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, Apr 27 1992 Date: Mon, 27 Apr 92 05:41:46 EDT Message-ID: 04-27 0000 DECISIONLINE: Health USA TODAY Update April 27, 1992 Source: USA TODAY:Gannett National Information Network FIT KIDS MAY BE LESS LONELY: Kids who are more fit and physically active may be less lonely, reports a study in the April Journal of Teaching in Physical Education. Shy kids may withdraw from group play, leading to a cycle of poor interaction and reduced fitness, say researchers. Findings show the least lonely kids were more likely to be active and fit. Encouraging fitness may improve interaction, experts say. USDA TO UNVEIL FOOD PYRAMID: The Department of Agriculture will unveil a modified version of its food pyramid Tuesday, the Associated Press reports. The pyramid replaces the old food wheel with the basic food groups: Meats, fish and legumes; fruits and vegetables; grains and dairy products. The pyramid, which emphasizes grains, had previously been criticized by dairy and meat groups. CRIME STATISTICS ARE UP: Incidents of murder climbed 7% last year, and forcible rape and serious assault rose 3%, according to preliminary 1991 crime statistics released Sunday by the FBI. The total number of crimes reported to police increased 3%, with violent crime showing a 5% rise. Gangs, guns and drugs are responsible for the rise, says Lt. Burton Poe, spokesman for the Fort Worth, Texas, Police Department. FURTHER ABORTION PROTESTS URGED: Abortion protest leaders urged their followers Sunday to continue blockade attempts at Buffalo-area abortion clinics. Clinics remained open during the first week, despite daily sieges. Police logged about 350 arrests during the week. About 210 demonstrators remained in jail Sunday. There were no protests Sunday because the clinics are closed on Sundays. REPORT CLEARS AIDS RESEARCHER: A government report clears Robert C. Gallo of misconduct in his role in discovering the AIDS virus, the Washington Post reported Sunday. Gallo, or one of his assistants, was accused of stealing virus samples that led to the discovery of the AIDS virus. The report says Gallo was "self serving" in the portrayal of his contributions to AIDS research, the Post reported. MANAGED CARE CAN COST MORE: Managed health care, a health benefits network combining insurers, doctors and hospitals to improve cost-effectiveness, may cost more than traditional coverage in some cities. A study of health care costs among 2,500 employers by the New York-based firm, A. Foster Higgins & Co., found that in Cleveland preferred provider organizations (PPOs) cost 22.4% more than traditional coverage. HEALTH CARE COSTS VARY: The costs of managed health care systems may vary from city to city, reports a study by A. Foster Higgins & Co.. While costs under health maintenance organizations (HMOs) were 18.3% less in Philadelphia, costs under HMOs in metropolitan New York were 25% less than traditional coverage. HMOs consist of a panel of doctors and hospitals that agree to provide care for a set annual fee. MEASURE AIMS AT SEAFOOD SAFETY: Mandatory inspection of all imported seafood would be required under a measure proposed by Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt. The measure also calls for random sampling of fish in supermarkets for bacteria and pesticides, the creation of safety standards and whistleblower protection. Less than 20% of seafood is inspected, says Leahy. Opposition from the Bush administration is expected. EARTHQUAKE PLANS RECOMMENDED: Saturday's earthquake in California may shake many residents from a state of "Earthquake Denial," a Los Angeles psychologist hopes. Many Californians refuse to think about or prepare for the dangers, says Dr. Robert R. Butterworth. To prevent much anxiety and panicking, he recommends that families develop an earthquake plan, including what to do, where to meet and whom to contact. HEAD START CLIMBING STEADILY: The number of children participating in Head Start, a federal pre-school child development program for low-income families, has climbed to 622,000 in 1992, up from 541,000 in 1990, the U.S. Department of Human Services reports. In 1985, the program aided 452,000 children, rising from 376,000 and 349,000 in 1980 and 1975 respectively. CANCER SOCIETY TO HOLD LUNCHEON: The Third Annual American Cancer Society Great American Food Fight Against Cancer Congressional Luncheon will be held Wednesday, April 29, at 12 noon in the Richard B. Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. Actress Susan Anton, this year's American Cancer Society honorary Crusade chairperson, will be a guest speaker at the luncheon. THERAPEUTIC SOFTWARE MARKETED: From Malibu Artifactual Intelligence Works of Malibu comes a software program called "Overcoming Depression," which administers cognitive therapy for mild to moderate depression. Included in the program are seven lessons that help the user understand his or her depression and how to overcome it. A single user version costs $199; a version for doctors costs $499. 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