Dear Readers Here is Part 2 of the bumper November edition with Health and Agriculture news items from www.globalgoodnews.com . December Issue will be published in two weeks:
The format to make reading easier with so many articles is headlines and links to full articles first, then article summaries with links further down the page. 1. INDIA: Making moves to reclaim heritage from 'yoga piracy' http://www.globalgoodnews.com/government-news-a.html? art=112792612342483245 2. AUSTRALIA: Expanding organic food market targets travel industry http://www.globalgoodnews.com/environmental-news-a.html? art=1127755912388478 77 3. INDIA: Govt to spend Rs 120 crore for validation of traditional medicine http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=112758620534131932 4. INDIA: ICCOA to give impetus to Indian organic products http://www.globalgoodnews.com/environmental-news-a.html? art=1127667198348777 74 5. INDIA: Westerners flocking to India for less expensive health care http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=112740862230094455 6. SENEGAL: Table-top solution to a big problem http://www.globalgoodnews.com/environmental-news-a.html? art=1127088030241275 52 7. USA: Companies offer workers deals to get fit http://www.globalgoodnews.com/business-news-a.html? art=112717085125558430 8. IRELAND: Irish smoking ban improving health http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=112714851424766493 9. VIETNAM: Successful herbal treatments for diabetes http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=112723558126453655 10. USA: More veggies may curb pancreatic cancer risk http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=112714872424787221 11. INDIA: New medical curriculum planned http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=112729718528208741 12. DENMARK: Hard times for fast food http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=112698065121626901 13. BULGARIA: Bulgaria embraces organic farming http://www.globalgoodnews.com/environmental-news-a.html? art=1127148241247382 23 14. PHILIPPINES: Asia's 'organic food island' http://www.globalgoodnews.com/environmental-news-a.html? art=1126543304138970 86 15. HONDURAS: Indigenous protesters end occupation of Honduran Mayan ruins http://www.globalgoodnews.com/environmental-news-a.html? art=1126804165187332 18 16. USA: More than fruit at roadside stands http://www.globalgoodnews.com/environmental-news-a.html? art=1126544153140059 16 17. INDIA: Organic tea: Healthier option to tea grown with chemicals http://www.globalgoodnews.com/environmental-news-a.html? art=1126136842809850 3 18. MALAYSIA: Malaysia has the potential to become regional herbal hub http://www.globalgoodnews.com/environmental-news-a.html? art=1126112616708820 9 19. UKRAINE: Agriculture ministry seeks to ban GMO soy imports http://www.globalgoodnews.com/environmental-news-a.html? art=1126198300851317 0 20. SYRIA: Syria signs agriculture agreement with FAO http://www.globalgoodnews.com/environmental-news-a.html? art=1126025789545710 1 21. EUROPE: Bayer withdraws GM oilseed rape - new setback for GM crops in Europe http://www.globalgoodnews.com/environmental-news-a.html? art=1125687146920996 22. USA: Radioactive waste on track to be moved http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=112671821216949974 23. USA: Study finds milk protein improves shut eye http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=11261996168617006 24. USA: Study: Breakfast helps girls stay slim http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=11262886399938433 25. UK: Editors blast medical journal publisher http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=112637796711864237 26. USA: Healthy bottom line: Companies push wellness programs http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=11261385668110773 27. USA: Study: Organic foods are best for kids http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=11260270995588422 28. INDIA: Government validating protocols for global medicine market http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=11260251145349611 29. USA: Regular daily routine helps bipolar disorder http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=11260565966466720 30. INDIA: A 'giant leap' in boosting cross-border friendship http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=11259157383402137 31. USA: Meditation: The silent path of the spirit is good for the heart http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=112402115626159706 32. UK: Diet rich in beans may help prevent cancer http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=112688606319647644 33. USA: GM crops research pipeline going dry http://www.globalgoodnews.com/environmental-news-a.html? art=1125343093511235 54 34. USA: Hawaiian herbal healing kept alive at university http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=112965506435327369 34. USA: Hawaiian herbal healing kept alive at university http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=112965506435327369 35. CANADA: Health, happiness linked for teens 36. UK: Former city dwellers starting organic farms in Britain http://www.globalgoodnews.com/environmental-news-a.html? art=1129827728423357 48 37: COSTA RICA: Guanacaste, Santa Cruz declared GE Free http://www.globalgoodnews.com/environmental-news-a.html? art=1130432405579981 37 38. USA: Black colleges aiming to fight obesity http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=113017701752056101 39. INDIA: Organic farming key to healthy life: experts http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=112982801342401245 40. USA: Tiny differences in DNA mapped http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=113035087557118629 41. CAMBODIA: Government targets organic market http://www.globalgoodnews.com/environmental-news-a.html? art=1129828132424441 82 42. USA: `Yoga mamas' revolutionise the baby products market http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=113104589472050543 43. INDIA: A marriage of ayurveda and allopathy for the wellness of man http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=113069570166843933 --------------------------------------------------------------------- ------- -------------- SUMMARIES: 1. INDIA: Making moves to reclaim heritage from 'yoga piracy' http://www.globalgoodnews.com/government-news-a.html? art=112792612342483245 Yoga practices dating back thousands of years are being 'stolen' by gurus and fitness instructors in Europe and the United States. The Indian government has established a task force on traditional knowledge and intellectual property theft in an effort to protect India's heritage. In India, data is being stored in a digital library with the aim of making its contents available to patent offices worldwide. Already hundreds of patents and copyrights have been granted on techniques lifted straight from classical Indian yoga texts. According to the task force, the US Patent and Trademark Office has issued 134 patents on yoga accessories, 150 yoga-related copyrights, and 2,315 yoga trademarks. Britain has approved at least 10 trademarks relating to yoga training aids that are mentioned in ancient texts. 2. AUSTRALIA: Expanding organic food market targets travel industry http://www.globalgoodnews.com/environmental-news-a.html? art=1127755912388478 77 An international conference hosted in Australia last week by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements has focused attention on the growing global market share of organic agricultural produce and suggested that the travel and tourism industry look seriously at boosting its usage in the food and beverage industry. Australia hosted a conference of 1,000 delegates from 72 countries of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (Ifoam). Australia is reported to have over 1,130,000 hectares and 2,170 farms under organic management, accounting for 42.7 per cent of the global total. Mr Rundgren, president of Ifoam said: 'Ifoam calls on governments to allocate sufficient resources in this green growth-industry. Give us the resources spent over the last fifty years on chemical farming and we will present miracles.' 3. INDIA: Govt to spend Rs 120 crore for validation of traditional medicine http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=112758620534131932 Health Minister Ambumoni Ramadoss announced the start of a project to scientifically validate the benefit of Ayurvedic and other traditional medicines so that their effectiveness and safety cannot be questioned. In response to some adverse reports in international journals on Ayurvedic formulae and Homeopathy, Dr Ramadoss said, 'Some vested interests are trying to destroy our industry and traditional system of medicine, we will not allow it. The government will tackle this challenge by propagating these traditional systems of medicine in a big way and their scientific validation and patenting.' The government will supply farmers with seeds, technology, and monetary assistance for growing medicinal plants, then buy their products, which could be locally used or exported. A 'Traditional Knowledge Digital Library' will list formulations available in the ancient scriptures and other sources. The Digital Library will be translated into five international languages and given to 11 countries as a means to secure original knowledge against those trying to patent India's traditional formulae in other countries. Preventive medicine will be promoted in the conventional medical school system. 4. INDIA: ICCOA to give impetus to Indian organic products http://www.globalgoodnews.com/environmental-news-a.html? art=1127667198348777 74 The International Competence Centre for Organic Agriculture has taken up a three-year project to strengthen marketing for Indian organic products. It is anticipated that 300,000 people coming from the European Union, South-east Asia, and Japan and will attend the ICCOA's first major international organic fair in Bangalore in early November. The project, funded by Swiss State Secretariat of Economic Affairs, seeks to increase consumer awareness, provide information, and improve market access of organic Indian products for both domestic and international markets. 5. INDIA: Westerners flocking to India for less expensive health care http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=112740862230094455 A growing number of American and European patients are going to India, Thailand and Singapore for top-class orthopaedic surgery, plastic surgery, infertility treatment and cardiology. Asian doctors study in the United States or Britain, acquire their skills and reputations in hospitals there, and return to practice to their home countries. The cost of surgery can be 50% to 75% less than in Europe and the USA. 6. SENEGAL: Table-top solution to a big problem http://www.globalgoodnews.com/environmental-news-a.html? art=1127088030241275 52 Micro-gardening, a practice brought to Senegal through the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), is helping to counter the growing difficulty many African cities are having to feed their populations. The government-sponsored project provides tables, seedlings, fertilizers, and five days of training for city dwellers in how to grow organic vegetables on small tables. The technique involves minimum labour, and is an option available for older women and disabled people. Over 5,000 families in Senegal are now involved in the project. A single plot, though only one-metre square, can produce 40 to 50 kilos of tomatoes per year. 7. USA: Companies offer workers deals to get fit http://www.globalgoodnews.com/business-news-a.html? art=112717085125558430 A growing number of businesses are turning to worker incentives, both big and small, to help slow health insurance costs. Some companies or insurance plans have offered workers financial rewards for exercising, dieting, or other healthy behaviours. Some have started on-site fitness programs and are paying for gym memberships. 8. IRELAND: Irish smoking ban improving health http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=112714851424766493 Ireland, the first country in the world to implement a national ban on smoking in all workplaces, is now reaping significant benefits both in terms of cleaner air and better health among workers. A recent Irish study documenting these improvements was heralded as 'tremendous news' in Scotland, where a smoking ban will be introduced in March 2006. The study's results, presented at a conference of the European Respiratory Society, is substantiated by similar findings in Norway after a national smoking ban was introduced. 9. VIETNAM: Successful herbal treatments for diabetes http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=112723558126453655 Herbs and traditional ingredients have been successfully used to treat light forms of Type 2 diabetes in a research project at a hospital in northern Hai Duong province. Type 2 diabetes typically occurs in those over 40 years in age or in obese patients. Over 100 patients participated in the pilot programme. After 40 days half showed excellent results, with the other half remaining the same. For those with the Type 2 diabetes, the treatment is simpler and cheaper than Western medicine, and has been found to cause no side effects or disorders. 10. USA: More veggies may curb pancreatic cancer risk http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=112714872424787221 A recent study funded by the National Cancer Institute has found that those who ate at least five servings of raw vegetables per day had half the cancer risk of those who ate two or fewer servings of raw vegetables per day. Cooked vegetables were less powerful in their benefits. 'Researchers also found eating fruit, especially oranges and other citric ones, was also helpful but far less beneficial than their vegetable counterparts. 11. INDIA: New medical curriculum planned http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=112729718528208741 The Indian government is on its way to finalizing a new medical curriculum (MBBS), which would integrate modern medicines with traditional practices like Ayurveda, Yoga, and Homeopathy. Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Anbumani Ramadoss said that the present curriculum had become outdated and the new priority is the integration of modern and traditional therapies. 12. DENMARK: Hard times for fast food http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=112698065121626901 An increase in health-conscious Danish consumers has been causing a demand for more healthy alternatives to fast food, putting the fast food restaurants and pubs into a three-year decline in customers. Some fast food restaurants have responded by offering healthier menus. The article noted that the fast food restaurants have taken a hit in profits. The last three years saw a 14 per cent decline in customers, while the pubs have suffered a 25 per cent loss in guests. The Danish culture traditionally equates fresh food with healthy food, whereas the big fast food chains produce food that is processed, then frozen, and which then may sit around for a long time after it is prepared. 13. BULGARIA: Bulgaria embraces organic farming http://www.globalgoodnews.com/environmental-news-a.html? art=1127148241247382 23 Opening the Fifth National Festival of Organic Farming in Sofia, Bulgaria, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Nihat Kabil promised a National Plan for the Development of Organic Farming. He said that the plan will be up for approval by the government by December of this year. The festival offered special exhibitions of various herbs, dairy products, honey, and other products from bees. Apiculture (beekeeping) is very popular throughout the country with many people keeping bee hives and making honey as a hobby. 14. PHILIPPINES: Asia's 'organic food island' http://www.globalgoodnews.com/environmental-news-a.html? art=1126543304138970 86 Governors Joseph Marañon of Negros Occidental province and George Arnaiz of Negros Oriental province have signed articles of incorporation for the creation of the Negros Island Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Foundation. The officials said that the foundation will make Negros Island the 'Organic Food Island of Asia'. Initially, about 10 per cent, or about 80,000 hectares of the island's agricultural land will be put into organic production. The foundation will also establish the Negros Agribusiness Processing Zone that will have a 170-hectare model site for sustainable development. The foundation aims to create 200,000 job opportunities, make Negros the home of the Southeast Asia Organic Training Centre, and export organic processed food to Japan, Europe, the United States, and Australia. 15. HONDURAS: Indigenous protesters end occupation of Honduran Mayan ruins http://www.globalgoodnews.com/environmental-news-a.html? art=1126804165187332 18 About 1,500 Chorti Indians ended their occupation of the Copan ruins after the government promised funds for land purchases. The protesters took over the tourist site on Saturday to demand the government fulfil a promise of lands. The government so far has only partially met a 1997 promise to give the Chortis 14,000 hectares (54 square miles) of land. Copan flourished for hundreds of years until it was abandoned in about the 10th century. The Chortis, who number about 500,000, are believed to be descendants of the ancient Maya. 16. USA: More than fruit at roadside stands http://www.globalgoodnews.com/environmental-news-a.html? art=1126544153140059 16 Farmers' markets across the US have doubled between 1994 and 2004 to just over 3,700, the US Department of Agriculture says. The boom in farmers' markets and produce stands comes at a time when more people are increasingly interested in organic foods and healthy eating. 17. INDIA: Organic tea: Healthier option to tea grown with chemicals http://www.globalgoodnews.com/environmental-news-a.html? art=1126136842809850 3 Planters of tea in the north-east region of India are reviving Vedic methods of growing tea to give drinkers a healthier alternative, free from pesticides. Tea planters from Assam have turned to the ancient scriptures for advice in setting up their organic tea estates, and are committed to creating a pollution-free environment. 18. MALAYSIA: Malaysia has the potential to become regional herbal hub http://www.globalgoodnews.com/environmental-news-a.html? art=1126112616708820 9 Malaysia could become a 'herbal hub in the Asia-Pacific region' due to its rich biodiversity and tradition of herbal medicine. The Director-General of Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) said that the country must put attention on planting in order to maximize its potential. 'That's the only way to meet the industry's needs while protecting forest resources and preserving biodiversity,' he explained. 'We cannot depend on raw material from the forest or we will run out soon.' An aggressive planting campaign is also needed because the present herbal industry in Malaysia is importing 95 per cent of what it needs. In certain areas some native plants can no longer be found, and the institute is compiling a general inventory of flora in the country, identifying and conserving them. Environmental groups are voicing concerns over uncontrolled extraction of forest products for the herbal industry. 'We are concerned about non-sustainable harvesting,' said Global Environment Centre director Faizal Parish. 19. UKRAINE: Agriculture ministry seeks to ban GMO soy imports http://www.globalgoodnews.com/environmental-news-a.html? art=1126198300851317 0 Ukraine's Farm Ministry is suggesting to the government and parliament that they prohibit both importing and planting of genetically modified (GMO) soybeans in their country. Soy meal is traditionally imported mostly from Brazil by Ukraine, with 47,700 tonnes already imported this season. The article quotes Ivan Dymchak, deputy farm minister who said, 'We are going to adopt a decision to ban planting and imports of GMO soybeans.' He also said, 'We want to have the status of a country which produces only clean agriculture products.' 20. SYRIA: Syria signs agriculture agreement with FAO http://www.globalgoodnews.com/environmental-news-a.html? art=1126025789545710 1 Syria has signed an agreement with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for the development of organic agriculture. The programme, financially supported by the Italian government is designed to improve profits for all aspects of the agricultural industry and to contribute to a cleaner environment. FAO representative Hiro Feioleo said that developing organic farming would enable Syria to meet the growing needs of local and world markets. 21. EUROPE: Bayer withdraws GM oilseed rape - new setback for GM crops in Europe http://www.globalgoodnews.com/environmental-news-a.html? art=1125687146920996 The German biotech giant Bayer has withdrawn its applications to grow genetically modified (GM) oilseed rape in the European Union. The move comes as public calls for GM-free zones spreads across Europe and follows a series of research findings which have uncovered environmental damage resulting from the GM crop being grown. There are now GM-free initiatives virtually in every European country; 164 European regions and over 4500 local governments and smaller areas have declared themselves GM free or want to restrict commercial growing of GM crops. 22. USA: Radioactive waste on track to be moved http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=112671821216949974 The Energy Department cleared the way for almost 12 million tons of radioactive waste to be moved from the banks of the Colorado River, which provides drinking water for more than 25 million people across the West. 23. USA: Study finds milk protein improves shut eye http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=11261996168617006 A recent study identified a protein in milk that may improve sleep quality and next day alertness. The article says, 'Milk's sleep-inducing properties have been documented for centuries. Dating back to 1500 BC, the oldest medical text, which forms the basis of Indian Ayurvedic medicine, advises poor sleepers to drink a glass of milk before bed.' According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), sleep deprivation is the country's most neglected health problem. Affecting an estimated 126 million American adults, chronic lack of sleep impairs memory and wellbeing, and can also threaten life. Fatigue is blamed for over 100,000 car accidents every year. Sleep deprivation is also expensive. One study reports that products and services to treat insomnia (chronic and occasional) cost over $16 billion dollars a year. Spending on prescription and over-the-counter sleep aids runs another $4 billion dollars, and sleeplessness is a continually growing problem with teenagers. It causes disciplinary problems, lack of alertness, and poor concentration in school. 24. USA: Study: Breakfast helps girls stay slim http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=11262886399938433 Girls who regularly ate breakfast, particularly one that includes cereal, were slimmer than those who skipped the morning meal, according to a study that tracked nearly 2,400 girls for 10 years. Girls who ate breakfast of any type had a lower average body mass index, a common obesity gauge, than those who said they didn't. The index was even lower for girls who said they ate cereal for breakfast. The results were gleaned from a larger NIH survey of 2,379 girls in California, Ohio and Maryland who were tracked between ages 9 and 19. Results of the study appear in the September issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 25. UK: Editors blast medical journal publisher http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=112637796711864237 Editors and board members at The Lancet, Britain's leading medical journal, criticized the publication's publisher, Reed Elsevier, calling on it to cut ties to the arms industry. "We are deeply troubled by this connection to the arms trade. On behalf of our readers and contributors, we respectfully ask Reed Elsevier to divest itself of all business interests that threaten human, and especially civilian, health and well-being,'' the editorial said. The editorial was followed by a letter signed by doctors, professors and activists from Britain, the United States, Japan and Sweden. 26. USA: Healthy bottom line: Companies push wellness programs http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=11261385668110773 Company wellness programmes are experiencing a resurgence in popularity as companies try to get a handle on rising healthcare costs. A June survey of 365 national companies by Deloitte Center for Health Solutions found that 62 per cent of companies had implemented wellness programmes and another 33 per cent said they were considering doing so.' More and more companies are seeking ways to motivate workers to get involved with programmes ranging from classes on nutrition and smoking cessation to free pedometers to encourage more walking. 27. USA: Study: Organic foods are best for kids http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=11260270995588422 Feeding your children organic food can provide 'dramatic and immediate protection' from harmful chemicals according to a team of environmental-health scientists. The study showed that bodily concentrations of two widely used pesticides declined substantially when children were fed organic foods instead of conventional foods. The article noted that the two chemicals, malathion and chlorpyrifos, are the most commonly used insecticides in the US. More than 2 million pounds were applied to California crops alone in 2003 according to state records. In the study, pesticide levels remained undetectable as long as the children were fed organic foods. When the children returned to eating conventional foods the results were immediate. For malathion, one child had as much as 263 ppb, and the average increased to 1.6 ppb. For chlorpyrifos the average increased five-fold. 28. INDIA: Government validating protocols for global medicine market http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=11260251145349611 The Indian government has embarked on a programme called the 'golden triangle' in which the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, the Indian Council of Medical Research, and the Department of Indian System of Medicines are working together to 'validate medical protocols for the global market'. Global Good News service views this news as a sign of rising positivity in the field of health, documenting the growth of life-supporting, evolutionary trends. Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss said that the market for plant medicines could bring trillions of dollars into India over the next three decades. 'Under the Rs 1.2 billion golden triangle programme, more than Rs 100 million is being devoted to the development of a traditional knowledge digital library to document procedures and practices of unani, ayurveda, and siddha formulations,' he was quoted as saying. The article noted that eleven counties have already signed agreements with India to access the database being developed. The minister went on to say that through the project India would register 75,000 ayurvedic, 50,000 unani, and 15,000 siddha formulations during the next year. 29. USA: Regular daily routine helps bipolar disorder http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=11260565966466720 Patients suffering from bipolar disorder who underwent therapy to help them maintain a regular daily routine and cope with stress were able to avoid relapses over a two-year period, a study has found. The study, published in September's Archives of General Psychiatry, examined a therapy developed by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Using what researchers dubbed interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, patients were taught how to keep to normal sleeping, eating and other daily routines. They also were shown how to anticipate and cope with stress just as a diabetic who would be taught, for example, how to cook and eat differently. 30. INDIA: A 'giant leap' in boosting cross-border friendship http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=11259157383402137 An Indian doctor is helping Pakistan set up its first cochlear implant unit, a joint collaboration, in which the experts from UK, Austria, Nepal, Turkey, and India will participate. The Indian doctor, along with top Pakistani doctors settled in the UK, will train the local Pakistani doctors. Currently, patients have to either travel to India or invite experts from UK for treatment. 31. USA: Meditation: The silent path of the spirit is good for the heart http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=112402115626159706 Meditation, long an important part of Christian, Jewish, Hindu, and Buddhist traditions, is attracting a new generation of advocates as research demonstrates the strong correlation between spirituality and good health. The Vanderbilt University staff and faculty wellness programme newsletter cited two recent studies on the Transcendental Meditation Programme (TM) and noted that the technique is a simple, practical way to combat anxiety and relieve stress. The first 'remarkable study' discussed was published in Stroke, a journal of the American Heart Association (AHA). It showed that the accumulation of fatty plaques on artery walls actually diminished in people who practised TM for 20 minutes twice a day. In the study, one hundred thirty-eight African American adults with borderline or high blood pressure were randomly assigned to either a Transcendental Meditation (TM) programme or an education programme about heart disease risk factors. The results showed that those in the meditation group reduced their risk of a heart attack by 11 per cent and their risk of a stroke from between 7.7 per cent to 15 per cent. The heart disease education group had actually increased their risk factors. The second study looked at was published in Psychosomatic Medicine. The research indicated that Transcendental Meditation results in greater decreases in systolic blood pressure than relaxation alone. The study looked at 32 healthy adults, 16 men and 16 women, between the ages of 39 and 55. The participants were tested before and during 20 minutes of open-eyed relaxation, 20 minutes of TM (TM group), and 20 minutes of eyes-closed relaxation (control group). The TM group experienced significant decreases in systolic blood pressure and total peripheral resistance (constriction of the blood vessels) during both phases of the study. Continuing to look at positive effects of spiritual practices, the article noted that researchers are now looking into how spirituality influences recovery following cardiac surgery. It noted that preliminary research has indicated strong belief systems can positively affect wound closure, pain levels, medication usage, and the length of hospital stay for patients treated for heart disease. 32. UK: Diet rich in beans may help prevent cancer http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=112688606319647644 A University College London (UCL) study has found that eating a diet rich in beans, nuts, and cereals may help prevent cancer because these foods contain a natural compound that inhibits the growth of cancerous tumours. Researchers said that the substance could also help researchers develop new, non-toxic therapies against the disease. 33. USA: GM crops research pipeline going dry http://www.globalgoodnews.com/environmental-news-a.html? art=1125343093511235 54 Worldwide data shows that new research on genetically modified foods is on the decline. An article in GM Watch said that in the US (the global leader for research into genetically modified crops) 'not a single petition has been filed for field trials this year'. GM Watch also said that the decline in petitions for new field trials had already been observed in other countries as early as 2003. 'GM crop trials have basically been curtailed to cotton, corn, soyabean and canola,' observed Dr Greg Jaffe, Director, Centre for Science in the Public Interest. 34. USA: Hawaiian herbal healing kept alive at university http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=112965506435327369 The University of Hawaii at Manoa is the first university to have a programme that teaches la 'au lapa' au, the Hawaiian practice of herbal healing. Through the university's Centre for Hawaiian Studies, students learn herbal knowledge and procedures that are integral to Hawaiian culture. Practitioners say that la 'au lapa' au is as much spiritual as it is physical. 35. CANADA: Health, happiness linked for teens Researchers from the Canadian Institute for Health published a study showing that teens, ages 12-19, are happier and healthier when they have good relations with their parents, peers, and community, and are engaged in school. 36. UK: Former city dwellers starting organic farms in Britain http://www.globalgoodnews.com/environmental-news-a.html? art=1129827728423357 48 A new report looking at the surprising impact of organic farming on the rural economy of England found some interesting trends. About a third of new organic farmers have had no prior experience in farming, and 60 per cent have worked outside farming at some point, and they bring wonderful new ideas and innovations that have proven to be very beneficial. The research, the first of its kind, was commissioned by the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs. Presently only 3% of England's farms are organic, however, they belong to one of the fastest-growing agricultural sectors. There are now 1,636 registered organic farmers in England, with the market for their produce worth £1.2billion. 37: COSTA RICA: Guanacaste, Santa Cruz declared GE Free http://www.globalgoodnews.com/environmental-news-a.html? art=1130432405579981 37 In response to local concerns, the Municipal Council of Santa Cruz in the Province of Guanacaste in Costa Rica, declared itself 'GE Free'. This is the second GE Free municipality in Costa Rica. The decision to ban any Genetically Engineered crop inside Santa Cruz was unanimous among all the members of the Council. Council members said that local farmers were concerned about the possibility that their crops could become contaminated. It was said that the people of Guanacaste wanted to be able to enjoy their meals based on traditional corn, and did not want their varieties to be contaminated with transgenes. 38. USA: Black colleges aiming to fight obesity http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=113017701752056101 Nationwide, health experts agree the obesity epidemic is striking hardest among Hispanics and blacks, with waistlinesand rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and strokeexpanding at alarming rates. Predominantly black colleges like Norfolk State University are stepping in, rolling out veggie-heavy menus, building walking trails and even launching campus-wide weight loss contests. Their aim: to curb the ballooning of black America by targeting the next generation. 39. INDIA: Organic farming key to healthy life: experts http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=112982801342401245 A new awareness is spreading about the importance of organic farming. National Thinkers' Forum (NTF) believes every possible step should be taken to promote eco-friendly farming in India. 'Organic farming is going to be a 21st century form of farming,' said Dr Balram Sarkar, president of NTF, addressing a seminar on organic farming and marketing. The article noted that NTF also emphasized educating the public on the value of eco-friendly farming in the country. 40. USA: Tiny differences in DNA mapped http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=113035087557118629 Scientists have mapped patterns of tiny DNA differences that distinguish one person from another, a step that will speed up the search for genes that promote common illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. The map represents 'a real sea change in how we study the genetics of disease,' said Dr. David Altshuler, a leader of the project that included more than 200 researchers from six nations. Scientists want to find disease-related genes as a means for diagnosis, prediction and developing treatments. Such genes give clues to the biological underpinnings of disease, and so suggest strategies for developing therapies. 41. CAMBODIA: Government targets organic market http://www.globalgoodnews.com/environmental-news-a.html? art=1129828132424441 82 Cambodia is hoping to become the 'green farm of Asia'. The government believes that organic Cambodian produce could be exported to European and US markets. According to Former Commerce Secretary Sok Siphana, 'Cambodia is by default an organic country.' Cambodia has one of the least diversified economies in the world with 80 per cent of their foreign earnings coming from garment production and nearly all the rest from tourism. The country is looking into other sources of income, and organic farming is a strong consideration. 42. USA: `Yoga mamas' revolutionise the baby products market http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=113104589472050543 According to Business Week magazine, a new generation of mothers is investing in organic cotton clothing, petroleum-free baby lotions, and organic baby food. These health-conscious, brand-conscious mothers are 'revolutionizing the baby-products market and forcing manufacturers and retailers of all sizes to adjust'. 43. INDIA: A marriage of ayurveda and allopathy for the wellness of man http://www.globalgoodnews.com/health-news-a.html? art=113069570166843933 India's traditional health system, Ayurveda, is increasingly gaining acceptance as a complementary health approach by several allopathic hospitals in India, which are entering into partnership with noted Ayurveda treatment centres. One prominent allopathic hospital started a 'wellness clinic' to give alternative treatments for its needy patients. In addition, allopathic hospitals regularly give references for major Ayurvedic brands. Maharishi Golden Dome, Woodley Park Skelmersdale, Lancashire Great Britain, WN8 6UQ Tel: Reception: +44 (0)1695 728847 E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tel: Courses: +44 (0)1695 729113 E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tel: Directors: +44 (0)1695 727851 Fax: +44 (0)1695 50306 Website: www.maharishi-european-sidhaland.org.uk Registered Educational Charity No. 270157 ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Dying to be thin? Anorexia. Narrated by Julianne Moore. http://us.click.yahoo.com/AQDrNC/sbOLAA/d1hLAA/0NYolB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> To subscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Or go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ and click 'Join This Group!' Yahoo! 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