A study where a group of 201 African-Americans with narrowing of the arteries were told to take up lifestyle changes or transcendental meditation twice a day for 20 minutes “significantly” reduced heart disease, the BBC reports. The story is based on findings reported at a five-day scientific meeting of the American Heart Association where the latest heart research is being presented.Among other findings reported Monday 16 November: biotech soybeans may prove to be a good alternative to fish oil as a source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and from another study, a telephone-based collaborative care programme speeds recovery and  helps coronary bypass patients avoid depression.

Links to other sites: AHA and AHA Science News congress, BBC,

Title: Buddhist chanting and meditation
Location: Geneva
Link out: Click here
Description: At the Geneva Buddhist Conference Center each Sunday for one and a half hours.
Start Date: 04 Jan 2009
End Date: 01 Feb 2009

Title: Cancer association meeting in Geneva
Location: Geneva
Link out: Click here
Description: The English-speaking cancer association holds a free, Christmas social, included a lecture by clinical psychologist, Thea Marais, on meditation.
Date: 03 Dec 2008