International health news
Three strains of gonorrhea have developed immunity to antibiotics. The Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership is researching the development of new medication to cure the superbug.
Poor sleep habits could increase the risk of developing Alzheimer´s. Studies of people with a family history of Alzheimer`s or a gene linked to the condition have shown that the quality of sleep affects its development and progression. Alternatively, the disease may affect quality of sleep.
Country updates
Complications arising from botched abortions kill three women each day in the Philippines. Prohibiting of the termination of pregnancy often leads desperate women there to risk their health and lives, using unregulated clandestine abortion methods. With only 35% of the population using modern contraceptives, unwanted pregnancies lead to an estimated 610,000 abortions each year.
Mosquitoes in Chicago, USA have tested positive for West Nile Virus. Residents have been advised to remove any water containers from their property.
Health authorities in Alabama, USA have warned residents not to enter bodies of water with open wounds. Vibrio can be contracted through eating contaminated seafood or infected water entering the bloodstream through a cut or scratch. Symptoms include vomiting, chills, fever, diarrhoea and wound infections. People who suffer from chronic medical conditions and weaker immune systems are most vulnerable.
Health advice
Researchers have estimated a 25% higher risk of death for Proton pump users. Limited use of prescribed proton-pump inhibitors is recommended, as the risk posed is proportional to how long a patient has been using them. Adverse effects may include kidney and cardiovascular disease, fractures, dementia and Clostridium Difficile infections.
Back acne or ‘bacne’, could be caused by shower habits. If not related to hormonal imbalances; the condition that affects half of females and 40% of males in their 20s could be prevented by removing excess conditioner from the body, after hair washing. This would prevent blocked pores.