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Olympus Medical Systems and Opitz + Flierl Hospitaltechnik offer complete integrated solutions for operating theatres

Under the leadership of its Systems Integration business unit, Olympus Medical Systems Europa GmbH, Hamburg, together with Opitz + Flierl Hospitaltechnik AG, Heideck near Nuremberg, Germany, have agreed a joint venture to meet the technological challenges of constructing hospital interiors for the future, whilst expanding their positions in the market.

From Evident Corporation - Life Sciences 9 Nov 2009

Swine flu vaccine distribution to New York companies causes uproar

The distribution of swine flu vaccines to big name companies in New York has caused an uproar as people complain that children and health care workers should receive top priority. The New York Times reports: "New York City health officials have distributed small amounts of the swine flu vaccine to some major New York companies, including Wall Street banks like Goldman Sachs and Citigroup, even as shortages continue.

6 Nov 2009

School district leaders plan for H1N1 pandemics using a four-step process

School district leaders planning for H1N1 pandemics should update emergency plans using a four-step process, according to the McGraw-Hill Education Urban Advisory Resource, a team of former educators and school administrators dedicated to serving the unique needs of large school districts.

6 Nov 2009

Re-classification of cannabis will have minimal impact on incidence of psychosis says study

The research follows last year’s decision by the UK government to reclassify the drug from class C to class B, partly out of concerns that cannabis, especially the more potent varieties, may increase the risk of schizophrenia in young people. However, the evidence for the relationship between cannabis and schizophrenia or psychosis remains controversial.

5 Nov 2009

Bursting common myths about psoriasis

Psoriasis is a real disability that affects approximately one million Canadians. A recent Canadian survey found that the causes and effects of this chronic, recurrent skin disorder are often misunderstood - and the result of these misperceptions can leave a lasting negative impact on those who suffer from this debilitating immune system disease.

5 Nov 2009

Contaminated public restrooms on cruise ships may predict AGE outbreaks

A team of researchers from Boston University School (BUSM), Carney Hospital, Cambridge Health Alliance and Tufts University School of Medicine, have found that widespread poor compliance with regular cleaning of public restrooms on cruise ships may predict subsequent norovirus infection outbreaks (NoVOs).

4 Nov 2009

Five-year old Pennsylvanian boy dies of H1N1 flu complications

The Department of Health today confirmed that a five-year old Adams County boy died on Oct. 31 as a result of complications from H1N1 flu. This is Pennsylvania's first pediatric death associated with H1N1.

4 Nov 2009

Fear of flu pandemic triggers fear of unrelated health hazards: Study

The swine flu (H1N1) pandemic has received extensive media coverage this year. The World Health Organization, in addition to providing frequent updates about cases of infection and death tolls, recommends hyper vigilance in daily hygiene such as frequent hand washing or sneezing into the crook of our arms. News reports at all levels, from local school closures to airport screenings and global disease surveillance, continue to remind us of the high risk.

4 Nov 2009

H1N1 has increased focus on effect of hygiene on health

H1N1 has led to increased focus on how everyday hygiene affects our health. Not only is more attention given to managing personal hygiene, but a new cleaning logic is emerging, where wiping the door knob an extra time1 each day is considered more important than picking up the dust in the corner.

4 Nov 2009

Malaria Conference addresses RTS,S vaccine, tools, treatment

On Tuesday at the 5th Multilateral Initiative on Malaria (MIM) Pan-African Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, scientists and global health experts focused on malaria eradication, Agence France-Presse reports. "Key among the strategies ... is the development of an effective anti-malaria vaccine, a project scientists have been researching since the late 80s. ... RTS,S is the most clinically advanced malaria vaccine so far, according to the Malaria Vaccine Initiative," the news service writes (11/3).

3 Nov 2009

Polymer Group to acquire Tesalca-Texnovo nonwovens businesses from Grupo Corinpa

Polymer Group, Inc. today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Barcelona, Spain-based Tesalca-Texnovo nonwovens businesses from Grupo Corinpa, S.L. in a two-phase process. The purchase is expected to close by the end of November, subject to customary closing conditions.

2 Nov 2009

Global health organizations observe World Pneumonia Day; urge governments to take steps to fight pneumonia

Nearly 100 leading global health organizations from around the world joined forces to recognize the first-annual World Pneumonia Day on November 2 and urge governments to take steps to fight pneumonia, the world’s leading killer of young children.

2 Nov 2009

ACTwatch data indicates low accessibility of artemisinin combination therapy

ACTwatch, a research project led by PSI, in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, released evidence today that indicates that artemisinin combination therapy, the most effective medicines for treating malaria, continue to have a significantly low presence on the market among populations considered to be most at risk.

2 Nov 2009

New Wake-up Light to provide pleasant wake-up experience

According to a recent survey, an overwhelming 60 percent of Americans are not satisfied with their current way of waking up. Recognizing the need for a better way to start the day, especially with the arrival of daylight saving, Philips has announced today the launch of its Wake-up Light - an innovative product that provides a more pleasant wake-up experience.

29 Oct 2009

No scientific proof that patients with Alzheimer's disease benefit from drugs containing the agent memantine

There is no scientific proof that patients with moderate or severe Alzheimer's disease benefit from drugs containing the agent memantine. This is the conclusion in the final report that the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) published in September 2009.

29 Oct 2009

WHO identifies five major causes of premature death

Targeting the five major causes of premature death could increase global life expectancy by almost five years, the WHO said Tuesday, Reuters reports. According to a WHO's Global Health Risks report, which looked at 24 major health risks, "[p]oor childhood nutrition, unsafe sex, alcohol, bad sanitation and hygiene, and high blood pressure are to blame for around a quarter of the 60 million premature deaths around the world each year," the news service writes.

28 Oct 2009

Dementia patients face higher risk of flu mortality; refine guidelines needed for testing and vaccination policies

An epidemiological study on pneumonia and influenza (P&I) in adults age 65 and over reports that patients with dementia are diagnosed with flu less frequently, have shorter hospital stays, and have a fifty percent higher rate of death than those without dementia.

28 Oct 2009

Coverall Health-Based Cleaning System partners with Ecolab

Coverall Health-Based Cleaning System, a leading franchisor of commercial cleaning businesses, today announced a strategic alliance agreement with Ecolab Inc., a global leader in cleaning, sanitizing, food safety and infection prevention products and services. The agreement comes at a critical time, as businesses take steps to protect against the H1N1 virus and other germ-related illnesses.

27 Oct 2009

New hygienic cutlery dispenser, DIXIE SmartStock, aids in fight against germs

Flu season is in full swing, and high-traffic establishments such as foodservice facilities must take preventive measures to ensure a hygienic and safe environment for their customers. Georgia-Pacific Professional Food Services Solutions is aiding in the fight against germs with its hygienic cutlery dispenser, DIXIE® SmartStock®.

27 Oct 2009

United Treatment Centers announces partnership with Quorum Productions

United Treatment Centers Inc. announced today the partnership with Quorum Productions, Inc., a wholly-owned operating subsidiary of O2 Media, Inc. O2 Media, Inc. is a production company that is nationally renowned for creating award-winning educational programs.

26 Oct 2009