Public Awareness
Presumed consent for organ donation, UKGiven the media coverage of the forthcoming report from the Organ Donation Taskforce on presumed consent, journalists covering this issue over the weekend may find the BMA's briefing paper on presumed consent useful.
21st century could be the age of paranoiaParanoia is on the increase and could go unchecked unless we take urgent action, claims a leading scientist. Dr Daniel Freeman, a Wellcome Trust fellow, warns that changes in how we live and work could mean that we are entering an "age of paranoia."
Bird flu awareness campaigns should continue in IndiaThe recent, worst-ever outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza in the Indian state of West Bengal seems to have been brought under control by the swift and comprehensive measures taken by the country's authorities, though continued vigilance was crucial, the United Nations agricultural agency said.
Bird flu could strike again in India, warns FAOIndia is to be commended for its successful efforts to control the recent worst-ever outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the state of West Bengal, FAO said today. The agency warned, however, that intensive surveillance should continue in high-risk areas as the possibility of new outbreaks remains high.
Tougher action needed on alcohol misuseA new hard-hitting report 'Alcohol misuse: tackling the UK epidemic' launched by the British Medical Association (BMA) calls on governments to show leadership and implement a full range of effective control policies that will reduce the burden of alcohol misuse.
HIV testing compulsory before marriage in IndiaThe Indian state Maharashtra government has proposed the testing for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) be made compulsory before marriage in the state. If the decision is made into law, Maharashtra would be the first state in the India to have such a scheme.
BMA supports UK organ donation reportCommenting on the initial report released by the Organ Donation Task Force, the Chairman of the British Medical Association's Medical Ethics Committee (MEC), Dr Tony Calland, applauded the report's recommendations to improve current systems for organ donation.
Obesity linked to decreased seatbelt useObese people are less likely to use their seatbelts than the rest of the population, adding to the public health risks associated with this rapidly growing problem.
Chest pain - common sign of heart attack for womenChest pain or discomfort has long been regarded as the most common early warning sign of a heart attack for both men and women. However, several recent reports have found that women are more likely to have other symptoms of a heart attack. A new study looked at the available evidence and concluded that chest pain is the most common sign of heart attack for most women.