MEDICINE

(Reuters) - More than two thirds of the estimated 8.8 million deaths in children under five worldwide in 2008 were caused by infectious diseases like pneumonia, diarrhea and malaria, according to a study on behalf of the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

Based on early research on contraceptive for men, University of North Carolina experts believe a blast of ultrasound to the testes can safely stop sperm production for six months.

According to the Heart Foundation, chocolate consumption or wine drinking does not offer any real cardiovascular health benefit.

The increase in the number of commercial breast imaging services, along with marketing tactics to promote them as non-invasive, safe and comfortable have raised concerns of the West Australian Cancer Council.

The WA Country Health Service is now investigating the breach of infection control procedure by an anaesthetist who treated 250 patients at hospitals across the state's north west.

Mental health has been called to be put highest priority in the national health and political agenda, by one of Australia's largest churches, Wesley Mission, following the findings of recent research stating 77 per cent of people in NSW have either experienced mental illness or knew someone who had.

(Reuters) - A cancer report that concludes Americans are under constant assault from carcinogenic agents has heartened activists, who hope that finally government and policymakers will pay attention to their concerns.

(Reuters) - Low condom use, needle sharing and a rise in casual sex and prostitution may unleash an HIV epidemic in the Philippines, according to a new study.

People working 10 or 11 hours a day are more likely to suffer serious heart problems, including heart attacks, than those clocking off after seven hours, researchers said on Tuesday.

Although heartburn drugs may ease digestion problems but too much of it could pose some health risks. Studies have shown that overuse of heartburn drugs can cause serious side effects and should be used with caution.

A study has found that women with fats around their waistline and a high body mass index (BMI) have an increase risk of pancreatic cancer.

The government will be reviewing the services of renal dialysis in Central Australia after it was heavily criticised for sending indigenous patients away from Alice Springs which is much closer to them.

Scientists in Australia have found that people with family history of diabetes put on extra weight from overeating compared to people with no family history of the disease.

The hepatitis C scandal in Victoria triggers more controversy as threats of legal actions against the state's Medical Practitioners Board, a clinic and a doctor multiplies.

Based on a worrying recent survey released by the Heart Foundation, more than half of all Australians said they would not be sure on what to do if they suddenly were experiencing a heart attack.

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Men who carry the virus that causes genital warts may be at increased risk of HIV infection, a study of Kenyan men suggests.

(Reuters) - British scientists have found five common genetic factors linked to the risk of developing breast cancer, giving researchers a better understanding of its causes and clues for developing more treatments.

Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan has confirmed plans to introduce reform to the Medicare system in Tuesday's budget.

Following the new data released by SANE Australia revealing 90 per cent of the mentally ill who also suffered from chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes, the government has been called to bring in a Medicare Benefits Scheme item number to promote health checks by GPs on people with mental illness.

A drug that has already been used in the treatment of rare hereditary disorders may provide a relief for people with type 2 diabetes, proposed Australian researchers.

Chief executive officer of Cancer Council Australia has supported the findings of the US cancer report calls for the removal of carcinogens and pesticides from food and water, stating more needed to be done to fully understand the issue.