Top health news from around the world: 28 October 2013
International health news
- Movember – What has it done for men’s health? – The month of November sees men in 21 countries grow a moustache and raise money for male cancer research.
- World Polio Day – 26 October marks World Polio Day and the ongoing campaign to eradicate this disease, currently endemic in Pakistan, Nigeria, and Afghanistan.
- Saturated fat “myth” – The risk of saturated fats is being “demonised” and the risk of sugars overlooked, says a leading cardiologist.
Health advice
- Daily aspirin confusion – Debates still rage on whether over-50s should regularly take aspirin, with a fine balance between the benefits and possible bleeding on brain.
- 5 great autumn foods – 5 foods in season right now which contain fibre, vitamins and other dietary essentials.
Country health alerts
- USA: Imported spices contaminated – The FDA looks at rules on importing herbs and spices after lead is found in turmeric from Bangladesh.
- Mexico: Soft drink tax considered – As the biggest consumer of soft drinks in the world, the government hopes higher taxes will reduce consumption and improve health.
- Brazil: Producing vaccine for developing countries – Brazil is to manufacture a combined measles and rubella vaccine for use in developing countries, mainly in Africa.