27 - Sunday, July 14, 1985 - North Shore News

Hormone has
doubie action

From Page 19
group, Says finding the gene
will enable the researchers to
study how the gene regulates
the production of the hor-
mone, and whether different
forms of the gene are related
to disease.

“It is possible that
pathologic states could be
the result of genetic
defects,’” in the gene, Dr.
Drouin says.

Two different forms of
the gene have already been
isolated from biopsy sam-
ples. These may be normal
variants in the structure of
the gene, or they may func-
tion differently in producing
hormones.

{t is commonly accepted
that there is an inherited
aspect to hypertension; dif-
ferent forms of the gene

could be one means by
which such hereditary
hypertension could result.

The researchers are now
studying hypertensive fami-
lies to see if any genetic pat-
tern exists which would im-
plicate the pronatriodilatin
gene in the cause of
hypertension, says Dr.
Drouin..

One possible direct ap-
plication of knowledge of
the gene’s structure is in
drug manufacture. Drug
companies could use the
gene, or its protein, to pro-
duce drugs for the treatment
of high blood pressure.

“It seems reasonable that
this hormone or an analog
(similar compound) could be
used in the treatment of
hypertension,’” Dr. Drouin
says,

the sea.

WHILE WINDSURFERS practice thelr craft in the
beckground, a young girl is given a careful introduction to
the vagaries of the surf by two adult friends. No doubt she
feels it’s nice to have the support when being introduced to

New benefits
for needy
to go ahead

LOW INCOME widows and
widowers aged 60 to 64 can
Start applying in- mid-July
for new benefits to begin in
September.

Health and Welfare
Minister Jake Epp announc-
ed parliament has approved
amendments to the Old Age
Security Act extending the
Spouse’s Allowance Pro-
gram to the widowed in this
age group.

This fulfills a promise
made in the Throne Speech
to improve federal assistance
to near-elderly widowed per-
sons, teegardless of when
their spouses died. Previous-
ly, only spouses and widow-
ed spouses of Guaranteed
Income Supplement  pen-
sioners were eligible.

An estimated 85,000
widowed persons — most of
them women — will become
eligible for Spouse's
Allowance benefits in
September of this year. Ap-
proximately 94,000 spouses

and widowed spouses of GiS
pensioners already receive
monthly benefits.

It is expected that the cost
of the extension will be $190
million in the remainder of
fiscal year 1985/86 and $350
million in 1986/87, the first
full year of implementation,

The Spouse’s Allowance is
an income-tested program
which came into effect in
1975. In September the max-
imum monthly Allowance
for a widowed spouse will be
$548.67. This amount is
reduced in proportion to the
amount of personal income
at the recipient's disposal.

Widowed persons who feel
they may be cligible are en-
couraged to comact their
local Income Security Pro-
grams Office of Health and
Welfare Canada to obtain
information on how to app-
ly. Benefits will be paid re-
troactively to September
1985 to all those eligible
then, even though they may
apply a few months late.

Where's my skirt?

Summer ‘Skirt Sale
Coming Soon
(July 19, 20 & 21)

|

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Pssssst...vYour AUTOPLAN
RENEWAL DATE IS SHOWING.

If the sticker on your licence plate says July your Autoplan insurance and licence is due for
renewal by the first of next month. .

Please refer to the guide which was mailed along with your Autoplan renewal application.

itis extremely important to insure your vehicte in the correct category.
if your vehicle is improperly rated, a claim on your Own Damage
coverage.(e.g. Collision, Comprehensive) can be denied and you will be
required to reimburse the Corporation for any Third Party claims paid on
your behalf.

avy
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