Black Patients & Amputations; Fat, Not Fit; Chocolate Pregnancy | Medical Watch | WGNTV.com | WGN TV

Black Patients & Amputations; Fat, Not Fit; Chocolate Pregnancy

Monday, April 28

In tonight's Medical Watch -- black patients lose limbs more often than white patients.

Black Patients & Amputations
Doctors say it is a sad sign of the racial disparity in healthcare. Diabetics often have decreased blood flow to the feet which can require amputation. Those who get good primary care treatment often avoid the need for limb removal. The Journal of Vascular Surgery reports in Chicago, amputations increased for black patients to 63 per 100,000. The need for amputation decreased for white patients to 12 per 100,000.

Fat, Not Fit
A new report by Harvard researchers say women can't be fat and fit. Previous research suggested physical activity can eliminate heart risk even for those who are overweight. But a new study of nearly 40,000 women finds the risk for heart disease was 54% higher for overweight active women. A woman is considered active if she exercises a half hour every day.

Chocolate Pregnancy
If you crave chocolate when you're pregnant ... it may be your body's way to help you stay healthy. Yale scientists say chocolate can ward off a serious pregnancy complication called pre-eclampsia ... that's when blood pressure spikes. Dark chocolate is the best containing even more of the chemical theobromine which stimulates the heart, relaxes smooth muscle and dilates blood vessels ... all helping lower blood pressure.