We are still at the start of the winter season yet many have already contracted the flu. News on Sunday talks about the precautions to be taken to avoid flu with Dr Fazil Khodabacus from the Ministry of Health & Quality of Life.

The West African state of Niger is the worst place in the world to be a mother, according to Save the Children. The ranking comes in the charity’s annual index which compares conditions for mothers in 165 countries. It considers a number of factors including health, education, economic status and nutrition.

Curry’s ability to fight cancer put to the test
A chemical found in curry is to be tested for its ability to kill bowel cancer tumours in patients. Curcumin, which is found in the spice turmeric, has been linked to a range of health benefits.

World Day for Safety and Health at Work was celebrated last Saturday 28 April. These two are important for a better productivity of the employee. In Mauritius, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) ensures the protection and health of employees. The employer has the entire responsibility to see to it that the health of his employees is protected, according to OSHA.

Two patients suffering from severe visual impairment can now breathe a sigh of relief thanks to corneal transplants performed by a specialised team led by Dr Bharati Sharma, consultant ophthalmologist.

Being cheerful may protect against heart problems, say US experts. Happy, optimistic people have a lower risk of heart disease and stroke, a Harvard School of Public Health review of more than 200 studies - reported in Psychological Bulletin - suggests.

Early milk feeds ‘benefits premature babies’
At-risk premature babies would benefit from being given milk feeds earlier, a study has suggested. The University of Oxford study found babies were not at a higher risk of severe bowel problems if moved off IV-feeds early, as was feared.

Mauritians are known for leading a sedentary life. For this reason, the Ministry of Health has elaborated an action plan to promote physical activity.

Change of season brings with it communicable diseases like flu, gastroenteritis and conjunctivitis. This is why it is important to take preventive measures to avoid contracting any of these diseases. More details with Dr Veenoo Basant Rai, Director of the Medical Unit at the Ministry of Social Security and Dr Sanjay Goorah, Community Physician at Communicable Diseases Control Unit (CDCU), Ministry of Health.

Shift workers ‘risking’ Type 2 diabetes and obesity
Shift workers getting too little sleep at the wrong time of day may be increasing their risk of diabetes and obesity, according to researchers. The team is calling for more measures to reduce the impact of shift working following the results of its study.

Mauritius ranks third in the world as far as the prevalence of diabetes is concerned. One out of two Mauritians is either diabetic or has already reached the pre-diabetic stage. It is thus necessary to adopt a healthy lifestyle to minimise the risk of contracting the disease.

In need of a face lifting? Thanks to aesthetics medicine, there is no need to undergo plastic surgery to get a younger look. This new specialisation is very much appreciated and on demand in Europe and is even overtaking plastic surgery, says Dr Veyasen Pyneeandee, gynaecologist specialised in aesthetics medicine.