The Korea Herald

Scientists find genes linked to migraines

Jun 13, 2011

Scientists have uncovered a trio of genes tied to migraine headaches, including one in which the link is exclusive to women, according to a study published Sunday. Migraines are acutely debilitating headaches -- sometimes with an "aura", in which patients have the impression of seeing through frosted glass -- that strike up to 20 percent of the population. Scientists describe the condition,
What you need to know about rheumatism

Jun 9, 2011

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system ― which is designed to protect our health by attacking foreign cells such as viruses and bacteria ― instead attacks the body’s own tissues, specifically the joints. As a result, fluid buildup causes pain and inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease
Sleep disorders on the rise

Jun 9, 2011

The number of people treated for sleep disorders has risen by 92 percent in five years, the National Health Insurance Corporation said Monday. The number of patients marked 290,000 in 2010, up 90 percent up from 150,000 in 2006 and the total fees for treatment soared 139 percent in the same period. Sleep disorders include insomnia, excessive sleeping and sleep apnea, among others. About 57,000 of
Experts advise on meat consumption

Jun 9, 2011

The World Cancer Research Fund advised people to curb intake of beef, pork, lamb and processed meat including ham and salami, media reported last week. Researchers at Imperial College London studied a total of 263 theses about the role of diet, weight and physical activity in bowel cancer and found significant evidence suggesting that red or processed meat could increase the risk of prevalence. In
E. coli alert issued for travelers

Jun 9, 2011

The Ministry of Health and Welfare advised outbound travelers to take extra caution to avoid the Escherichia coli that is sweeping some European countries, including Germany and Sweden. The authorities have released promotional materials at the airports and public venues asking people to eat cooked food; wash vegetables thoroughly and pay extra attention to personal hygiene. The ministry stressed
What you need to know about rheumatism

Jun 9, 2011

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system ― which is designed to protect our health by attacking foreign cells such as viruses and bacteria ― instead attacks the body’s own tissues, specifically the joints. As a result, fluid buildup causes pain and inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease
Runners put their (bare) feet down

Jun 9, 2011

MINNEAPOLIS ― Christian Peterson has heard the questions so many times that he has stock answers ready: Yes, he knows that he’s running barefoot. No, he didn’t run so fast that he came out of his shoes. And, for the record, he’s not crazy.He has one more answer that typically comes as surprise: It’s not painful. “People are always asking: Does that hurt?” said Peterson, president of the Minnesota
Testosterone may treat dementia, study says

Jun 9, 2011

A novel study suggested this week that testosterone could be used in preventing or reducing the symptoms of dementia among post-menopausal women.A research team at Monash University’s Women’s Health program compared a control group of 30 women, who received no treatment, with a group of nine women between the ages of 47 and 60 who received testosterone spray on their skin, which returned their tes
Number of children dying in hot cars spikes

Jun 9, 2011

KANSAS CITY ― Forty-nine children in the United States died of heatstroke after they were left in hot cars last year, a grim record.But as child-welfare groups try to prevent more deaths with information campaigns and as inventors work on technical fixes, both efforts founder on a hard reality: Good parents don’t think it can happen to them.It can, experts and statistics say, and new recommendatio
A birth-control pill for men?

Jun 8, 2011

Contraceptive pills for men could be developed soon, Daily Mail reported Tuesday.Scientists at Columbia University in New York claimed that they have developed “a drug which temporarily stops sperm production without causing any long-term harm to male fertility.”Scientists have been trying to come up with a male equivalent of the pill for years, but have not yet succeeded.The new pill impairs the
‘Why do you stick to eating meat?’

Jun 2, 2011

Vegan doctor says vegetarian diets can meet all nutrient needsWhen asked why he promotes vegetarianism, Yoon Sung-chul, professor of nephrology at Dankook University Medical College, responded in Kind: “Why do you stick to eating meat?” he asked.“I have numerous reasons why we should be vegetarians. How about you?” he said in a Korea Herald interview.On May 21, Yoon took part in the inauguration o
Wine, wellness, not the best mix for boomers

Jun 2, 2011

DECATUR, Georgia ― As baby boomers approach their golden years, they are embracing wellness and wine ― two things that don’t always go together.While a glass of red wine a day may reduce the risk of heart disease, many boomers are drinking a lot more and not realizing they are increasing their potential risks for other serious health problems, ranging from alcohol abuse disorders to chronic diseas
Cervical cancer: preventable with shot, screening

Jun 2, 2011

Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer and fourth-leading cause of cancer mortality in women worldwide. More than half a million women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year and the annual mortality rate for cervical cancer is more than 270,000. Unfortunately, the incidence rate of our country (15 in 100,000 women) is much higher than that of other developed countries (less than si
World of fusion exercise classes is expanding

Jun 1, 2011

LOS ANGELES ― Most people would not think of combining seemingly polar opposite pursuits such as Pilates and boxing. But the odd pairing makes perfect sense to one fitness instructor.Former dancer and certified Pilates teacher Viveca Jensen thought the mindful core-strengthening properties of Pilates would complement and counterbalance the quick cardio-heavy pace of noncontact boxing with weighted
74-year-old female body builder defies time

May 31, 2011

Ernestine Shepherd, 74, was recognized as the oldest female bodybuilder by the Guinness Book of World Records. (YouTube)A 74-year-old woman living in Baltimore was recognized as the oldest female bodybuilder by the Guinness Book of World Records, the Daily Mail reported Sunday. Ernestine Shepherd has “six-pack” abs which look unbelievable at her age and tries to motivate other people to lead healt