I had no idea, until I read in The Globe and Mail today that the primary reason was syphilis. My first thought was “that seems reasonable”, but then I thought back and tried to remember if Paul and I had one before we got married. I couldn’t recall, so I asked him – apparently, we didn’t.

“Now, very few states still require a blood test,” she writes. “This testing has been phased out because syphilis was considered virtually eradicated.” It was also thought to be a burden on taxpayers because the screening targeted people in generally monogamous relationships, a low-risk group.

Image: stock.xchng

I can’t imagine finding out your partner has a sexually transmitted disease while you are in the final stages of marriage preparation is a fun experience for anyone. Though I wonder what percentage of the time that actually came up when the tests were mandatory.

In any case, sharing medical history, issues and important information before you get married still seems to be a good idea. You are signing up to be with someone for the rest of your life – you should know what you’re getting, right?

Post from: Blisstree

Marriage and Blood Tests

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote encouraging you to listen to a podcast about CFS on ABC National Radio. If you had a chance to listen to it, then you won’t be surprised by this post.

Scientists in Australia have identified 35 genes linked to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. What this means, is that the focus on researching a cure has narrowed tremendously (this is a good thing). In order to find a cure, we need to know what causes it.

Researchers at the University of New South Wales in Sydney screened 30,000 genes in blood samples from 15 people known to have had infectious mononucleosis, which can lead to chronic fatigue. Thirty-five of those genes were expressed differently in those who recovered promptly from the illness to those who went on to suffer months of physical and or mental weakness.

The symptoms of pain and fatigue were found to be specifically linked to these 35 identified genes.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is currently treated by reducing symptoms. There is no cure. Currently we have to pick our most angry beast and try to quiet it. However, what these scientists in Australia have done, is take a really big step in finding a cause. What comes next??? Hopefully a blood test to determine whether a patient has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. A single blood test. Then we can start thinking about a cure.

A very big step in the fight against Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has been taken. This is excellent news!

**Facts of this article provided by Bloomberg.com

Post from: Blisstree

The CFS Gene