This week’s international health news from around the web.
International health news
- Blood test to detect bowel cancer — Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK, a new blood test can detect 85% of cases.
- Infant HIV decreases, teen AIDS deaths rise – A UNICEF study reveals thousands of children have been saved from contracting HIV in low- and middle-income countries.
- Morning after pill “fails in obese” – Concerns have been raised after a study showed the emergency contraceptive pill may be ineffective in women over 80kg.
Health advice
- Energy drinks change heartbeat — Children and people with irregular heartbeats shouldn’t drink energy drinks, recommends a study released this week.
- Never too late to start exercising – Older people who take up exercise are three times more likely to avoid dementia and major health problems than their inactive peers.
Country health alerts
- Dubai: Business opportunity from new law – Insurers and financial advisors predict a surge in business from a the new health insurance law.
- UK: Plan tobacco packaging back on the agenda – The government has reversed its decision on plain tobacco packaging in light of results from other countries.
- Brazil: Word Cup dengue fever risk – Dengue could be a threat in 3 cities hosting world cup matches next year, fans must take measures to avoid mosquito bites.
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Image via sxc.hu; Krzysztof Szkurlatowski (12frames.eu)