insert_link Health / Medical 80% of premature baby deaths happen in poorer countries. Five simple measures that can help save them By Andrew Shennan, King's College London and Megan Hall, King's College London Worldwide in 2020 a baby died every 40 seconds because of complications of prematurity. Preterm birth is the leading cause of death among children under 5 years old. The burden of preterm birth is heavier in in low- and middle-income countries, where around 80% occur. The countries with the highest recorded preterm rates in Africa are […] todayFebruary 22, 2024 12
insert_link Health / Medical Musk’s Neuralink publishes brain implant trial results Elon Musk says Neuralink’s first human trial participant can control a computer mouse with their brain, nearly one month after having the company’s chip implanted. The CEO of Future Today Institute, Amy Webb told CNN that it’s alarming that the study was initially published on Twitter (X), instead of a medical journal. We asked a local Psychologist Dr. Shaun Whittaker for his take on the matter. todayFebruary 21, 2024 50
insert_link Health / Medical Oshikoto Region Faces Malaria Outbreak, Urges Early Treatment The Director of the Ministry of Health and Social Services in the Oshikoto Region, Joshua Nghipangelwa, has urged community members to seek early treatment amidst a growing outbreak of malaria. Nghipangelwa reported 256 malaria cases between January 2024 and 18 February 2024, surpassing epidemic thresholds. Nghipangelwa stated that the regional rapid response team and the district response team have initiated actions to address the outbreak. The teams have conducted investigations, […] todayFebruary 21, 2024 43
insert_link Health / Medical How long does back pain last? And how can learning about pain increase the chance of recovery? fizkes/Shutterstock By Sarah Wallwork, University of South Australia and Lorimer Moseley, University of South Australia Back pain is common. One in thirteen people have it right now and worldwide a staggering 619 million people will have it this year. Chronic pain, of which back pain is the most common, is the world’s most disabling health problem. Its economic impact dwarfs other health conditions. If you get back pain, […] todayFebruary 20, 2024 17
insert_link Health / Medical The Powerful Constraints on Medical Care in Catholic Hospitals Across America Jennifer Chin, an OB-GYN at UW Medicine in Seattle, has treated patients turned away by Catholic hospitals. “We had many instances where people would have to get in their car to drive to us while they were bleeding, or patients who had had their water bags broken for up to five days or even up to a week,” Chin says. (DAN DELONG FOR KFF HEALTH NEWS) By Rachana Pradhan and Hannah Recht via KFF […] todayFebruary 20, 2024 16
insert_link Health / Medical Health ministry urges caution amid Covid-19 increase in Rehoboth Ministry of Health Executive Director, Ben Nangombe has urged the public to adhere to COVID-19 prevention measures, especially when attending memorial services for the late President Hage Geingob. This comes after a surge in COVID-19 cases at two schools in Rehoboth, with 20 reported cases since February 8th. Nangombe has confirmed that the cases are clustered in Rehoboth and have not spread to other parts of the country. todayFebruary 19, 2024 50
insert_link Health / Medical Bacteria in your gut can improve your mood − new research in mice tries to zero in on the crucial strains The difference between one mouse’s fear and another mouse’s calm might be in their gut bacteria. Katriel Cho, CC BY-NC-ND By Andrea Merchak, University of Florida Probiotics have been getting a lot of attention recently. These bacteria, which you can consume from fermented foods, yogurt or even pills, are linked to a number of health and wellness benefits, including reducing gastrointestinal distress, urinary tract infections and eczema. But […] todayFebruary 19, 2024 28
insert_link Health / Medical HIV among older South Africans in rural areas: big study shows there’s a problem that’s being neglected By Jen Manne-Goehler, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; Francesc Xavier Gomez-Olive Casas, University of the Witwatersrand; Julia Rohr, Harvard University; Kathleen Kahn, University of the Witwatersrand; Nomsa Mahlalela, University of the Witwatersrand, and Till Bärnighausen, University of Heidelberg South Africa continues to have a high prevalence of HIV among all age groups. About 8.2 million people or 13.7% of the population live with HIV, one […] todayFebruary 19, 2024 20
insert_link Health / Medical Advocating for the Unseen: A Conversation with Bianca Ozcan on the Namibia Alliance for Rare Diseases February 19, 2024/Leonard Witbeen In a recent interview, Bianca Ozcan, the head of the Namibia Alliance for Rare Diseases, sheds light on the organization's efforts and the challenges faced by those living with rare diseases in Namibia. Speaking from the Rare Diseases Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, Ozcan emphasized the importance of raising awareness and fostering collaboration to address the unique needs of individuals with rare diseases. Building the Namibia […] todayFebruary 19, 2024 46