International Health News

HealthVault, a Microsoft app which allows users to store and monitor their health and fitness from their mobile phone, is pulling support from Windows phones. Due to compatibility issues and a falling user-base, Microsoft is the latest of many third party companies to withdraw from the phones. However, users will still be able to access their information from the website.

Poor diets could be affecting the population more than we think – with new research showing that under-nourishment is stunting the growth of almost a quarter of under-fives and that by 2030 a third of the population could suffer from obesity.

Hangovers may soon be a thing of the past, with the invention of ‘alcosynth’, a new drink set to have all the positive effects of alcohol but without the negatives. It is expected to lessen the usual hangover effects such as a dry mouth, nausea, and headaches.

Country Updates

An expensive treatment for Hepatitis-C in the U.S. is being matched by medical travel. A recent licensing agreement means that several companies in India are able to produce generic versions of American brands such as Harvoni and Sovaldi. People travelling to India are able to purchase the medicine for around $1,250, rather than the $94,500 it costs in the U.S.

A Trump presidency would cost 29 million people their healthcare coverage – with a Clinton term providing coverage to another 9 million citizens. The rates of uninsured Americans are currently at a record low, but with Trump’s plans to repeal Obamacare, these numbers would change drastically.

Health Advice

Fish oil is said to boost brain function as well as acting as an anti-inflammatory. A study, which tested 100 soldiers, found that those with less fish oil in the blood struggled more both mentally and physically during intensive training.