Path: bloom-picayune.mit.edu!enterpoop.mit.edu!snorkelwacker.mit.edu!news.media.mit.edu!americast.com!americast.com!usa-post Newsgroups: usa-today.health,americast.usa-today.health From: usa-post@AmeriCast.Com Organization: American Cybercasting Approved: usa-post@AmeriCast.com Subject: health Fri, Sep 11 1992 Date: Fri, 11 Sep 92 04:33:18 EDT Message-ID: Lines: 102 09-11 0000 DECISIONLINE: Health USA TODAY Update Sept. 11-13, 1992 Source: USA TODAY:Gannett National Information Network SPERM COUNT IS SLIDING: Danish researchers have found a significant reduction in men's average sperm count over the past 50 years, possibly due to environmental pollution. The study, in the British Medical Journal, said sperm density had nearly halved and semen quantity had decreased by nearly 25%. POLLUTION IS BLAMED: The decrease in sperm in the past 50 years may reflect an overall reduction in male fertility. A corresponding dramatic increase in male genito-urinary abnormalities and testicular cancer supported the theory that environmental factors are to blame, says professor Niels Skakkebaek of Copenhagen University. FIRMS JOIN FORCES ON DAY CARE: Corporate USA's heavyweights are joining forces to provide child and elderly care for employees' families. One hundred thirty-seven private and public employers will contribute $25.4 million to fund 300 child- and elderly-care programs in 25 states, organizers said Thursday. (For more, see special Care package below.) POLIO HAS DISAPPEARED IN USA: The chance of getting polio in the USA is almost none. The Centers for Disease Control shows the last case of polio in the Western Hemisphere was more than a year ago. It's the first time since monitoring polio that there hasn't been a case reported for a full year. CYSTIC FIBROSIS THERAPY ADVANCES: Researchers at Children's Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati have taken a big step to advance genetic therapy to treat cystic fibrosis. Scientists know the fatal hereditary disease is caused by mutations in a protein found in lung membranes. Now, the hospital's investigators have shown the normal protein can be selectively put into the proper cells of mice in large doses. DEPRESSION PINPOINTED IN BRAIN: For the first time, doctors have zeroed in on the area of the brain linked to depression, sparking hope they could target it in therapy, including drug therapy. Using a scanner that highlights blood flow, they found abnormalities in the left prefrontal cortex and other areas of the brain in depressed patients, but not normal ones or those who had recovered. DRUG PRICES PROBED: Twenty medications account for nearly one-third of all consumer spending on prescription drugs, a consumer group charged Thursday, saying it's a sign of drug company "gouging." The prices of some drugs have doubled and even tripled in the last seven years and one common arthritis drug saw 10 separate price increases, said Ron Pollack, executive director of Families USA Foundation. ALL-WOMEN'S BIATHLON PLANNED: The only all-women's biathlon in the USA is being held on Sept. 12 in Central Park to kick off National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Replens Vaginal Moisturizer is sponsoring the event, which benefits the National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations. After the biathlon, a 45-minute stretch class and low-impact aerobic workout will be held for any spectators who wish to join. SPECIAL PACKAGE ON CARE: COMPANIES SUBSIDIZE COST: Ten new care facilities will be built and 15 others expanded under the American Business Collaboration for Quality Dependent Care. Other projects to be funded the next two years include training for dependent-care workers and in-home volunteer programs for the elderly. Most employees will have to pay for services, but some companies may subsidize the cost. IBM GOT IT STARTED: IBM initiated the project in April 1991 and is its biggest contributor, reportedly donating between $7 million and $10 million. Other participants include American Express, AT&T, Xerox, Exxon, Amoco, Eastman Kodak, Allstate Insurance, Johnson & Johnson, Motorola and Travelers. BIG CITIES ARE TARGETED: Organizers say the project will help them attract and retain a productive, motivated workforce. About 19 million working women have children younger than 13 who require child care. About 40% of employees will have elderly-care responsibilities the next five years. Targeted cities include New York, Los Angeles, Washington, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, Boston and Atlanta. (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