Health article

Drug users help boost virus hope

• Notes

- Identify two "Achilles' heels" in the hepatitis C virus.
- Attack a virus that has infected more than 200,000 Australians and up to 170 million people worldwide.
- Promote protective neutralising antibodies.
- Tease out the weak points.

• Summary

        Four injecting drug users have helped Australian researchers identify two "Achill' heels" in the hepatitis C virus. It boost chances of an effective vaccine.Team leader Andrew Lloyd said that scientists can work to help the immune system attack a virus that has  infected more than 200,000 Australian and up to 170 million people worldwide. It's may take at least a decade but they may be able to map out these Achilles' heels and build those characteristics to promote protective neutralising antibodies. They also are able to tease out the weak points because they had blood samples collected weeks after infections.

• Personal Reflection

      I think that is a good news for people that have serious diseases of the liver in the hepatitis C virus. They will have more chances to treat this diseases if scientists find out an effective vaccine.

Obesity

What is obesity?

    Obesity is a disease of overweigh people. It causes health problems and can lead to social problems.

What are the reasons for obesity in children?

    - Unhealthy food choices.
    - Lack of physical activity.
    - Family eating habits.

Is obesity only a national problem?

    No, it isn't.

What do statistics show?

     It is predicted that 65 per cent of young Australians will be overweight or obese by 2020.

What is making the obesity problem worse?

    There have been somes major changes that have led to people either eating more or less active in society such as: the cost of food has gone down, marketting of energy-dense foods and drinks has increased andthe use of cars has increase.

Does obesity have an impact on children's health?

    Yes, it does.

If yes, explain how?

Overweight or obese children are more likely to remain obese as adolescents and become overweight or obese adults. About 80 per cent of obese adolescents will become obese adults.

What are the other impacts caused by obesity in children?

   Children who are obese tend to become obese adults.

What is the treatment?

- Have a healthy food choices.
- Do regular exercises.
- Changing lifestyle and dietary.