In a recent Atlanta-based meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, members voted to recommend hepatitis A vaccinations for people who will come into contact with children from countries where infection is prevalent. Among countries targeted are Guatemala, China, Russia and Ethiopia as they are key sources of current international adoptions. Federal guidelines already call for vaccinations against Hepatitis A for all U.S. children as well as for adults traveling to countries where the illness is common.Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection that causes inflammation and affects the function of the liver. However, it is not commonly as serious as other types of viral hepatitis such as Hepatitis B and C, which develop into potentially fatal conditions including chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis.

Hepatitis A is most often contracted from contaminated food or water or from close contact with someone who is infected. Sometimes those who are infected do not develop signs and symptoms while others suffer from symptoms similar to those of a severe case of the flu. Mild cases of hepatitis A require no treatment. Most people who become infected totally recover with no permanent damage to the liver. Practicing good hygiene, such as washing your hands often is your best defense against hepatitis A beyond having a vaccination.

In a joint American-British study researchers concluded that healthy living could reduce cancer rates dramatically in rich countries.  Data was collected in Brazil, China, Britain, and the U.S. and the results suggest that 34 percent of all cancer cases in the U.S. could be prevented by a healthier diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. The study of healthy changes does not specifically include smoking, but it is not news that avoiding smoking is the most important factor in preventing certain types of cancer.

Cancer is usually regarded as an “act of God,” beyond understanding for those who are diagnosed with the disease. Not so, according to a recent study. Just as diet, exercise, and weight control contribute to the reduction of heart and other health problems, they may also help in avoiding one of the most frightening and life-threatening diseases known to man.

The report recommends that governments, industry and schools become involved in providing healthier lifestyles, from adding bicycle lanes to public roads to eliminating vending machines that carry fatty, sugar loaded junk food, particularly in schools. Efforts should be made to encourage reformulation of processed foods that contain sugar, refined starches, fat and salt. The report calls research and spending on the treatment of cancer “necessary but not sufficient.”  The report stresses that developing a public health policy aimed at preventing cancer is a better strategy than treating the disease and would reduce public health funds in the effort. World experts in nutrition have cast their vote in the debate between treating or preventing cancer. In their opinion prevention is the best cure.

They campaign for prevention, improved access to quality treatment, and increased research funding to better understand and treat eating disorders.

Nearly 10 million females and 1 million males in the U.S. are battling eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, while millions more suffer from binge eating disorder. NEDA helps both individuals living with an eating disorder, family members or friends looking to offer support to a loved one, and treatment professionals looking to help others.The website is popular, garnering more than 50 million hits each year, and serves as a clearinghouse of information on eating disorders. In addition, they have a toll-free help line that has provided support to more than 50,000 people in the ten years since its inception.

NEDA was formed in 2001, when Eating Disorders Awareness & Prevention  joined forces with the American Anorexia Bulimia Association  merging the largest and longest standing eating disorders prevention and advocacy organizations in the world. The merger was the most recent in a series of alliances that has also included the National Eating Disorder Organization  and the Anorexia Nervosa & Related Disorders .

New Delhi, Feb 25 (IANS) The central government Wednesday urged states to launch a mass awareness and immunisation campaign starting April 1 following 46 deaths due to Hepatitis B virus infection in Gujarat.

Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss said till Monday about 140 cases of Hepitities B positive cases were detected and 46 deaths were reported in Sabarkantha district of the state in the past two weeks. He said the Gujarat government has already launched a massive immunisation drive against the life threatening liver infection virus outbreak.

“They have already immunised 65,000 people and have also launched an awareness campaign,” Ramadoss told reporters at the inauguration of the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research at the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital here. The health minister said they are also popularising the benefits of the auto-disabled syringes in the country to ensure that such infection do not recur. “We have sent circulars to all state governments urging them to launch an immunisation and mass awareness campaign starting April 1,” he said. He said a team from the National Institute of Communicable Diseases, Director General of Health Services and All India Institute of Medical Sciences were working in Gujarat and are helping the state government to take control of the situation.

“The aim now is to find the source of this infection,” he said. He also said the state government has filed an FIR against eight doctors for negligence of the hepatitis-B outbreak. Three were arrested for using unsterilised and used syringes that was considered to be the cause of the outbreak.