Welcome to our recap of this week's healthcare technology developments from the Health Techzone. Let's pour ourselves a hot cocoa, sit back and discuss the big developments of the week.
As if we didn't already know, the healthcare world revealed this week that nothing is good about trans fats. The FDA has finally established the groundwork for outlawing trans fats from our food supply. These hydrogenated oils are found in many packaged foods and in any other food that's designed to defy the laws of natural decomposition and remain in your cabinet without rotting for years at a time.
These insidious lipids increase the risk of heart disease, and they've been shown to raise "bad" cholesterol, or LDL, and lower "good cholesterol," or HDL. According to a Nurse's Health Study, women who consume trans fat have a 50 percent higher risk of heart attack. In addition to upsetting the cholesterol balance, trans fats can raise blood lipoproteins and triglycerides. And if that isn't bad enough, some researchers have found that trans fats can increase a person's risk for diabetes.
Guess what else is bad for you? Insomnia and stress. Unfortunately, if you already have a health condition, sleeplessness and anxiety can only make the problem worse. According to a survey from PatientsLikeMe, 32 percent of workers report that sleep problems impact their daily functioning. Additionally, 41 percent say that daytime sluggishness causes them to complete tasks more slowly, and 12 percent say that sleeplessness has caused them to miss important work commitments.
If you're dealing with a health problem, then the new Google Helpouts may lead you to the answers that you need. Google plans to combine recognized experts, Google Hangouts, Google Wallet and Google identity tools to connect users to information from thought leaders through video chat. While Helpouts may offer information that's as vital as answering the question "What color eyeliner is best for me?" they may also become a solution for telemedicine if Google can find enough participating experts.
Thankfully, HealthTechZone's Health Techzone provides the answers that you need without added health hazards. Join us every week to discuss the latest revelations from the world of healthcare technology.
