CHENNAI: Lack of exposure to adequate levels of sunlight, exercise and improper diet can lead to osteoporosis.

On World Osteoporosis Day held on Tuesday, doctors at the Apollo Hospital conducted an informative programme on the “silent epidemic”.

Doctors noted that osteoporosisrelated injury is not visible but it is true that almost six out of ten fractures and bone injuries in India are caused by osteoporosis. Contrary to assumptions, trauma (accidents) is not the main cause of serious injuries. Continue Reading

22 October 2009, 02:24pm IST

Exposure to light during night can lead to symptoms of depression, a new study conducted on mice has found.

It was found that rodents kept in a lighted room 24 hours a day showed symptoms of depression unlike mice that had a normal light-dark cycle. A total of 24 male laboratory mice were used for the research. Continue Reading

Too much white wine can rot your teeth, dental experts have warned.

The experts claimed that wines like Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Riesling are more likely to wear away protective tooth enamel than reds like Rioja and Merlot.

According to the docs from Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany, prolonged contact with white wine erodes the calcium layer on teeth more quickly than red wines, reports The Daily Express. Continue Reading

Washington, Sept 11, 2009: Here’s a pointer for students flubbing multiple-choice tests: Sleep can reduce mistakes in memory, says a new study.

The first-of-its-kind study led by a cognitive neuroscientist at Michigan State University, appears in the September issue of the journal Learning & Memory. Continue Reading

London, Sept 4, 2009: Men really do lose their minds while talking to an attractive woman, concludes a new study.

The study, published in the Journal of Experimental and Social Psychology, has found that attractive women actually impair the male brain.

And psychologists say this is because males are “reproductively focused”. Continue Reading

London, September 16, 2009: Women who have their first baby at an advanced maternal age may be more at risk of complications, says a recent UK study.

The team at the University of Cambridge found women who started menstruation early, from the age of 12 onwards, were more likely to require medical assistance during childbirth such as forceps, or a Caesarean section. Continue Reading

Washington, Sept 17, 2009: There has been a dramatic drop in liver cancer cases among Taiwanese children following the use of hepatitis B vaccine at birth, according to a new study.

In July 1984, a universal vaccination program was initiated among newborn children in Taiwan to prevent the hepatitis B virus infection, which can predispose to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, a primary malignancy of the liver. Continue Reading

Tulsi (Basil in English) sibie rohpahahpa he Swine flu a vaih nawpa chata apha kaw. My ta Tulsi hna pangawh (5 leaves of Tulsi) nie tyla apha kaw.

Have five duly washed leaves of Tulsi (known as Basil in English; medicinal name Ocimum sanctum) everyday in the morning. Tulsi has a large number of therapeutic properties. It keeps throat and lungs clear and helps in infections by way of strengthening your immunity. Continue Reading

Are the rising swine flu casualties giving you jitters? Not sure how you can avoid falling prey to the growing epidemic?

First and foremost, there is absolutely no need to panic.

Watching television to keep tabs on the progress of H1N1, particularly in the badly affected areas like Pune, is all right.

But don’t let the hysterical anchors get under your skin and start wearing a mask each time you step out of the house, unless you are visiting a very crowded area. Then too, the mask will protect you only for a specified period. Continue Reading

What is Tamiflu for? What is Tamiflu used for?

Tamiflu is a prescription medication used to treat the influenza, or flu, virus. It can shorten the duration of the flu if taken as soon as symptoms start.

Who can take Tamiflu:

Tamiflu is approved for adults and children over 12 months of age.

Who should NOT take Tamiflu:

* Children under 12 months old *
* Women who are pregnant or nursing *
* Those who are allergic to oseltamivir phosphate – the main ingredient – or any other ingredients in Tamiflu Continue Reading

According to the CDC, like seasonal flu, symptoms of swine flu infections can include:

* fever, which is usually high, but unlike seasonal flu, is sometimes absent
* cough
* runny nose or stuffy nose
* sore throat
* body aches
* headache
* chills
* fatigue or tiredness, which can be extreme
* diarrhea and vomiting, sometimes, but more commonly seen than with seasonal flu.

Signs of a more serious swine flu infection might include pneumonia and respiratory failure. Continue Reading

Calories in a banana

It depends on the size. They range from:

The size of banana is going to play a large role in the number of calories in a banana. The larger the banana, the greater the number of calories.

Approximately 90 calories in one small banana (6″)

Approximately 150 calories in one bigger, more genetically engineered/ripened bananas (over 9″ long)

Approximately 105 calories in one 1 average size banana. Continue Reading