European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - January 16, 1990, Darmstadt, Hesse Tuesday january 16, 1990 the stars and stripes Page 9 almost 2 million 20-year-Olds officially became adults monday during Japan s National coming of Are holi Day. At ceremonies held throughout the country women and men take part in a variety of separate rituals of adulthood activities ranging from Archer contests left to ancient rituals right during which they Are dressed in traditional costumes. In Tokyo women in Pink and Gold Kimonos and men in Western suits dotted the City s streets recalling an old custom in which Young people were granted new sets of clothes on reaching maturity. As adults they Are of age to drink smoke and vote. High cholesterol found in Over half of women 55-75 san Antonio a More than half of Ameri can women age 55 to 74 have elevated cholesterol Levels that pose a major risk of heart attack the american heart association says. In the annual update of its statistics the heart association said sunday that by age 55. Women arc As Likely As men to develop High blood pressure. By age 65, women have a higher risk than men. The most recent figures show that heart disease and strokes killed 976.706 americans in 1987. Almost As Many As died from All other causes combined. That amounts to one death from heart disease every 32 seconds. Cancer by comparison killed 477,190. The statistics were released at the opening of the heart association s annual science writers forum at which scientists report on recent research. This year s report focuses on the risks of heart Dis ease in women. The tally shows that More than half of All women age 55 to 74 have blood cholesterol Levels above 240, the level at which heart disease risk in creases substantially. Only one third of men in hat age group have cholesterol Levels Over 240, the heart association said. Men remain More Likely than women Overall to have heart attacks. But women have a much higher rate of strokes which occur when cholesterol plugs an artery supplying blood to the brain. Cigarette smoking seems to pose a greater risk for women than for men the figures show. For example a 55-year-old woman who smokes is in More danger of a heart attack than a 55-year-old Man who smokes. A 55-year-old woman who smokes and a High blood pressure and elevated cholesterol has a lie third higher risk of heart attack than a 55-year-old Man with the same three risk factors. The heart association estimates that heart disease costs the United Stales $9-1.5 billion a ear in medical expenses and lost productivity. The Good news is that heart disease continues its gradual decline. In 1950. The death rate from heart disease was 226 for every 100000 people. By 1186. It had fallen to 129 per 100,000 people. Nevertheless an estimated 67 million americans or one in every four have some potentially harmful form of heart or blood vessel disease. Heart attacks will strike about 1.5 million Ameri cans this year and some 500.000 will suffer from strokes the heart association said. Child vaccine victims compensated under new system of no lawsuits Washington a families whose children died or showed injuries after being vaccinated for whoop ing cough and other diseases can seek restitution without litigation under a claims system that already has awarded victims $22 million Federal officials say. The system administered by the . Claims court provides families an alternative to time consuming sometimes fruitless lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies and doctors. The compensation program is designed to be fast flexible and efficient while protecting the family s right to a fair and impartial decision said Gary Gorkic Wicz who oversees a staff of specially appointed claims court lawyers handling vaccine cases. Created by inc National childhood vaccine injury act of 1986. The program also covers injuries linked to vaccines for measles mumps rubella and polio. I he system is financed by congressional appropriations and an excise tax on the Sale of vaccines. The claims court awarded $1 million to Joshua sch Raeder who experienced seizures after being Given two shots of a childhood vaccine for diphtheria tetanus and pertussis whooping cough. Joshua now 12, is developmentally retarded. I think this compensation system is better than trying tonight the doctors or trying to fight the drug manufacturers said Brenda Meland Joshua s Mother. The Money does change him but it sure helps us help Meland s son suffered convulsions within hours of receiving opt shots. She suspected the vaccine As the cause but decided not to file a lawsuit. Insurance covered most of Joshua s medical costs and Meland said she did t want to get in front of lawyers for drug companies and doctors who would be question ing us making us feel like it was our fault As hey searched for other possible causes for the boy s a Roble us. Some 57.000 . Children receive Dpt Vacc nes each week. Most children receive four Dpt shots be fore age 2. Vaccination against Dpt is required by stale Laws for admission to school. Some children experience pain swelling and High fever after being Given the injections. Severe react on include seizures. Leaders of the american a adorm of paediatrics arc recommending that the Academy adopt a policy statement saying there is no proof that Dpt causes severe neurologic disease or death. Under the compensation system a Mirin tin i in
