Latest news & events

Bacterial bug linked to diabetes risk

The bacteria Helicobacter pylori, which causes ulcers, has been linked to a higher risk of developing diabetes. Results of a study found that those who had been infected with Helicobacter pylori were twice as likely to develop diabetes.

Hamilton doctor found guilty

Hamilton doctor Suresh Vatsyayann has been ordered by the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal to pay over $100,000 after being found guilty of misconduct, following an investigation of a patient misdiagnosis.

Addiction revealed in wiring of the brain

Brain abnormalities may make some people more prone to addiction, says a new study published in Science. Scientists at the University of Cambridge found that there were differences in the brains of addicted individuals and their non-addicted siblings.

Exercise – spring cleaning for the body?

A study published in Nature has revealed that exercise may play a key force in speeding up the removal of waste inside the body's cells.

Otago research shows 1 in 5 gay men with HIV unaware

New University of Otago research suggests that 6.5% of gay and bisexual men in Auckland have HIV, with a fifth (21%) of these unaware of their infection.

Safer February

Police are reminding drivers of their lowered speed tolerance of 4km/hr this Waitangi Weekend and will keep the programme in place for the entire month of February. Police will take action against any driver detected driving at more than 4km/h over the permanent posted speed limit.

Five regrets that the dying have

Bronnie Ware, an Australian palliative care nurse, observes the five most common regrets people have when dying.

Tomatoes slow down development of cancer

The nutrient lycopene, found in cooked tomatoes, has been shown to have cancer-slowing properties that stop cancer's ability to attach itself to a healthy blood supply.

Birth control pills recalled in the US

Around 1 million packets of birth control pills were recalled in the US by manufacturer Pfizer. The birth control pills pose no health threat, but may not contain enough contraceptive ingredients to aid birth control.

Make a difference – Cancer Society Valentine’s Day Auction

This Valentine’s Day Cancer Society Auckland is hosting a Trademe auction, to raise funds to help them support families living with cancer.

What you think matters most when you’re ill

What you think about your illness matters just as much, if not more, in determining your health according to a new report by researchers from The University of Auckland and King’s College London.

Ashburton Hospital operating theatre block closes

Ashburton Hospital operating theatre block was shut down yesterday following inspections that revealed the building had a 'very high seismic risk' due to unreinforced masonry.

Simplifying circumcision – a response to AIDS prevention

Three studies have stated that circumcising heterosexual adult males reduces the spread of infection by 60 per cent and is a way of preventing the spread of AIDS. With the goal of circumcising 20 million men in Africa by 2015, experts have been investigating ways to make the procedure cheap, fast and safe.

Does the quality of a medical press release influence news quality?

A recent study published in the British Medical Journal investigated whether the quality of press releases had an effect on the quality of news articles. Quality press releases featuring key information, facts, results and acknowledged limitations were more likely to appear in an accurately written news article.

Cyberchondria – a growing concern

Patients with symptoms often look online for a diagnosis before visiting their general practitioner, but a new form of anxiety has begun to crop up in some of these patients: cyberchondria.

Kiwis called to help prevent falls at home

A new programme that aims to generate innovative solutions to reduce the number and severity of falls in the home has been launched today by ACC Minister Judith Collins.

UN says effect on health after Fukushima disaster will be small

Last year's nuclear disaster in Fukushima, Japan will have a small impact on health according to Wolfgang Weiss of the UN Scientific Committee on the effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR).

IHC annual appeal – make a child feel welcome

IHC is launching its 2012 Annual Appeal with a call to parents who are having difficulty enrolling a child with a disability at school.

Blood pressure taken from both arms helps spot risks

Blood pressure checks should be done on both arms, say researchers at the University of Exeter Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry. The study looked at the differences in blood pressure when testing both arms and found that differences of 10mm Hg and 15mm Hg or more could be useful for identifying patients who may require further assessment.

UN and Intel unveil initiative on technology-based training

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the computing company Intel today unveiled a joint effort to strengthen the skills of midwives and community health workers through technology, in a bid to reduce the number of pregnancy and childbirth-related deaths across the world.