What’s making the news in Chartis Direct
The world of medicine and healthcare is constantly changing and if you want to stay ahead it pays to keep up to date.
Medical breakthroughs and groundbreaking initiatives like HealthChoice's private health insurance means it is important to keep abreast of what's happening - so you can make the choices that are right for you.
Which is why if it's making the news in private healthcare, here's where you'll find it.
Tooth disease 'may lead to heart problems'
Posted: 30/06/2009
People who have tooth disease may also be in danger of having heart problems, according to a new report. Read more...
Government healthcare reforms 'will be warmly welcomed'
Posted: 30/06/2009
New government proposals to reform aspects of the NHS are likely to be met warmly by patients, according to a sector authority. Read more...
Cancer patients 'dying sooner than they should'
Posted: 30/06/2009
New figures reveal that over 15,000 cancer sufferers aged 75 or over are dying from the disease sooner than they should be, which illustrates the need for health cover. Read more...
'Too many people' are dying at work
Posted: 30/06/2009
There are still too many people dying in the workplace, according to a sector expert, which may increase the need for health insurance. Read more...
Quick-fix surgery 'may not solve the problem'
Posted: 30/06/2009
People that resort to quick-fix surgery in an effort to lose weight may be setting a bad example, according to a healthcare expert. Read more...
Heatwaves 'a health hazard'
Posted: 30/06/2009
People are being warned that the current heatwave may pose a danger to their health and even result in death if precautions are not taken. Read more...
Groundbreaking therapy 'offers breast cancer hope'
Posted: 30/06/2009
Scientists have developed a new type of treatment which uses light to kill breast cancer cells, which may give hope to thousands of sufferers. Read more...
Drinking 'causes most blood pressure problems'
Posted: 30/06/2009
The majority of people being admitted to hospital because of high blood pressure are there because of alcohol consumption, according to a sector expert. Read more...
Genetic fault 'may increase cancer risk'
Posted: 30/06/2009
Many people may have a genetic fault which may put them at greater risk of contracting cancer, new research suggests. Read more...
Long bike rides 'may cause infertility'
Posted: 30/06/2009
Men who cycle may be in danger of becoming infertile, a new study in Spain has concluded. Read more...
Drinking too much alcohol 'may cause pancreatitis'
Posted: 30/06/2009
People who drink too much alcohol may be in danger of contracting potentially fatal pancreatitis, new research suggests, which could increase the need for health insurance. Read more...
New drug 'may stop breast and ovarian cancer'
Posted: 29/06/2009
Trials of a new drug which may halt the progression of breast and ovarian cancer have been encouraging so far, according to scientists. Read more...
Soy 'may reduce lung damage risk'
Posted: 26/06/2009
The superfood soy may be instrumental in reducing the risk of contracting the smoking-associated lung disease Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), experts have found. Read more...
Alcohol 'causes 1 in 25 deaths'
Posted: 26/06/2009
Alcohol can be attributed to one in 25 deaths worldwide, the results of a new report suggest, which highlights the need for health insurance. Read more...
Enzyme 'may prevent Parkinson's disease'
Posted: 26/06/2009
Healthcare specialists have discovered that an enzyme which exists naturally in the brain may be able to prevent Parkinson's disease being inherited. Read more...
Simple foods 'can be cheap and healthy'
Posted: 26/06/2009
Eating plain and simple foods is an effective way of eating healthily while on budget, according to a healthcare specialist. Read more...
Most people 'do not need supplements'
Posted: 26/06/2009
The majority of people can get the nutrients they need quite easily without having to resort to taking supplements, according to a healthcare expert. Read more...
Tributes pour in for Farrah Fawcett
Posted: 26/06/2009
Luminaries from the world of entertainment have been paying their respects to the actress Farrah Fawcett, who died yesterday (June 25th) aged 62 following a lengthy battle with cancer. Read more...
People with eczema 'more at risk of infection'
Posted: 25/06/2009
People suffering from eczema are more at risk from viral infections, new research suggests, which may boost the need for medical insurance. Read more...
New injections 'may help cancer patients'
Posted: 25/06/2009
Specialists have developed a new treatment which may be able to manage pain in people suffering from cancer. Read more...
Britain 'cocaine capital' of Europe
Posted: 25/06/2009
New figures reveal that the UK is the cocaine capital of Europe, with a higher percentage of users than any other country in the continent. Read more...
Supermarket salads 'fattier than a Big Mac
Posted: 25/06/2009
Some supermarket salads contain more fat than a Big Mac, according to new research. Read more...
New cervical cancer campaign launched
Posted: 25/06/2009
Healthcare authorities in the UK have launched a new campaign to ensure that GPs spot the symptoms of cervical cancer earlier. Read more...
Gastrin 'leads to stomach cancer'
Posted: 25/06/2009
New research has found that a chemical in the stomach may play a key role in the development of stomach cancer, which could boost the need for health insurance. Read more...
Just five cigarettes a day 'gives you migraines'
Posted: 25/06/2009
People who smoke just five cigarettes a day are at higher risk of having migraines, according to a new report. Read more...
Young mothers 'have more neonatal deaths'
Posted: 25/06/2009
Teenage mothers are far more likely to suffer neonatal death than other parents, according to a new study, which may boost the need for family health insurance. Read more...
Every person 'entitled to dental healthcare'
Posted: 25/06/2009
Every person in the UK should be entitled to effective dental healthcare, according to an expert. Read more...
Good nutrients 'more important when you are stressed'
Posted: 25/06/2009
Getting the right amount of nutrition is even more important during times of stress, according to a healthcare expert. Read more...
Cervical cancer test age set to be lowered
Posted: 24/06/2009
The age at which girls can be screened for cervical cancer is expected to be lowered, following a discussion about a study of the disease held today. Read more...
Caucasians 'more likely to get Ewing's sarcoma'
Posted: 24/06/2009
Caucasian people are more likely to contract the bone cancer Ewing's sarcoma than other races, specialists have found. Read more...
Urine test 'may detect appendicitis'
Posted: 24/06/2009
Specialists have discovered that urine tests may soon be able to predict the onset of appendicitis. Read more...
Experts identify other Parkinson's symptoms
Posted: 24/06/2009
Healthcare specialists in the US have conducted a study aiming to identify the non-motor aspects of Parkinson's, meaning those which are not physical. Read more...
New research links smoking and brain damage
Posted: 24/06/2009
Healthcare experts in India have made a radical new discovery which links smoking with brain damage. Read more...
Breastfeeding 'leads to natural weight loss'
Posted: 24/06/2009
Women who breastfeed after giving birth are more likely to lose weight naturally, according to a healthcare expert. Read more...
Thousands to take part in breast cancer study
Posted: 23/06/2009
A breast cancer study has attracted thousands of participants in Scotland attempting to find new treatments for the disease. Read more...
Drug therapy cures 'inoperable' cancers
Posted: 23/06/2009
A new drug therapy has helped to cure two prostate cancer sufferers whose diseases were diagnosed as inoperable. Read more...
Experts: We could eradicate HIV infection
Posted: 23/06/2009
Healthcare experts have uncovered a new approach which may be able to eradicate HIV infection. Read more...
Cholesterol drugs 'may protect against Alzheimer's'
Posted: 23/06/2009
A new study has found that certain statins found in cholesterol drugs may protect people from the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Read more...
Recession 'stopping people from quitting smoking'
Posted: 23/06/2009
The recession is making it less likely that people will quit smoking, as they are sticking with it to combat stress, new figures reveal. Read more...
Tests to extend screening to women with dense breasts
Posted: 22/06/2009
An upcoming clinical study is aiming to extend effective breast cancer screening to women with dense breasts. Read more...
Cooking whole carrots 'may prevent cancer'
Posted: 19/06/2009
Cooking carrots in their whole form retains more of the anti-cancer properties within them, it has been revealed. Read more...
Green tea 'may stop prostate cancer'
Posted: 19/06/2009
Men with prostate cancer who drink green tea have a greater chance of stopping the spread of the disease, new research suggests. Read more...
New breakthrough 'may halt sight loss'
Posted: 19/06/2009
Healthcare specialists at the University of Belfast have made a breakthrough which may be able to slow the loss of sight in elderly people. Read more...
Comare backs sunbed ban
Posted: 19/06/2009
A healthcare authority has backed Cancer Research's campaign to ban the use of sunbeds for people under the age of 18, it has emerged. Read more...
MRSA cases 'on the decrease'
Posted: 19/06/2009
The number of cases of deadly MRSA and C Difficile in UK healthcare facilities has decreased, new figures reveal. Read more...
Double cervical cancer screening 'not more effective'
Posted: 19/06/2009
New research has shown that a double round of tests used to check for cervical cancer may not offer any additional benefit, which may boost the need for cancer cover. Read more...
Breast cancer survivor to strip for charity
Posted: 18/06/2009
A woman who survived breast cancer is to take part in a Calendar Girls-esque photo shoot to raise money for charity. Read more...
Vaccination 'can stop influenza spread'
Posted: 18/06/2009
Vaccinating children may be effective in reducing the number of cases of influenza, experts have found. Read more...
Strokes 'may have extra side-effects'
Posted: 18/06/2009
People who survive strokes may suffer from many side-effects not commonly associated with the condition, according to one expert. Read more...
Sexual health test results 'are encouraging'
Posted: 18/06/2009
The recent increase in the number of people taking sexual health screening tests is "encouraging", according to one specialist at a healthcare charity. Read more...
Skin cancer cases "undoubtedly" rising
Posted: 18/06/2009
The number of people developing potentially deadly skin cancer is "undoubtedly" on the rise, one expert states, which may boost the need for health insurance. Read more...
Experts: Cannabis 'changes your DNA'
Posted: 17/06/2009
People who smoke cannabis are permanently altering their DNA, according to new research. Read more...
Technique 'may help to identify Alzheimer's'
Posted: 17/06/2009
A technique commonly used to identify tumours in breast tissue and cartilage in human knee and ankle joints may be able to detect the onset of Alzheimer's, according to a new study. Read more...
Researchers 'may identify muscular dystrophy'
Posted: 17/06/2009
Scientists from the University of Birmingham may have uncovered the key to predicting muscular dystrophy (MD) earlier in life, it has emerged. Read more...
Cell breakthrough 'may give cancer clue'
Posted: 17/06/2009
Healthcare experts have made a discovery which may lead to better development and provision of cancer drugs. Read more...
Singer 'recovering well' after breast cancer surgery
Posted: 17/06/2009
Singer and DJ Sonique is said to be "stable" after undergoing breast cancer surgery, less than seven days after being diagnosed with the condition. Read more...
Depression 'may lead to Alzheimer's
Posted: 16/06/2009
People suffering from depression have a greater chance of developing Alzheimer's, new study has found, which could boost the need for health cover. Read more...
Obesity 'increases risk of surgical complications'
Posted: 16/06/2009
People who are classed as severely obese have a greater risk of developing health problems while undergoing surgery, new research has found. Read more...
New treatment 'may help hepatitis C sufferers'
Posted: 16/06/2009
Healthcare specialists have developed a new treatment which may offer hope for people suffering from hepatitis C. Read more...
Skin cancer cases double in 20 years
Posted: 16/06/2009
New healthcare figures show that the number of skin cancer cases in the UK has doubled over the last 20 years, which may boost the need for medical health insurance. Read more...
'More pressure' on men to look good
Posted: 16/06/2009
There is more pressure on men to look good and get rid of their beer bellies, according to one healthcare professional. Read more...
New technique 'may reduce breast cancer spread'
Posted: 16/06/2009
Scientists have discovered a new technique which may be able to restrict the spread of breast cancer. Read more...
Experts unlock key to Huntington's
Posted: 15/06/2009
Scientists believe they have unlocked some of the keys to the crippling disease Huntington's, which currently has no cure. Read more...
Scientists find link between MS and arthritis
Posted: 15/06/2009
Healthcare experts in Australasia have found a link between multiple sclerosis (MS) and rheumatoid arthritis, which may interest those with health cover. Read more...
Teens 'not drinking enough milk'
Posted: 15/06/2009
Many young adults are not drinking enough milk, which may lead to health problems, a new healthcare report finds. Read more...
New plans 'will cut STIs'
Posted: 15/06/2009
Healthcare authorities in Wales have rolled out new plans designed to reduce the number of sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) in the country. Read more...
Schoolchildren 'should receive alcohol education'
Posted: 15/06/2009
Children should be taught about responsible drinking while they are still at school, according to one industry expert. Read more...
Key gene 'causes deadly breast cancer'
Posted: 15/06/2009
Healthcare experts in the US have identified a "key gene" which may be instrumental in causing one of the deadliest forms of breast cancer. Read more...
Enzyme 'may lead to heart disease'
Posted: 12/06/2009
Healthcare experts have discovered a common enzyme which may lead to heart disease. Read more...
Low-fat diet 'avoids liver cancer'
Posted: 12/06/2009
Eating a generally low-fat diet may help to avoid liver cancer, new research suggests. Read more...
Swine flu vaccine 'ready for trial'
Posted: 12/06/2009
A Swiss pharmaceutical company has announced it has developed a vaccine for swine flu, pending clinical trials. Read more...
Coke Zero 'a danger to health'
Posted: 12/06/2009
Venezuelan healthcare authorities have banned Coke Zero, citing that the product is a danger to health. Read more...
Hospitals 'meeting MRSA targets'
Posted: 12/06/2009
The Department of Health managed to reduce the amount of MRSA infection in hospitals by 50 per cent last year, it has been announced. Read more...
Female cancer trial enrolment 'still low'
Posted: 12/06/2009
Women continue to be under-represented when it comes to taking part in cancer trials, it has been revealed. Read more...
Experts: Swine flu is a pandemic
Posted: 12/06/2009
A global health authority has declared the current swine flu outbreak is a pandemic, which may boost the need for health cover. Read more...
IPod 'may make you ill'
Posted: 12/06/2009
Repetitive use of handheld devices may cause ailments including 'IPod elbow', according to a healthcare specialist. Read more...
Healthcare quiz 'goes directly to children'
Posted: 12/06/2009
The Department of Health has issued a new healthcare quiz designed to increase the wellbeing of children and teenagers. Read more...
Irregular sleep 'can make you fat'
Posted: 12/06/2009
Healthcare experts have discovered that people who have extended or shortened periods of sleep may be at risk of putting on weight. Read more...
New treatment may help 'arthritis sufferers'
Posted: 12/06/2009
A new treatment may be able to help people suffering from arthritis who have tried all other forms of therapy. Read more...
Fear 'may prevent cervical cancer screening'
Posted: 11/06/2009
Many women may be avoiding going for cervical cancer screening because they are scared, according to new healthcare research, which may boost the need for cancer insurance. Read more...
Heart condition 'may affect close family'
Posted: 10/06/2009
Researchers have found that an aortic heart problem may be present in close relatives of people with the condition. Read more...
Surgical technique 'may help epilepsy sufferers'
Posted: 10/06/2009
Healthcare experts in Canada have developed a new procedure which may be able to help people suffering from refractory epilepsy. Read more...
Condom distribution 'has brought down teen pregnancy rates'
Posted: 10/06/2009
Distribution schemes to provide condoms to teens have been effective in reducing the number of youngsters falling pregnant, according to a healthcare expert. Read more...
Stopping people smoking 'is most important'
Posted: 10/06/2009
It is just as important to prevent people from smoking in the first place than persuading those who have the habit to stop, according to a healthcare charity. Read more...
One-stop clinics 'may detect breast cancer'
Posted: 10/06/2009
A recent study has concluded that one-stop breast cancer clinics may be able to detect the disease in women most effectively. Read more...
Vitamins in pregnancy 'help with a healthy birth weight'
Posted: 10/06/2009
Taking multivitamins while pregnant may help to reduce the risk of a low birth weight, new studies show. Read more...
Healthcare team develops 'radical' bower cancer test
Posted: 10/06/2009
Healthcare experts in Australia have developed a radical new test for bowel cancer, which may interest health insurance customers. Read more...
Junk food 'makes you crave fat'
Posted: 10/06/2009
Eating food with a high fat content makes the body crave more of it, new research shows. Read more...
Less sleep 'may cause high blood pressure'
Posted: 10/06/2009
Middle-aged who have less sleep are more likely to have hypertension and suffer from changes in their blood pressure, new research reveals. Read more...
Many girls 'not aware of cervical cancer'
Posted: 09/06/2009
Thousands of young women are still not aware of the causes of cervical cancer, despite TV star Jade Goody's recent highly-publicised battle with the disease. Read more...
Colorectal cancer 'increasing in young adults'
Posted: 09/06/2009
The number of young adults contracting colorectal cancer is increasing, according to the latest research. Read more...
Rheumatoid arthritis 'can affect the heart and lungs'
Posted: 09/06/2009
People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis have a serious chance of developing heart and lung problems, according to a healthcare expert. Read more...
Skin cancer drug 'very positive'
Posted: 09/06/2009
The development of a new drug to fight skin cancer is being hailed as "very positive" news. Read more...
Recession 'causing sleep deprivation'
Posted: 09/06/2009
The economic downturn is causing many people to lose sleep, new research has found. Read more...
Discovery 'may increase breast cancer survival'
Posted: 08/06/2009
Healthcare specialists have made a radical new discovery which could increase survival in breast cancer sufferers. Read more...
Doctors 'may predict rare lung disease'
Posted: 05/06/2009
Healthcare experts have discovered a protein which may be able to indicate a rare form of lung disease. Read more...
Health problems 'lead to bankruptcy'
Posted: 05/06/2009
A new survey has revealed that the majority of businesses' bankruptcies stem from health problems, which may boost the need for medical insurance. Read more...
A quarter of people in nursing homes 'carry MRSA'
Posted: 05/06/2009
A quarter of all residents in care homes are carrying MRSA, it has been revealed, which could highlight the need for health insurance. Read more...
Middle-aged women 'have more stress but lower blood pressure'
Posted: 05/06/2009
Women in their middle age have higher stress levels but lower blood pressure than men, new research reveals. Read more...
Female healthcare specialists 'on the rise'
Posted: 05/06/2009
The number of female healthcare specialists in the UK is continuing to rise, according to the latest statistics. Read more...
Tai Chi 'can improve arthritis'
Posted: 05/06/2009
People with arthritis can take part in activities such as Tai Chi as a means of remedying their condition, an expert states. Read more...
Containing swine flu 'will prevent mutation'
Posted: 05/06/2009
The longer that healthcare authorities manage to contain the threat of swine flu, the less likely it is to mutate into an even worse virus, a sector specialist asserts. Read more...
Care homes 'have varying quality'
Posted: 05/06/2009
There is a significant difference in the way that old people receive healthcare in some homes, according to two charities. Read more...
Diabetes drug may stop cancer
Posted: 04/06/2009
A drug normally used to combat diabetes could be used to boost the effect of cancer vaccines, healthcare specialists have revealed. Read more...
Anti-depressants linked to recurrent breast cancer
Posted: 04/06/2009
Healthcare experts have discovered that anti-depressants are linked to recurring breast cancer, which may boost the need for medical insurance. Read more...
Thousands join run for breast cancer
Posted: 04/06/2009
Thousands of women have taken part in a fundraising race for a women's healthcare charity. Read more...
Radical pill 'could stop skin cancer'
Posted: 03/06/2009
Healthcare experts have developed a pill which they claim could reduce the size of skin cancer tumours. Read more...
Salty pub foods 'promote drinking'
Posted: 03/06/2009
Many pubs serve food with a high salt content in order to prompt people to drink more, a sector commentator claims. Read more...
Supermarkets 'helping to cut obesity'
Posted: 03/06/2009
Retailers are helping with the nation's fight against obesity, according to a new healthcare report. Read more...
MMR jab 'should compulsory'
Posted: 03/06/2009
The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) jab should be compulsory for school age children, according to a public healthcare expert. Read more...
Smoking plans 'should provide better results'
Posted: 03/06/2009
New NHS plans to stop the number of people who smoke should provide better results than ever before, according to a healthcare charity. Read more...
Dementia healthcare placed under review
Posted: 02/06/2009
The healthcare of people suffering from dementia in Scotland is to be placed under review today. Read more...
Bowel cancer drug gets green light
Posted: 02/06/2009
A radical new drug which increases the life expectancy of people suffering from bowel cancer has been approved. Read more...
Warnings on cigarette packets 'do work'
Posted: 02/06/2009
Warnings placed on cigarette packets to deter people from smoking are effective, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Read more...
Drinking alcohol 'may reduce gallstone risk'
Posted: 02/06/2009
Healthcare experts at the University of East Anglia have found that drinking two units of alcohol a day can help to reduce the chance of developing gallstones by up to a third. Read more...
Education 'most important' in treating illness
Posted: 02/06/2009
Neither homeopathy nor conventional drugs are a substitute for education in treating illnesses such as malaria and Aids, according to an expert. Read more...
Golfer to play while wife has breast cancer treatment
Posted: 02/06/2009
On of the world's top golfers has revealed he is to compete in an upcoming tournament while his wife undergoes treatment for breast cancer. Read more...
Swine flu pandemic 'may hit by autumn'
Posted: 01/06/2009
The swine flu pandemic may hit the UK as early as the autumn, according to a healthcare expert. Read more...
Cancer survival rates 'rapidly continuing to increase'
Posted: 01/06/2009
The number of young people surviving cancer has reached its highest ever rate, according to a healthcare expert. Read more...
