New drug safer than rat poison for reducing stroke risk

October 2nd, 2009 LONDON - Popular smoking cessation drug varenicline doesn't increase the risk of self-harm or depression, according to a new study. Researchers from the University of Bristol and the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) compared the risk of self harm among people taking varenicline with the risk of self harm associated with other smoking cessation products bupropion and nicotine replacement therapy (patch, inhaler, gum, tablet or lozenge).

October 2nd, 2009 WASHINGTON - Extended stress has been found to cause stroke, also called cerebral infarction, according to a unique patient study. Conducted by research collaborators from the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden, the study found that many stroke patients urgently admitted to hospital have stated that they were under great stress over a prolonged period prior to suffering their stroke.

September 15th, 2009 WASHINGTON - A Canadian study has stressed that reducing sodium intake should be a major public health priority for governments and nongovernmental organizations to improve population health. While higher blood pressure is linked with cardiovascular disease, a diet high in sodium is known to cause high blood pressure, vascular and cardiac damage, stomach cancer, osteoporosis, and other diseases.

September 15th, 2009 Intel official: US safer from al-QaidaWASHINGTON — The top U.S. intelligence official says the country is safer from al-Qaida and is attacking it more aggressively than in the past because it has a more sophisticated understanding of the terrorist organization.

August 31st, 2009 LONDON - A new drug developed as an alternative to popular drug warfarin, also used as rat poison, has been found to significantly reduce stroke risk. Generally, patients at risk of stroke are given warfarin to prevent blood clotting, but the treatment is risky and requires regular monitoring.

August 7th, 2009 White House: Pakistan safer if Taliban chief deadWASHINGTON — A spokesman for President Barack Obama says the White House cannot confirm the killing of Pakistan's Taliban chief but added that the people of Pakistan are now safer if reports are accurate. The Taliban leader, Baitullah Mehsud (BEH'-tuh-luh mah-SOOD'), led a violent campaign of suicide attacks and assassinations against the Pakistani government.

June 25th, 2009 Poison control at risk in California, other statesSAN FRANCISCO — Each day, skeleton crews of doctors, nurses and pharmacists field almost 900 calls a day around California from people such as a mother whose child swallowed flea repellant and an elderly man who accidentally doubled up on his medication. But the poison control centers that have been a lifeline for millions of residents could go dark this summer under the governor's plan for closing the state's $24.3 billion deficit.

June 19th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Researchers at Oregon State University have suggested a new and improved method to test carcinogen risk. They said that trout can be a superior animal model than laboratory rats, and other traditional methods of assessing the risk of carcinogens.

June 2nd, 2009 WASHINGTON - Half of mini-strokes lead to major stroke within 24 hours of the first event, a new research has found. The research has been published in the June 2, 2009, print issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

April 25th, 2009 WASHINGTON - With decline in the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat menopause symptoms, the rate of myocardial infarctions, or heart attacks, has also dropped, a new study has found. However, there has been no decrease in the rate of strokes, the study published in the May issue of the journal Medical Care noted.

April 16th, 2009 WASHINGTON - A stroke patient intravenously received his own bone marrow stem cells, as part of a new research trial in the US. Roland Henrich, 61, was transferred to Memorial Hermann, Texas University Medical Centre (TUMC) on March 25 after suffering a stroke on his farm in Liberty.

March 30th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Most Americans consume more than double the amount of their daily recommended salt intake, says a new study. A study by the Centres for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention shows that more than two out of three adults are in population groups that should consume no more than 1,500 mg per day of sodium.

March 24th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Stroke survivors can improve their balance by practising tai chi, a Chinese martial art, according to a new study. Tai chi comprises constant coordinated movement of the head, trunk and limbs requiring tremendous concentration and balance control.

March 24th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Social isolation can increase the chances of dying after a stroke, new research suggests. According to the study, loneliness may promote more damaging inflammation in the brain during a stroke.

March 16th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Researchers have come by additional evidence that aspirin seems to reduce the risk of death in women who have heart disease or have had a stroke. The new study also provides fresh insight into aspirin dosing for women, suggesting that a lower dose of aspirin (81 mg) is as effective as a higher dose (325 mg).