Unbelievable

So what are we supposed to do, hope for the economy to fall apart? Judging from this report, my cardiology friends are going to be very busy. Leave it to Reuters to find the downside of a booming economy.

 

The risk of a fatal heart attack rises when the U.S. economy strengthens and increases further if macroeconomic conditions remain robust over the next several years, according to a study published last month.

The death rate rises in the year the economy expands and grows further if the lower rate of joblessness is maintained, Christopher Ruhm wrote in his study.

A 1 percentage point drop in unemployment is estimated to raise mortality by 1.3 percent or 2,515 additional deaths per year from heart attacks, the study showed. The mortality rate is similar for males and females.

The 20-44 age group is at a relatively higher risk than older persons, especially if the economic upturn is sustained.

Ruhm, an economics professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, used the example of a six-month stint working in another city for what that individual sees as a great opportunity.

“During that period of time chances are you are working so much you are not exercising, haven’t had a chance to join a gym, you’re eating out a lot, maybe smoking more,” Ruhm said by phone from North Carolina.

“When the economy heats up, people often end up working more overtime,” Ruhm said, adding they might let other parts of their life go by the wayside for a while including health.

Gee, I’d think being out of work would be far worse for your health than working hard, but what do I know?

This entry was posted on Friday, April 7th, 2006 at 7:37 am and is filed under Vox Populi. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. | 19 views | Trackback | Print this page |

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