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December 12


Now some stories making health news ... Get out the tape measure, guys. If your waist is 36 inches or more, you're at increased risk of developing heart disease. Scientists at Laval University say high concentrations of triglyceride fats in the waist can lead to heart attack, even though these men may not look unhealthy or obese. They're recommending that physicians who have male patients with a waistline that exceeds 36 inches, give them a simple blood test to look at their triglyceride levels. Diet and exercise can get rid of the bellyfat, and lower the risk of heart disease.

 

How many cigarettes does it take to become addicted? Not many, according to new research. Some 12 and 13-year olds in a Massachusetts study showed evidence of addiction within days of their first cigarette. Their symptoms included cravings, needing to smoke more to get the same buzz, withdrawal when not smoking, and loss of control over the number of cigarettes smoked in a day. Not every kid in the study became hooked, lending more credibility to the idea that some people are genetically susceptible to addiction.
It's not approved yet, but there is a new vaccine that protects against genital herpes. The catch is that it only works in women and only if they've never had cold sores. This is the first time a vaccine has been shown to work in one sex but not the other. Still, doctors are pleased to have a vaccine that offers even partial protection against a chronic disease. It's assumed the vaccine will eventually be given to adolescent girls and would reduce the spread of genital herpes for both sexes, since men would come in contact with fewer infected females. Why does the vaccine only work in women? That's unclear, but scientists say it probably has something to do with the differences in sexual anatomy.

 

 

 


 
 
 

© TVOntario, 2003

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This website contains general information on the stories featured on Your Health. Although it’s our goal to provide comprehensive information on health and medical issues, please be advised that we cannot provide individual medical advice on specific health problems.
  


© TVOntario, 2000