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.
Breakthrough procedure 'could predict brain cancer treatment'
Posted: 31/07/2009
Experts have devised a new way of scanning brain tumours and identifying which sufferers will respond to the drug Avastin. Read more...
Spleen 'may hold key to heart attack repair'
Posted: 31/07/2009
The key to repairing the damage caused by heart attacks may be located in the spleen, new healthcare research suggests. Read more...
Surgical procedures 'may treat migraines'
Posted: 31/07/2009
A new surgical procedure may give hope to individual health insurance customers who suffer from migraines, experts claim. Read more...
New discovery 'may help people with cataracts'
Posted: 31/07/2009
Scientists in Germany have made a discovery which may lead to the treatment of people suffering from cataracts. Read more...
Making drinking more expensive 'may tackle alcohol abuse'
Posted: 31/07/2009
Increasing the cost of drinking may be an effective way of tackling the issue of alcohol abuse, a specialist asserts. Read more...
Pale-skinned people 'should avoid the sun'
Posted: 31/07/2009
People with pale skin should avoid the temptation to use tanning booths or roast in the sun in order to get a bronzed body, a specialist recommends. Read more...
Happily-married people 'live longer'
Posted: 31/07/2009
A happy marriage may be the key to health insurance customers living longer, according to one expert. Read more...
Chinese women join breast cancer trial
Posted: 31/07/2009
Chinese women are to take part in one of the world's largest breast cancer trials, it has been revealed. Read more...
Weaker adults 'more likely to be hospitalised'
Posted: 31/07/2009
Adults who are older, have poor physical function, low muscle density and less strength are far more likely to be hospitalised than stronger people, a new study reveals. Read more...
Protein 'may predict onset of arthritis'
Posted: 31/07/2009
Experts have discovered a protein which may give an indication of a person's likelihood of developing osteoarthritis (OA). Read more...
Doses of TB drug 'need to be higher'
Posted: 31/07/2009
The doses of drugs used to treat tuberculosis (TB) need to be higher, according to a new investigation. Read more...
Experts uncork red wine health benefits
Posted: 31/07/2009
Healthcare specialists have made a discovery which casts some more light on the many health benefits of red wine. Read more...
Smokers 'reverting back to normal'
Posted: 31/07/2009
People who smoke are reverting back to previous years when less people quit the habit, according to a specialist. Read more...
Anti-smoking measure 'could be bettered'
Posted: 31/07/2009
The perils of smoking are constantly being plugged by healthcare authorities, with television and radio advertisements reinforcing the message that the habit can be seriously damaging. Read more...
Cervical cancer screening 'unlikely to benefit young'
Posted: 30/07/2009
Screening women under the age of 25 for cervical cancer is unlikely to be successful, according to a new study. Read more...
Reducing salt intake 'lowers blood pressure'
Posted: 30/07/2009
People can help to lower their blood pressure by eating less salt, a new study has found. Read more...
Organic food 'offers no nutritional benefit'
Posted: 30/07/2009
People with health insurance coverage who eat organic food may not be benefitting from any additional nutrition, a new study suggests. Read more...
Garlic 'good for the heart'
Posted: 30/07/2009
People who eat garlic may be able to protect their heart, according to a new study. Read more...
Diabetes gene 'may cause low birth weight'
Posted: 30/07/2009
A gene which is instrumental in the development of type 2 diabetes may also cause newborns to weigh less, experts have found. Read more...
Drinking tea 'a healthier option'
Posted: 30/07/2009
People looking to maintain their health when drinking at a cafe should consider ordering tea, a specialist has claimed. Read more...
Childhood bullying 'affects education'
Posted: 30/07/2009
Children who are bullied may also suffer in their schoolwork, according to an expert. Read more...
Sunbeds 'definitely cause cancer'
Posted: 29/07/2009
People who use sunbeds are creating a definite risk to their health, according to a healthcare authority. Read more...
Losing weight 'may help depressed people'
Posted: 29/07/2009
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered that achieving a slimmer physique may be a crucial step in the process of beating the mental illness. Read more...
Fatty foods 'alter the brain'
Posted: 29/07/2009
Eating food which is high in fat and sugar may actually alter the pattern of the brain, a new study suggests. Read more...
Diabetes sufferers 'must receive the best healthcare'
Posted: 29/07/2009
Diabetes sufferers must receive the best possible care once they have been diagnosed with the condition, according to one specialist. Read more...
Poor ageing society 'becoming a big problem'
Posted: 29/07/2009
The UK's underprivileged ageing society could become an even bigger problem is steps are not taken, a specialist claims. Read more...
High-calorie food 'causes a multitude of health risks'
Posted: 29/07/2009
People who have a high-calorie diet have a greater risk of developing many severe health problems, a specialist has pointed out. Read more...
People 'not thinking of calories in drinks'
Posted: 29/07/2009
Many people with health insurance coverage do not consider the number of calories contained in drinks, an expert asserts. Read more...
Vigorous exercise 'reduces cervical cancer risk'
Posted: 29/07/2009
Taking part in high-intensity exercise sessions may prevent the risk of developing cervical cancer, a new study has found. Read more...
Using the pill 'may increase breast cancer risk'
Posted: 28/07/2009
New research has revealed that women who take the contraceptive pill may have a greater chance of developing breast cancer. Read more...
Breast cancer mum's race to raise charity funds
Posted: 28/07/2009
A mother from Manchester who is battling breast cancer plans to take part in a charity run to raise funds to tackle the condition. Read more...
Gene expression 'could aid cancer treatment'
Posted: 28/07/2009
A telltale sign of cancer development could aid healthcare experts with treating the condition, according to a new study. Read more...
Genetic testing 'may help with colorectal cancer testing'
Posted: 28/07/2009
Genetic testing may be vital in helping to develop future treatments for those suffering from colorectal cancer, new research reveals. Read more...
Parks 'should be more exercise-friendly'
Posted: 28/07/2009
More needs to be done to ensure that parks and recreation grounds are adequate for people with health cover to exercise in, according to an expert. Read more...
Injection 'may reverse heart attack damage'
Posted: 26/07/2009
A new injection has been announced which may be able to reverse the damage when medical health insurance customers have a heart attack. Read more...
Swine flu pandemic 'may overwhelm authorities'
Posted: 26/07/2009
A larger outbreak of the swine flu pandemic may overwhelm some local authorities, according to one specialist. Read more...
Good nutrition 'important for eye health'
Posted: 26/07/2009
Eating well is the key to ensuring eyes remain in the best possible condition, a sector authority explains. Read more...
Mental health 'just as important as physical wellbeing'
Posted: 26/07/2009
Many people are not taking the condition of their mental wellbeing as seriously as their physical health, according to one specialist. Read more...
Child intelligence and pollution link 'not proven'
Posted: 24/07/2009
Suggestions that high levels of pollution may result in newborns being less intelligent than those born in cleaner areas have yet to be conclusively proven, according to one expert. Read more...
Underused typhoid vaccine 'highly effective'
Posted: 24/07/2009
Healthcare experts have discovered that an underused vaccine which is currently available to the public is highly effective in immunising youngsters. Read more...
Blood pressure drugs 'may prevent dementia'
Posted: 24/07/2009
Certain blood pressure drugs may be able to stop those with health cover from developing dementia, according to new research. Read more...
Fatty oils 'may stop blindness'
Posted: 24/07/2009
People with private healthcare insurance who have a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids may be able to prevent a form of blindness, a new study suggests. Read more...
Quarter of Spanish women take antidepressants
Posted: 24/07/2009
Almost quarter of women of Spanish descent take antidepressants, according to a new study. Read more...
Premature babies 'can suffer from disability'
Posted: 23/07/2009
Babies born well before their due date may have a greater risk of developing a range of disabilities, according to a healthcare expert. Read more...
AIDS prevention 'needs more focus'
Posted: 22/07/2009
More focus needs to be placed on the prevention of AIDS, according to a healthcare specialist. Read more...
Third of melanomas 'develop in existing mole'
Posted: 22/07/2009
People with moles may be at greater risk of developing skin cancer, as a third of melanomas develop in an existing blemish, a healthcare specialist states. Read more...
Older people 'need adequate healthcare'
Posted: 22/07/2009
Vulnerable older people need to be provided with adequate healthcare in order to ensure their wellbeing, according to a charity. Read more...
Working on holiday 'may manage stress'
Posted: 22/07/2009
Many people take work on holiday with them and attempt to conduct business from overseas as a way of managing stress, according to one expert. Read more...
Early arthritis treatment 'can nip it in the bud'
Posted: 22/07/2009
People experiencing the onset of arthritis can avoid suffering if the condition is identified early enough, according to a healthcare specialist. Read more...
Government alcohol campaign 'will need public cooperation'
Posted: 22/07/2009
A new campaign to reduce binge drinking in the UK will not be successful without additional help, a specialist asserts. Read more...
New HIV findings 'very disappointing'
Posted: 22/07/2009
The latest HIV statistics are being labelled as "disappointing" by a healthcare professional. Read more...
Pregnant women and parents 'should be extra hygienic'
Posted: 22/07/2009
Expectant mothers and parents are being warned that they should pay extra attention to hygiene in order to manage the risks associated with swine flu. Read more...
Many workers 'should be seeking medical attention'
Posted: 22/07/2009
Whereas many employees are engaging in absenteeism as diseases like swine flu continue to spread, many ill staff are going into work when they should be seeking healthcare, according to one professional. Read more...
New treatment 'may help nut allergy sufferers'
Posted: 22/07/2009
A new form of treatment which developers claim can desensitise sufferers of nut allergies is showing genuine promise, an expert states. Read more...
Specialists make breast cancer breakthrough
Posted: 21/07/2009
Healthcare specialists in Singapore have made a breakthrough which may give a clue to why breast cancer is so aggressive. Read more...
Joint pain 'may signal arthritis'
Posted: 21/07/2009
People who experience joint pain may be at risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, according to a healthcare specialist. Read more...
Breast cancer sufferer receives boost
Posted: 20/07/2009
The wife of top golfer Phil Mickelson has received a boost after being told that her breast cancer has not spread to her lymph nodes. Read more...
Women advised to check legs for cancer
Posted: 17/07/2009
Women should ensure they check their legs for melanomas as this is the most common area of the body that develops the dangerous cancer, it has been claimed. Read more...
UK 'should prevent obesity rather than cure it'
Posted: 17/07/2009
The UK should focus on preventing obesity rather than trying to help people who are already overweight, said one expert. Read more...
Thalidomide 'doubles blood clot risk in lung cancer patients'
Posted: 17/07/2009
Using thalidomide to treat lung cancer patients does not work and increases the chances of the person getting a blood clot, new research has found. Read more...
Low self esteem 'may prevent weight loss'
Posted: 17/07/2009
Many overweight people are not approaching their doctor due to low self confidence, with many people underestimating the psychological effect obesity has on them. Read more...
Are you more likely to get skin cancer?
Posted: 16/07/2009
Certain people are more likely to get skin cancer, which could lead to claims on health insurance, and this needs to be made clear to the public, one expert said. Read more...
Arthritis patients struggle to work
Posted: 16/07/2009
Many medical insurance holders who have rheumatoid arthritis have to leave their work due to the condition. Read more...
Swine flu figures jump with young worst affected
Posted: 16/07/2009
The number of people enquiring to health care experts about swine flu has jumped by 50 per cent in the past week. Read more...
Obese population feel discriminated at work
Posted: 16/07/2009
The rising obese population in the UK say they think they are discriminated against for their appearance. Read more...
Older 'at higher risk of swine flu complications'
Posted: 16/07/2009
Older people with swine flu are more likely to get complications than younger patients, according to a representative of the doctor membership body RCGP. Read more...
Majority of Brits back sunbed ban
Posted: 16/07/2009
Almost 90 per cent of UK people think those under the age of 18 should be banned from using sunbeds. Read more...
Accurate swine flu figures 'needed soon'
Posted: 15/07/2009
More accurate figures on the severity of swine flu have been called for by health care experts, as it is key to planning for the spread of the disease. Read more...
Pain during childbirth 'is a rite of passage'
Posted: 15/07/2009
Experiencing pain during childbirth may be beneficial to many mothers who currently opt to have pain killers, which may interest private medical insurance holders. Read more...
New drug treats brain and ovarian cancer in mice
Posted: 15/07/2009
A new drug has been developed which could revolutionise cancer treatments as it virtually eradicates tumours in mice. Read more...
Drinking among pensioners 'a growing problem'
Posted: 15/07/2009
The dawn of retirement is leading more people in the UK to take up drinking, with new research showing one in eight consume more alcohol during this time than they did before. Read more...
HRT users 'at higher risk of ovarian cancer'
Posted: 15/07/2009
New research has suggested women taking menopause medication are at a 38 per cent higher risk of getting ovarian cancer. Read more...
Heart disease risk 'could be linked to IQ'
Posted: 15/07/2009
People with a lower IQ are more likely to claim on their health insurance for heart disease problems, new research stated. Read more...
Arthritis patients 'not seeking health care experts' help'
Posted: 15/07/2009
Many people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis are not being diagnosed or treated rapidly enough, harming to their quality of life, a new study stated. Read more...
Smoking 'heightens MS risk'
Posted: 14/07/2009
Smoking may quicken the development of MS it has been revealed. Read more...
Older people 'at greatest risk of swine flu'
Posted: 14/07/2009
Older people contracting swine flu are at greater risk of developing complications, it has been stressed. Read more...
Regular drinking may reduce dementia risk
Posted: 14/07/2009
Older people who drink between eight and 14 alcoholic drinks per week may reduce their chance of getting dementia. Read more...
Rise in thyroid cancer 'not due to screening'
Posted: 14/07/2009
The rise in thyroid cancer cases being detected is not due to more widespread screening, one organisation has stated. Read more...
Hereditary obesity link identified
Posted: 13/07/2009
The likelihood that a child could become obese may be due to hereditary factors, it has been revealed. Read more...
Lifestyle changes 'can help tackle breast cancer'
Posted: 13/07/2009
As women get older the likelihood of their developing breast cancer increases, it has been stressed. Read more...
New radiotherapy hope for pancreatic cancer sufferers
Posted: 13/07/2009
A 62-year-old man suffering from pancreatic cancer has been given hope of long-term survival after being treated with an advanced form of radiotherapy. Read more...
Number of moles 'is the most important factor in melanoma risk'
Posted: 13/07/2009
Warnings that spending prolonged periods of time in the sun can lead to skin cancer have been overemphasised, scientists have claimed. Read more...
Insulin 'may raise breast cancer risk'
Posted: 10/07/2009
High levels of insulin in the blood may increase the chance of women developing breast cancer, new healthcare research suggests. Read more...
Experts: Fewer calories mean a longer life
Posted: 10/07/2009
People who consume less calories may go on to live a longer and healthier life, according to new research. Read more...
Breakthrough may give clue about Crohn's disease
Posted: 10/07/2009
Healthcare experts in Canada have made a breakthrough which may give an insight into the development of Crohn's disease. Read more...
Sweeteners 'may make you gain weight'
Posted: 10/07/2009
Artificial sweeteners may actually make people gain more weight, according to a healthcare specialist. Read more...
Mediterranean diet 'may prevent Alzheimer's'
Posted: 10/07/2009
People who follow a Mediterranean diet may have a lower chance of contracting Alzheimer's disease, according to an expert. Read more...
Fruit and veg 'reduces pregnancy problems'
Posted: 09/07/2009
Expectant mothers who eat lots of fruit and vegetables have a better chance of avoiding pregnancy problems, according to a new study, which may interest those with family health insurance. Read more...
Brain inflammation 'may cause Alzheimer's'
Posted: 09/07/2009
Inflammation in the brain caused by a protein may lead to the development of Alzheimer's, new research suggests, which may increase the need for medical insurance. Read more...
'Brain map' may reveal mental illness
Posted: 09/07/2009
Studying the 'map' of a person's brain prior to diagnosis may allow healthcare professionals to identify the early stages of mental illness, researchers claim. Read more...
Exercise 'one of the best painkillers for arthritis'
Posted: 09/07/2009
People with arthritis can help to ease the pain of the condition by doing regular exercise, according to a specialist. Read more...
Cancer 'strips people of their beauty'
Posted: 09/07/2009
The damage that being diagnosed with cancer inflicts on people is not only a healthcare issue, according to one expert. Read more...
Breast and ovarian cancer survival 'could depend on race'
Posted: 09/07/2009
Race could be a factor in breast and ovarian cancer survival rates, according to new research. Read more...
Trial results bolster support for prostate cancer drug
Posted: 08/07/2009
The results of a new trial have cleared up the controversy over a drug used to treat prostate cancer sufferers, which may interest health insurance customers. Read more...
Free cancer mole checks scrapped
Posted: 08/07/2009
Healthcare experts at a conference have been told not to provide free mole checks which could potentially identify cancer. Read more...
Travelling abroad 'may be a health risk'
Posted: 08/07/2009
Many people who travel abroad feel they are invincible and immune to accidents, according to a specialist. Read more...
'Groundbreaking' study identifies brain tumour risk
Posted: 08/07/2009
A new study has identified that five main genes in the human body are responsible for causing the most common type of brain tumour, glioma. Read more...
Breakthrough discovery 'may prevent vascular diseases'
Posted: 08/07/2009
Healthcare specialists in the US have made a breakthrough which they believe may help with the treatment of vascular diseases. Read more...
Breast cancer mum wins the lottery
Posted: 08/07/2009
A woman who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer has expressed her joy at scooping the jackpot on the National Lottery. Read more...
Obesity in children 'needs to be tackled aggressively'
Posted: 07/07/2009
An aggressive policy needs to be drawn up to tackle the problem of childhood obesity, according to a sector expert. Read more...
Antenatal classes 'are important for multiple births'
Posted: 07/07/2009
Antenatal classes are very important for women expecting multiple births, according to a specialist, which may interest family health insurance customers. Read more...
Women 'should exercise on the way to work'
Posted: 07/07/2009
Women who do not have chance to exercise should consider adopting it into their daily routine, according to a healthcare expert. Read more...
Oil tanners 'risking serious harm'
Posted: 06/07/2009
People searching for a perfect tan by using oils may be risking their health, according to an expert. Read more...
Coffee 'may prevent dementia'
Posted: 06/07/2009
Coffee and tea drinkers may have a reduced chance of developing dementia, new research suggests. Read more...
Certain environments 'may cause Parkinson's and diabetes'
Posted: 06/07/2009
People living in certain environments may be more at risk of contracting disease including diabetes, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, according to new research. Read more...
Scientists make brain tumour discovery
Posted: 06/07/2009
Healthcare experts in the US have made a key discovery regarding one of the deadliest forms of brain tumour. Read more...
Many people 'may be sleep deprived'
Posted: 06/07/2009
Many people may be classed as sleep deprived and not be aware of the fact, according to an expert. Read more...
Gabby and Linda become ironwomen for breast cancer race
Posted: 06/07/2009
TV presenters Gabby Logan and Linda Barker have competed in an ironman race in order to raise money for a breast cancer charity. Read more...
New therapy 'may stop leukaemia'
Posted: 03/07/2009
Researchers have developed a new type of therapy which may be able to kill blood cancer cells. Read more...
Cancer 'linked to evolution'
Posted: 03/07/2009
Specialists have discovered that cancer may be linked to human evolution, which may boost the need for health insurance. Read more...
Overweight children 'are lonelier'
Posted: 03/07/2009
New research reveals that children who are overweight are more likely to be lonely, which may boost the need for family health insurance. Read more...
Dementia sufferers 'attract less attention'
Posted: 03/07/2009
People suffering from dementia attract less attention from healthcare professionals than those with other diseases, according to a specialist. Read more...
Foods 'do not cause cancer'
Posted: 03/07/2009
Foods 'do not cause cancer' Read more...
Coeliac disease 'four times more common'
Posted: 02/07/2009
There are four times as many people being diagnosed with coeliac disease than in the 1950s, according to the latest research. Read more...
One in five alcohol deaths 'related to cancer'
Posted: 02/07/2009
Over one in five alcohol-related deaths are because excessive drinking has caused the person to develop cancer, according to a healthcare professional. Read more...
Organic food 'a healthcare solution'
Posted: 02/07/2009
Eating organic food may prove a healthcare solution for many individuals, according to an expert. Read more...
Folic acid 'good for expectant mothers'
Posted: 02/07/2009
Pregnant women should ensure they get enough folic acid as a healthcare precaution, according to a sector specialist. Read more...
Depression 'has many solutions'
Posted: 02/07/2009
People suffering from depression have several possible courses of treatment, according to a healthcare expert. Read more...
Metabolic syndrome 'increases breast cancer risk'
Posted: 02/07/2009
Women suffering from metabolic syndrome may have an increased risk of developing cancer, new research reveals. Read more...
Public back anti-smoking healthcare initiative
Posted: 01/07/2009
A new healthcare poll reveals that the majority of British adults back plans to protect the public from the effects of tobacco. Read more...
Vegetarians 'less likely to get cancer'
Posted: 01/07/2009
Vegetarians are less likely to develop cancer than those who eat meat, according to new research. Read more...
