Here are some of the latest developments in the world of medicine:
• Swine Flu Now Nationwide. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that the H1N1 “Swine Flu” virus has now been reported in all 50 states. The good news is that the virus has been fairly benign, with only a handful of deaths related to the disease reported. Even so, scientists around the world are racing to develop a vaccine in time for next year’s flu season, during which H1N1 may reemerge in a more powerful, mutated form. Many experts believe a vaccine may, in fact, be ready by next fall.
• High Protein Diets Can Lower Male Fertility. A study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility suggests a link between a diet high in protein/fat and low reproductive capacity in semen. Researchers at two British infertility centers found that men who eat large amounts of meat and full-fat dairy products have lower seminal quality than men of the same age who eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. The key factor, the researchers believe, is antioxidants, vitamins plentiful in fruits and veggies but missing in meats and dairy products. Curiously, vitamin supplements had no apparent impact on the results; the antioxidants had to be natural to boost male fertility.
• “Would You Like Diabetes with That?” The consumer watchdog group Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has awarded its 2009 Xtreme Eating Awards to the Cheesecake Factory, Olive Garden, Applebees and other mid-priced chain restaurants it credits for making large segments of the American public fatter and sicker. While a heart-healthy diet should contain only 2,000 calories, 20 grams of saturated fat and 1,500 mg of sodium per day, dishes served at many of these restaurants reportedly go well beyond these standards in just a single meal. For example, the Cheesecake Factory’s fried macaroni and cheese contains 1,570 calories and 69 grams of fat – the equivalent of eating an entire stick of butter. Time to order the salad—with fat-free dressing….
• Insomniac Fruit Flies Could Lead to Treatment for Sleep Disorders. Researchers at St. Louis’ Washington University School of Medicine have used selective breeding to create a strain of fruit flies that naturally suffer from debilitating sleep disorders. The flies, which sleep only a little more than an hour per night—as opposed to the 12 hours per night enjoyed by normal fruit flies—exhibit many of the symptoms common to human insomniacs, including poor balance, weak learning skills and increased body fat production. The researchers hope that, by studying the flies’ biology, they can develop cures to the often complex problems associated with sleep deprivation.
Professional Medical Assisting Programs at Everest College
Interested in a career in the fast-growing and exciting health care field? Programs that help you qualify for a variety of entry-level positions are available now at Everest College. For more information, please visit www.everest.edu.
