Here’s some interesting news from the world of health and medicine:
* “Swine Flu” Vaccine Coming Sooner than Expected. Finally, some good news on the H1N1 “Swine Flu” front. First, as we reported last week, studies now show that a single dose of the newly developed H1N1 vaccine appears to be sufficient to provide protection for most adults. This means people will achieve immunity faster, and there will be more vaccine to go around. Second, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has announced that the first batch of vaccine should be available in the U.S. as early as the first week of October, instead of late in the month as previously predicted. Finally, based on reports of recent outbreaks, H1N1 does not appear to be particularly potent—most of those infected have their symptoms abate within just a few days. But who wants to be sick for even a day? Make plans to get your Swine Flu shot as soon as it becomes available.
* Health Experts Back Soda Tax. Writing in the October 15 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine (and online at www.nejm.org), seven of America’s top public health and economics experts come out four-square in favor of taxing sugared soft drinks as a way to combat obesity, heart disease, diabetes and other weight-related diseases. The experts say that even a one-cent tax on sugared soda could raise about $150 billion over 10 years, money that could be put toward both prevention and treatment of weight-related illnesses. Currently, several states are considering taxing soft drinks as well as high-fat fast food purchases.
* Showering with Germs? Your showerhead may be spraying you with more than just good old H20. According to a study conducted by the University of Colorado at Boulder, approximately 30% of showerheads in the U.S. harbor significant levels of a potential deadly bacteria associated with lung disease in people with weakened immune systems. Most healthy people have little to fear from this bug (M avium), but if you think you might be at risk, the scientists suggest switching from plastic to metal showerheads (if you don’t already have one). Apparently metal showerheads are less attractive to the germs—although some concentrations are likely to still be found in them.
* Can’t Stop Eating High-Fat Goodies? It’s Not Your Fault. Palmitic acid, a fat found in ice cream, red meat and many other “unhealthy” foods, appears to serve as an appetite enhancer, according to research recently conducted at the UT Southwestern Medical Center. The fat appears to alter brain chemistry in such a way as to suppress the production of other chemicals, particularly insulin and leptin, that let you know when you’re “full.” In other words, when eating fatty foods, you need to consciously limit your portions even if you don’t actually “feel” satisfied as a result. You’ll likely stay thinner—and live longer.
* Same-Sex Behavior Seen in Nearly All Species. Is same-sex behavior “unnatural”? Not according to researchers at the UC Riverside Department of Biology. There, biologists have studied same-sex behavior in a wide variety of animals, from dolphins to fruit flies. Although the biological mechanism behind such behavior appears to vary from species to species, it appears to be driven by a combination of genetic and environmental components. In particular, same-sex behavior appears to increase in some species to facilitate group bonding, promote child-rearing or as a response to group stress. For example, food shortage can trigger an increase in same-sex couplings, thus reducing group reproductive rates and the demand on limited foodstuffs.
* Take Two Downloads and Call Me in the Morning. Listening to music can be good for the heart, according to research out of the University of Berlgrade in Serbia. A long-term study involving 370 participants from various age groups revealed that listening to music for 12 minutes twice a day led to reduced blood pressure, heart rate and patient anxiety. This resulted in significantly less angina and heart failure. Perhaps health insurance should cover iTunes.
Professional Medical Assisting Training 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 contact Everest today!
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