness needs. Read more >>

New CEOs for public hospitals

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi appointed more than 100 new chief executives for public hospitals, fulfilling his promise to ensure these positions are filled by qualified people. Read more >>

Motsoaledi urged to intervene at Bara

Gauteng premier Nomvula Mokonyane and Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi must intervene in the closure of the Chris Hani Baragwanath Nursing College, the IFP said on Wednesday (16 January). Read more >>

The cost of road carnage

Carnage on SA's roads comes at a frightening cost in human suffering. It also comes at huge economic cost. Read more >>