Path: bloom-picayune.mit.edu!snorkelwacker.mit.edu!news.media.mit.edu!americast.com!americast.com!usa-post Newsgroups: usa-today.health From: usa-post@AmeriCast.Com Organization: American Cybercasting Approved: usa-post@AmeriCast.com Subject: health Tue, Jun 30 1992 Date: Tue, 30 Jun 92 05:22:40 EDT Message-ID: 06-30 0000 DECISIONLINE: Health USA TODAY Update June 30, 1992 Source: USA TODAY:Gannett National Information Network BULIMIA HITS YOUNG, OLD: Experts say 5% to 8% of all U.S. women suffer from bulimia nervosa, an eating disorder that involves frequent episodes of binge eating, almost always followed by purging. Bulimia mainly strikes women 15-35 years old, although an increasing number of men have it. And experts say they're seeing younger girls with the disorder, some 10 years old - and more women in their 40s and 50s. (For more, see special Bulimia package below.) CPSC URGES FIRECRACKER SAFETY: Kids need to be careful when playing with fireworks. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says even sparklers can cause serious burns when used carelessly. The Commission also says the safest way to enjoy the Fourth is to attend a public fireworks display. More than 11,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries last year. HUMAN RECEIVES BABOON LIVER: A 35-year-old transplant patient who was the first human to receive a baboon liver was in critical condition Monday but was awake and responsive, said doctors at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where the surgery was done Sunday. The patient, dying from hepatitis B infection, was not considered a candidate for a human transplant. N.Y. PLANS BIRTHING CENTER: Rochester General Hospital has proposed upstate New York's first free-standing birthing center. The hospital has submitted a proposal to the Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency and the state Department of Health. The center would be located at the Northeast Medical Group, a federally funded health-care center providing medical care to the uninsured or those on Medicaid. MOST DRIVERS SOBER: Most people don't drink and drive. A recent Louis Harris and Associates poll of 1,256 adults asked people if they drink and drive. Here's how they responded: Never, 62%; sometimes, 19%; always 2%; don't drink, 17%. HAIR PRODUCTS LINKED TO CANCER: Hair coloring products used by millions of women and men in the USA may be linked to a small increased risk of cancer. A controversial study in July's American Journal of Public Health found hair dye use increased a person's risk of non-Hodgkins lymphona by 53%. The study also found if permanent and dark coloring was used, the risk was two to four times higher. COURT KEEPS ABORTION RIGHTS: The Supreme Court Monday allowed significant new restrictions on U.S. abortions, weakening but stopping short by a single vote of overturning its historic 1973 ruling that made abortions legal as the law of the land. The high court by a 5-4 vote refused to discard its landmark Roe vs. Wade ruling that legalized abortions in the USA. It did give states broad powers to adopt restrictions. STUDENT LEADERS POLLED: A USA TODAY poll of nearly 2,000 school student leaders at the National Association of Student Councils convention shows 34% think all abortions should be illegal. That's down from 44% when the question was asked at the same convention in 1985. Thirty-nine percent of the boys and 30% of girls want abortions banned. Margin of error: Plus or minus 4%. SPECIAL PACKAGE ON BULIMIA: BULIMICS SOMETIMES UNDER STRESS: Victims of bulimia are likely to have body image problems. At highest risk: Women who think they are unattractive and are vulnerable to the relentless social pressure to be thin. Bulimics are usually under high stress, and they feel their lives are out of control. The bulimia is a way of asserting control, experts say. WARNING SIGNS FOR BULIMIA: The American Anorexia:Bulima Association has released warning signs for bulimia. They include: Bingeing or eating uncontrollably; purging by vomiting or abusing laxatives or diuretics, strict dieting, fasting, vigorous exercise; using bathroom frequently after meals; preoccupation with body weight; and depression or mood swings. WARNING SIGNS FOR ANOREXIA: Warning signs for anorexia nervosa include losing a significant amount of weight. Also: continuing to diet although thin; fearing weight gain; losing monthly menstrual periods; preoccupation with food, calories, nutrition; preferring to diet and eat in isolation; and exercising compulsively. GROUPS THAT CAN HELP: Ther are some non-profit eating disorder groups that offer educational materials and referrals to support group and professionals. They include: Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders, call 503-344-1144; The American Anorexia:Bulimia Association, call 212-734-1114; and The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, call 708-831-3438. (End of package.) Health Editor: Michele Coleman. (1-919-855-3491) Making copies of USA TODAY Update (Copyright, 1992) for further distribution violates federal law. This article is copyright 1992 Gannett News Service. Redistribution to other sites is not permitted except by arrangement with American Cybercasting Corporation. For more information, send-email to usa@AmeriCast.COM