Health Check Shingles vaccine lowers risk of heart disease
May 7, 2025
In this discussion, family doctor Anne Robinson highlights groundbreaking findings on the shingles vaccine, showing a 23% reduced risk of heart disease and stroke. The conversation dives into the unexpected benefits of the vaccine, linking it to better heart health. Robinson also explores the challenges in eradicating schistosomiasis, a major public health issue. Additionally, she touches on significant advancements in prostate cancer treatments and a quirky study revealing that kissing poses minimal risk for those with celiac disease. It's an enlightening mix of health insights!
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Get Vaccinated Against Shingles
- Despite uncertain additional benefits, getting the shingles vaccine is worthwhile because shingles is a nasty disease itself.
- The vaccine is safe, effective, and relatively inexpensive, making prevention advisable.
Schistosomiasis Causes Major Health Burden
- Schistosomiasis infects up to 250 million people, causing severe long-term health damage, especially in African children and adults.
- It spreads via parasitic worms in freshwater with infected snails, leading to anemia, developmental delays, kidney and reproductive problems.
Challenges in Schistosomiasis Control
- The anti-parasitic drug Praziquantil effectively kills adult schistosome worms but needs annual administration for years.
- Continuous exposure, poor sanitation, and water contact mean treatment alone cannot eliminate infection risk.