Female Condoms to be Handed Out Across Washington DC
March 8, 2010
In an effort to curb the rate of HIV transmission in Washington DC the city have announced plans to begin distributing female condoms.
Up until now, only male condoms have been readily available for people to take from pharmacies, schools, and other public establishments but coming soon female condoms will be located right alongside their male counterparts.
Despite male condoms being available for free, the rate of HIV remains high across the city, thus this move is to try to offer yet another option when it comes to protecting one’s self from the virus.
In making female condoms available, DC will become the first US city to offer them for free.
“Anywhere male condoms are available, female condoms will be available,” Shannon Hader, director of the city’s HIV/AIDS administration, told the Washington Post.
“We’re trying to make every effort count to build on what already exists… to expand options rather than limit them.”
Female condoms were approved by the Food and Drug Administration back in 1993.
HIV Virus Can Hide in Bone Marrow
March 7, 2010
Results of a new study suggest that the HIV virus has the capability to hide inside bone marrow, thus making it hard to detect.
The study was carried out by researchers led by Dr. Kathleen Collins of the University of Michigan.
For years scientists have been trying to come up with a cure for the HIV virus, but to date not one has been discovered.
Despite this fact, there are many drugs on the market now to treat people with the virus, many that can reduce viral loads of patients to barely noticable numbers.
The fact that the HIV virus can hide out in bone marrow may explain why up until now it has been so difficult to treat.
The study finding also means that the virus also avoids drugs aimed to treat it, making those drugs ineffective.
“If we’re ever going to be able to find a way to get rid of the cells, the first step is to understand where a latent infection can continue,” Collins said.
The report can be found in this week’s edition of the journal Nature.
Female Condoms to be Handed Out in Washington DC
March 7, 2010
The city of Washington DC will be the first in the US to distribute female condoms as part of the fight against HIV.
It is now common practice for male condoms to be handed out for free, but this will mark the first time that female condoms will be made available. Read more
Foreign Countries Sending Mobile Hospitals to Chile following Earthquake
March 6, 2010
Ever since Chile was rocked by the massive earthquake its residents have been drinking contaminated water.
The 8.8 magnitude quake destroyed 36 hospitals in the country and has created massive rubbish dumps which are a prime spot for bacteria to breed. Read more
idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis Effects Thousands of Americans
March 6, 2010
Shares of InterMune continue to perform very well upon positive news from a clinical trial of their experimental lung scarring drug.
The drug, pirfenidone is to treat a rare and fatal condition called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a condition in which scarrs form on the lungs for no apparent reason. Read more
Germs in the Gut May Promote Obesity
March 5, 2010
Results of a new study show that germs located in the gut maybe to blame for obesity.
According to researchers, these germs may promote inflammation in the stomach area, which can modify one’s appetite levels. Read more
Sex Definition Changes From One Person to the Next
March 5, 2010
Asking a person if they have had sex or not sounds like a very simple question, but a new study finds that the answer is often quite complex.
The study, performed by researchers from the Kinsey Institute finds that one’s definition of sex is as different as an apple and an orange, due to people having differing opinions of what sex actually is. Read more
FDA Says Common Flavoring Maybe Contaminated With Salmonella
March 5, 2010
The FDA has issued a consumer warning for a type of flavoring that is contaminated with salmonella bacteria.
The flavoring is called hydrolyzed vegetable protein and is used in the production of a wide array of processed foods. Read more
Diet Could be Determined by New Gene Test
March 4, 2010
A new genetic test maybe able to determine which diet you should follow to lose the most weight.
With many different diets on the market today, finding one that actually works is easier said than done, and often can be quite a frustrating experience for people trying to lean up. Read more
Michelle Obama in Mississippi Talking Childhood Obesity
March 4, 2010
Obesity is no laughing matter, which is why Michelle Obama is taking a stand.
The First Lady travelled to Mississippi yesterday as she continues on the road promoting her anti-obesity campaign. Read more
