Is it just me or does it seem like everyone is sick at the moment? I went to a kids party on the weekend and I swear every kid had a hacking cough and runny nose, as did most of the parents. Dull.
There was some research that came out last month declaring that women had stronger immune systems than men. More on that after the jump. But what the research didn't explain, is why women complain less about being sick. I've always said it baffles me how women get colds and men get MAN-FLU!
I posted this last winter but it's worth revisiting and sending to every sick man and poor-woman-living-with-a-sick-man that you know. Lord knows they need a laugh.
The study out of Canada focused on the hormone estrogen. Infectious
disease specialist Dr. Andrew Glyptis of St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital
explains the hormone blocks an enzyme that weakens the body's ability
to fight infection.
"Male hormones tend to repress the inflammatory response and whereas
estrogen tends to enhance the inflammatory response — the inflammatory
response is needed to help fight infection," said Glyptis.
Estrogen is sometimes mistakenly referred to as an exclusive female
hormone. In fact, both men and women produce it. But pre-menopausal
women have far greater levels than men, WCBS-TV reported.
The researchers believe women may have evolved a more robust immune
system because of their key role in producing and nurturing the young.
"Now we know biologically women have a slight edge to being able to fight off infection compared to men," Glyptis said.
"Women can take the pain because they give birth, guys don't give
birth, they don't have to take the pain so guys can be wusses," said
Erin Rashbaum, West Village resident.
Further research is underway, and if the theory holds up it raises the
possibility of boosting the human immune system through genetic
manipulation or hormone treatments.
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Top Comments
Props Tara - I've been on holidays !!
Thad - yes, I agree with Tim's assessment of Sarah Palin - the fact that she's a woman means nothing to me.
BTW : all of the other definitions you offered up for conservative - mean pretty much the same thing.
Thad, you do your research mate.
Everything I said about Palin are terms she used to describe herself.
Experience is nothing in politics if you don't have the brains, drive and initiative to make things happen.
It was time for change in the US and it was time for change in Australia. What do you mean if it ain't broke don't fix it? It was plenty broke cowboy, even more broken than your English.
Conservatives aren't my type, that's for sure. Be they religious, political, economic, etc.