insert_link Health / Medical 3 reasons you feel hungrier and crave comfort foods when the weather turns cold Klaus Neilson/Pexels By Lauren Ball, The University of Queensland and Emily Burch, Southern Cross University As we move through Autumn, parts of Australia are starting to see cooler weather. For some of us, that can mean increasing feelings of hunger and cravings for “comfort food” such as as pasta, stews and ramen. But what’s happening in our body? 3 things change when it gets cold 1. Our body conserves […] todayAugust 7, 2024 17
insert_link Health / Medical Double whammy antibiotic makes antibiotic resistance much harder – new study Fahroni/Shutterstock By Tom Smith, Sheffield Hallam University Most antibiotics are natural products of bacteria and other microorganisms from the environment. They are part of a silent chemical warfare among microorganisms in soils, rivers and seas right now. The fact that they are natural products that have been around for millions of years means that even as we discover new antibiotics, there are probably already microorganisms that are resistant to […] todayAugust 7, 2024 9
insert_link Health / Medical W.H.O Alert Says COVID-19 making worrying comeback Covid-19 infections are on the rise worldwide and the World Health Organisation says it is unlikely to decline anytime soon. The UN health agency has sounded the alarm bells following several reported cases at the Olympics. More than 40 athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics have tested positive for Covid-19. Jody Jacobs reports from the United Nations in New York. todayAugust 7, 2024 36
insert_link Africa World Health Organisation considers emergency status for Africa’s Mpox outbreak The World Health Organisation is considering convening an expert committee to determine if the escalating Mpox outbreak in Africa should be declared an international emergency. WHO director-general Tedros Ghebreyesus announced this consideration following a surge of cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and nearby countries. South Africa has also confirmed two more cases in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, bringing its total to 24 cases and three deaths. The Africa Centres […] todayAugust 6, 2024 35
insert_link Health / Medical National Health Laboratory Service in South Africa has begun restoring its critical IT services The National Health Laboratory Service in South Africa has begun restoring its critical IT services following a recent cyberattack. Critical services, including laboratory registration and results processing, are being returned online in phases. Healthcare professionals can now access patient results through the NHLS laboratory web results viewer, improving efficiency and reducing backlogs. The laboratory’s spokesperson Mzi Gcukumana says they are safeguarding their IT assets and resuming full-service delivery amid ongoing […] todayAugust 6, 2024 25
insert_link Health / Medical Namibia to Transition to HPV DNA Testing in New Cancer Control Plan The Health ministry, along with the Cancer Association of Namibia and WHO, is finalizing a new National Cancer Control Plan. The plan includes transitioning from the visual inspection HPV test to HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer. This change will target women aged 25 and 30 and those living with HIV, as noted by Executive Director Ben Nangombe. todayAugust 6, 2024 22
insert_link Health / Medical National cancer awareness week focuses on patient needs The first week of August marks Cancer Awareness Week, running from 5 August to 9 August 2024. This year, the Cancer Association of Namibia is championing the campaign "Nothing about us, without us," emphasizing solidarity with cancer patients. Throughout this week, the Association will highlight the importance of understanding and addressing the needs of Namibians living with cancer. The campaign underscores the necessity of involving patients in conversations and decisions […] todayAugust 5, 2024 39
insert_link Health / Medical South Africa’s Department of Health has confirmed two more positive cases of Mpox in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal South Africa's Department of Health has confirmed that two more positive cases of Mpox have been detected in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, increasing the number of cases from 22 to 24 nationwide. The number of deaths linked to the disease remains at three. The department’s spokesperson, Foster Mohale, says the 23rd case is a 36-year-old man from KwaZulu-Natal who was admitted at a public health facility in Durban late in July […] todayAugust 5, 2024 18
insert_link Health / Medical Ticks in South Africa are becoming resistant to pesticides – and may become uncontrollable By Luther van der Mescht, University of the Free State Ticks that suck the blood of South Africa’s cattle are developing resistance to the only pesticides that kill them and have become increasingly difficult to control. If not contained, the spread and resistance to pesticides of these small parasites will affect farmers’ incomes and could reduce the country’s meat and milk production. South Africa […] todayJuly 31, 2024 25