More Americans are becoming diabetic, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Within a decade the number rose to 9.1 diabetic per 1,000 adults in 2005-2007 from 4.8 per 1,000 in 1995-1997 in 33 states. That is equivalent to a 90 percent growth, according to the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

With a large number of children waiting for heart transplants, researchers have now developed miniature pumps known as ventricular assist devices to help them bridge the gap to transplantation.

The device, which has been successfully used in children younger than 5, takes over for a damaged heart and helps keep the patient alive as they wait for a long time until a donated organ is available, a study found

While Medicare has assured there will be no rise in premiums in 2009 for majority of its elderly and disabled members, a study by Hewitt Associates projects a 9 percent rise in premium and out-of-pocket expenses for individual workers.

For companies, the cost of a health insurance policy will rise to 6.4 percent, which will hike the yearly bill to $8,863. For individuals, the premium is forecast to go up to $3,826 per annum. Meanwhile, Medicare contributions for seniors and disabled will be fixed at $96.40 for 2009

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Liberal Party leader Stephane Dion courted Canadian voters Monday by offering financial incentives. Harper, leader of the Conservative Party, offered first time homeowners a $5,000 tax credit, while Dion proposed a $900 million fund over four years to help cover the medication cost of Canadians suffering from chronic ailments.

The $5,000 tax credit could be used to settle land transfer taxes, inspection fees, appraisal fees and legal fees which typically adds 1.5 to 4 percent of the final purchase price

A large number of American parents are showing interest in adopting HIV positive children from Ethiopia, figures from an international adoption agency shows.

The parents who opt to adopt for HIV positive orphans say they are driven by a desire for social change and confidence that handling the deadly disease is more manageable than it was few years ago