Job loss leads to new health problems

As the world struggles with its worst economic crisis and more jobs are being shed by the day, a new study finds job loss causes health problems. According to the study published in Demography, job loss may trigger serious physical and physiological problems. Individuals who have lost their jobs are 83 percent more likely to develop new health problems. This is while individuals who lose their income as a result of job cuts are twice more likely to suffer from health problems. Compared to white-collar workers, blue-collar ones are at a doubled risk of facing physical and mental problems in the event of job loss; the stress and anxiety of sudden income loss is believed to be responsible for the greater health impact on these individuals. Such problems are also reported among those who were re-employed within a year and half of losing their first job. "They shouldn't have had the most severe experiences of unemployment and income loss, and still we see them having new health issues," stressed lead researcher Kate Strully, indicating that factors other than income loss play a critical role in causing such conditions. High blood pressure, arthritis and cardiovascular diseases were reported as the most common complaints among these individuals. Scientists concluded that the anxiety caused by income loss, job cuts and loss of medical insurances along with the higher obesity risk secondary to eating cheaper meals are responsible for the increase in health problems.

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Brain stimulation can treat major depression

Electrical stimulation of a particular brain region is reported to be an effective cure for major depression non-responsive to other treatments. Major depression is a serious medical illness and the leading cause of disability in many countries. Unlike the normal feeling of sadness, major depression is persistent and interferes with an individual's thoughts, behavior, mood, activity, and physical health. Previous studies had linked the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of the brain to the development of major depression. According to the study presented at the annual meeting of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, targeting this region via an implanted cortical stimulator can lessen the symptoms of severe and medically refractory major depression. Scientists concluded that deep brain and cortical stimulation are alternative methods for treating major depression.

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One autistic child out of ten may recover

While many believe autism has no cure, a new study finds out of every ten autistic child one can lead a normal life after years of behavioral therapy. According to a study recently presented at an autism conference in Chicago, 10 percent of the children diagnosed with autism test normal on neuropsychological, verbal and nonverbal exams after a few years of treatment.While no relapse has been reported in such children, other disorders including attention-deficit problems, tics and phobias are commonly identified in three-fourths of these kids. Scientists say the parents of autistic children should pursue strategies that could help the recovery of their child, but should keep in mind that recovery is 'not a realistic expectation for the majority of kids.'

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FDA permits Tamiflu use for swine flu

The Food and Drug Administration authorizes the emergency use of certain antiviral drugs to control the global outbreak of swine flu. In the report released late Monday, the FDA has permitted the use of unapproved or uncleared antiviral products following a declaration of an emergency state. The FDA therefore allowed public health and medical personnel to prescribe Relenza (zanamivir) and Tamiflu (oseltamivir), which have not been approved for swine flu, to control the widespread outbreak. Tamiflu, originally approved for adults and children aged 1 and older, can now be used in children under 1. Physicians can also change the recommended dosage for children older than 1 under the emergency use authorization. The rRT-PCR Swine Flu Panel diagnostic test is also authorized for testing samples from individuals with certain flu infections particularly those whose virus subtypes cannot be identified with available tests. According to the latest report released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 64 confirmed cases of swine flu have been found in five US states.

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Fatty foods help boost memory

While countless individuals in the world suffer from dementia, a new study finds eating fat-rich foods can help overcome the condition. High levels of oleoylethanolamide (OEA) found in dietary fats can effectively control the appetite and lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, raising hopes that these agents could be used in treating obesity and other eating disorders. The study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has reported memory-boosting properties for these compounds. According to the study, taking OEA compounds improved memory in the studied mice, helping them run in a maze and avoid unpleasant experiences. Blocking OEA, on the other hand, was associated with a poor performance in these tasks. "By helping mammals remember where and when they have eaten a fatty meal, OEA's memory-enhancing activity seems to have been an important evolutionary tool for early humans and other animals," said Daniele Piomelli the leader of the research team. OEA activates certain signals in the amygdala - the part of the brain involved with memories of emotional events. These hunger-curbing messages increase the feelings of satiation while triggering the release of a hormone which leads to long-term memory formation. Scientists concluded that fatty foods can help in the formation of long-term memories; they however warned that adopting a healthy balanced diet is still the best way to reduce the risk of dementia.

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