The debate over whether or not cell phone usage causes brain tumors has been a subject of continuing debate for decades. However, new research shows that no danger lurks in the highly popular form of mobile communication.
Medical astrology—the practice of an astrological sign ruling over a specific body part—may be keeping you healthy. Adapted from the book by Stephanie Gailing, Planetary Apothecary: An Astrological Approach to Health and Wellness, check out which regions of the body are taken over by your sign and which foods will support your health:
The placenta is an unborn baby’s lifeline. Attached to the inside of the uterus and connected to the fetus by the umbilical cord, the placenta works as a trading post between the mother’s and the baby’s blood supply. Oxygen and nutrients in the mother’s blood pass across the placenta to the fetus, and metabolic wastes and carbon dioxide from the fetus cross in the other direction. The placenta also helps protect the baby from infections and potentially harmful substances, but it’s not a foolproof filter. Other substances, such as alcohol, drugs, and cigarette smoke can also cross the placenta, with effects including congenital disorders, drug addiction, and fetal alcohol syndrome in the newborn. And scientists have long suspected that cancer can cross the placental barrier and spread from the mother to her unborn child, but have had no proof—until now.
Prematurity can result in lifelong health problems. Most of the babies are born in Africa and Asia.
In recent years, there has been an explosion of Internet use, and it’s easy to understand why. The Internet provides affordable up-to-date information on almost any topic imaginable, around-the-clock entertainment, social networking sites that allow for both public and anonymous communication, and email or online chat that lets us keep in contact with family and friends, even if they’re in another time zone. Most people are able to integrate online time into their lives in a balanced healthy manner, but others develop a stronger dependency, often replacing work, school, friends and even family with countless hours surfing the Web, instant messaging and blogging, or playing Internet video games. In fact, it is estimated that as many as 10 percent of Internet users may be considered addicted. Experts say that people who abuse the Internet are typically struggling with other problems, like anxiety or depression, and new research lends credence to that theory.
United Nations food agencies report more than one billion people, or one sixth of the world's population, are going hungry. This report by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Program is being released in advance of World Food Day, which falls on October 15. The report warns the number of undernourished people will continue to grow unless the world's fragile food system is reformed.
The World Health Organization says it will begin shipping millions of doses of the swine flu vaccine to poorer countries, possibly as early as November.
From garlic to honey, to lemonade and chicken soup, there are time-honored treatments from grandma’s remedy chest to heal yourself and speed your recovery from common ailments. Just head to the kitchen next time you are feeling ill, and whip up a remedy for what ails you. Below are some of the most common and easily prepared remedies for everything from stomachache to cold and congestion to household burns.
In a major scientific breakthrough researchers in Thailand say they have made progress in developing a vaccine for AIDS. A six-year trial working with volunteers showed that a combination of drugs reduced the risk of HIV infection.
Most burns are minor injuries that occur at home or work. It is common to get a minor burn from hot water, a curling iron, or touching a hot stove. Home treatment is usually all that is needed for healing and to prevent other problems, such as infection.