Reuters Headline (Via Yahoo): Strong US economy generates more heart attacks?

For a couple of years I've been parodizing MSM headlines spinning the economy into something bad.

I guess today's parody becomes tomorrow's headline for the MSM:

If a high-fat cholesterol-laden snack doesn't trigger a heart attack, then a healthy economy just might. 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.

So, I guess my parody wasn't such a parody at all.

Thanks to James.

posted by Ace at 01:17 PM

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