International health news

Children who have received complementary or alternative medicine are less likely to receive the flu vaccine. It is thought that practitioners in these areas are less likely to recommend such treatments, or even go as far as advising against it.

The world’s largest humanitarian prize has this year been awarded to The Task Force for Global Health. The Conrad N Hilton Humanitarian Prize, which includes a US$2 million payout, was awarded for the non-profit’s efforts in “improving the health of vulnerable populations around the world”.

The Nobel prize in physiology or medicine was also recently awarded, going to Yoshinori Ohsumi for his research cells and how they can stay healthy by recycling waste.

Breast cancer awareness began this month, and with it come a raft of ways to promote knowledge of the disease and ways we can fight it. But should you “think before you pink”? It’s suggested that donating directly to charity will be more effective than purchasing ‘gimmicks’.

Country updates

All pregnant women in Thailand may soon receive tests for the Zika virus. Currently, only pregnant women in areas affected by Zika are tested, but this could be expanded following the country’s first known cases of microcephaly last week.

A proposed ban against all abortions in Poland has led to women striking throughout the country. Should the ban go through, already strict laws will be increased to illegalise the procedure under any circumstance, with those found “guilty” facing a 5-year jail term.  

A UK study has shown that one in six teens eat fast food twice a day. This is compared to the nation’s overall average of just two times per week.  

Health advice

There is good news for those plagued with spots during their teens: acne problems in your formative years can lead to your skin looking younger for longer.

If you’re looking for some rest, getting some alone-time might be the answer. Most people who look for rest tend to choose individual rather than group activities, suggesting that voluntary solitude may be the key to getting a good rest.