France’s CNRS research institute says it has found a new way to zoom in on AIDS virus hideout Scientists have found a way to pinpoint elusive white blood cells which will provide a hideout for the AIDS virus in people taking anti-HIV drugs. These “reservoir” cells have long been a …
Read More »HEALTH: Track your periods with these apps
The days of using pen and paper to keep track of menstrual cycles are past. Apps for period tracking have proliferated for both iPhone and Android. Some of these apps are simple calendars; others have space for tracking cervical mucus and body temperature to help women estimate when they are …
Read More »Trump suffers bruising defeat as Obamacare remains the law of the land
Washington, United States | AFP | Â Donald Trump suffered a bitter defeat Friday in his first major legislative challenge, as the president’s effort to repeal Obamacare was shot down by rebel Republican lawmakers. Barely two months into his term, Trump was forced to withdraw an embattled Republican health care bill, …
Read More »Trump forced to pull health care bill in major setback
Washington, United States | AFP |Â Donald Trump on Friday asked House Speaker Paul Ryan to withdraw an embattled Republican health care bill, moments before a vote, signaling a major political defeat for the US president. “The speaker talked to the president at three o’clock today and the president asked the …
Read More »How parental television viewing affects teens’ sexual behavior
Television programmes can influence the perceptions and behaviours of adolescents either negatively or positively. But if unregulated they can cause harm. The Conversation Africa’s Health and Medicine Editor Joy Wanja Muraya spoke to Sammy Yaah Baya about its impact. How is television viewing likely to influence the sexual behaviour of …
Read More »Japan’s elderly inmates prefer jail
No country for old men: Japan’s elderly inmates prefer jail Tokyo, Japan | AFP | Every day is the same. He wakes at 6:45 am, eats breakfast 20 minutes later and reports for work at eight o’clock sharp. But this isn’t your typical Japanese salaryman. This man is in …
Read More »Patient’s record automation gains traction in East Africa
Wilson Kutegeka is the CEO of ClinicMaster International, the developers of a healthcare information management and medical billing software that automates patients’ transactions in health centres across East Africa.  He spoke to The Independent’s Agnes E Nantaba about automation of patient’s health records. What are the key elements in your …
Read More »HEALTH: Cholesterol-slashing drug does not impair brain
Washington, United States | AFP |Â A new cholesterol-slashing drug that has shown promise for high-risk patients does not impair brain function, according to a study out Saturday. Previous research had raised the possibility that evolocumab, sold under the brand name Repatha by Amgen, may have a damaging effect on memory …
Read More »Web-based counseling lowers blood pressure as much as meds
Washington, United States | AFP |Â People who received regular lifestyle counseling online were able to lower their blood pressure as much as a medication would, researchers said Saturday. Their study involved 264 people with high blood pressure and an average age of 58. The subjects’ average blood pressure began at …
Read More »Magufuli offers 500 doctors to ease Kenya health crisis
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | AFP |Â Tanzania on Saturday agreed to send 500 doctors to Kenya after a 100-day doctors’ strike that paralyzed health services in the neighbouring country. President John Magufuli announced the decision after meeting a Kenyan delegation in Dar es Salaam headed by health minister Cleopa Mailu. …
Read More »