Malaria advice 'crucial' for vulnerable travellers
Holidaymakers are advised to "always" seek malaria advice prior to travelling abroad, as the disease is not confined to tropical countries.
This month, the British Medical Journal stated that reported cases of malaria in the UK had steadily increased over the past 20 years.
Cases of Plasmodium falciparum - the deadliest malaria parasite - increased from 5,120 between 1987 and 1991 to 6,753 between 2000 and 2006, figures show.
Jacqui Jedrzejewski from NHS Direct warned that pregnant women should take extra precautions to ensure their mosquito repellent is suitable and wear light clothing to avoid being bitten.
"If you are travelling to countries where there is a risk of contracting malaria, it is essential that you visit your GP or health centre beforehand to discuss the most appropriate anti-malarial medication for you," she advised.
"Malaria is a serious illness, particularly for pregnant women, and can result in severe illness or death. Both the mother and unborn baby can be affected."
Those with an existing medical condition must make sure they take a written note of their condition and the medication they are taking for it.
Health Headlines MORE »
Capsaicin (found in hot peppers) and capsiates (present in sweet peppers) exert modest weight management benefits.
While over 20% of U.S. adults receive periodic health examinations each year, many do not receive recommended preventive screening tests and counseling services
Researchers from Norway suggest a mechanism by which stress may make a person fat, and being obese may create stress.
Swedish researchers report that people who are short on sleep experience greater levels of hunger.
Among women with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), regular physical activity helps to reduce anxiety, irritability, feelings of tension, low energy and pain.
For every 100 mg per-day increase in magnesium in the diet, stroke risk may decline by up to 9%.
The best male marathon runners over age 65, and the best female marathon runners over age 45, continue to consistently improve their performance.
UCLA-led team safely uses human embryonic stem cells to treat macular degeneration.
First-of-its-kind study reports that indoor air in offices is an important source of worker exposure to potentially toxic substances.
Twenty percent of Americans ages 18+ experienced a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder in 2010.
