Posts Tagged ‘Health Risks’
New uses for fat cells – stem cell research, breast augmentation
Stem cell research has always been a controversial subject, especially in the US. One of the big reasons is the use of aborted fetuses for these purposes. And abortion is a touchy issue. Obesity is also a touchy issue, but in a different way. Whereas, there are personal, religious, emotive forces behind the pros and cons of abortion, no one would ever argue that obesity is a good thing. However, those who are obese may feel some powerful negative connotations that are degrading.
Given that, it might be good news to these people that scientists have found that they can create stem cell lines more efficiently with adipose tissues. Since one-third of Americans are classified as overweight or obese, scientists will have more than adequate resources from which to make stem cells. Should further research reveal that these adipose tissues can be harvested from people and be used towards research and development of cures for numerous medical diseases, then the negative connotations may be turned into something more positive.
Obese people who donate their fat cells may be hailed as heroes to those suffering from chronic medical problems who are awaiting cures. Furthermore, the donation of those cells may help them lose some of their weight, thereby reducing their health risks. It seems to be a win-win situation for all if it develops that future stem cell research will be focused on using adipose tissue.
In other news, scientists are looking at using women’s own fat tissue from various body parts to be used in breast augmentation. Sounds like it would be a lot safer than saline/silicone alternatives. Not only that, it can help reshape a woman’s figure. Though I am no advocate for breast augmentation, I think the idea is a good one. I’d prefer it if my body could redistribute the fat that way naturally.
Chinese encouraged to smoke
What do you think about these Chinese officials being forced to smoke? Apparently, a council in China has decided that in order to increase revenues from tax on tobacco, all officials and civil servants are encouraged to smoke. Not just any cigarettes, though. It has to be a locally-produced brand. Those who do not smoke or smoke the wrong brand risked fines as well as removal from office.
Now, the story has led to criticism and the government has decided to rescind this edict, but they have not commented on it further. Millions of Chinese die each year from smoking-related illness, yet half of all male doctors there still smoke. There is still much ignorance about the health risks and The Healthy Blogger can only assume it was part of a government plot. But said government had made a U-turn in recent times and had even imposed a ban on smoking in public buildings. That was before the Olympic Games – what they will do for the future remains to be seen.
