Path: bloom-picayune.mit.edu!snorkelwacker.mit.edu!news.media.mit.edu!americast.com!usa-post Newsgroups: usa-today.health From: usa-post@AmeriCast.Com Organization: American Cybercasting Approved: usa-post@AmeriCast.com Subject: health Mon, Mar 2 1992 Date: Mon, 2 Mar 92 05:57:42 EST Message-ID: 03-02 0000 DECISIONLINE: Health USA TODAY Update March 2, 1992 Source: USA TODAY:Gannett National Information Network TOBACCO BILL INTRODUCED: The Food and Drug Administration would be given authority to regulate tobacco under a bill introduced by Rep. Mike Synar, D-Okla. Not defined as a drug by the law establishing the FDA, tobacco is currently exempt from federal food and drug laws. If approved, the bill would require manufacturers to disclose chemical additives, which would then be regulated by the FDA. REDUCTION OF TRANSFUSIONS URGED: The use of blood transfusions should be reduced further to help prevent blood shortages, says the American College of Physicians in the March Annals of Internal Medicine. Transfusions, in decline because of AIDS fears, should be limited in elective surgery and treating anemia. Patients could donate their own blood for surgery, and anemia can often be managed with drugs. EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW THEIR HDL: Cholesterol tests should not only include a person's total cholesterol, but also their level of "good cholesterol," urges a panel of the National Cholesterol Education Program. Patients with "good cholesterol," also known as high density lipoproteins or HDL, under 35 have an increased risk of heart disease. YOGURT MYTH PROVEN TRUE: Folklore that suggests eating yogurt prevents vaginal "yeast" infections may be scientifically sound, according to a study in the March Annals of Internal Medicine. The culture Lactobacillus acidophilus which is often found in yogurt is a "natural enemy of yeast," says Dr. Eileen Hilton, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New York. Women in the study ate eight ounces daily. DRUG MAY IMPROVE MEMORY: Scientists at City of Hope Medical Center in Duarte, Calif., are seeking approval to conduct tests of a memory-improving steroid on humans. The apparently harmless drug, pregnenolone, has been shown to improve memory of lab mice and is several hundred times more powerful than any other previously tested memory enhancer. CAUSE OF FARM ACCIDENTS CITED: In North Dakota, the first year of five-year study of state farm accidents shows 547 injuries, 10 deaths and 46 exposures to pesticides. Most of the injuries were caused by farm machinery, then animals and falls. Estimated loss: $1.5 million. FDA STOPS SILICONE INJECTIONS: Three New York physicians will stop injecting liquid silicone into patients to correct wrinkles and acne scars, the Food and Drug Administration reported Friday. "Silicone injections have never been scientifically evaluated for safety and effectiveness," said FDA Commissioner David Kessler, M.D. An injunction was filed against a California doctor who has used injectable silicone. LYING DOWN INCREASES HEARTBURN: Heartburn sufferers who lie on their right side may experience symptoms twice as long as those who lie on their left, suggests a study reported in the March issue of American Health. The study, done by a gastroenterologist at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, also found that lying down within three hours of eating a big meal increases susceptibility to heartburn. ANNUAL EYE EXAMS URGED: Baby boomers are nearing the age when they may develop the eye disorder presbyopia, or "aging eye," in which farsightedness occurs. People between 40 and 50 should have an annual eye exam, says optometrist Arol Augsburger, Ohio State University. School children, teens, adults up to 25 and adults over 35 also need annual exams. Adults between ages 25 and 35: Every other year. DIGESTIVE DISEASE ADDRESSED: Those with frequent heartburn symptoms, a possible sign of serious medical problems, should seek medical advice, urges the Glaxo Institute for Digestive Health. The institute, a group of gastroenterologists and medical experts, is launched a national campaign March 1 to raise awareness about digestive diseases, the second leading cause of disability due to illness in the USA. BIRTH ORDER RELATIONS DISCUSSED: Birth order plays an important role in determining good or bad marital relations, according to Dr. Kevin Lehman in his new book, "Were You Born For Each Other? A Birth Order Guide to Relationships." A first born and last born are the best of combinations, says Lehman. Middle borns are a safe bet, too. Those with the same birth order usually multiply their weakness. VIDEO COVERS TREATMENT CENTERS: Information about drug treatment centers and their role in society is covered in the video, "The Door to Recovery," from the National Institute of Drug Abuse and Entertainment Industries Council. The 25-minute video is a free rental at Blockbuster video stores. Health Editor: Christopher Goldthwaite. (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