insert_link Health / Medical New blood tests may spot Parkinson’s before symptoms appear Researchers have identified a biological signature of Parkinson's disease they hope could lead to a simple blood test for the condition at least seven years before symptoms appear. Scientists have screened blood samples from people with Parkinson's and detected eight key proteins or "biomarkers" common to those with the condition. Based on these proteins in the blood, artificial intelligence could identify potential Parkinson's patients several years in advance. Parkinson's is […] todayJune 19, 2024 10
insert_link Health / Medical Surgeon general demands warning label on social media apps The like button is making parents rethink what the ideal age is to introduce phones and social media access to their children. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy told CNN that the threat social media poses to children requires urgent action, and he demanded Congress, in the US to put a label on the apps as it does with cigarettes and alcohol. "The mental health crisis among young people is urgent, […] todayJune 18, 2024 42
insert_link Health / Medical Former First Lady Madam Penehupifo Pohamba becomes Nampharm Foundation patron Former First Lady of Namibia, Madam Penehupifo Pohamba has joined the Nampharm Foundation as its patron to celebrate the social welfare organisation’s 19th anniversary of providing life-changing surgery to Namibian children. The foundation has been treating children with cleft lip and palate, for nearly two decades. The former first lady says the foundation has consistently surpassed its annual goal of assisting 30 children. todayJune 17, 2024 110
insert_link Health / Medical Oral nicotine pouches deliver lower levels of toxic substances than smoking – but that doesn’t mean they’re safe Oral nicotine pouches and related ‘snus’ tobacco pouches are marketed as cigarette alternatives. Andrii Atanov/iStock via Getty Images By Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, UMass Amherst and Nargiz Travis, Georgetown University Oral nicotine pouches – like Zyn and Velo in the U.S. – appear to be less toxic than cigarettes and deliver comparable levels of nicotine. This makes them an alternative for people who smoke. However, people who’ve never smoked […] todayJune 17, 2024 30
insert_link Health / Medical Namibia Monitors Mpox Situation After New Cases and Deaths in South Africa After the announcement by South African Health Minister, Joe Phaahla of a new laboratory-confirmed case of Mpox and a second death linked to the disease, Namibia is closely monitoring the situation. Executive Director of the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Ben Nangombe, stated that health authorities in Namibia are on alert and taking necessary precautions to prevent any potential outbreak in the country. todayJune 17, 2024 200
insert_link Health / Medical INTERVIEW: Blood Transfusion Service Extends Gratitude on World Blood Donor Day As the world gears up to commemorate the 20th World Blood Donor Day, the Namibia Blood Transfusion Service (NAMBTS) extends its heartfelt gratitude to the generous souls who have selflessly donated blood over the span of six decades. Under the theme "Thank You Donors," this year's celebration, organized by the World Health Organization, acknowledges the invaluable contribution of blood donors globally, highlighting their role in saving countless lives and […] todayJune 14, 2024 15
insert_link Health / Medical Are presidents good role models for vaccination uptake? DRC study shows only if they’re trusted, and people get to know about it By Nik Stoop, University of Antwerp; Elie Lunanga, University of Antwerp; Lara Collart, University of Antwerp, and Marijke Verpoorten, University of Antwerp Immunisation is considered one of the most cost-effective public health interventions, saving millions of lives each year, and benefiting the health of the wider community through herd immunity. Yet, there is as much reason to worry as to celebrate. During the COVID-19 […] todayJune 13, 2024 21
insert_link Health / Medical Michael Mosley used science communication to advance health and wellbeing. We can learn a lot from his approach By Lauren Ball, The University of Queensland and Kirsten Adlard, The University of Queensland Overnight, we learned of the tragic passing of Michael Mosley, who went missing last week while on holiday on the Greek island of Symi. The British celebrity doctor was a household name in many countries, including Australia. Mosley was well known for his television shows, documentaries, books and columns on […] todayJune 10, 2024 22
insert_link Health / Medical Cholera can kill you within hours if left untreated: how to recognise the symptoms and protect yourself By Samuel Kariuki, Kenya Medical Research Institute Cholera is a deadly disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, associated with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. But it has also been found in seemingly clean places, including affluent neighbourhoods, hotels and restaurants with poor hygiene practices such as handling food with dirty hands and using contaminated water to wash utensils and prepare food. […] todayJune 10, 2024 32