Reducing Cardiovascular Risk During Childhood

Exposure to germs, pathogens during infancy may reduce cardiovascular inflammation in adulthood.
The Chicago Tribune (3/24, Channick) reports, "Analyzing data collected from thousands of children over two decades in the Philippines, researchers have concluded that a healthy dose of germs and pathogens during infancy reduced cardiovascular inflammation in adulthood -- a precursor to heart attacks and strokes." The study's co-author said, "I hope this research will promote some thinking about the potential cost of a zealous public health effort to promote hand washing and hand sanitizer use." The Tribune notes that "with the advent of H1N1 last spring, the CDC urged the use of hand sanitizers and frequent hand washing to curb the potentially dangerous virus."