AFP

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Killer on the loose in the Gulf -- diabetesPlay

Killer on the loose in the Gulf -- diabetes

AFP - Fri Nov 13, 10:47 AM ET

If it's not the fatty foods it's the lack of exercise -- or probably both. More and more Arabs living in the wealthy Gulf states are suffering lifestyle diseases, especially obesity and diabetes. Official figures show that 70 percent of adults and 12 percent of children in the United Arab Emirates are overweight and that 20 percent of the population have diabetes -- the second highest rate in the world after the small South-Pacific island-nation of Nauru.

  • Diabetes, a social epidemic devastating America Play
    Diabetes, a social epidemic devastating America AFP - Thu Nov 12, 7:48 PM ET

    Diabetes affects more than 24 million Americans and is linked to killing more than 200,000 of them each year. The illness is increasingly considered an epidemic, its rise associated with chronic obesity and blamed on the sedentary lifestyle and high-fat and -sugar diet pervasive in American culture.

  • The dark side of skin whiteners Play
    The dark side of skin whiteners AFP - Wed Nov 11, 1:50 PM ET

    Skin whitening products are all the rage in many African nations for women seeking a paler complexion. Even though many of these cosmetics contain toxic products, they also find a market in France. A new campaign is now seeking to educate consumers about the dangers of skin bleaching.

  • Involving men in South Africa's fight against HIV Play
    Involving men in South Africa's fight against HIV AFP - Thu Nov 5, 12:22 PM ET

    More people are HIV positive in South Africa than in any other country in the world. Yet many men still refuse to face up to the problem. A new scheme in Johannesburg hopes to change that, by talking directly to guys in the bars and clubs around town. Duration: 02:21

  • A very special drum circle Play
    A very special drum circle AFP - Thu Nov 5, 12:04 PM ET

    Music therapy has been found to help some sufferers of Alzheimer's disease, as well as their family and caregivers. In one home for Alzheimer's and dementia patients, residents take up drumming and singing as a means of connecting to others in the midst of these isolating illnesses. Duration: 01:48

  • Leeching onto an old remedy Play
    Leeching onto an old remedy AFP - Tue Nov 3, 10:57 AM ET

    Known for its anaesthetic, anti-inflammatory and even antibiotic qualities, the leech is making a return to the world of medicine. In Russia, 10 times more of the blood-suckers are grown than anywhere else in the world and leech therapy is nothing new. Duration: 01:55

  • Swaziland battles twin plagues of HIV, TB Play
    Swaziland battles twin plagues of HIV, TB AFP - Thu Oct 29, 2:59 PM ET

    A tuberculosis epidemic is overwhelming health clinics across Swaziland. It's fuelled by the high rate of HIV amongst the population. But the government and NGOs are fighting back.

  • Germany begins controversial swine flu vaccination Play
    Germany begins controversial swine flu vaccination AFP - Mon Oct 26, 11:58 AM ET

    Germany is beginning a massive swine flu vaccination campaign under a cloud of controversy after it emerged that politicians, health workers, policemen and soldiers would receive a different vaccine from ordinary citizens. The vaccine is reported to have milder side effects.  Duration: 01:39