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 Tue, Mar 17 1992 Date: Tue, 17 Mar 92 05:44:53 EST Message-ID: 03-17 0000 DECISIONLINE: Health USA TODAY Update March 17, 1992 Source: USA TODAY:Gannett National Information Network ESTROGEN GEL DOUBLES RELIEF: A new estrogen gel, available in Europe for several years, is being considered for marketing in the USA by the Food and Drug Administration. Research conducted by Dr. Charles March of UCLA's Medical School suggest the gel, which can be applied topically, relieves menopausal symptoms while protecting from osteoporsis. Results are published in the Southern Medical Journal. (For more, see special Estrogen package below.) SHORT FLU SEASON NEARS END: The Center for Disease Control has reported winter flu season is almost over. This year's flu season was worse than last year's but started and ended earlier than previous seasons with flu related deaths down in 121 major cities, the CDC said. Only eight states still had a significant number of cases. TOXIN INFECTIONS LETHAL: In a report released this week in the British medical journal Lancet, University of Minnesota researchers confirmed the belief held by doctors since 1985 that a new form of bacteria, Streptococcus pyogenes, is responsible for a resurgence in rheumatic fever and other severe infections. The report credits the research with probable early prognosis in the rare disease. SLEEPLESSNESS SPEEDS RECOVERY: The results of a week-long research at the University of Michigan prompted UM psychiatrist Dr. Michael Naylor to believe that sleep deprivation may speed the recovery of severely depressed adolescents when coupled with medication and counseling. Naylor believes depression may be caused by body clock abnormalities which sleep deprivation corrects through rhythm enhancement. COLORADO DOCTORS OPPOSE TESTING: A survey of Colorado doctors has revealed a majority opposes AIDS testing for health care professionals. The survey, conducted by the Denver based Colorado Medical Society, reports that 60% of those participating in the survey have already been tested voluntarily. IMAGING AGENT SPOTS DISEASE: Immunomedics, Inc. of Warren, New Jersey reported clinical trial results last week on its infectious disease imaging agent describing potential usefulness in detecting osteomyelitis and prosthetic joint infections. The agent targets white blood cells in a rapid one-step procedure. Chairman David Goldberg presented the case study results at a health care industry conference in Boston. TOUR RAISES MONEY FOR AIDS: "Heart Strings," a celebrity narrated musical to raise money for AIDS and change attitudes toward the disease, is on a 33-city tour to raise $5 million - despite the recession and increasing apathy. The show uses "message"songs from popular musicals to reach the public emotionally. Producer David Sheppard feels this is the best way to revive general loss of interest about the disease. `YOUTH' DRUG SELLERS INDICTED: A San Diego federal grand jury handed up indictments Monday in the distribution to 43 states and Canada of so-called "fountain of youth drugs" Gerovital, Zumba Forte and about 100 others. Prosecutors say there is a $2 billion-a-year black market in the drugs that are alleged to treat such ailments as depression, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. HOW TO UNCLOG EARS: Ears clogging during flying is caused when a small air pocket in the middle ear hasn't caught up with the change in air pressure. In addition to such common solutions as yawning and swallowing, try this, from the American Academy of Otolaryngology. Pinch nostrils shut. Take a mouthful of air. Using only cheek and throat muscles, force air into the back of the nose. Don't force air from lungs. DON'T SLEEP THROUGH TAKEOFF: Some ways to avoid the discomfort of clogged ears when flying include not sleeping during takeoffs and landings. Also, try to avoid flying with a cold, sinus infection or allergies. Some people have blocked eustachian tubes that prevent easy equalization of the middle ear. Decongestant tablets may help, but those with heart problems or high blood pressure should consult a doctor. SPECIAL PACKAGE ON ESTROGEN: GEL SEEKS APPROVAL: If a new estrogen gel is approved by the Food and Drug Administration, it will be would be distributed in the USA as Estrogel by Schering-Plough Corp., Kenilworth, N.J. The gel not only relieves symptoms of menopause, but also protects women from osteoporis, according to a study by Dr. Charles March of the UCLA Medical School. 95% GET RELIEF: Dr. Charles March monitored 39 women with hot flashes for three months. Of them, 21 used estrogen gel daily; 18 used a placebo gel. He found that 95% of estrogen gel users got relief vs. 39% on placebo. Estrogen gel users had significantly less thinning of vaginal cells, a menopause symptom that can make intercourse painful. NO SKIN IRRITATION REPORTED: Dr. March says estrogen gel offers definite advantages over other kinds of estrogen. He says users reported no skin irritation, unlike users of estrogen skin patches. Past studies have shown topical gel is absorbed more rapidly into the bloodstream than estrogen pills and breaks down more slowly. This allows a steadier dose, with more reliable control of hot flashes from day to day. (End of package.) Health Editor: Lon Groendes. (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