MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'africa,'. Tue, 04 May 2010 18:19:40 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3483043&cid=t_299698_131_f&fid=34995&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.discovermagazine.com%2Fgnxp%2F2010%2F04%2Fcape-coloureds-an-instance-of-a-generality%2F Several months ago I put up a post which reviewed the geographical connections within the total genome content of the Cape Coloureds of South Africa. These peoples (plural because distinctive ethnic groups such as the Griqua were subsumed into this category in the 20th century) are of diverse origin, though generally their African and European ancestry has been highlighted. To the left I’ve reedited a plot which illustrates the inferred proportion of ancestry from various groups in modern Cape Coloured populations. Note that there is a substantial proportion of Asian ancestry, both South and East Asian. This makes historical sense as during the period of the founding of the Cape Colony a substantial number of Southeast and South Asian slaves were transferred from the Dutch East Indie... Gene Expression blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3483043 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:12:17 +0100 3483043 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3467749&cid=t_299698_88_f&fid=34729&url=http%3A%2F%2Fallscrubbedup.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fguest-post-how-to-improve-medical.html The world has become a much smaller place, thanks to technology and globalization. But no matter how connected we are, there still exist huge disparities between the rich and the poor. The gap gets wider with each passing year, for individuals and nations. In the eyes of the developed world, third world countries are perceived as places where the standard of living is poor and where the things they take for granted are considered luxuries. In reality however, third world countries have their share of both the obscenely rich and the dirt poor. And the main reason for their backwardness is not just the paucity of money, but also the lack of awareness and education among the poorer and downtrodden sections of society.When we consider the state of medical services in these countries, we see th... All Scrubbed Up blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3467749 Wed, 14 Apr 2010 05:09:00 +0100 3467749 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3447512&cid=t_299698_46_f&fid=38787&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmsf.ca%2Fblogs%2Fphotos%2F2010%2F04%2F08%2Fsouth-africa-5%2F Cape Town – February 2010 Graves are seen through the empty window of an abandoned cemetery care taker’s hut in Cape Town’s Khayelitsha township. Many of those buried in the cemetery died from AIDS or related complications such as tuberculosis (TB). Some 5.5 million people live with HIV/AIDS in South Africa – more per capita than any other country – while 33 million people live with the disease worldwide. Despite having the world’s highest number of people receiving anti-retroviral therapy there are millions more who cannot access the life-saving drugs they need, either because they are too expensive or simply not available. (Source: MSF Blogs) MSF Blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3447512 Thu, 08 Apr 2010 11:35:30 +0100 3447512 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3441059&cid=t_299698_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F2ssO-sTddgk%2F Nice to see you again. Hope your week got off to a good start yesterday. Our own schedule is a bit different this week with the local schoolhouses closed. Nonetheless, please join us in quaffing a cup of stimulation to celebrate another sunny day. We hope yours goes well and proves as productive as possible. Good luck and stay in touch… Ranbaxy To Hire 1,500 Marketing And Sales Personnel (Economic Times) US Demand For Free Drugs Rises (Financial Times) Talecris And CSL Warned By FDA Over Ads (Bloomberg News) Glaxo And Crucell To Combine Malaria Vaccines (Associated Press) Canadian Payers Reject 50% Of New Drugs Annually (PharmaTimes) FDA Says Effect Of Forest Lung Drug Is Modest (Dow Jones) Anti-Counterfeit Law May Limit Access To ARVs (The Daily Mail) Coffee pix thx to chichcacha fl... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3441059 Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:08:25 +0100 3441059 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3440787&cid=t_299698_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2FIeaCVdE6dDY%2F After watching his parents and six siblings die from undiagnosed, untreated diseases, Peter Kithene vowed not to let that happen to other families. “I want to give kids their parents and give kids their lives,” he tells Disruptive Women. While a college student at the University of Washington, Peter opened the first Mama Maria clinic in his home village in Kenya. He now has two clinics, three small out posts and just finished a business plan to open a third. He wants all people in Kenya to have accessible health care. Disruptive Women is proud to name Peter our April man-of-the-month. He took a few minutes to speak with Disruptive Women’s Wendy Grossman. Q: I read that by the time you were 12 — both your parents and six of your siblings had died from undiagnos... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3440787 Mon, 05 Apr 2010 16:15:55 +0100 3440787 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3370409&cid=t_299698_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2F0xDOaSRXyCI%2F Washington D.C. leads the nation with the highest HIV/AIDS rates in the country– 3% of all adults and adolescents in the District live with HIV/AIDS (any percentage over 1% is considered a severe epidemic by the World Health Organization). Officials have created an innovative partnership with a number of organizations and celebrities to distribute female condoms in HIV hotspots — and if you want to try them yourself, they’re now on sale at all the CVS’s in the District. Disruptive Women’s Wendy Grossman spoke for a few minutes with Mary Ann Leeper, senior strategic advisor for the Female Health Company — about the D.C. initiative that started this week. Q: Tell me about the DC initiative. A: The initiative is just the coming together of the five diff... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3370409 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:50:09 +0100 3370409 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3365430&cid=t_299698_46_f&fid=38787&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmsf.ca%2Fblogs%2Fphotos%2F2010%2F03%2F15%2Fsouth-africa-4%2F Johannesburg – March 2010 Zimbabwean refugees are silhouetted in the windows of the Central Methodist Church in downtown Johannesburg, March 4, 2010. Up to two thousand Zimbabweans, many of them victims of the 2008 xenophpbic violence in South Africa, seek shelter nightly at the church for security. (Source: MSF Blogs) MSF Blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3365430 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:57:05 +0100 3365430 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3159978&cid=t_299698_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F47qzVsJSYSg%2F Welcome to the working week. Hope your weekend was refreshing. Now, though, the routine has returned and that means girding for the usual pile of meetings and projects. To steel ourselves, we are brewing the mandatory cup of stimulation. So grab one yourselves - or a water bottle, if you prefer - and let’s get started. And here are a few items to help you along… Pfizer To Slash 680 PA Jobs (Philly.com) Roche Wins FDA OK For Actemra RA Drug (Bloomberg News) Glaxo Slashes Antibiotic Prices in Africa (NewstimeAfrica) Galagos Strikes Deal With Roche For COPD Drug (Reuters) (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3159978 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:41:15 +0100 3159978 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3153470&cid=t_299698_113_f&fid=38236&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcareitnews.com%2Fblog%2Flooking-antennas-healthcare-m2m-gains An Irish company with offices in the U.S., Taiwan, Mexico and South Africa has rolled out what's being touted as the first flexible circuit loop antenna, which promises over 40 percent efficiency in healthcare monitoring devices. Taoglas, which designs and manufactures reduced size VHF and UHF antennas for satellite, cellular, Wi-Fi, and multi-band markets, says its new FLA.01 antenna is a penta-band cellular antenna that is embedded inside medical devices. (Source: Healthcare IT News Blog) Healthcare IT News Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3153470 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:44:32 +0100 3153470 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3096854&cid=t_299698_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2FJnxa9J6fDsQ%2F The following guest post by Dr. Gunther L. Faber, CEO of The HealthStore Foundation®, is part of Disruptive Women’s “The Value of Health: Creating Economic Security in the Developing World” series. Context: Lack of Access to Quality Basic Healthcare:  The market for drugs and basic healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa is large and fragmented, with millions lacking adequate access to basic healthcare and low quality standards prevailing in many existing private and public facilities.  This leads to unacceptable statistics, including 2007 under-5 mortality rates of 12.1% in Kenya[1] and of 18.1% in Rwanda.[2] Furthermore, throughout the world 10 million children die each year, almost two out of three from a short list of easily preventable or treatable diseases and illnes... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3096854 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:51:23 +0100 3096854 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3082420&cid=t_299698_105_f&fid=36987&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FIvorKovicMd%2F%7E3%2FvzElwuSoeIE%2F Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international medical humanitarian organization created by doctors and journalists in France in 1971. Today, MSF provides aid in more than 60 countries to people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe, primarily due to armed conflict, epidemics, malnutrition, exclusion from health care, or natural disasters. Thanks to Mark Hopkins, the director of Living in Emergency documentary, and his crew you have a chance to see what work for Doctors Without Borders really looks like in the field. Living in Emergency was filmed in war zones of Libera and Congo with unprecedented access to field operations. The story follows four volunteer doctors as they struggle to provide emergency medical care under extreme c... Ivor Kovic, M.D. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3082420 Sat, 12 Dec 2009 15:59:32 +0100 3082420 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3047111&cid=t_299698_46_f&fid=38787&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmsf.ca%2Fblogs%2Fphotos%2F2009%2F12%2F02%2Fsouth-africa-3%2F Photo: Kenneth Tong Khayelitsha, Cape Town – July 2009 New, unfinished houses in Khayelitsha, a sprawling township mired in poverty on the outskirts of Cape Town. In the streets of Khayelitsha there’s a saying: “Living with HIV, dying from TB”. It sums up life in this place, where nearly one in three is HIV positive and HIV related infections are the leading cause of death. (Source: MSF Blogs) MSF Blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3047111 Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:37:56 +0100 3047111 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3033589&cid=t_299698_88_f&fid=34729&url=http%3A%2F%2Fallscrubbedup.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Faustralian-doctors.html Recently reported by The Daily Maverick...The Australian Medical Association ran an advertisement in newspapers offering a bounty of A$3,000 (just over R20,000) to anyone who persuades a foreign doctor to work in that country.We're short 2500 doctors in this bloody country. Oz should leave ours alone! (Source: All Scrubbed Up) All Scrubbed Up blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3033589 Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:55:00 +0100 3033589 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2916353&cid=t_299698_131_f&fid=34994&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gnxp.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F10%2Fmarxist-mesticos.php Today I listened to a Planet Money podcast about Angola's oil economy, which is an extreme manifestation of the typical dysfunctions which occur due to the presence of black gold. But it got me to thinking about a book I read recently, Africa: Altered States, Ordinary Miracles. Though the author is a journalist and not a scholar there is a good balance between historical and economic framing and the expected travelogue. Most of the chapters can be read a la carte, and are geographically or topically constrained. For instance, one of the last chapters is about the arrival of Chinese to Africa. Some estimates suggest that at any given time there are 5 million Chinese workers on the continent!For me the most interesting chapter was on Angola. I would be interested in what a scholar of the his... Gene Expression blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2916353 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2916353 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2885485&cid=t_299698_46_f&fid=38787&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmsf.ca%2Fblogs%2Fphotos%2F2009%2F10%2F13%2Fdr-congo-4%2F Photo: Julie Rémy Niangara, Oriental Province, DR Congo – September 2009 Centre of Africa monument in Niangara facing the ruins of the ancient Niangara tribunal of first instance for Bas and Haut-Uélé. Which was feared and nicknamed Niangara ‘cata’ during the Belgian colonisation. (Source: MSF Blogs) MSF Blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2885485 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:07:00 +0100 2885485 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2886420&cid=t_299698_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FcdkWpQ9AAWA%2F The two-decade-old conflict in Somalia has entered a new phase, which presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the United States. To best encourage peace in the devastated country, Washington needs a new strategy that takes into account hard-learned lessons from multiple failed U.S. interventions. In a new study, author David Axe argues that Washington should err on the side of nonintervention, and recommends: The Obama administration should work to build a regional framework for reconciliation, the rule of law, and economic development that acknowledges the unique risks of intervention in East Africa….Somalia’s best hope for peace is the moderate Islamic government that has emerged from the most recent rounds of fighting, despite early opposition from the United States... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2886420 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:49:18 +0100 2886420 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2883019&cid=t_299698_88_f&fid=34729&url=http%3A%2F%2Fallscrubbedup.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fsmoking-laws-work-study.html Quick excerpt here from a 2001 study that proves tobacco laws reduce smoking. This is damn old. We're getting better at it. The source site is also great for other South African public health statistics.Tobacco consumption declinesby Mokgadi Pela2001-03-16Tobacco consumption in South Africa has fallen for eight consecutive years since 1991, a meeting to discuss the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control heard in Sandton, Johannesburg, on the 12th of March. Delivering the keynote address, Dr Derek Yach, of the World Health Organisation, said this was a result of sustained tobacco control measures. He said in 1998-99 more than 30 billion cigarettes were released for consumption, down by 17 percent from the 36 billion released in 1993-94. The work of public health advocates in South Africa t... All Scrubbed Up blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2883019 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 04:59:00 +0100 2883019 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2876041&cid=t_299698_88_f&fid=34729&url=http%3A%2F%2Fallscrubbedup.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fnew-smoking-laws.html For those of you who don't know... Smoking laws are getting stricter. YES! Good on ya, South Africa. If only they'd extend it to alcohol (btw, when is SAB going to STOP making quarts in glass bottles? Have you SEEN Friday night at Bara??)Although he pokes fun and says that smoking laws do nothing - this is not true. There have been large changes in the prevalence of smoking of the first set of laws were passed in South Africa. Same for you overseas? Another post on this soon.More on iMod. (Source: All Scrubbed Up) All Scrubbed Up blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2876041 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 04:53:00 +0100 2876041 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2814523&cid=t_299698_113_f&fid=38236&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcareitnews.com%2Fblog%2Fmedinfo-paper-deadline-extended The deadline for submitting papers for the 13th World Congress on Medical and Health Informatics, also known as MedInfo 2010, has been extended to Oct. 15. MedInfo 2010, the triennial meeting of the International Medical Informatics Association, is scheduled for Sept. 12-15, 2010, in Cape Town, South Africa. (Source: Healthcare IT News Blog) Healthcare IT News Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2814523 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:39:41 +0100 2814523 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2814505&cid=t_299698_113_f&fid=34625&url=http%3A%2F%2Fclinicalit.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fmedinfo-paper-deadline-extended.html The deadline for submitting papers for the 13th World Congress on Medical and Health Informatics, also known as MedInfo 2010, has been extended to Oct. 15. MedInfo 2010, the triennial meeting of the International Medical Informatics Association, is scheduled for Sept. 12-15, 2010, in Cape Town, South Africa. This will mark the first time a global health IT conference has been held in Africa, and it comes just a few months after South Africa also becomes the first African nation to host the FIFA World Cup next June and July (you know, winter in the Southern Hemisphere). I covered the last two MedInfos, in Brisbane, Australia, in 2007, and in San Francisco in 2004. I had stories to write for months after the fact. I also was the only professional journalist from either North America or Europ... Neil Versel's Healthcare IT Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2814505 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 04:53:00 +0100 2814505 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2778342&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2009%2F09%2F09%2Fdistrict-9%2F Managed to get out to the movies succesfully for the first time in quite a while last night, and saw District 9. This excellent film derives from the old premise of aliens come to earth, spaceship hovers over a major city etc etc, but with some major variations on that theme. The major variation is that the aliens aren’t powerful super-intelligent invaders, rather they become impoverished refugees, mistreated and discriminated against by humans, and forced to live in a ghetto slum shanty town camp (couldn’t decide which word was best there so why not use em all?). And the second major twist, which makes the first one even more poignant, is that the spaceship is not hovering over New York or LA or some other big American city like most of these movies – rather it is set in... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2778342 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 01:41:24 +0100 2778342 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2752088&cid=t_299698_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FM8OLs7FOhjI%2F Persistence really pays off, and this is especially true in genetic studies. After 35 years of combined research, a father-and-son team has finally identified the source of the gene that causes the heart’s electricity to go awry. For three hundred years, a South African family has been plagued by progressive familial heart block, a disease of the electrical system of the heart. The disease causes an affected person to have irregular heart beats, fainting spells, seizures or sudden death. The risk is greatest soon after birth, during puberty and early twenties and returns in the middle age, and a timely installment of a pacemaker is the best treatment. Using data from the human genome project, Professors Andries and Paul Brink were able to trace the origin of this disease to one man: A... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2752088 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 03:13:01 +0100 2752088 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2621741&cid=t_299698_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.slidesharecdn.com%2Fswf%2Fssplayer2.swf%3Fdoc%3Dtheadvanceofmhealthslideshare-090416113113-phpapp01%26amp%3Bstripped_title%3Dthe-advance-of-mhealth-1300600 This article will aim to look at a specific area of the ‘citizen empowerment’ – the application of SMS (Short Messaging Service – or texting) and mobile phones in public health. With the onset of social tools such as social networking sites (Facebook, Myspace, etc.) and real time information hubs such as Twitter, we are exposed to numerous ways to stay connected to each other. Our mobile devices are equipped with applications that allow us to do a myriad of things – many of which focus on entertainment and productivity. Another very important part of our lives is maintaining good health and the mobile phone is making strides in that area. mHealth is the term that has been coined to describe the interaction of mobile technology with the improvement of health. mHealth is exploding ... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2621741 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:02:37 +0100 2621741 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2609175&cid=t_299698_46_f&fid=38787&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmsf.ca%2Fblogs%2Fphotos%2F2009%2F07%2F09%2Fsouth-africa-2%2F Photo: Kenneth Tong Cape Town, South Africa - July 2009 A community merchant setting up her stall in Khayelitsha’s central market place. Khayelitsha is a township north of Cape Town, where MSF runs a project treating HIV and multi-drug resistant tuberculosis. (Source: MSF Blogs) MSF Blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2609175 Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:48:00 +0100 2609175 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2523003&cid=t_299698_97_f&fid=36415&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcscience.net%2F%3Fp%3D1747 Homeopathy has become boring, so I’ll keep this short. It’s clear that the public have rumbled the fraud and that homeopathy is heading back to where it was in the 1960s, a small lunatic fringe on the High Street. All university ‘degrees’ in homeopathy have closed their doors in the last two years.  Even Peter Fisher sounds increasingly desperate in his attempts to defend it. If it were not for the unconstitutional interference in politics of the Prince of Wales, homeopathy would probably have sunk even further.  Princes who meddle like that should be allowed to cool off in the Tower of London. I can’t understand why his mother doesn’t restrain him before he destroys the monarchy altogether. The homeopathy industry reminds me of the cigarette ... DC's Improbable Science blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2523003 Sun, 14 Jun 2009 15:09:34 +0100 2523003 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2424029&cid=t_299698_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FJg-RkqeBr-A%2F A tax credit bill was recently proposed in South Carolina to give parents an easier choice between public and private schools. It would do this by cutting taxes on parents who pay for their own children’s education, and by cutting taxes on anyone who donates to a non-profit Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO). The SGOs would subsidize tuition for low income families (who owe little in taxes and so couldn’t benefit substantially from the direct tax credit). Charleston minister Rev. Joseph Darby opposes such programs, and I support them. We’ve decided to have this dialogue to explain why. Our closing comments appear below, and the previous installments are here and here and here. Rev. Joe Darby Closing Comment Thanks for the research and references, Andrew, but I do... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2424029 Tue, 19 May 2009 17:00:06 +0100 2424029 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2389663&cid=t_299698_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2Fu_GvvHGufTc%2F No individual today is more effectively challenging the foreign aid establishment and the harm it inflicts on Africa than Dambisa Moyo, Zambian author of Dead Aid: Why Aid Is Not Working and How There Is Another Way For Africa. She spoke at a recent Cato book forum and has been ubiquitous in the media. For a sense of her views, here’s an interview I recommend that she recently did with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. (Source: Cato-at-liberty) Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2389663 Tue, 05 May 2009 17:04:41 +0100 2389663 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2382686&cid=t_299698_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FteNKJmSb6As%2F Tracing man’s origins is always been fascinating. Where did we come from? How did we get here? How many where there in the beginning? Who was there in the beginning? Clues came from archeological digs, but these days, genetic studies give us more more specific answers. And a decade-long ambitious effort looked at the genes of more than 3,000 people in 121 populations groups across Africa and more in Europe and the United States to find out just where humans came from. Results from the study were very interesting. Genetic patterns show ed that the first humans emerged somewhere in southern Africa, near where Namibia is now. There’s genetic evidence that hypertension, prostate cancer and lactose intolerance have been around since the early days of human evolution! Of the specific gr... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2382686 Fri, 01 May 2009 01:49:00 +0100 2382686 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2381405&cid=t_299698_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FrZc3ekgEUWk%2F Tracing man’s origins is always been fascinating. Where did we come from? How did we get here? How many where there in the beginning? Who was there in the beginning? Clues came from archeological digs, but these days, genetic studies give us more more specific answers. And a decade-long ambitious effort looked at the genes of more than 3,000 people in 121 populations groups across Africa and more in Europe and the United States to find out just where humans came from. Results from the study were very interesting. Genetic patterns show ed that the first humans emerged somewhere in southern Africa, near where Namibia is now. There’s genetic evidence that hypertension, prostate cancer and lactose intolerance have been around since the early days of human evolution! Of the specific gr... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2381405 Fri, 01 May 2009 01:49:00 +0100 2381405 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2380727&cid=t_299698_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FtQKHZWLi1As%2F This article is certainly very old, but I came across it yesterday and thought the argument would be of interest to political theorists and classical liberals: …local businesspeople find it easier to do business in a country where there is no government. “There is no need to obtain licences and, in contrast with many other parts of Africa, there is no state-run monopoly that prevents new competitors setting up. Keeping price low is helped by the absence of any need to pay taxes.” Of course, the absence of a stable and legitimate political and judicial system, compounded by unyielding internecine violence, means individual and private property rights can never be fully protected and we aren’t likely to see foreign businesses flocking to this chaotic country in the... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2380727 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:12:43 +0100 2380727 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2375863&cid=t_299698_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FUIm4MUjeQ0w%2F Here are a few highlights from Cato Today, a daily email from the Cato Institute. You can subscribe, here. Marian Tupy discusses African aid in his new Development Policy Analysis, “The False Promise of Gleneagles: Misguided Priorities at the Heart of the New Push for African Development,” and an op-ed in the Washington Times. Swaminathan Aiyar argues against a global currency in The Guardian. Daniel J. Mitchell calls for abolishing the death tax in USA Today. Will Wilkinson argues for more liberal immigration policies in The Week magazine. In the Christian Science Monitor, Benjamin Friedman says the United States should cut military spending in half. In Monday’s Cato Daily Podcast, Jim Harper explains why Obama’s record on following through with his cam... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2375863 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 21:01:03 +0100 2375863 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2364926&cid=t_299698_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FBUikZKOU-N8%2F Yesterday the U.S. House passed by voice vote a resolution praising the captain and crew of the U.S.-flagged ship Maersk Alabama that was seized by Somali pirates earlier this month. It was a riveting story that ended well for the brave crew and their Captain Richard Phillips, thanks to the work of Navy Seal sharpshooters. But one question that has yet to be adequately discussed is just what that ship was doing over in such dangerous waters off the coast of strife-torn Somalia. The answer may surprise you: the U.S. government sent them there. The ship and its American crew of 20 were delivering U.S.-government food aid to Africa. Under the Food Security Act of 1985, food aid sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Agency for International Development must in most cases... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2364926 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:58:37 +0100 2364926 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2353839&cid=t_299698_105_f&fid=36987&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FIvorKovicMd%2F%7E3%2F20TAh2Ih_ZU%2F OK, here is what you do. Watch the video below. Visit lomography.com/kikuyu and save a person’s eyesight for only 30 dollars. Tweet This (Source: Ivor Kovic, M.D.) Ivor Kovic, M.D. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2353839 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 01:28:54 +0100 2353839 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2353752&cid=t_299698_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FsJrYqPvz50U%2F Here’s a round-up of bloggers who are writing about Cato research and commentary: National Review’s Mark Hemingway quoted Ilya Shapiro about the 9th Circuit Court of Appeal’s recent decision on gun laws. He also posted David Boaz’s reaction to the New York Times blog that stated that Cato has been “remarkably silent on bailouts.” QandO’s Michael Wade offered his own thoughts on the New York Times blogger who said Cato’s voice against bailouts has not met her “expectations of adequate noise.” Blogging about high-speed rail, The Reason Foundation’s Samuel Staley cited Randal O’Toole’s study, High-Speed Rail: The Wrong Road for America. At The New Republic’s “The Plank” blog, James Kirchick ... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2353752 Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:16:29 +0100 2353752 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2347794&cid=t_299698_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FEKRMjs4G5FQ%2F Tax Day: The Nightmare from Which There’s No Waking Up Cato scholars were busy exposing the burden of the American tax system on Wednesday, the deadline to file 2008 tax returns. At CNSNews.com, tax analyst Chris Edwards argued that policymakers should give Americans the simple and low-rate tax code they deserve: The outlook for American taxpayers is pretty grim. The federal tax code is getting more complex, the president is proposing tax hikes on high-earners, businesses, and energy consumers; and huge deficits may create pressure for further increases down the road… The solution to all these problems is to rip out the income tax and replace it with a low-rate flat tax, as two dozen other nations have done. At Townhall, Dan Mitchell excoriated the complexity of the current tax... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2347794 Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:49:19 +0100 2347794 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2347795&cid=t_299698_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FOz1smsoPW5Y%2F Even though I was on vacation last week, I followed the story of the Maersk-Alabama and Captain Richard Phillips with great interest. And I exulted when three of the four pirates met their end. The safe return of the Maersk-Alabama and her entire crew was a clear win for the cause of justice, and could serve as a model. Future efforts to protect ships from pirates are likely to include some combination of greater vigilance on the part of the shipping companies and crews, in collaboration with the navies of the many different nations who have an interest in keeping the sea lanes open and free. (This is one of the themes that I develop in my new book, and that I will discuss next Monday at Cato.) We do not need to reorient our grand strategy to deal with pirates. We don’t need to resha... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2347795 Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:36:14 +0100 2347795 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2522928&cid=t_299698_87_f&fid=34591&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.badscience.net%2F2009%2F04%2Fmatthias-rath-steal-this-chapter%2F This is the “missing chapter” about vitamin pill salesman Matthias Rath. Sadly I was unable to write about him at the time that book was initially published, as he was suing my ass in the High Court. The chapter is now available in the new paperback edition, and I’ve posted it here for free so [...] (Source: badscience) badscience blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2522928 Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:25:32 +0100 2522928 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2347990&cid=t_299698_87_f&fid=34591&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.badscience.net%2F2009%2F04%2Fmatthias-rath-steal-this-chapter%2F This is the “missing chapter” about vitamin pill salesman Matthias Rath. Sadly I was unable to write about him at the time that book was initially published, as he was suing my ass in the High Court. The chapter is now available in the new paperback edition, and I’ve posted it here for free so [...] (Source: badscience) badscience blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2347990 Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:25:32 +0100 2347990 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2306716&cid=t_299698_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2Fl9tnWWEss9s%2F Here are a few highlights from Cato Today, a comprehensive daily email from the Cato Institute. You can subscribe, here. In a new study, “NATO at 60: A Hollow Alliance,”  Ted Galen Carpenter argues that NATO has outlived whatever usefulness it once had. Doug Bandow weighs the usefulness of NATO in the American Spectator. David Isenberg discusses the use of private military and security contractors in war for United Press International. Timothy Lynch and Ilya Shapiro take on illegal searches in a legal brief submitted to the Supreme Court. In Monday’s Cato Daily Podcast, Dambisa Moyo, author of Dead Aid: Why Aid Is Not Working and How There Is a Better Way for Africa, discusses the failure of government aid to Africa. (Source: Cato-at-liberty) Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2306716 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 17:15:17 +0100 2306716 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2321755&cid=t_299698_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fobesity-should-be-a-four-letter-word%2F Don’t you hate that word, obese? And when they use the words “morbid obesity” it’s twice as nasty. Guess, as a nurse, I’ve read too many doctor’s history forms describing physical exams on patients. I confess the phrase “morbidly obese” sends chills up my spine. Just those two words denigrate the individual and somehow, relegate them to second class citizen. This whole subject of weight and over-weight is such a frustrating one. It has social as well as health implications. I think for many of us with various forms of arthritis, particularly if we have been on varying doses of prednisone, we know what it is to have our “fat” move around. “Traveling deposits of fat.”  Now, there’s a thought. If only it would keep... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2321755 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 21:26:12 +0100 2321755 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2282010&cid=t_299698_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Frecall-roundup-march-18-2009.html (Source: eFoodAlert.com) eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2282010 Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:50:00 +0100 2282010 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2276853&cid=t_299698_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F03%2F17%2F1922%2F To His Holiness Pope Benedict: Put an extra large condom over your mouth already. In fact, why not stretch it from your chin to your nose! Meanwhile enjoy Monty Python! (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2276853 Tue, 17 Mar 2009 22:19:51 +0100 2276853 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2190452&cid=t_299698_113_f&fid=34625&url=http%3A%2F%2Fclinicalit.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fbenefit-album-for-health-it-no-really.html Remember a few months back how I said health IT needed a rock star? I didn't mean it literally.Grammy-winning Senegalese musician Youssou N'Dour is spearheading a charity album to benefit and raise awareness for the IntraHealth OPEN initiative to help bring open-source health IT to health workers across Africa. Also participating are rap star Nas, singer-songwriter Duncan Sheik and a real, live rock star, R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck.The album, "OPEN Remix," features N'Dour's 2007 song, "Wake Up (It’s Africa Calling)," which originally was a duet with Neneh Cherry, plus remixes of that song by Nas, Sheik, Buck and other artists. The downloads are free via Rhapsody, iLike and Amazon MP3, but you can donate to the cause through those sites. Indaba Music, a social networking site for musicia... Neil Versel's Healthcare IT Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2190452 Mon, 16 Feb 2009 23:09:00 +0100 2190452 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2184276&cid=t_299698_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fbits-pieces-malaysian-sports-drinks.html February 13, 2009Singapore's Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority has alerted consumers to the presence of unspecified foreign matter in the following sports drinks imported from Malaysia."18" Sports Drink – Blueberry plus Vit C, B6 & B12 Flavour (600 mL): Expiry dates 24 Oct 2009, 11 Nov 2009 & 11 Dec 2009"18" Sports Drink – Grape plus Vit C, B6 & B12 Flavour (600 mL): Expiry dates 25 Oct 2009 & 12 Dec 2009"18" Sports Drink – Lemon Lime plus Vit C, B6 & B12 Flavour (600 mL): Expiry dates 28 Oct 2009, 9 Dec 2009 & 27 Dec 2009"18" Sports Drink – Original plus Vit C, B6 & B12 Flavour (600 mL): Expiry dates 23 Oct 2009 & 10 Dec 2009AVA has instructed that importers and retailers of these items recall the contaminated products, and recommends that consumer... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2184276 Fri, 13 Feb 2009 14:36:00 +0100 2184276 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2168086&cid=t_299698_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FBreastfeeding123%2F%7E3%2FI7TlWG6HQco%2F Actress Salma Hayek took a humanitarian trip to Sierra Leone in an effort to fight preventable deaths from tetanus. Whether you are pro- or anti-vaccine, the piece is fascinating, in particular because Salma Hayek talks passionately about breastfeeding. ABC News reported: Hayek’s daughter, Valentina, turned 1 before the trip and the actress spoke about the importance of breast-feeding, especially in underdeveloped countries such as Sierra Leone. In fact doctors there say that because malnutrition is so rampant they would like to see women in Sierra Leone breast-feed for two years. But such behavior is rare. The reason? Men urge their wives to quickly stop breast-feeding because of cultural mores that forbid sexual intercourse with breast-feeding women. In the video coverage, Salma Ha... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2168086 Sat, 07 Feb 2009 01:05:52 +0100 2168086 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2141296&cid=t_299698_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F01%2Fobama-adminstration-puts-politics-above.html Washington Post columnist Michael Gerson has written an important column that shows how Left Wing politics has apparently interfered with the fight against AIDS in Africa.From the column:During Obama's transition, Dr. Mark Dybul was initially asked to stay on as the coordinator of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for several months until a replacement could be found and confirmed. Because Dybul was the main architect of the program and one of its guiding visionaries, few were surprised by the offer. With Ambassador Randall Tobias, Dybul organized the most staggeringly successful foreign assistance effort since the Marshall Plan--eventually helping support lifesaving AIDS therapy for more than 2 million people.That certainly seems like the right thing to do. But then:... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2141296 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 01:41:00 +0100 2141296 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2160941&cid=t_299698_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F531109481%2F This article was written by Pascale Michelon, Ph. D., for SharpBrains. Dr. Michelon has a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology and has worked as a Research Scientist at Washington University in Saint Louis, in the Psychology Department. She conducted several research projects to understand how the brain makes use of visual information and memorizes facts. She is now an Adjunct Faculty at Washington University, and teaches Memory Workshops in numerous retirement communities in the St Louis area. Brain games, brain teaser puzzles, France, frontal lobes, Greece, improve memory, logic puzzle, logical skills, memory, mind teasers, proverbs, South Africa, temporal lobes, usa (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2160941 Fri, 23 Jan 2009 19:08:18 +0100 2160941 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2090481&cid=t_299698_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fsingapore-recalls-pere-ocean-mineral.html January 8, 2009The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) of Singapore has instructed the importer and retailers of Pere Ocean Mineral Water to recall all 500 mL bottles with an expiry date of 09.12.10 from the retail market.The action came after AVA detected unspecified foreign matter in the mineral water. Consumers who purchased the recalled water are advised to discard it.Foreign matter is a catch-all phrase. It includes everything from particles of dirt to insect fragments.Consumers with questions about this recall should call the AVA hotline at 1800-2262250. (Source: eFoodAlert.com) eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2090481 Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:50:00 +0100 2090481 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2081647&cid=t_299698_105_f&fid=36987&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FIvorKovicMd%2F%7E3%2F502895224%2F This article discusses the issue of health equity. How is it possible that there is a 28 year difference in life expectancy between the most and least fortunate residents of Glasgow, Scotland? The Transformative 120: Text Messages Prove a South African HIV Lifeline Six million South Africans are infected with the HIV, but just one in ten are currently in treatment. Project Masiluleke sends mobile customers texts pointing them to the National AIDS Helpline (0800-012-322) and HIV911 (0860-448-911). Worldchanging Interview: Dr. Sanjay Gupta on Health Solutions Interview with Dr. Sanjay Gupta, chief medical correspondent at CNN. He is a practicing neurosurgeon and award-winning journalist who is dedicated to helping improve public health and spreading awareness of health-related environmental ... Ivor Kovic, M.D. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2081647 Sun, 04 Jan 2009 23:39:29 +0100 2081647 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2077346&cid=t_299698_88_f&fid=38203&url=http%3A%2F%2Fprecordialthump.medbrains.net%2F2008%2F12%2F30%2Frevisiting-a-picture-worth-a-thousand-words-iv%2F Remember Roger Ballen’s photograph from “A picture worth a thousand words… IV“? So, what’s the diagnosis? See and then reason and compare and control. But see first. No two eyes see the same thing. No two mirrors give forth the same reflection. - William Osler Berci, of ScienceRoll fame, pointed the finger at Fragile X syndrome (also known as Martin-Bell syndrome). The features of this condition certainly appear consistent with the two men depicted in the photograph, as discussed at Clinical Cases and Images: X-linked heredity with variable penetrance - so males are more commonly affected, as they lack a “back up” copy of the gene. Mental retardation (IQ 35-70 is typical), autistic-like behaviour, and other neuropsychological problems. I think thi... AEQUANIMITAS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2077346 Tue, 30 Dec 2008 22:24:47 +0100 2077346 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2068109&cid=t_299698_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fcholera-in-zimbabwe-and-beyond-perfect.html December 26, 2008According to the latest report from the World Health Organization, the current cholera epidemic has killed 1,518 Zimbabwean victims. As of December 25th, 26,497 confirmed cases of cholera have been recorded, with more to come. And these numbers already are out of date.While international aid agencies appeal – successfully – for money and supplies to fight the epidemic, Mugabe continues to resist the international community's attempts to assist victims. According to Zimbabwe's president, the cholera epidemic is a plot hatched by the United Kingdom to overthrow the government.As we've reported previously, the Zimbabwe epidemic has spilled into neighboring countries, especially South Africa. Botswana and Zambia are on alert for cholera flare-ups, while Zimbabwe's remai... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2068109 Fri, 26 Dec 2008 19:00:00 +0100 2068109 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2066347&cid=t_299698_88_f&fid=38203&url=http%3A%2F%2Fprecordialthump.medbrains.net%2F2008%2F12%2F25%2Fa-picture-worth-a-thousand-words-iv%2F A photograph from Roger Ballen's Platteland, 1994. Like many of Roger Ballen’s photographs this leaves me speechless… One of his many gritty portrayals of the human condition. Diagnosis anyone? (Source: AEQUANIMITAS) AEQUANIMITAS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2066347 Thu, 25 Dec 2008 14:47:18 +0100 2066347 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2040121&cid=t_299698_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F3ESPTdPo7yg%2F 16 months ago, Olivia Agbonlahor and her 7-year-old twins, Great and Melissa, were deported from Clonakilty, County Cork, in Ireland, to Nigeria. Great is autistic and, as reported in the Irish Indepedent, he is considered “wicked” and “possessed by voodoo” in Africa. Great’s autism is simply not recognised due to the common stigma in Africa against autism. “I have to do my best, but it is not easy,” said Olivia. “His behaviour is getting worse every day — that is the problem. He cannot play with other children. People ask ‘what is wrong with this boy’ all the time,” she said from her home in Ghana. While the teachers that helped the family when they lived in Clonakilty and Killarney have sent over computer learning ai... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2040121 Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:22:15 +0100 2040121 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2034301&cid=t_299698_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fzimbabwe-cholera-epidemic-over-not.html December 12, 2008Robert Mugabe, fearing that the United States and the United Kingdom would use Zimbabwe's cholera epidemic as an excuse to topple his dysfunctional regime, has found an easy way out. He has simply declared that the epidemic has ended.Sorry, Mr. President. It's not that simple.One thing that world leaders and non-government organizations can agree on is that Zimbabwe's cholera epidemic is far from over, and that Mugabe and his government are not capable of reversing the total collapse of infrastructure that their policies precipitated. Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, summarized that consensus, in a statement reported on December 8th. "This government," said Annan, "has not demonstrated the ability to lead the country out of its current crisis."T... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2034301 Fri, 12 Dec 2008 13:55:00 +0100 2034301 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2013635&cid=t_299698_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D5478 A British surgeon has told how he performed a shocking amputation on a teenage boy in the Congo following instructions texted to him by a friend. “I had never done this operation before but I knew a colleague in London who had so I texted him. He sent me two very long text messages back explaining how to do the operation step by step.”read more | digg story a Surgeon Does Amputation With Instructions Texted by Friend (Source: Malaysian Medical Resources) Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2013635 Thu, 04 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2013635 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2010938&cid=t_299698_113_f&fid=34625&url=http%3A%2F%2Fclinicalit.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fmobile-phones-to-rescue.html Australia 7 News reports that a British surgeon working amidst armed conflict in Congo saved the life of an injured teenager by performing an amputation procedure he had never done before. The surgeon got detailed instructions on the operation from a colleague back in the UK. Via text messaging.Click here for the story. (Source: Neil Versel's Healthcare IT Blog) Neil Versel's Healthcare IT Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2010938 Thu, 04 Dec 2008 02:49:00 +0100 2010938 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2012006&cid=t_299698_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fzimbabwe-cholera-update.html December 3, 2008The situation in Zimbabwe continues to deteriorate.Two days ago, we reported that Zimbabwe's neighbors were getting worried that the Zimbabwe epidemic would spill over. South Africa, Botswana and Malawi already had reported cholera cases in people who had crossed their shared borders with Zimbabwe. Yesterday, the news got worse.The health department of Limpopo Province (South Africa) reported that Vibrio cholerae – the causative agent of cholera – has been detected in the Limpopo River. This river forms part of the border between South Africa and Zimbabwe, as well as between South Africa and Botswana. Limpopo has treated 399 cholera patients since November 15th. An additional 101 patients were admitted to hospitals around the province between December 1st and 2nd. Six ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2012006 Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:53:00 +0100 2012006 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2005496&cid=t_299698_113_f&fid=34625&url=http%3A%2F%2Fclinicalit.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fmobile-phones-for-hivaids-treatment.html In honor of World AIDS Day, I'm linking to a post on the MobileActive.org blog about treating HIV/AIDS patients via mobile phones. The post discusses two programs to engage patients with "virtual call centers," text messages and, eventually, home testing services, particularly in South Africa, which has the world's highest population of HIV-positive residents. (Thanks to Dr. Enoch Choi for alerting me to this post.)I've covered mobile health in the developing world several times on this blog and elsewhere, notably from one week of the the Making the eHealth Connection conferences in Italy last summer, and subsequent follow-up coverage. See "The Davos of health IT?" and "Desmond Tutu Presents e-Health Call to Action."Those who attend the 25th annual TEPR conference in February should expect... Neil Versel's Healthcare IT Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2005496 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:12:00 +0100 2005496 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2007195&cid=t_299698_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fzimbabwe-exports-cholera-to-neighbors.html The Zimbabwean economy is so bad that it has nothing to export – except its cholera victims. It has plenty of those.According to the country's opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, more than 500 Zimbabweans have died of cholera in an epidemic that has been simmering since August. The World Health Organization is somewhat more conservative, estimating a death toll of 412.It's taken the better part of four months, but the government finally appears to have acknowledged that an epidemic is in full flower. One week ago, the deputy health minister blamed the epidemic on "illegal sanctions" and stated that the situation was under control. And Zimbabwe denied entry visas to a committee of "Elders" – former US President Jimmy Carter, former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and Graca Machel, th... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2007195 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:51:00 +0100 2007195 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2522975&cid=t_299698_93_f&fid=35707&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fhemodynamics%2F%7E3%2FF5B3rGEPVDc%2Fmbeki-as-macbeth.html Someone has actually tried to do the math now that he's gone: how many people died as the direct result of Thabo Mbeki's AIDS policies? This particular estimate puts it at 365,000 lives and 3.8 million years of life.Whatever the number, it was a lot:As Zackie Achmat says in this NYT article:“He is like Macbeth. It’s easier to walk through the blood than to turn back and admit you made a mistake.” (Source: hemodynamics) hemodynamics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2522975 Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:55:00 +0100 2522975 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1991426&cid=t_299698_93_f&fid=35707&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FHemodynamics%2F%7E3%2F466153330%2Fmbeki-as-macbeth.html Someone has actually tried to do the math now that he's gone: how many people died as the direct result of Thabo Mbeki's AIDS policies? This particular estimate puts it at 365,000 lives and 3.8 million years of life.Whatever the number, it was a lot:As Zackie Achmat says in this NYT article:“He is like Macbeth. It’s easier to walk through the blood than to turn back and admit you made a mistake.”HEMODYNAMICS hemodynamics.blogspot.com >>tracking the pressures and flows of medicine (Source: hemodynamics) hemodynamics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1991426 Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:55:00 +0100 1991426 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1975222&cid=t_299698_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2Fe_eg6Yj6d40%2F Back in July, it was reported that the rate of autism in Somali children in Minnapolis was notably high. According to the Minnesota Department of Education: in the Minneapolis’ early childhood and kindergarten programs, more than 12 percent of the students with autism reported speaking Somali at home. According to Minneapolis school officials, more than 17 percent of the children in the district’s early childhood special education autism program are Somali speaking. Almost 6 percent of the district’s total enrollment is made up of Somali-speaking students, and about 6 percent of the children in the district’s overall early childhood and kindergarten special education programs are Somali. Speculation about what could be causing this “cluster” of autism cases in so specif... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1975222 Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:00:17 +0100 1975222 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1955507&cid=t_299698_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F449466213%2F Nice to you see again, too. A nippy start here on the Pharmalot corporate campus, where the heat seems to be missing in action. Nonetheless, we must persevere as we transport the short people to their schoolhouses. Meanwhile, we have found a few items that may generate some heat of their own… Indiana Woman Sues Pfizer Over PCB Contamination (The Tribune-Star) Celgene Stem Cell Therapy Gets FDA OK For Human Trials (Reuters) Merck/J&J Recall Infant Gas Drops (Bloomberg News) New Zealand Court Tells AstraZeneca To Comply With Inquiry (news3) Glaxo, XenoPort Yank Restless Leg Drug Application (Associated Press) Large Malaria Trial To Begin In Africa (Associated Press) (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1955507 Tue, 11 Nov 2008 12:05:02 +0100 1955507 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1788674&cid=t_299698_87_f&fid=34591&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.badscience.net%2F2008%2F09%2Fmatthias-rath-pulls-out-forced-to-pay-the-guardians-costs-i-think-this-means-i-win%2F It’s just been publicly announced that the vitamin pill magnate Matthias Rath has pulled out of his gruelling legal case against me and the Guardian. He bought full page adverts denouncing Aids drugs while promoting his vitamin pills in South Africa, a country where hundreds of thousands die every year from Aids under an HIV [...] (Source: badscience) badscience blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1788674 Sat, 13 Sep 2008 09:52:03 +0100 1788674 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1754774&cid=t_299698_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2Fx7BUrH3HJiQ%2F So as you may not, or may, have noticed, there is still some wonkiness going up with this blog. The good folks who handle are matters technological, software-related, and the like, have been working hard to migrate b5media’s blogs over to a new server and all should be well, webpages should load and updates occur, very soon. One (”adverse effect?“) of the server migration has been that the sidebar (to your right) has not been updating with recent posts and recent comments. So if a comment is left on a post written a couple weeks or months ago, unless you’ve decided to sit down and read every single post (which I don’t recommend; some posts are more post-worthy than others), some good comments will go missed. I’ve rounded up a few of them below, with a bi... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1754774 Wed, 03 Sep 2008 05:00:45 +0100 1754774 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1750156&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2008%2F09%2F01%2Ffinding-our-way-again%2F Just been reading Brian McLaren’s newest book, Finding Our Way Again, which is the introductory book in a series on ancient Christian practices. Upcoming volumes include books on prayer, tithing, litrugy, and one on fasting from Scot McKnight. The focus of this book, and I imagine the whole series, is for Christians today to mine the riches of 2000 years of Christian tradition, and how this can assist their spiritual development and engagement with the world. McLaren comments that “Christianity is beginning to go open-source” with increasing numbers of Jesus followers willing to fuse beliefs and practises from a range of different Christian traditions both recent and ancient, and often using quite technologically innovative and cutting edge methodology in the process. All... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1750156 Mon, 01 Sep 2008 02:32:49 +0100 1750156 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1738931&cid=t_299698_113_f&fid=34625&url=http%3A%2F%2Fclinicalit.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F08%2Fmore-from-bellagio.html Here's one more story I wrote as a result of the Making the eHealth Connection conferences in Bellagio nearly a month ago. It's about RAFT, the Réseau en Afrique francophone pour la télémédicine (Telemedicine Network in French-speaking Africa), which connects remote and underserved African communities in 15 countries to medical professionals worldwide. RAFT is a program of the Geneva University Hospitals and the cantonal government of Geneva, Switzerland.The story appeared in E-Health Europe on Aug. 4, while I was still in Italy. (Source: Neil Versel's Healthcare IT Blog) Neil Versel's Healthcare IT Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1738931 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:21:00 +0100 1738931 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1734063&cid=t_299698_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F_F7lEZYNxP4%2F Why is the rate of autism in Somali children in Minnesota so high? A few weeks ago, the Minnesota Post addressed this question. The August 24th Star-Tribune also reported on this “cluster of affected kids”; state and federal officials are investigating. In Minneapolis, fears have been fueled by some puzzling statistics. Last year, Somali children made up just under 6 percent of the school population, but 17 percent of those in the early childhood autism programs (14 of 81 children). The numbers have been creeping up for several years, especially among young children. “People are worried,” said Saeed Fahia, who heads a Somali community group. “Nobody remembers any autistic children in Somalia. I’m sure there must have been some, but there were not that ma... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1734063 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:39 +0100 1734063 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1718052&cid=t_299698_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F08%2Fefoodalert-world-tour-asia-and-africa.html The cost of poor sanitation in developing countries is often overlooked or underestimated. The World Bank reported that Indonesia loses more than $6 billion per year to diseases transmitted by contaminated water and unsanitary practices. According to the WHO, Indonesia, with a total population of some 237 million, suffers 120 million cases of hygiene-related disease – and 50,000 fatalities – annually. These statistics should not be a surprise to anyone who has been following the eFoodAlert World Tour and Water Woes series. But this problem extends far beyond Indonesia's borders. BBC News reported today that the International Water Management Institute has found that untreated sewage is being used to irrigate urban crops in many areas of the developing world. The IWMI has learned tha... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1718052 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:49:00 +0100 1718052 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1696848&cid=t_299698_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F08%2Fefoodalert-world-tour-prague-hong-kong.html This phase of our world tour is a bit unusual, in that it includes a North American stop.We start the tour in Alaska, where botulism is endemic in the native community. Alaska saw 10 cases of botulism in 2007, all but one in the southwest part of the state. All 10 cases were traced to traditionally prepared native foods: fermented beluga, fermented beaver tail, fermented seal flipper, seal blubber, whale blubber and fermented fish heads. One of the victims died.From Alaska, we cross the Pacific Ocean to Hong Kong, which is still having problems with its restaurants. The Centre for Food Protection is investigating three separate incidents of food poisoning, encompassing 16 people. The victims, 11 of whom either consulted private doctors or visited a hospital, all ate at a restaurant in the ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1696848 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:23:00 +0100 1696848 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1696850&cid=t_299698_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F08%2Fsmelling-rat.html Travel, we are told, is broadening – to the mind and to the palate. Part of the fun of visiting a new part of the world is to sample the local delicacies.The Indian government is trying to make it easier for tourists in Bihar to sample one of the staple foods of the Musahar community in that town – rat meat. According to an article in the Times of India, the poverty-stricken Musahars catch wild rats in the field to supplement their diet. Rat meat, apparently, is "... rich in protein and tastier than chicken."The government has been encouraging Musahars to farm rats instead of catching them in the wild. The farmed rats could be sold to local hotels, which would then be able to offer rat meat to their more adventurous guests.Rat meat is an inexpensive source of protein for many poorer v... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1696850 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:35:00 +0100 1696850 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1683095&cid=t_299698_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F0BSQaLf0z5o%2F Couple of weeks ago the Minnesota Post did an article on rates of autism in Somali children in Minneapolis, with the suggestion that “something” about being in the US was causing higher rates of autism. Today’s Raleigh News-Observer also reports on autism in the children of recent immigrants to the US, but with an emphasis on the additional difficulties of getting services for a disabled child when you’re new to a country, a culture, a language. It’s pointed out that the more “open-minded mentality” here can lead to immigrant parents to seek a diagnosis, services, and education for their children: Esmeralda Garcia feels more supported and informed about autism in Charlotte than she ever felt in her native Mexico. When her 6-year-old daughter, Maria... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1683095 Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:53:57 +0100 1683095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1680123&cid=t_299698_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F08%2Fwater-woes-asia-africa-and-cholera.html It's a rare day that goes by without a story somewhere in the news about a cholera outbreak in Asia or Africa. In 2007, the World Health Organization received reports of 177,963 cases of cholera – including 4,031 deaths – from 53 countries. These data are not all-inclusive. No cases were reported from Central or South America, and no information was available from the Western Pacific or Central Asia.The culprit is Vibrio cholerae, a rod-shaped bacterium that is spread through contaminated water – including shellfish harvested from contaminated sea beds, produce grown using contaminated irrigation water, or produce washed in contaminated water.Vibrio cholerae infections result in a watery diarrhea, which can vary from mild to severe – sometimes bloody. Severe cases can result in lif... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1680123 Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:51:00 +0100 1680123 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1664050&cid=t_299698_113_f&fid=34625&url=http%3A%2F%2Fclinicalit.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F07%2Fdavos-of-health-it.html BELLAGIO, Italy—As promised, I am at Week 3 of Making the eHealth Connection at the Rockefeller Foundation's unbelievably gorgeous retreat and meeting center on the banks of picturesque Lake Como. (Full disclosure: The foundation is paying my travel expenses and providing me with room and board on the campus.)I am one of perhaps three or four members of the media here this week, which features mostly separate conferences on electronic health records and on mobile health and telemedicine. The sessions are pretty fascinating, but also off the record. I'm only allowed to report on general concepts, not quote people directly from the open forum. I may approach individuals for on-the-record chats during breaks, however, and the plenary sessions are on the record.I had a story yesterday in Dig... Neil Versel's Healthcare IT Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1664050 Wed, 30 Jul 2008 10:19:00 +0100 1664050 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1661260&cid=t_299698_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F07%2Fwater-woes-asia-and-africa.html The good news, according to a recent World Health Organization report, is that the number of people worldwide with no access to a protected drinking water source has fallen below one billion for the first time. The bad news is that 2.5 billion people – most of them in Asia and Africa – lack access to decent sanitation facilities. And nearly 1.2 billion people still have no alternative than to defecate in the open.In light of these sad statistics, it's no wonder that a new or expanded cholera outbreak – or some other water-borne disease – is reported in Asia or Africa almost daily. Here are some examples:Jaipur India. Three people die – including an eight-year old girl – and 115 people suffer from diarrhea after drinking contaminated water. The drinking water supply became conta... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1661260 Mon, 28 Jul 2008 22:21:00 +0100 1661260 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1660717&cid=t_299698_111_f&fid=34834&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FMentalNurse%2F%7E3%2F348348731%2F Kevin Myers, writing in the Irish Independent [1] [2] [3], has been threatened with prosecution for arguing that aid to Africa is doing more harm than good. He highlights the case of Ethiopia where he was a reporter during the famine of 1984 – 1985: “By 2050, the population of Ethiopia will be 177 million: The equivalent of France, Germany and Benelux today, but located on the parched and increasingly protein-free wastelands of the Great Rift Valley. So, how much sense does it make for us actively to increase the adult population of what is already a vastly over-populated, environmentally devastated and economically dependent country? How much morality is there in saving an Ethiopian child from starvation today, for it to survive to a life of brutal circumcision, poverty, hunger, ... Mental Nurse blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1660717 Mon, 28 Jul 2008 12:52:22 +0100 1660717 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1658175&cid=t_299698_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F347532214%2F Much happened over the past two weeks but I want most of all to think about Evan Kamida, who passed away on July 24, just a few days shy of his eighth birthday. Please keep his mother Vicki Forman and Evan’s family in your thoughts and prayers—-and to honor his memory, here’s a small and lovely thing to do: Please take a photo of flowers at a swingset and post it to this Flickr pool. Shannon Des Roches Rosa and Jennifer Graf Gronenberg have posted more information. Thinking of Evan. Not a Team Player in the Office?—-Not Necessarily The difficulties that autistic individuals face in the workplace. Use of Restraints Increasing in Public Schools? Kids coming home with bruises on their wrists, arms, legs: That’s not supposed to happen in public school, and not at the ... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1658175 Sun, 27 Jul 2008 16:02:36 +0100 1658175 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1652392&cid=t_299698_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F344894044%2F Today’s MinnPost.com reports that “First generation U.S.-born Somali-speaking children in Minneapolis schools are disproportionately identified as having autism.” There are 15,000 to 40,000 Somalis living in Minnesota, a 2001 state health department study reports. According to the Minnesota Department of Education: in the Minneapolis’ early childhood and kindergarten programs, more than 12 percent of the students with autism reported speaking Somali at home. According to Minneapolis school officials, more than 17 percent of the children in the district’s early childhood special education autism program are Somali speaking. Almost 6 percent of the district’s total enrollment is made up of Somali-speaking students, and about 6 percent of the children in th... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1652392 Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:00:42 +0100 1652392 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1646423&cid=t_299698_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Faa-in-israel%2F There are now dozens of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings throughout Israel According to Sy Greenfeld, the first group of Alcoholics Anonymous in Israel was started in 1976 in Tel Aviv by several immigrants from South Africa along with personnel from the United Nations. It was an English-speaking group. For Hebrew-speaking alcoholics in Israel, he says, “there was nothing-no literature, no translations, no other professional help.” Greenfeld says that alcoholics were routinely placed in psychiatric hospitals. “There was no other help for them,” he explains. Greenfeld joined the Tel Aviv AA group in 1977 and then started a group in the Haifa area with three other people. “Alcoholism hits everyone,” Greenfeld said. “Men, women, religious, non-religio... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1646423 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 03:49:09 +0100 1646423 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1622221&cid=t_299698_87_f&fid=35060&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthnewsblog.com%2Fcgi-bin%2Fhnblog.pl%3Fhnblog%3D712081 The BBC reports that the World Health Organization is warning people to avoid Ugandan caves with bats. The warning follows the death of a 40-year-old Dtuch woman who died after contracting the deadly Marburg virus. She contracted the virus in Uganda and died in a hospital after returning home to the Netherlands. The woman, aged 40, died after being taken to hospital following her return to the Netherlands, health authorities there said. They said she probably contracted the disease while visiting a Ugandan cave inhabited by fruit bats. Marburg is a contagious disease that causes sudden bleeding and high fever. There is no treatment or vaccine. The largest outbreak occurred in 2004-2005 in Angola and killed more than 300 people. No tourists are known to have previously contracted the... HealthNewsBlog.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1622221 Sat, 12 Jul 2008 23:00:00 +0100 1622221 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1582983&cid=t_299698_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F328347617%2F This is the final paragraph of an article in the July 6th Scotland on Sunday about 20-year-old Dale Gardner, who was severely autistic as a child, and his mother, Nuala Gardner. His mother is bursting with pride. When she first found out about Dale, part of her grieving process was to wonder if it would have been better if he had never been born. “But just look,” she says, “at the son I’ve got now.” I’ve always been so glad I had Charlie, to hold in my arms when he was little, on tough days and glorious ones; to walk side by side at Columbus Circle in Manhattan yesterday afternoon, en route to meeting Jim in his office. Associated Press Says “Mentally Retarded” Is Outdated Term The latest update of the Associated Press Stylebook says, no more usin... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1582983 Sun, 06 Jul 2008 22:14:04 +0100 1582983 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1556398&cid=t_299698_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F323580584%2F Autism is a global phenomenon: The Global Autism Project was started five years ago by Molly Ola Pinney of Dublin (NH), after she moved to Ghana to continue caring for a Ghanaian boy she’d met in Seattle while on assignment with the AmeriCorps. According to today’s Sentinel-Source: “There were only 30 pediatricians and only one was diagnosing autism,” Pinney said. “The others believed the autistic were possessed. … Within months of coming to Ghana, I was being sought out by people with autistic family members. They said they were alone, that they needed help but didn’t know where to find it.” After launching the Global Autism Project, Pinney partnered with Serway Quaynor, a Ghanaian who’d been teaching her autistic adult son at home bec... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1556398 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:35:17 +0100 1556398 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1531378&cid=t_299698_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F315051596%2F Kendall Bailey is 19 years old, 6 foot 6, and a champion swimmer headed for the Paralympics in Beijing this September—–but he was almost rendered ineligible by the United States itself. Bailey has cerebral palsy, mental retardation, autism, and Klinefelter’s syndrome, which prevents his body from producing testosterone. Today’s New York Times profiles his dream to swim in the Paralympics and the efforts of his mother, Connie Shaw, to make sure that this happens: Kendall Bailey is a rare case of a mentally disabled athlete who also has the physical disabilities to qualify him for the Paralympics. But in April, amid confusion about how disabled athletes are classified both before and during the Games, officials who oversee the American team on behalf of the United States ... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1531378 Thu, 19 Jun 2008 01:25:03 +0100 1531378 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1526331&cid=t_299698_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F314330677%2F Very late on Monday, Charlie and I took a red eye flight back to New Jersey from San Francisco. He set his mouth, clutched my dad’s blue jacket to his chest and handed it back just as we got into the line for the security check. No crying or painful encounters with airport security personnel. Charlie grabbed a plastic bin as I told him and took off his shoes and put them and his backpack in it (I slowed us up, with a bag, a backpack, and a laptop). The plane was slightly delayed—storms on the East Coast—-and I decided that, though Charlie was years beyond the 4-year-old age limit for pre-boarding, that we would get on early, so he’d know, we’re going home, just like I said we would, just believe me….. After a last-minute request for a drink of water, Ch... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1526331 Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:35:27 +0100 1526331 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1501464&cid=t_299698_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F307234379%2F The autism epidemic commeth — or, more accurately, it goeth. The threat of such a terrible scourge—–lots of children with autism—is behind the calls for “safer vaccines” and “change the schedule!” by anti/pro-safe vaccine rallyers at Wednesday’s Green Our Vaccines (which acronyms nicely into GOV) rally. Get out those toxins, change that schedule, flush that mercury out of those shots and don’t let it get into our kids’ bodies: If we don’t do this, we’re doomed, untold numbers of still-normal toddlers and yet-to-be-born (and even conceived) children could become……..autistic…….if we don’t so something about those shots, and then we’ll have more autism than anyone can handle or pa... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1501464 Sun, 08 Jun 2008 08:19:07 +0100 1501464 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1478045&cid=t_299698_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F300328554%2F It was not unpredicted and it has happened again. David Kirby is again rebranding autism in his latest post about fever, vaccines, and mitochondrial autism. Now it’s “vaccine-induced mitochondrial regression” and even something like “Mute Fever” (a “folksy” name that Kirby comes up with on the side, for reasons noted below). Over a year ago, he rechristened autism as Environmentally-Acquired Neuroimmune Disorder” or “E.N.D.”; more recently, it’s been “vaccine-aggravated mitochondrial disorder” and also “autistic encephalopathy.” Kirby seems to constantly change what he calls autism to suit the latest studies, findings, and documents available about autism, vaccines and (in particular) vaccine-related ... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1478045 Thu, 29 May 2008 05:33:26 +0100 1478045 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1461029&cid=t_299698_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F295576659%2F We all root for amputees—-until they win medals is the blurb on an article by William Saletan in the May 21st Slate. Saletan writes about Oscar Pistorius, the runner from South Africa who—he is a double amputee—runs on specially built prostheses called “cheetahs” ( j-shapes blades made of carbon fiber). Pistorius recently won a decision to be allowed to compete in the Olympic trials; the International Association of Athletics (IAAF—track’s governing body) had argued that he had an unfair advantage because of his high-tech prosthetic legs. But the Court of Sports Arbitration “deemed that there was not enough evidence to prove that Pistorius’s flexible j-shaped blades, attached below his knees, gave him an advantage.” It could as readil... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1461029 Thu, 22 May 2008 05:11:48 +0100 1461029 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1437091&cid=t_299698_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F288742465%2F The US Supreme Court can’t intervene in an important dispute over the rights of apartheid victims to sue US corporations in US courts because four of the nine justices had to sit out the case over apparent conflicts, including stockholdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb, the Associated Press writes. The result is that a lawsuit accusing some prominent companies of violating international law by assisting South Africa’s former apartheid government will go forward. The court’s hands were tied by federal laws that require at least six justices to hear any case before them. Short of the required number by one, the court took the only path available to it and upheld an appeals court ruling allowing the suit to proceed. Besides the drugmaker, the justices have ties to Bank of America... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1437091 Mon, 12 May 2008 15:07:47 +0100 1437091 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1436945&cid=t_299698_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F288478385%2F There’s been plenty of debate about whether or not there is an epidemic of autism; about whether or not the increase in the prevalence rate of autism (now 1 in 150) is due to our being better able to diagnose and count cases of autism, or whether there is some actual something that can be pointed to that is actually causing more children to become autistic. Recently, I’ve noted mention of an “autism pandemic,” a term which strikes me as a not exactly subtle attempt to make the rise in the prevalence rate of autism seem to be a much more extreme, and scary, phenomenon than various autism organizations claim that it is. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, the definition of an epidemic is disease outbreak in which some or many people in a comm... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1436945 Mon, 12 May 2008 05:51:11 +0100 1436945 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1416354&cid=t_299698_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2Fasian-alcoholism-genetics%2F New Findings on Asian Alcohol-Protection Gene Only certain East Asian populations have a high prevalence of a gene that protects against alcohol over-consumption, and researchers speculate that some event must have occurred over the past few thousand years to make this genetic protection advantageous, Reuters reported. Yale University researchers said that unknown environmental factors are the likely cause for the prevalence of the ADH1B*47His gene variant among some Asian populations, but not others. The gene causes rapid metabolism of alcohol into acetaldehyde, a chemical that produces hangovers, flushing, nausea and other unpleasant symptoms that make even moderate drinking a poor experience. Researchers found that the gene variant was very prevalent in East Asia, fairly common in West ... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1416354 Fri, 02 May 2008 12:25:27 +0100 1416354 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1385850&cid=t_299698_93_f&fid=35707&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhemodynamics.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F04%2Fdockworkers-doctors-and-democracy.html Photo from the Sydney Morning Herald: the Chinese ship, and South African church members protesting its cargo.The dockworkers of Durban, South Africa, did what their government wouldn't: stopped a shipment of arms from China to Zimbabwe, including 3 million rounds of ammunition for AK-47s, rocket-propelled grenades, and mortar rounds. The arms would help the doddering dictator Robert Mugabe try to hold on to power, after an election that appears to have not gone well for him. The Durban dockworkers refused to unload the arms. Then an Anglican archbishop filed a motion in court to stop the shipment. When the court affirmed the motion, the Chinese ship pulled up anchor and headed for Mozambique--or was it Angola? Whichever port it heads towards next, the Chinese ship will likely eventually f... hemodynamics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1385850 Sun, 20 Apr 2008 00:07:00 +0100 1385850 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1344265&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2008%2F04%2F02%2Ffwd-fw-fw-fw-fw-fw-i-dont-think-so%2F We get them all the time - those emails that are endlessly forwarded on around the net. Funny stories, cute pictures, sickly-sweet poems, ‘fascinating’ articles or amazing photos. Occasionally they are interesting, but mostly they are either mildly amusing or just annoying. But I never thought one of them would contain me! Yesterday I got an email from my mum which her brother had forwarded to her (after being forwarded many times prior to that) Subject : Fwd: FW: FW: I don’t think so………… !!!!!!!!! Message Body : In Zimbabwe, Africa, you will find the magnificent Victoria Falls, at a height of 128m. The location is known as the “Devil’s Swimming Pool”. During the months of September and December, people can swim as close as possible to the ed... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1344265 Wed, 02 Apr 2008 05:41:04 +0100 1344265 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1289804&cid=t_299698_10_f&fid=35345&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gideononline.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F03%2F09%2Foutbreaks-of-hepatitis-e-in-sub-saharan-africa-are-rarely-reported%2F As reported in ProMED: Notwithstanding the recent episode in Uganda [see: ProMED-mail post Hepatitis E virus - Uganda 20080304.0894], outbreaks of hepatitis E in Sub-Saharan Africa are rarely reported. The following summary was abstracted from GIDEON. Botswana 1985 - An outbreak (245 cases) in Maun was ascribed to possible water contamination. Central African Republic 2002 - An outbreak (48 confirmed cases) in Bangui may have been caused by contaminated drinking water. 2004 - An outbreak (10 cases) in Bangui was caused by contaminated water sold by a street vendor. Chad 2004 - An outbreak (1442 cases, 46 fatal) was reported in Goz Amer and Goz Beida - Sudanese refugee camps. 2005 - An outbreak (50 or more fatal cases) was reported in the area of Goz Beida (eastern Chad). (more…) Sha... GIDEON blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1289804 Mon, 10 Mar 2008 06:20:19 +0100 1289804 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1245033&cid=t_299698_87_f&fid=34591&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.badscience.net%2F%3Fp%3D617 David Tredinnick is conservative MP for Bosworth (he was suspended without pay during the cash for questions scandal) and very keen on alternative therapies. Here is a fabulous speech from him in parliament yesterday. As you can see, he talks up the use of homeopathy as a treatment for HIV, malaria, and a whole [...] (Source: badscience) badscience blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1245033 Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:00:09 +0100 1245033 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1218236&cid=t_299698_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F231582785%2F Hired someone new and exciting? Promoted a rising star? Finally solved that hard-to-fill spot? Share the news with us and we’ll share with it others. That’s right. Send us your announcements and we’ll find a home for them. Don’t be shy. Everyone wants to know who is coming and going, especially with all the layoffs being announced each month. Despite the downsizing, there is movement. Here are some of the latest changes. Recognize anyone? Cephalon says general counsel John Osborn has resigned; Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals hired Gary Shangold as chief medical officer; Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals also hired Tim Arendt as vp of sales; Synosia Therapeutics hired Philippe Lutz as cfo; The Corporate Council on Africa named Jeff Sturchio, a senior vp of corporate responsibility at Merck, as its ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1218236 Fri, 08 Feb 2008 12:42:56 +0100 1218236 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1207163&cid=t_299698_113_f&fid=34625&url=http%3A%2F%2Fclinicalit.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F02%2Fpriorities.html What would be my blog without a random item from weeks ago? On Tuesday I discovered a news story from Dec. 31 about an e-health strategy in Rwanda. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reportedly is helping to fund the installation of Internet links between the three major hospitals in the Central African country, known in these parts mostly for its 1990s civil war and genocide.According to the story, lack of high-speed Internet is holding back a national e-health strategy, "meant to help Rwandan medical experts exchange health information with their overseas counterparts." Those overseas counterparts included "two U.S. universities of George Washington and New Jersey." So George Washington University in Washington, and, I presume, the University of Medicine and Dentistry of... Neil Versel's Healthcare IT Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1207163 Wed, 06 Feb 2008 06:35:00 +0100 1207163 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1196090&cid=t_299698_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fthe-world-needs-nicole-a-reminder-about-cancer-genetics-risk-assessment%2F Have I told you about my niece Nicole? She is an amazing young woman. At 4-years-old, she was diagnosed with acute leukemia and suffered a lengthy treatment protocol. Her teenage years had her battling with the after effects of treatment but that in no way impinged on her ability to be a leader in her school and a peer counselor. She developed a love of music and a passion for African orphans. She spent her school breaks volunteering in an orphanage in Africa and only tolerated a year at university before she gave in to the desire to live among the children in the orphanage halfway around the world. They were so delighted they helped build a mud hut all her own for her to live in. One of her jobs was to name the young children that were brought to the group of huts and buildings that made ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1196090 Sat, 02 Feb 2008 00:05:38 +0100 1196090 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1148166&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2008%2F01%2F14%2Fugandans-save-the-queen%2F Plot to kill Queen foiled - World - theage.com.au It may sound silly but this story almost makes me feel proud - Ugandan security services foiled an Al Qaeda plot to attack the Queen in Kampala last year. I must say in my own dealings with the Uganda Police force last year I was not exactly inspired with confidence in them, but obviously those charged with protecting the Queen were a bit better resourced than the rank and file officers we dealt with. Anyway, good for Uganda - the newest ally in the war on terror! (Source: Baggas' Blog) Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1148166 Mon, 14 Jan 2008 06:11:43 +0100 1148166 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1121297&cid=t_299698_93_f&fid=35707&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhemodynamics.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Fjust-your-average-campaign-song-bring.html This is Jacob Zuma, the new leader of South Africa's ruling party, the African National Congress--and because of this, the instant front-runner for the presidency. He's singing Mshini Wami, "Bring Me My Machine Gun", his signature song, one that dates back to the liberation struggle. I can't say that it seems like an entirely good thing that Zuma is on track to be South Africa's next president, but watching him sing this song with his supporters embodies some part of what is wonderful yet terrifying, unstable yet enduring, and both ugly and beautiful about South Africa. (Source: hemodynamics) hemodynamics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1121297 Sat, 29 Dec 2007 03:47:00 +0100 1121297 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1097461&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F12%2F16%2Fugandan-comedy%2F This video is of a stand-up comedian called “Pablo” who performed at the concert we went to in Kampala, Uganda, in October. I think it’s the sort of thing that’s more funny for locals or at the least visitors to Uganda, but take a look and see what you think. In this clip he’s discussing the genesis of various styles of music… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfUUC1ZodKo (Source: Baggas' Blog) Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1097461 Sun, 16 Dec 2007 10:17:40 +0100 1097461 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1096670&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F12%2F15%2Fdreams-from-my-father%2F Yesterday I happened across a news story about how one of Hillary Clinton’s aides had been fired for asking indiscreet questions about her rival Barack Obama’s history of drug use as a teenager. Coincindentally, it turns out that the day before I had just started reading the memoir in which he admits to these things. And far from making me think he’s an unfit person to contest high office, after reading this book I am very impressed wth the man. It’s been a little while since I’ve finished a book in three days. Dreams from my Father is the story of Obama’s life up until the early 90s, when he went to Harvard Law School. It is the story of the child of a white woman from Kansas and a Kenyan man, growing up in Hawaii, Indonesia, and Los Angeles before fina... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1096670 Sat, 15 Dec 2007 12:25:25 +0100 1096670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1080353&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F12%2F08%2Fluke-in-kampala%2F Back in July I posted about when Luke wanted to give some of his toys and food to a little child begging with his mother in Kampala. Here’s some video of that, plus a general view of the traffic in Kampala as seen from our hotel. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdZmTN5l7J8 I’m gradually working my way through some of my video footage from the last 6 months, so expect to see more of these YouTube clips over the next few weeks. Working with iMovie on my Mac makes it so easy to produce these - it literally took only about 5-10 minutes to put this clip together, whilst watching a DVD with the kids. Otherwise life is way too busy at the moment. Work is getting fairly hectic, lots of other functions on, plus we have Owen’s surgery this week. Tomorrow is our church’s big ... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1080353 Sat, 08 Dec 2007 10:24:47 +0100 1080353 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1062774&cid=t_299698_87_f&fid=34591&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.badscience.net%2F2007%2F12%2Faids-quackery-international-tour%2F Ben Goldacre The Guardian Saturday December 1 2007 If you were going to be actuarial about media coverage - an eighth of a column inch for each premature death perhaps - then this paper would be filled with diarrhoea and Aids. Today is World Aids Day: so come with me on a world tour of Aids quackery. South Africa [...] (Source: badscience) badscience blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1062774 Sat, 01 Dec 2007 00:56:33 +0100 1062774 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1046686&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F11%2F23%2Fkampala-via-boda-boda%2F One of the news stories that has been sadly neglected in the midst  of our current Australian election campaign is the Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting (CHOGM) which is taking place in Kampala, Uganda, at the moment. I was hoping to see reports of our Prime Minister attending and some news coverage of Kampala, but sadly John Howard has more pressing issues on his mind. At present the Queen, Gordon Brown, Canadian PM Stephen Harper and a host of other world leaders are descending on Kampala. To date I’ve seen one story in the Australian media, who are understandably pre-occupied with our own election tomorrow. Might have to check out BBC news later to see if they have any stories. Anyway, here’s a view of Kampala that the Queen and other CHOGM delegates will most likely... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1046686 Fri, 23 Nov 2007 12:14:17 +0100 1046686 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1013361&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F11%2F08%2Falbertine%2F Awesome song, by Brooke Fraser. I had this on regular rotation on my iPod during my recent trip to Uganda http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGx-xU6TnU8 “Now that I have seen, I am responsible. Faith without deeds is dead…” (Source: Baggas' Blog) Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1013361 Thu, 08 Nov 2007 11:09:00 +0100 1013361 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1012357&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F11%2F07%2Fvideo-uganda-equator%2F As promised, here is the first YouTube video from my recent Uganda trip. It’s a demonstration we had when we visited the equator - water really does go down the drain in opposite directions in the northern and southern hemispheres! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iim6D1QZdaM More videos coming soon. This one was made using Windows Movie Maker, and although the quality is not too bad it crashed about 11 times in the process. I don’t think it handles the Quicktime files that my camera produces very well. Can’t wait til I get my MacBook and see how good that is… (Source: Baggas' Blog) Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1012357 Wed, 07 Nov 2007 14:31:34 +0100 1012357 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1005192&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F11%2F06%2Fphotos-and-movies%2F Fairly quiet day at work thus far. No babies being born and plenty of gaps between patients. Which has given me plenty of time to catch up on some internet jobs - paid a few bills and started tidying up my Flickr photos. I’ve now given titles to all the photos in my Africa 2007 and Africa 2006 sets. As promised I also have a bunch of short video clips taken on my camera which I will upload to YouTube soon. These include videos of the lions in Johannesburg, kids in Uganda, church at KPC, riding a boda-boda motorcycle through town, and from the concert we visited. Because they are all in Quicktime MOV format, I’m just waiting til I get my new MacBook in a week or so because I think that will be easier to do than on a PC. But I promise to get them up ASAP. Watch this space. (Sourc... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1005192 Tue, 06 Nov 2007 01:45:59 +0100 1005192 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=987160&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F10%2F29%2Fairports-music-friendships-and-teamwork%2F It’s been a long day thus far but finally I find myself in the lounge at Johannesburg airport. I woke up at 3:30, expecting to be picked up to be taken to the airport at 4am, but my ride didn’t arrive until 4:50. I was just about to try and get a taxi when they finally showed. When I arrived at the airport I discovered that, since my paper ticket originally was for a different date, I was unable to check my bags right through to Sydney for my flight this afternoon. This meant that I had to go through South African customs and collect my bag, only then to be told that I had to wait another 3 hours before I could check in for my Sydney flight and get through to the good departure lounge. When I finally did get through, feeling sore in the neck and mid back I saw a shop offering s... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=987160 Mon, 29 Oct 2007 13:37:18 +0100 987160 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=987161&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F10%2F28%2F1685%2F My last day in Uganda today, and I’ve decided to get some downtime in order to pack and get organised before leaving tomorrow. The rest of the team went out to have lunch in one of the Watoto villages after church whilst I elected to remain at the hotel. Good thing I did, it’s taken me over 2 hours to get sorted. Yesterday we went rafting the Nile River at Jinja - one of the best white water rafting spots in the world I am told, with plenty of big grade 5 rapids and falls. And what a great day we had. I was with a fantastic group - four of the more adventurous members of our medical team plus two English guys and a Dutchman.We decided from the outset that we were going to go hard - for every rapid if there was an easy option (aka “chicken”) or a risky one, we would ... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=987161 Sun, 28 Oct 2007 07:07:06 +0100 987161 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=982559&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F10%2F27%2Fthe-last-patient%2F And so it ends. Finally today after two full weeks of clinic, we saw our last patient. Actually my last patient was a home visit to a mother with HIV/AIDS who was in pretty bad shape. Hopefully they will get her to a hospital for some more intensive testing and treatment and she will be okay. Her case illustrated another obstacle to adequate HIV treatment - superstition. She, like many other people, was in denial about her HIV status, rather believing that she had been cursed by a witch or something along those lines. Just last night I was reading in my book “The Shadow of the Sun” by Ryszard Kapuscinski, about how prevalent such beliefs are in Africa. Even amongst Christians, they still hold on to a lot of these traditional beliefs as well. Now that I’ve mentioned this b... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=982559 Fri, 26 Oct 2007 16:06:45 +0100 982559 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=979192&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F10%2F26%2Fuganda-photos%2F This is my second attempt at using the internet today. The first was at the “best internet cafe” in town and I sat there for an hour with no connection - but at least I got my photos backed up and the last blog entry typed. This time I am at a cafe near our hotel that has failed me several times before, but actually seems reasonably quick tonight. Just shows how totally unpredictable the net is here in Kampala. Anyway here’s a few photos from the past few days… The view from the front of our clinic on Suubi mountain - breathtaking! Some of the crowd outside our clinic - we saw over 160 patients today. Two brothers we saw - no parents in sight. Very common for children of a young age to care for their siblings here like this, and very common to see boys wearing dr... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=979192 Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:42:50 +0100 979192 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=979193&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F10%2F26%2Fhiv-and-poverty%2F Another hectic day in the clinic today - much of the same stuff  - otherwise treatable chronic diseases compounded by poverty. Many of these would be eminently more manageable back home - diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, epilepsy - but the people here just cannot afford ongoing treatment. And the backbreaking hand to mouth, one day at a time lifestyle contributes to it - men, women, and children all do their share of the physical work required for these rural households to survive. And this is in a beautiful, fertile land where there is plenty of rain and plants and crops and animals can thrive. Imagine what the more desolate, inhospitable areas of northern Uganda and much of the rest of Africa must be like. But as is well known, the current number one scourge of Africa is HIV/AIDS - a ... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=979193 Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:05:10 +0100 979193 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=976364&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F10%2F24%2Feating-frog-legs-in-kampala%2F Kampala last night was a crazy, choatic, wonderful combination of torrential rains, thunder and lightning, traffic jams, crashes and floods. The weather pattern I’ve generally noticed here is an early morning storm before dawn, usually dry days, and then sometimes a thunderstorm at night. The previous night we sat on the balcony for a long while watching a spectacular lightning show. But nothing has compared to the storm we had yesterday afternoon just after we arrived back at the hotel. Within minutes of the rain starting to pour and the lightning started to flash, the streets around us were flooded, drains overflowing - one of the most amazing storms I’ve seen. The chaos from the storm continued long after the rains had eased. A few of us squeezed into a taxi and drove across... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=976364 Wed, 24 Oct 2007 15:53:25 +0100 976364 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=965883&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F10%2F20%2Fsaturday-2%2F A welcome change of pace today. The two doctors on the team, myself and Jess, went over to the Watoto Babies Home - Bulrushes, to do some checks on a few of the babies, whilst the rest of the team went back out to the villages to do various things. The Bulrushes babies are in pretty good shape, considering these are orphans who a few months back were abandoned, some in terrible conditions. Like all Watoto children, they are well taken care of. Nevertheless, put 40 to 50 babies in the same building, especially ones who may have pre-existing illnesses, and various health problems are bound to develop. We saw about 15 or so this morning, most of whom fortunately had fairly minor problems. After that we spent a while just hanging out and playing with the babies which was fun. One of the babies... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=965883 Sat, 20 Oct 2007 18:07:32 +0100 965883 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=964579&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F10%2F19%2Fuganda-clinics%2F Quick update on the last few days. The internet here is horrendously slow at the moment so I shall have to be fast. Tuesday I shall leave for another time as the story of Tuesday will be quite long and I’m not sure if it’s legally appropriate for me to discuss it yet but be warned you’re in for an interesting story… So moving on to Wednesday, when I went out to a clinic at the Watoto village where we saw some of the village kids plus a lot of people from the surrounding communities. As a rule they didn’t seem quite as sick this year as last year - we have yet to encounter a bona fide case of malaria - but there was still plenty to do. Lots of ulcers and infections and STDs. A few people had known HIV and many others came for testing, as we have lab facilities ... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=964579 Fri, 19 Oct 2007 15:11:14 +0100 964579 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952119&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F10%2F15%2Frunning-in-kampala%2F I mentioned the other day how the schedule for this medical mission looked exhausting. Well I sure feel exhuasted now, but for today at least I only have myself to blame… But first to backtrack a little to Sunday. We spent the morning at a church service at KPC which was great. Their worship team and massive African choir is phenomenal. Most of the songs they did were western worship songs, but I don’t know many except for a couple of Hillsong tunes. Even so, they were all brilliant. The message was interesting too, taken from Nehemiah, but with a lot of local cultural and political references which made it all the more interesting. Generally there’s nothing too exotic or zany in a KPC service (speaking from an Australian Churches of Christ point of view) but one thing th... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952119 Mon, 15 Oct 2007 12:55:28 +0100 952119 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=948454&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F10%2F14%2Fover-the-equator%2F Yet again I find myself back in Uganda. I arrived last night after a pleasant flight from South Africa. The place we are staying seems quite good. I have a big room to myself, which is air conditioned. And it’s a quite central location so just a short drive or boda-boda ride into the CBD. Today we went over the the main Watoto office at Kampala Pentecostal Church (KPC) for a meet and greet and to go over the general plan for the medical mission. I must say, I look at the schedule with some degree of trepidation, remembering how exhausting some of the clinic days were last year. This year they seem to have even more planned, with very little down time. It’s okay for the nurses who make up the vast majority of the team and hence can do other things like hospital teaching, or just... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=948454 Sat, 13 Oct 2007 17:48:13 +0100 948454 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=945344&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F10%2F12%2Fcafe-oxymoron%2F One of the prime reasons to go to a cafe is to avoid having to drink something like Nescafe - Hence this cafe I saw yesterday in one of Johannesbrg’s fanciest shopping malls, Sandton City, seems to me to be a complete oxymoron - why on earth would anyone go to a place called Cafe Nescafe? I’m sure my mate Dean would agree. I never worked up the courage to give their coffee a try. Instead I settled for a reasonable latte in a place called Mugg & Bean. Currently I’m settled in the Diners lounge in Jo’burg airport, drinking a nice South African Cab Sav, waiting for my flight which leaves for Uganda in a couple of hours. Aside from the Lion Park I had a fairly relaxing time doing not much yesterday. I managed to get a bit lost driving across Johannesburg on my way... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=945344 Fri, 12 Oct 2007 10:19:10 +0100 945344 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=944567&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F10%2F12%2Fmauled-by-a-lion%2F ….well maybe that should be lion with a little “l”… The highlight of an otherwise dreary day today in Johannesburg was a visit to the Lion Park. I got to cuddle a couple of 4 month old lion cubs. They gave me a good lick and enjoyed a pat and scratch, but then one of them started to get a bit carried away, chewing on my shoelaces, then my jeans, and then having a good munch on my arm and then my side. I still have the scratches to prove it. Jen seemed a bit worried when I texted her to say I’d been bitten by a lion After “cub world” I got back in my rental car and took a long drive around the lion park. That was fantastic too. They had a big range of animals including zebra, antelope, ostrich and hyenas, but the highlight was once again the lions... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=944567 Thu, 11 Oct 2007 17:21:35 +0100 944567 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=943001&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F10%2F11%2Fafrican-time-2%2F I read this last night - quite a philsophical take on the differences between European and African time. Should be required reading for any visitors to this continent : The European and the African have an entirely different concept of time. In the European worldview, time exists outside man, exists objectively, and has measureable and linear characteristics. According to Newton, time is absolute: “Absolute, true, mathematical time of itself and from it’s own nature, it flows equably and without relation to anything external.” The European fdeels himself to be time’s slave, dependant on it, subject to it. To exist and function, he must observe it’s ironclad, inviolate laws, it’s inflexible principles and rules. He must heed deadlines, dates, days, and ho... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=943001 Thu, 11 Oct 2007 06:03:22 +0100 943001 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=943002&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F10%2F11%2Fjohannesburg-morning%2F Good morning from not so sunny South Africa. Actually it’s pretty cold here in Johannesburg - 9 degrees. I had a fairly smooth, but long flight from Perth overnight. I got a bit of interrupted sleep but still feel pretty tired now. In the end I gave up and sleeping and watched the mildly entertaining in-flight movie The Wendall Baker Story, starring Luke Wilson, with the usual appearances from Will Ferrell and brother Owen Wilson. I always liked those Wilson boys Owen and Luke. Was sadden to hear about Owen’s recent suicide attempt. Hope we see him back on the big screen again soon. Also, whilst waiting in the airport last night, I listened to Radiohead’s new album In Rainbows, which I downloaded yesterday afternoon. It’s actually a pretty good album, perhaps their ... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=943002 Thu, 11 Oct 2007 05:58:34 +0100 943002 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=939788&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F10%2F10%2Finto-africa%2F I’m heading off tonight for another trip to Uganda, for the second annual Watoto international medical team mission. This time we have at least one other doctor to share the load, as well as plenty of nurses and I believe some basic lab facilities. It will be interesting to see how it all goes and what we accomplish. However I go with some degree of mixed feelings as I’m leaving Jenni and the boys for nearly three weeks, and will miss Jen’s major 19 week ultrasound of the baby next week. I had a listen to the heartbeat last night and it sounds great (like a choo choo train) but it’s not the same as being able to see the baby on a video screen. Not sure yet as to the schedule for the medical stuff, but my basic itinerary for travel is as follows : 10 Oct - fly Per... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=939788 Wed, 10 Oct 2007 08:10:46 +0100 939788 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=853150&cid=t_299698_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F154155372%2F If you thought from reading the title that this blog has become, for one post, a travelogue, I am afraid that you thought wrong: This is a post about a two-fold “miracle cure” for autism, via horseback riding and shamans. While both of these are described (in today’s Times Online and on a website) as the latest, newest, breakthough in “reaching” autistic children, some assumptions of autistic children as being “trapped” in a private shell and unreachable, and as being in need of getting autism out of them, are implied, and raise questions about these therapies’ efficacy. 5-year-old Rowan Isaacson started talking not, as noted in the Times Online, after the “usual prescription” of therapies and treatments (”speech and occupat... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=853150 Sun, 09 Sep 2007 10:56:43 +0100 853150 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=795099&cid=t_299698_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F13%2Fopportunity-knocks-diabetes-grows-globally%2F Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Childhood, Adult Onset, Drugs, Daily NewsDiabetes has previously been associated with obese people in the U.S and other rich countries, but it's beginning to hit the developing world hard, with 80 percent of sufferers in low and middle income brackets, according to the International Diabetes Federation.A report in the British newspaper the Telegraph suggests that as poorer countries rapidly urbanize and experience other changes to traditional diet and ways of life, diabetes will become a much bigger problem. In the next 20 years, diabetes is expected to soar by 80 percent in Africa and 100 percent in Latin America, while growth in the US will be 43 percent, according to the same report. And, this year, diabetes will kill about 3.8 million people worldwide, abou... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=795099 Mon, 13 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 795099 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=764755&cid=t_299698_135_f&fid=35272&url=http%3A%2F%2Fslimconomy.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F07%2Fhiv-2-good-for-share-price.html How OraSure Leveraged HIV-2 To Drive Share Price & VolumeIn 2003 in Illinois, two titans of the health care industry went to battle with the State Assembly. Compared to the raucous media battles over the intellectual property of ARV drug formulas, this was but a skirmish. But it was perhaps the first salvo in the coming battle for one company's determination to capture a market. OraSure leveraged the legal forces of Abbott, it's then main distributor, to lobby the State to make HIV-2 testing mandatory in Illinois. Chicago (actually Waukeegan, a small suburb north of Chicago) is home to both Abbott and Cardinal Health. It was Cardinal Health who would line up its legal forces in this opening skirmish.But testing for HIV-2 and HIV-1, that's good isn't it?For a small company with a product th... Slimconomy blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=764755 Sun, 29 Jul 2007 00:56:00 +0100 764755 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=735564&cid=t_299698_135_f&fid=35272&url=http%3A%2F%2Fslimconomy.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F07%2Fpolygamy-best-friend-of-hiv.html Here we go back to Africa yet again. It must be hard for Africa, always the subject of near any issue related to HIV and AIDS, but there you have it. Western Management Policy has done well to help former colonies recede more and more into economic ruin. Perhaps nowhere more so can this be seen than in Western Africa. In Sierra Leone, the government is run by a 27 year old president, by day. By night it is lawless. Borders with surrounding nations are almost non-existent, except on the wall maps of EU and American parliamentarians dishing out aid packages. Perhaps the better maps to look at would be French Foreign Legion military ones, showing where rebel armies move and other "gangs" in these countries.There are (as of 2006), some 360,000+ refugees from Sierra Leone living in Liberia. Yet... Slimconomy blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=735564 Sun, 15 Jul 2007 23:37:00 +0100 735564 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=734855&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F07%2F15%2Fa-western-child-in-africa%2F I couldn’t leave the blog on such a negative note so let me share with you a quick episode from our last day in Kampala yesterday…. We were up in our (spacious, air-conditioned, retrospectively wonderful…) hotel room taking it fairly easy and getting packed for our trip to England. Luke was looking out the window with Jenni and they noticed a little boy, maybe 3 years old, begging with his mother in the street below. And then our three and a half yar old Luke decided he wanted to give that boy some of his toy cars - and he picked out two cars, also got hold of some biscuits and got Jen to walk him downstairs and across the street to give them to this little boy, along with a little money. Jen couldn’t understand what the mother said in response but it was quite nois... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=734855 Sat, 14 Jul 2007 22:12:33 +0100 734855 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=733671&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F07%2F13%2Fwotd-yoweri-museveni%2F Yoweri Museveni - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (born c. 1944,[1] Ntungamo, Uganda[2]) has been the President of Uganda since January 29, 1986. Museveni was involved in the war that toppled Idi Amin’s (1971–79) rule and the rebellion that subsequently led to the demise of Milton Obote’s (1980–85) regime. With the notable exception of northern areas, Museveni has brought relative stability and economic growth to a country that has endured decades of government mismanagement, rebel activity and civil war. His tenure has also witnessed one of the most effective national responses to HIV/AIDS in Africa. In the mid to late 1990s, Museveni was lauded by the West as part of a new generation of African leaders. His presidency has been marred, however, by i... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=733671 Fri, 13 Jul 2007 00:06:54 +0100 733671 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=730396&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F07%2F13%2Fkampala-days%2F The last two days we have spent at the Bulrushes Baby Home in Kampala, which is part of Watoto childcare ministries. I hesitate to make any sort of comparison between Bulrushes and Sanyu Baby home, where we were earlier in the week, as Bulrushes really stands in it’s own league. We were really blown away by the care and organisation at Bulrushes. The staff there are excellent. The building is beautiful. It is a very well run facility and the babies are lucky to be there - they are so well looked after. Not only that but the big difference here is that these babies will have a clear hope for the future as they eventually “graduate” to be raised in the main Watoto villages where they will be placed in a loving home with an adoptive mother and given an excellent education. T... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=730396 Thu, 12 Jul 2007 18:27:55 +0100 730396 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=728450&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F07%2F12%2Fwotd-ruwenzori-range%2F Ruwenzori Range - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The Ruwenzori Range, now officially called Rwenzori Mountains (the spelling having been changed in about 1980 to conform more closely with the local tribal name) is a small but spectacular mountain range of central Africa, often referred to as Mt. Rwenzori, located on the border between Uganda and the DRC, with heights of up to 5,109 m (16,761 ft) at 0°23′09″N, 29°52′18″ECoordinates: 0°23′09″N, 29°52′18″E. The highest Rwenzoris are permanently snow-capped, and they, along with Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya are the only such in Africa. The Ruwenzoris are often identified with the “Mountains of the Moon” mentioned by Ptolemy, but the descriptions are too vague to make this definite. The range is about 120 ... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=728450 Thu, 12 Jul 2007 00:02:07 +0100 728450 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=726276&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F07%2F11%2Fupdate-from-uganda%2F Back in Uganda again. I still really love this country - the courteous chaos of Kampala’s streets, the green hills, the friendly people. After very long 24 hours of travelling to Uganda via Johannesburg, we finally arrived at our Hotel in Kampala around 9 o’clock on Sunday night, all exhausted from the trip. The 37km drive in from Entebbe was even slower and more congested than it was when I was here last year. There’s road and construction work everywhere, presumably in preparation for the Commonwealth heads of government meeting (CHOGM) in November this year. At this stage I’m afraid the place actually looks worse for wear - they’ve got a lot of work to do if they want to spruce the place up in time for CHOGM. I’ll be interested to see how it compares ... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=726276 Wed, 11 Jul 2007 05:38:20 +0100 726276 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=726277&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F07%2F11%2Fwotd-john-hanning-speke%2F John Hanning Speke - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia John Hanning Speke (May 4, 1827 – September 15, 1864) was an officer in the British Indian army, who made three voyages of exploration to Africa.In 1844 he joined the British Indian Army where he served in the Sikh War under Sir Colin Campbell. He spent his leave exploring the Himalaya Mountains and once crossed into Tibet. In 1854 he made his first voyage, joining the already famous Richard Francis Burton on an expedition to Somalia. The expedition did not go well. The party was attacked and Burton and Speke were both severely wounded. Speke was captured and stabbed several times with spears before he was able to free himself and escape. Burton escaped with a javelin impaling both cheeks. Speke returned to England to recover and then... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=726277 Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:24:04 +0100 726277 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=720421&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F07%2F09%2Fwotd-uganda%2F Uganda - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The Republic of Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa, bordered on the east by Kenya, the north by Sudan, on the west by the Democratic Republic of Congo, on the southwest by Rwanda, and on the south by Tanzania. The southern part of the country includes a substantial portion of Lake Victoria, within which it shares borders with Kenya and Tanzania. Uganda takes its name from the Buganda kingdom, which encompasses a portion of the south of the country including the capital Kampala. Uganda became an independent nation in 1962, with Edward Muteesa II, the Kabaka (King) of Buganda as the President and Commander in Chief of the armed forces, and Milton Obote as Prime Minister. In 1966, Obote overthrew the constitution and declared himself presid... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=720421 Mon, 09 Jul 2007 00:06:23 +0100 720421 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=720040&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F07%2F08%2Fin-transit-in-johannesburg%2F Originally uploaded by baggas. After a long 12 hour overnight flight from Perth, we now have a 6 hour wait in Johannesburg airport for our next flight to Uganda. Fortunately we’ve got the Diners Club lounge all to ourselves with lots of free food and drink so it’s actually pretty relaxing. Tomorrow we will be at the Sanyu babies home and later in the week at the Watoto Bullrushes babies home. Internet can be a bit patchy in Uganda but I’ll try and update when I can. (Source: Baggas' Blog) Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=720040 Sun, 08 Jul 2007 06:10:03 +0100 720040 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=719816&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F07%2F08%2For-tambo-international-airport-wikipedia-the-free-encyclopedia%2F OR Tambo International Airport - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia OR Tambo International Airport (IATA: JNB, ICAO: FAJS) is a large airport near the city of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa. It serves as the primary airport for domestic and international travel to/from South Africa and is Africa’s busiest airport, handling over 16 million passengers in 2005. The airport is the hub of South Africa’s largest international and domestic carrier, South African Airways (SAA), and a number of smaller local airlines. It was formerly officially known as Johannesburg International Airport and before that as Jan Smuts International Airport (explaining the airport’s ICAO code, FAJS) after the South African statesman of that name. The first renaming was done in 1994 when the newly ... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=719816 Sat, 07 Jul 2007 23:51:54 +0100 719816 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=707171&cid=t_299698_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F06%2F30%2Fsub-saharan-africa-home-to-ten-million-diabetics%2F Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Lifestyle, Daily News, EventsAccording to World Diabetes Foundation (WDF) delegates attending the First African Diabetes Summit in Nairobi this week, ten million of the world's estimated 246 million diabetics live in sub-Saharan Africa. Moreover, WDF president Professor Pierre Levebre says Africans are much more likely that people living elsewhere to suffer from diabetes-related conditions. One reason? Poverty. Far too few people living in sub-Saharan Africa go without the quality of care that people in the developed world take for granted. Access to doctors is so limited and expensive that many people are not even being diagnosed, let alone receiving the most basic treatment. When they are diagnosed, it is not uncommon for patients to be unable to access or af... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=707171 Sat, 30 Jun 2007 04:00:00 +0100 707171 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=699282&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F06%2F27%2Fthe-benefits-of-mission-trips%2F slacktivist: Mission Trips & AmeriCorps As part of a discussion on some new national community service plan that’s been proposed in the US, Fred makes some salient comments on the “cost-effectiveness” and the purpose of short term mission trips : The question he raises is often asked of church mission trips. A local church youth group raises money for a weeklong trip to, say, Haiti, where they will be helping to build a school. This works OK. The school gets built. But it may not be the most cost-effective approach. A significant chunk of the funds raised winds up going to the group’s travel expenses, all so a bunch of kids with little or no construction experience can travel thousands of miles to help out. If the goal is to get the school built, it would seem t... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=699282 Wed, 27 Jun 2007 08:07:57 +0100 699282 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=688620&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F06%2F22%2Fwotd-maputo%2F Maputo - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Maputo is the capital of Mozambique. A port on the Indian Ocean, its economy is centered around the harbour. It has an official population of approximately 966,837 (1997), but the actual population is estimated to be much higher due to slums and other unofficial settlements. Coal, cotton, sugar, chromite, sisal, copra, and hardwood are the chief exports. The city manufactures cement, pottery, furniture, shoes, and rubber. There is also a large aluminiumsmelting plant, Mozal. The city is surrounded by Maputo Province, but is administered as its own province. Maputo is located on the west side of Maputo Bay, at the mouth of the Tembe River. The bay is 95 km (50 mi) long and 30 km (20 mi) wide. The Maputo River empties into the southern end of the bay... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=688620 Thu, 21 Jun 2007 23:30:58 +0100 688620 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=682851&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F06%2F18%2Fthe-last-king-of-scotland-2%2F Less than 3 weeks to go now until we head off on our trip, or to put it another way, 13 more days of work. The first, and most important, stop on our journey will be Kampala, Uganda, where we will again visit the Sanyu Babies Home. It’ll be good to get back to Uganda again. My enthusiasm to see the country again was piqued last night when we finally got around to watching the Last King of Scotland DVD which was filmed almost entirely in Uganda. In addition to the film itself we watched an excellent featurette about Idi Amin, and the movie’s treatment of him. Much of the countryside, architecture, and some of the city sites were very familiar. Can’t wait to be there again. As for the movie itself, it was very good. Forrest Whitaker’s Oscar winning performance as Amin... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=682851 Mon, 18 Jun 2007 02:11:22 +0100 682851 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=675698&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F06%2F17%2Fwotd-burundi%2F Burundi - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Burundi (IPA: /buɾundi/), officially the Republic of Burundi, is a small country in the Great Lakes region of Africa. It is bordered by Rwanda on the north, Tanzania on the south and east, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the west. Although the country is landlocked, much of its western border is adjacent to Lake Tanganyika. The country’s modern name is derived from its Bantu language, Kirundi. Geographically isolated, facing population pressures and having sparse resources, Burundi has the lowest GDP per capita in the world arguably making it the poorest country on the planet. It is also one of the most conflict-ridden countries in Africa and in the world. Its small size belies the magnitude of the problems it faces in reconcili... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=675698 Sat, 16 Jun 2007 23:39:02 +0100 675698 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=675699&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F06%2F16%2Ffrequent-flyer-friend-part-2%2F Just thought I’d update on something I posted about a while back. As you may recall I was having some trouble booking flights using my surplus of QANTAS frequent flyer points for my mission trip to Uganda in October. Initially there were no seats available at all and I was expecting to have to pay for my tickets. Then I downloaded a program called Frequent Flyer Friend which sits on my desktop and automatically checks airline websites for reward tickets on the days I want. Initially no results but a few weeks later a big smiley face appeared informing me flights were available. So I booked the tickets, happy that I wouldn’t have to pay, but still not entirely happy because the trip was cut short by several days (seats on my ideal days still weren’t available) and because ... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=675699 Sat, 16 Jun 2007 01:03:58 +0100 675699 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=675703&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F06%2F15%2Fdiggers-ruled-out-for-darfur%2F | News | The Australian Good news that the world is finally taking some action on Darfur, but it’s a shame that our “over-stretched” military can’t send any sort of contribution. It’s not all that far from Iraq to Sudan, perhaps some of our troops in Iraq should be moved to somewhere where they might actually be able to achieve something… (Source: Baggas' Blog) Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=675703 Fri, 15 Jun 2007 01:12:16 +0100 675703 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=654318&cid=t_299698_88_f&fid=34729&url=http%3A%2F%2Fallscrubbedup.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F06%2Fwhere-every-treatment-has-happy-ending.html Isn't it good to know that in a country ravaged by HIV - the spread of other nasties hasn't abated. What the hell kind of advertising is this (on William Nichol nogal)!?"Finally a place where gentlemen can relax, knowing that every treatment has a happy ending."What makes it even funnier for any local followers of billboards - is that this one is a direct adaption of the "Little Holland Escort Club". Same pic. Same sultry white panties.Tut tut. (Source: All Scrubbed Up) All Scrubbed Up blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=654318 Sun, 03 Jun 2007 09:47:00 +0100 654318 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=650999&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F06%2F02%2Fwotd-sleeping-sickness%2F Sleeping sickness - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Sleeping sickness or African trypanosomiasis is a parasitic disease in people and animals, caused by protozoa of genus Trypanosoma and transmitted by the tsetse fly. The disease is endemic in certain regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, covering about 36 countries and 60 million people. It is estimated that 50,000 to 70,000 people are currently infected, the number having declined somewhat in recent years. Three major epidemics have occurred in the past hundred years, one from 1896–1906 and the other two in 1920 and 1970. Symptoms begin with fever, headaches, and joint pains. As the parasites enter through both the blood and lymph systems, lymph nodes often swell up to tremendous sizes. Winterbottom’s sign, the telltale swollen lymph ... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=650999 Sat, 02 Jun 2007 00:11:54 +0100 650999 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=650905&cid=t_299698_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F06%2F01%2Fvehicle-for-change-novo-nordisks-bus-to-visit-us%2F Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Events, OpinionDrug giant Novo Nordisk's big white bus will soon roll into the USA. Officially known as the Novo Nordisk Changing Diabetes Bus, the vehicle is scheduled to visit a selection of towns in the USA between June and November. First, though, it's the turn of those lucky Canadians. The tour kicked off in Denmark back in September 2006 and goes under the banner "Changing Diabetes." Since Denmark, the bus and its crew have visited the following countries: Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, South Africa, Australia, China, Japan, and Canada. (Cool job, huh?) The Canada sojourn will last a few more days - 'till June 12, to be exact - then it's time to cross the border into the US. Last stop is New York City, where the tour will end on November 14, w... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=650905 Fri, 01 Jun 2007 04:00:00 +0100 650905 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=644515&cid=t_299698_88_f&fid=34729&url=http%3A%2F%2Fallscrubbedup.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F05%2Fmajor-drug-companies-turn-blind-eye-to.html Now here's a scary story...The world's major drug companies have been accused of turning a blind eye to the multibillion-dollar trade in fake medicine that has resulted in an explosion of child malaria deaths in developing countries. According to the British Independent newspaper, the problem has been particularly acute in Africa, with anti-malarial drugs faked on an industrial scale. One of the world's leading experts on malaria, Prof Nick White of Oxford University, estimates that malaria causes more than one million deaths each year of which 90% are children. He said that counterfeit medicine was a major reason why malaria had become, over the past 30 years, Africa's biggest child killer, 'from an illness that used to be easily treated with medicines'. Some of the fake drugs contain no ... All Scrubbed Up blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=644515 Mon, 28 May 2007 09:23:00 +0100 644515 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=637514&cid=t_299698_113_f&fid=34625&url=http%3A%2F%2Fclinicalit.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F05%2Flearning-from-others-mistakes.html I've had a theory for a while, that developing countries may have an easier time adopting IT in healthcare than rich nations that have a long history of inefficient, paper-based practice. It's worked that way in telecommunications, in that many African countries had underdeveloped phone systems for decades, but quickly adopted mobile phones because it's easier to put up some cell towers than to string wires to remote villages and urban slums.Today, I came across this story about efforts to build electronic health systems. "Information technology is no longer a luxury purchased at the expense of other needs, but a basic tool, heard an annual pan-African government ministerial information technology summit last week," the story says. Would you believe that wireless, handheld computers are ca... Neil Versel's Healthcare IT Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=637514 Thu, 24 May 2007 07:38:00 +0100 637514 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=623538&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F05%2F18%2Finternational-days%2F It’s seems that every other day is an “International Day of …” something. The last couple of weekends have seen the passing of the annual international midwives day, and international nurses day, both of which were commemorated at our hospital with posters and balloons. I’m still waiting for them to celebrate “International Doctors’ Day” - I don’t even know if there is one at all. Maybe us doctors are just too busy or simply just don’t crave that kind of attention or recognition… Anyway, at least some of these International Days are worth paying attention to. I didn’t know it, but May 18th is International HIV Vaccine Awareness Day (note this is different to World AIDS day on December 1.) The development of a HIV vacci... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=623538 Fri, 18 May 2007 05:58:12 +0100 623538 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=620242&cid=t_299698_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F116954873%2F Some years ago I got into a dispute over the lunch table with a physics colleague. I do not recall how the subject came up, but I do remember wondering why did we need to have a separate Olympics—-the Paralympics and even the Special Olympics—for disabled athletes? What if, with (not “despite”) their disabilities, the disabled athletes could still compete with those who were not disabled? Why have separate games? My colleague looked at me with much puzzlement and talked about the high level of training and “ability” of the non-disabled/regular/athletes: How could anyone with any kind of impairment (physical; intellectual) compete at the same level? A profile of double amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius of South Africa in the May 14th New York Times made me... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=620242 Tue, 15 May 2007 20:28:15 +0100 620242 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=602858&cid=t_299698_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2007%2F05%2F14%2Fitinerary-for-july-trip%2F  I’ve had some questions about our upcoming trip so here’s the rough itinerary as it currently stands : 7 July - leave Perth 8 - 14 July - Kampala, Uganda 14 - 17 July - London, UK 17 - 20 July - Manchester, UK 20 - 27 July - Nashville, USA 27 July - 4 Aug - Los Angeles, USA  (? and San Diego) 4 - 8 Aug - Honolulu, Hawaii, USA 9 - 10 Aug - Sydney, Australia We’ve pretty much settled on our flights so I doubt that will change very much, however the details of what we’ll be doing, where we’ll be staying etc are still to be worked out. (Source: Baggas' Blog) Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=602858 Mon, 14 May 2007 03:31:46 +0100 602858