SOTT
SIGNS
OF THE
TIMES
OF THE
TIMES
Welcome to Sott.net
The World for People who Think
Health & WellnessS
Having the TV on in the background reduces the quality and quantity of play in young children and may slow their development, according to researchers who studied children playing with and without background TV.
Scientists have long been puzzled by how the Masai can avoid cardiovascular disease despite having a diet rich in animal fats. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet believe that their secret is in their regular walking.
There is strong evidence that the high consumption of animal fats increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Many scientists have therefore been surprised that the nomadic Masai of Kenya and Tanzania are seldom afflicted by the disease, despite having a diet that is rich in animal fats and deficient in carbohydrates.
This fact, which has been known to scientists for 40 years, has raised speculations that the Masai are genetically protected from cardiovascular disease. Now, a unique study by Dr Julia Mbalilaki in association with colleagues from Norway and Tanzania, suggests that the reason is more likely to be the Masai's active lifestyle.
There is strong evidence that the high consumption of animal fats increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Many scientists have therefore been surprised that the nomadic Masai of Kenya and Tanzania are seldom afflicted by the disease, despite having a diet that is rich in animal fats and deficient in carbohydrates.
|
| ©iStockphoto/Robin Camarote |
| Masai men. |
This fact, which has been known to scientists for 40 years, has raised speculations that the Masai are genetically protected from cardiovascular disease. Now, a unique study by Dr Julia Mbalilaki in association with colleagues from Norway and Tanzania, suggests that the reason is more likely to be the Masai's active lifestyle.
ATLANTA - A mutated version of a common cold virus has caused 10 deaths in the last 18 months, U.S. health officials said Thursday. Adenoviruses usually cause respiratory infections that aren't considered lethal. But a new variant has caused at least 140 illnesses in New York, Oregon, Washington and Texas, according to a report issued Thursday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
|
| ©AP Photo/ San Antonio Express-News |
| This photo shows Paige Renee Villers, 19, an airman in basic training at Lackland Air Force Base outside San Antonio, Texas, who died in August 2007. |
A newly discovered and highly lethal virus strain begins with symptoms similar to that of a cold but can quickly lead to severe respiratory crisis.
The Pacific Epilepsy Society in affiliation with the Epileptic Foundation of Maui has completed a seven year study on Epilepsy and Seizures, finding that epilepsy is at an all time high in Hawaii and the western states and Pacific Ocean Territories. There has been a 100% increase over the two previous years. See EFM Survey, Freedom of Info Act 2000-2008 & EFM Survey 1999-03.
An alarming jump in confirmed influenza cases across the country has sparked an urgent "get vaccinated" warning, aimed especially at the over 65s.
The number of people struck down by the potentially deadly disease has risen 25 per cent since last year.
The number of people struck down by the potentially deadly disease has risen 25 per cent since last year.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have found signs of an apparent connection between bullying, being bullied and suicide in children, according to a new review of studies from 13 countries.
"While there is no definitive evidence that bullying makes kids more likely to kill themselves, now that we see there's a likely association, we can act on it and try to prevent it," said review lead author Young-Shin Kim, M.D., assistant professor at Yale School of Medicine's Child Study Center.
In the review, Kim and colleague Bennett Leventhal, M.D., analyzed 37 studies that examined bullying and suicide among children and adolescents. The studies took place in the United States, Canada, several European countries (including the United Kingdom and Germany), South Korea, Japan and South Africa.
Almost all of the studies found connections between being bullied and suicidal thoughts among children. Five reported that bullying victims were two to nine times more likely to report suicidal thoughts than other children were.
Not just the victims were in danger: "The perpetrators who are the bullies also have an increased risk for suicidal behaviors," Kim said.
"While there is no definitive evidence that bullying makes kids more likely to kill themselves, now that we see there's a likely association, we can act on it and try to prevent it," said review lead author Young-Shin Kim, M.D., assistant professor at Yale School of Medicine's Child Study Center.
|
| ©iStockphoto/Nick Schlax |
In the review, Kim and colleague Bennett Leventhal, M.D., analyzed 37 studies that examined bullying and suicide among children and adolescents. The studies took place in the United States, Canada, several European countries (including the United Kingdom and Germany), South Korea, Japan and South Africa.
Almost all of the studies found connections between being bullied and suicidal thoughts among children. Five reported that bullying victims were two to nine times more likely to report suicidal thoughts than other children were.
Not just the victims were in danger: "The perpetrators who are the bullies also have an increased risk for suicidal behaviors," Kim said.
New state insurance law seeks to bridge affordability gap for families
Terri Pitre has renewed hope that her 9-year-old son, Ethan, will get the therapy he needs for a chance at a more normal life. Ethan was diagnosed with autism at 2 1/2.
Gov. Bobby Jindal signed into law last week a measure that would mandate insurance coverage of therapy and medication for autism for children through age 17. The new law requires that children with autism receive up to $36,000 in insurance benefits per year, with a lifetime maximum benefit of $144,000.
Although children with autism benefit most from multiple modes of therapy begun in early childhood, Ethan has been receiving only physical therapy and speech therapy. It's all the family can afford. Their insurance company covers a portion of the physical therapy expenses, but has a yearly cap of $900 on speech therapy - only enough for a few months each year. His parents cover the rest themselves.
Terri Pitre has renewed hope that her 9-year-old son, Ethan, will get the therapy he needs for a chance at a more normal life. Ethan was diagnosed with autism at 2 1/2.
Gov. Bobby Jindal signed into law last week a measure that would mandate insurance coverage of therapy and medication for autism for children through age 17. The new law requires that children with autism receive up to $36,000 in insurance benefits per year, with a lifetime maximum benefit of $144,000.
Although children with autism benefit most from multiple modes of therapy begun in early childhood, Ethan has been receiving only physical therapy and speech therapy. It's all the family can afford. Their insurance company covers a portion of the physical therapy expenses, but has a yearly cap of $900 on speech therapy - only enough for a few months each year. His parents cover the rest themselves.
A MOTHER who helped her autistic son communicate by using their family dog has launched a scheme to help other Scottish children with the condition.
Nuala Gardner's son Dale was severely autistic as a child, but she encouraged him to break his silence by pretending her words were being spoken by the family pet, Henry.
Now she hopes her successful method will allow her to break down the communication barriers in other autistic children using specially chosen gun dogs.
Nuala Gardner's son Dale was severely autistic as a child, but she encouraged him to break his silence by pretending her words were being spoken by the family pet, Henry.
Now she hopes her successful method will allow her to break down the communication barriers in other autistic children using specially chosen gun dogs.
Four persons have died while hundreds have been affected by an unknown disease at Kolti VDC ward numbers 5, 6 and 7 of Bajura district within the past four days.
It has been learnt that all patients suffering from this disease have similar symptoms of fever and pain in the upper and lower limbs, causing the patients to be bedridden. However, due to lack of medical services in these villages, the disease is yet to be identified.
According to Kolti locals, Khante Rokaya, 40, Birjitey Rokaya, 35, Khanti Rokaya, 60, and Kala Rokaya, 45, have died due to the disease.
It has been learnt that all patients suffering from this disease have similar symptoms of fever and pain in the upper and lower limbs, causing the patients to be bedridden. However, due to lack of medical services in these villages, the disease is yet to be identified.
According to Kolti locals, Khante Rokaya, 40, Birjitey Rokaya, 35, Khanti Rokaya, 60, and Kala Rokaya, 45, have died due to the disease.
