news
22 Mar 2010 - 15:34: Global Alert - February
GLOBAL
Weight of Health Insurance increases in State Health Coverage
Governments are increasingly turning to private insurance in order to widen access to health care and make it more efficient. Are they expecting too much? View the full article from The Economist click here.
EUROPE[b]
[b]Who Provides the Best State Health Care?
According to the Boston Consultancy Group, European countries with a health system funded primarily by insurance provide better cover than those funded by state taxes. To this end, the Netherlands, France and Denmark are viewed providing better service - although at a cost. click here for further details.
UK - Economic Inequality in Health Care
In England people on the poorest housing estates die, on average, seven years earlier than those in wealthier accommodation. They can expect to become disabled 17 years earlier. For further information, click here.
France - The Rise in Obesity
France, often viewed as a model in terms of diet and nutrition appears in shock as obesity levels have reached 17% of adults and 4% of children. This article from Le Monde (in French) discusses both causes and consequences, as well as the role played by the media. For further information, click here.
Spain - Preventative Health Budgets Cut
For further information, click here.
Ireland - Poor Mental Health System Costing 3bn Euros Per Year
For further information, click here.
ASIA-PACIFIC
Malaysia - Mental Health Problems on the Rise
The National Health and Morbidity survey showed that more people are suffering from mental health problems. It showed that 19.5% of those aged 70 to 74 years, and 14.4% of the youngest, between 16 and 19 years, were prone to mental health problems. Mental illness was also more prevalent among women at 12.1% compared to men (10.4%). As Malaysia progresses towards developed status and with greater rural-urban migration and urbanisation, mental health disorders are expected to increase further in the coming years. For further information, click here.
Australia - Mobile Phones Used to Combat Teenage Depression
A new program will use the integral role that phones play in the lives of Australian teenagers to boost mental health. Over 30% of Australian teenagers suffer from some form or depression. A reluctance to talk about such issues, however, means many will go without the help they need. Dr Sophie Reid, of the Murdoch Children's Research Institute's Centre for Adolescent Health has pioneered a way to get teens to express their feelings using mobiles. Teens taking part are texted questions throughout the day designed to gauge their moods, feelings and emotions, ranging from how much alcohol they have consumed to how they coped with being stressed.
A software application on their phone allows their answers to be entered onto a website and collated by Dr Reid and her team, before being passed onto participating GPs for analysis. For further information, click here.
India - 'Health and Education Lack Priority'
For further information, click here.
China - Polluted Water Affects 55,000
For further information, click here.
New Zealand - Improving Medical Student's Wellbeing
For further informtion, click here.
NORTH AMERICA
Canada - 'Cure Health-Care or Lose It'
Although Canada has been spared the health reform controversy of the US, all is not well with the Canadian system. According to Tom Kent, the system requires two fundamental changes. One is to bring consciousness of cost into the decisions of doctor and patient. The other is to undertake a national policy for good health, for promoting wellness besides treating sickness. For further information, click here.
US - Depression Hits New Mothers
Two recent studies from the University of Rochester and Stanford University both pointed to the increase in depression in new mothers and the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment. Estimates that 14% of pregnant woman in the U.S. have a major depressive disorder highlight the importance of this research and support the need for assertive pre-natal and postpartum care. For further information, click here.
US - PTSD May Harm Children's Brains
For further information, click here.
REST OF THE WORLD
Chile - Latest on Earthquake
For further information, click here.
Columbia - Uribe Health Policy Criticised
For further information, [link="http://colombia.indymedia.org/news/2010/02/111752.php?"]click here.
Botswana - Campaign to Use Sport to Improve Wellbeing
For further information, click here.
El Salvador - New Law to Regulate Pharmaceuticals
For further information, click here.
Panama - Not Enough Health Care Specialists
For further information, click here.
UAE - Mental Health Awareness Programme Launched
For further information, click here.