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The Barbados Advocate reported on Friday that the country was losing 80 to 90 of its men annually to the disease, and while these figures have not been officially verified and documented, Urologist Dr Dave Padmore said that he had seen enough prostate cancer victims to know that in Barbados, this disease was posing a serious problem. "In this part of the world, not only is prostate cancer the number one solid organ cancer in men, but it is the number one cancer killer in men as opposed to many other countries in the world where it usually ranks at number two or three," Padmore said while delivering a lecture organized by the Barbados Drug Service. The urologist said that 40 percent of the patients coming to his office visit because of prostate cancer. He explained that racial make up was an important factor attributed to the high number of prostate cancer cases in Barbados and the Caribbean, and added that statistics provided showed that in United States, a black man was almost twice is likely to be afflicted with and die of prostate cancer as compared to a white man. He also noted that the highest incidences of the cancer were found to come from populations that were high in persons of African descent. Padmore, who served as President of the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP) said that it was his personal belief that aggressive screening, diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer had the ability to make a big difference in Barbados and the countries of the West Indies.
Those with chronic migraine experience headache attacks at least 15 days per month, with most experiencing headache pain every day. Of the estimated 30 million Americans who suffer from migraine, approximately one million mostly women are chronic migraineurs. Key Findings: · Chronic migraine remains a largely under-diagnosed and under-treated medical condition. While the vast majority of individuals with chronic migraine (87.6%) had sought care from a healthcare professional, just 20.2% of those with chronic migraine received a diagnosis of chronic migraine, chronic daily headache or transformed migraine. Another nearly 14% were told that they had rebound headache or medication overuse headache. Migraine-specific acute treatments were used by 31.6% of respondents with chronic migraine. Almost half (48%) of the individuals with chronic migraine were satisfied with their acute therapies. A third of those with chronic migraine (33.3%) were currently using preventive medications. Although most individuals with chronic migraine sought medical care for this disorder, the majority did not receive specific acute or preventive medications. · One in five chronic migraine sufferers cannot work due to the severity of their condition. Over a 3-month period, 8.2% of the chronic migraineurs missed at least 5 days of work and school. Further, slightly more than a third (33.8%) of these sufferers reported at least 5 days of significant reduction in productivity during the same time frame. · Chronic migraine severely impacts one's ability to lead a productive life. More than half of those with chronic migraine (57.4%) missed at least 5 days of household work, and 58.1% reported a reduction in productivity in household work for at least 5 days within the last three months. Chronic migraineurs also reported missing out on at least 5 days of family activities within the three month period. "With one in five chronic migraine sufferers not being able to work due to the severity of their condition, the human and economic costs to these patients, their families and their employers are staggering," said Suzanne E. Simons, Executive Director, National Headache Foundation. "This report shows there is much work to be done to help them get the proper diagnosis and treatment they need to be able to lead productive lives." To learn more about chronic migraine, please visit the NHF website at www.headaches.org or find a headache specialist in your area.
To protect children with asthma, parents should arrange an asthma check-up before fall arrives. Many children need to switch medications in the fall to cope with seasonal triggers. Most common allergy medications do not prevent asthma attacks and are no substitute for the right prescribed asthma medication. "Children with asthma can encounter more asthma triggers in the fall," said Lorna Davis-Robinson, director of the Health Department's Asthma Initiative. "To avoid letting asthma cause illness and unnecessary school absence, parents should consult with their child's health care provider now. The right treatment can help ensure that your child has the healthiest possible school year." Asthma Action Plan If your child has asthma, the child's doctor should write an Asthma Action Plan to help manage the condition at home and at school. The plan will specify the medications and other steps needed to prevent and treat symptoms. Every school-aged child with asthma should also have a Medication Administration Form (MAF) completed by a doctor. The MAF allows the child to take asthma medications at school when necessary. It's important to maintain an adequate supply of medications that either you or your child can administer properly. And don't forget to request a flu shot for your child when you schedule the asthma check-up. Parents can also help prevent asthma episodes by: · Teaching children good hand-washing habits to reduce the spread of infections. · Keeping children away from cigarette smoke, in your home or car. If you smoke, get help to quit. See the new "How to Make Your Home Smoke-Free" Health Bulletin at: www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/public/dohmhnews7-08.pdf · Using an air conditioner when pollen or pollution is bad (don't forget to clean the filter frequently) and keeping windows closed if you can. For an air quality forecast, visit the Department of Environmental Conservation at www.dec.ny.gov/cfmx/extapps/aqi/aqi_forecast.cfm · Getting rid of roaches, a common asthma trigger. See how to at: www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/pest/pest-bro-healthy-home.pdf · Finding new homes for furry pets and birds if your child is allergic to them. If you cannot give a pet away yet, then keep it out of the bedroom at all times. Health Department Asthma Programs The Department's East Harlem Asthma Center of Excellence aims to reduce asthma-related hospitalizations by half by 2010. While working to open a new East Harlem Walk-In Center next year, the agency is providing outreach and education in the community, and providing case-management services to more than 100 families. The Center's staff works with East Harlem health care providers to improve asthma management. The Department's Community Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM) works with pest-control agencies and community partners to eliminate cockroaches and mice, common asthma triggers in low-income apartments. The Asthma Training Institute offers regularly scheduled courses on asthma, including self-management and other clinical topics for New York City medical providers, educators, social workers, nurses, community health workers and homeless shelter workers. The program also distributes free educational materials, including Asthma Action Plans, posters, and brochures. Managing Asthma in Schools helps improve and coordinate health care for asthmatic children in public elementary schools. The program also provides asthma training to school nurses and physicians and works to improve communication between school health clinicians and community providers. Managing Asthma in Daycare tracks and coordinates care for asthmatic children in 180 New York City Early Childhood Programs. The project targets neighborhoods with consistently high rates of asthma hospitalization among children: East and Central Harlem, North and Central Brooklyn, and the South Bronx. For more tips on how to manage asthma, visit www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/asthma/atake.shtml.
This is contrary to what Health Minister Jerry Narrace said earlier this month, when he denied that persons were affected by the disease in the twin island Republic. Speaking at an Inter Sector Forum on Dengue in Port of Spain on Tuesday, Dr Cumberbatch explained that there are four types of dengue -- which he categorised as 1,2,3 and 4, with the last two more severe. The Medical Officer of Health disclosed that the Caribbean sub-regions have reported 76,222 cases of dengue fever, including 1,217 cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever, between 2001 and 2005. The Trinidad Express reported that Dr Cumberbatch indicated that the last outbreak in Trinidad and Tobago was in 2002 with 6,308 "reported" cases and he warned that the current weather patterns can lead to tremendous increases in the mosquito population making it "a very challenging year for Trinidad and Tobago with respect to dengue". Citing that the ministry needed the public's co-operation to control the number of dengue cases to ensure that it does not reach epidemic levels, Cumberbatch said source reduction was the only method proven to eliminate the aedes aegypti mosquito. He called for a community effort to eliminate the possible breeding sites, so that the cyclical pattern of dengue infection will be eliminated. Health Minister Narrace, who was also present, said that the country was experiencing an increased cycle due to climate change, but said they have been working on prevention since December last year. PAHO's country representative, Dr Carol Boyd-Scobee, said that, without vector control to protect the population from the disease, dengue can cause suffering and hardship to those who are infected.
"A case of West Nile virus provides an urgent reminder to protect ourselves," said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, New York City Health Commissioner. "Wearing mosquito repellent whenever you are outdoors, and long sleeves and pants in the morning and evening will reduce your risk of contracting the virus. Older New Yorkers need to be especially careful; they are more likely to become seriously ill and die if they are infected." Both individuals became ill in late July and were hospitalized in August. The Queens woman developed inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), but is now recovering in the hospital. She was most likely infected in New York City because she has not left the city recently. The man from the Bronx developed an inflammation of the brain and spinal tissue (meningitis) as a result of the virus, but has been discharged and recovered fully. This individual reported recent travel outside of New York City, and may have been infected in the city or while he was away. West Nile virus infections typically occur at this point in the summer. Last year, 18 New Yorkers contracted the virus and three of them died. Take Simple Steps to Avoid Mosquitoes * Use an approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (not recommended for children under 3), or IR3535. * Wear protective clothing such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts, particularly at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. * Make sure windows have screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes. * Eliminate any standing water from your property, and dispose of containers that can collect water. Make sure roof gutters are clean and draining properly. Standing water is a violation of the health code. * Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty and covered if not in use; drain water that collects in pool covers. More Mosquitoes Test Positive this Season Citywide surveillance is showing a larger number of mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus compared to last summer, and the Department is conducting sprayings to control mosquitoes. So far this year, mosquitoes with the virus have been found in Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens and the Bronx, with the most positive tests in Queens and Staten Island. The Health Department monitors for West Nile Virus and applies pesticides as needed throughout the summer. The Department has been conducting routine preventive mosquito control (larviciding) in parts of Staten Island, Queens and the Bronx, using a naturally-occurring and environmentally-friendly product to prevent immature mosquitoes from growing into adults. In addition, the Health Department has sprayed pesticide in recent weeks to reduce adult mosquito activity in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. A schedule of mosquito control activities is available at nyc.gov/health or by calling 311. About West Nile virus West Nile virus infection can cause a mild or moderate flu-like illness, or sometimes no symptoms at all. But in some cases, particularly among people 50 years of age and older, it can cause serious infection in the brain and spinal cord that can be fatal. The most common symptoms are headache, fever and extreme fatigue. If you think you have symptoms of West Nile virus, see your doctor right away. For more information about West Nile virus, and how to avoid it, visit www.nyc.gov/health or call 311.
"It is extremely important for headache sufferers to talk with their healthcare professionals about symptoms occurring in conjunction with pain," said Dr. Roger Cady, Vice President and Board member of NHF. "Diagnosis of migraine is based in part on associated symptoms or characteristics such as nausea, vomiting or sensitivity to lights but communication about the entire migraine experience aids your medical provider with proper diagnosis, understanding you, and your specific treatment needs." Of those respondents experiencing nausea or vomiting along with their migraine head pain, many reported having to delay taking migraine medication or taking additional medication to manage their nausea. Others said they alternate an injectable form of migraine medication instead of swallowing a pill. In order to manage migraine head pain and associated symptoms, the majority of survey respondents said they try to maintain a regular sleep schedule, eat balanced meals and reduce stress. Additional NHF survey results: * 78% of survey respondents reported missing work due to migraine pain and/or its associated symptoms. * 84% said they frequently or always experience throbbing pain on one-side of their head with their migraine. * When asked to rate their migraine pain on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being unbearable, 56% of respondents said their migraine pain is typically between a 7 and 8. NHF's Tips for dealing with migraine head pain and associated symptoms: · Get help. Discuss the associated symptoms of your migraine with your healthcare provider. S/He can help you determine your treatment options. * If you experience nausea or vomiting as associated symptoms of your migraine, talk with your healthcare provider about other forms of your medication such as injections, nasal sprays or tablets that do not require drinking water to take them. * Avoid identifiable migraine triggers and practice a healthy lifestyle. * Track your migraines. Write down when your migraines occur. Bring your results to your healthcare professional to review. A free downloadable headache diary is available at www.headaches.org. ABOUT MIGRAINES Nearly 30 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches, which are most commonly experienced between the ages of 15 and 55. Seventy to eighty percent of sufferers have a family history of migraine. Seventy percent of migraine sufferers are women. Less than half of all migraine sufferers have received a diagnosis of migraine from their healthcare professional. Migraine is often misdiagnosed as sinus or tension-type headache.
Vaccination is the surest way to protect your child from contagious diseases that still cause outbreaks. This year alone, New York City experienced two dozen cases of measles two-thirds of them among children. New Vaccination Requirements for 2008-2009 School Year Vaccines work best when they are given at certain ages. New York State law requires that children be immunized if they attend a childcare facility and when they enter school. School vaccine requirements are structured to ensure that children get vaccinated at the best times. See new requirements below: · The vaccine against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) is now required for students entering either 6th or 7th grade if they are at least 11 years old. The 7th grade requirement is new this year. · The chicken pox (varicella) vaccine is now required for all children from pre-K through 9th grade. (Fifth graders were still exempt last year, after 4th and 8th graders were added to the required list.) Two doses are recommended. "To avoid any hold ups on the first day of school, parents should make sure their kids have their vaccinations," said Dr. Jane R. Zucker, Assistant Commissioner for the Health Department's Bureau of Immunization. "These shots are required for good reason: they protect your child from serious diseases. If you have questions about where to get free or low-cost shots, call 311." All children entering school must also show proof that they received a complete medical evaluation. For a full list of required immunizations, see the nyc.gov/health (under "School Health") or call 311. Where to Go to Get Your Child Immunized Call your child's physician to find out which vaccines your child needs, and schedule a back-to-school visit. Children 4 and older can receive the required vaccinations at Health Department walk-in immunization clinics. For locations, visit www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/imm/immclin.shtml.The NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) also provides childhood immunizations at its Child Health Centers. For locations, visit www.nyc.gov/html/hhc/html/community/childhealth.shtml Vaccines to Protect People of All Ages Vaccines are not just for kids. All New Yorkers should mark National Immunization Awareness Month by checking their immunization status in August. Here are some of the vaccines recommended for people of various ages: · Rotavirus vaccine to protect infants against a severe type of diarrhea · HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine to protect girls and women (ages 9-26 only) from the virus that can cause cervical cancer · Hepatitis A vaccine to protect children against this food-borne infection. · Meningococcal vaccine, to prevent meningitis, for adolescents · Zoster vaccine to help adults 60 and over prevent shingles · Tetanus vaccine boosters are due every 10 years to maintain immunity. If you have not had a tetanus booster already, you should get a Tdap (which prevents pertussis as well) when your next booster is due. This is especially important for adults who have contact with young children. · Children born on or after January 1, 2008 must now have a pneumococcal vaccine to attend daycare if they are at least 9 months old. As always, an annual flu shot is recommended for groups at high risk including people over 50, children between 6 months and 18 years of age, pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions and all health care workers. Vaccines against other infections, such as hepatitis (A and B) and pneumococcal infection, may be needed depending on your job, medical condition or age. And before you travel abroad, remember that you may need certain vaccines before you take off. Visit www.cdc.gov/travel/contentVaccinations.aspx for more information on vaccines that may be necessary before traveling.
 controlling the
spread of HIV/AIDS, the World Bank yesterday approved a further
US$35 million loan for the country's fight.The money will support Barbados' 2008-2013 National Strategic Plan for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, which seeks to increase the adoption of safe behaviours and access to prevention, treatment and social care, in particular among high risk groups. It also aims to improve monitoring and evaluation of the epidemic and the country's HIV/AIDS programme. "This project builds on the previous Barbados HIV/AIDS Programme which successfully increased access to testing, treatment and care," said World Bank Director for Human Development in the Latin American and the Caribbean Region, Evangeline Javier. "The new project will further expand its impact by increasing knowledge and effective sustainable behaviour change required to ensure HIV prevention and control." The Caribbean region has the highest HIV prevalence among adults outside Sub-Saharan Africa, but the World Bank said Barbados has achieved significant results in the prevention and control of the epidemic, and new AIDS cases and AIDS mortality have significantly declined - from 46 per cent and 72 per cent, respectively - since the introduction of anti-retroviral treatment in 2001. However, the Washington-based bank said, estimated HIV prevalence in the country continues to increase. It has been estimated that the HIV prevalence rate in Barbados increased from 1.3 per cent in 2001 to 1.5 per cent in 2005. "This is due in part to the increasing survival rate of people receiving treatment, but also to inadequate adoption of safer sexual practices," the World Bank said. It added that the project would therefore "address issues such as acknowledging more openly risk factors, working more aggressively with key populations at higher risk, and making strategic decisions based on results". In June 2001, the Barbados HIV/AIDS Project became the first approved by the World Bank under the US$155 million Multi-Country HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Adaptable Programme Loan for the Caribbean. The Washington-based institution said the project had "a dramatic impact". "The share of people with advanced HIV infections who are receiving treatment rose from 12 per cent to more than 80 per cent. Annual deaths from AIDS have declined by more than 70 per cent. The share of people reporting positive attitudes toward people living with HIV has risen from less than 40 per cent to nearly 80 per cent," it said. "Equally important, Barbados has proven the feasibility of providing sustained HIV care and treatment and provided key lessons for its neighbors and other countries. Prevention programs have also grown substantially." The new US$35 million fixed-spread loan is repayable in 30 years and includes a five-year grace period.
This was disclosed by Minister of Health, Dr Leslie Ramsammy during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle. He noted that globally, the suicide rate is approximately 18 suicide deaths for every 100,000 persons, while Guyana is experiencing a rate of 20 suicide deaths for every 100,000 persons. It must be noted that while the number of suicide deaths were 200 in 2006, the number of attempted suicides in the same year were between 800 to 1, 000. The minister also refuted the report from a Trinidadian source that claimed Guyana's suicide deaths total 70 for every 100,000 persons, describing it as being "ridiculous". Based on reports from the health centres and hospitals on suicide levels, Dr Ramsammy said the Ministry of Health established a committee - the National Committee for Suicide Prevention (NCSP), which was done in recognition of the severe negative effects that suicides have on the social fabric of society and also that suicide is a national concern requiring a national response. The NCSP aims to reduce premature deaths due to suicide, lower the rates of suicidal behaviour and decrease the aftermath and stigma associated with suicidal behaviour, as well as assisting in dealing with the traumatic impact of suicide on family and friends. In addition, the NCSP seeks to promote awareness that suicide is preventable and engage in training of more personnel to recognise mental health problems. With this committee, works countrywide will be undergone to decrease the number of suicide cases that affect Guyana and Guyanese people. Dr Ramsammy also said that the efforts of the NCSP and the Ministry of Health seek to target the population as a whole, particularly youths who suffer from depression and anxiety as a medical problem. He added that targeting the entire Guyanese population will allow for easy recognition of individuals with these problems. They can therefore offer assistance, thereby reducing the number of suicide cases in Guyana. Pandit Prakash Gossai, a key figure in the initiation of the NCSP, posited that although works have begun, it is not at the rate previously projected, due to various factors. He also reiterated that reasons for suicide in Guyana are very much different from those of other countries. He said in Guyana the primary reasons are anger, lack of avenues to express or vent feelings, and domestic problems. Gossai added that works which have begun are targeting community leaders such as pastors, pandits and imams, as well as parent teacher associations (PTAs) in the Essequibo region. These groups, he said, are being encouraged to promote values of life; and suggest that people recognise that even though there will be rough patches in life, suicide is not the solution. Other works supplementing the programme include the recent campaign on substance abuse that saw the opening of the new Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre at the Guyana Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). This centre focuses on an approach to outpatient drug counselling that uses cognitive behavioural treatment to help clients learn the coping skills they need to deal with day-to-day, substance use triggers and risk situations. This is done via the Structured Relapse Prevention (SRP) programme. SRP is used as a stand alone, out patient intervention of eight to 12 sessions, and is used as a set of tools as needed when working with clients who are ambivalent about changing their substance use. Gossai stated that control of substance abuse, especially alcohol, is a necessity in lowering the rate of suicide, since under the influence of a substance, persons are unable to act responsibly. While the individuals are ultimately responsible for their actions, they could avoid a tragedy if they were not under the influence of alcohol or any other substance. One such a tragedy was the recent suicide carried out by Kenrick Chishlom, 33, of Cottage, Mahaicony who after consuming large doses of alcohol, raped a nine year old girl, injured her relatives and later killed himself on Sunday July 27, 2008. According to the minister, a pervasive factor with most suicide cases is substance abuse, primarily alcohol abuse. He added that combined with anxiety and depression, alcohol proves a very dangerous catalyst for suicide. Dr Ramsammy stated that his Ministry is currently in the process of introducing the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety and depression as a part of primary health care. This would enable the levels of suicide to reduce, since persons suffering from clinical depression and anxiety are less able to cope with everyday difficulties and hence resort to suicide. Additional works also include the collaboration of efforts with the business sector to provide "people friendly spaces" for their employees. These facilities will seek to provide services that will assist employees to help in dealing with the stresses of life. Also, the Ministry is seeking to combine efforts with the education sector to train teachers in schools to be able to act as guidance counsellors for students. Dr Ramsammy added that the goal of the Health Ministry is to eventually have a special category of workers in schools to work as trained counsellors. However, he said that although it is not a possibility "tomorrow", it is an objective that he hopes is met soon. Suicide is not an issue of which one should be ashamed, because it is a common issue worldwide, the minister observed, pointing out that many persons suffer from the despair of suicide because of illnesses such as anxiety, depression and addiction to dangerous substances. He described the NCSP programme as a comprehensive project that seeks to combine various facets of the programme so as to achieve the committee's objectives.
Research shows that men are less likely than women to get annual exams and preventive screenings. Many men wait until something is terribly wrong, and then may go to the doctor reluctantly. Unhealthy lifestyles are also a major factor of decreased life expectancy, and a few simple lifestyle changes can help address health concerns including heart disease, cancer, obesity, diabetes and stroke. It is important for men to stay on top of all check ups, immunizations and testing, including cholesterol, blood pressure, prostate and colorectal cancer, diabetes, depression and sexually transmitted diseases. Men should have their cholesterol checked at least every five years and have their blood pressure checked at least every two years, starting at age 35. Men with high blood pressure or high cholesterol should be screened for diabetes. If you are considering having a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test or digital rectal examination (DRE) you should speak with your doctor about the possible benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening, as well as possible new tests. Also, talk to your doctor to see whether you should be screened for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle does not have to be complicated. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that men learn to eat healthy. Increase the number of fruits and vegetables you eat and decrease saturated fat, salt, and empty calories. Fruits and vegetables not only provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber but also contribute to low-fat, low-calorie meals. If you drink alcohol, limit yourself to two drinks a day. Eating more fruits and vegetables may play a role in preventing many forms of cancer. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, with an estimated 220,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the United States. Although it usually grows slowly, this disease can still be deadly. Foods like broccoli, tomatoes, yams, and pomegranate juice can reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Eating excessive calories and fat, especially fatty meals and other foods derived from animal sources, may actually increase the risk of prostate cancer. Be physically active. More than 60% of American men and women do not get enough physical activity to provide health benefits. Walk, dance, ride a bike, rake leaves, swim, or do any other physical activity that you enjoy. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about quitting. Health concerns associated with smoking include cancer and lung disease. Smoking triples the risk of dying from heart disease among those who are middle-aged. Help lines, counseling, medications, and other forms of support are available to help you quit. Call the GHI/American Cancer Society QuitLine at 866-611-7848. Taking these simple steps will help you lower your risk for disease.
 report.
UN AIDS officials indicate (see picture)
that there are now estimated to be 210,000 people living with
HIV/AIDS in the region, a decline from 230,000 in 2001. Scientists say that while HIV/AIDS appears to have stabilised, it remains a serious threat to the economies of the Caribbean. The report says governments must change their attitude to homosexuality and drug abuse if the disease is to be tackled. Latest epidemiological trends ** In 2007, an estimated 230,000 [range: 210,000 270,000] people were living with HIV, while an estimated 20,000 [16,000 25,000] were newly infected, and some 14,000 [11,000 16,000] died of AIDS-related illnesses. ** Although surveillance systems are largely inadequate in several countries, available data indicate that most of the HIV epidemics in the Caribbean appear to have stabilised, while a few have declined in urban areas. This is particularly evident in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Both countries are home to the largest epidemics in the region. ** At the end of 2007, an estimated 30,000 people living with HIV were receiving antiretroviral treatment in the region-a 50% increase since end-2006, when 20,000 people were on treatment. Main modes of HIV transmission in the Caribbean * Unprotected heterosexual intercourse is the region's main driver of HIV transmission, including men having sex with prostitutes and young girls having sex with older men. Significant However, unprotected sex between men is also a significant factor in several epidemics. * As many as one in eight (12%) reported HIV infections in the region occurred through unprotected sex between men. It reportedly represents the main driver in Cuba, and studies in Trinidad and Tobago have found HIV prevalence of 20% among men who have sex with men. * In the Dominican Republic, surveys have indicated that more sex workers are protecting themselves and their clients against HIV, especially in the main urban and tourist centres. Among female sex workers, HIV prevalence of 9% has been documented in Jamaica and 31% in Guyana. Additional country data * The Caribbean epidemics occur in the context of high levels of poverty and unemployment, gender and other inequalities, and considerable stigma - all of which can fuel the spread of HIV, as well as hinder efforts to control the epidemics. * The scaling up of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV programmes in several countries, including Barbados, Guyana and Jamaica, has significantly reduced the rate of transmission to infants. * Guyana's programme to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV is also expanding, with about 94 sites offering such services in eight regions. In a 2006 survey, about 80% of pregnant women accepted prevention of mother-to-child transmission services when offered. * All pregnant women in Cuba are tested for HIV, and those that test HIV-positive receive antiretroviral drugs to reduce the risk of transmission to their babies. * In contrast to the rest of the region, injecting drug use is the key factor in HIV transmission in Bermuda and Puerto Rico's epidemics. Very high HIV prevalence is still being found among people who inject drugs in Puerto Rico, where the rate of HIV infection (26 per 100,000) is twice that of the United States mainland and where more than two thirds of HIV infections have been among men.
 Skin cancer rates in the United States are increasing at epidemic levels. One in 55 people will now be diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, during their lifetime. This is particularly important for children because one blistering sunburn in childhood more than doubles a person's chances of developing melanoma later in life. "We believe the rise in melanoma is due to sun exposure and sunburns in childhood, increased sun exposure over time and the use of tanning beds," said Perry Robins, MD, President of The Skin Cancer Foundation. The vast majority of skin cancers are preventable with good sun protection habits. The Foundation recommends the following methods of protection for different age groups. Babies An infant's skin possesses little melanin, the pigment that gives color to skin, hair and eyes and provides some sun protection. Therefore, babies are especially susceptible to the sun's damaging effects. In fact, babies under 6 months of age should be kept out of the sun. Follow these tips for babies older than 6 months: * Take walks early in the morning or late afternoon and use a stroller with a sun-protective cover. * Make sure babies are covered up with clothes. (Long-sleeved un-bleached cotton clothing is cool and comfortable, while also highly protective). Clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) listing on the label offers extra security. UPF is similar to the SPF for sunscreen, and The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends UPFs of 30 or higher for superior protection. * Choose a wide-brimmed hat or bonnet that protects the baby's face, neck, and ears. A baby who wears a hat during the first few months will get used to having it on. * Sunglasses are not very practical for a young baby. To protect your baby's eyes, seek the shade between 10 AM and 4 PM. * Apply a broad-spectrum, SPF 15+ sunscreen to areas left uncovered such as baby's hands. * Shield the baby from direct sunlight coming in through the windows of your car. Toddlers and School-Age Children Protecting toddlers from the sun requires a little more thought and effort. It is important to educate not only your child, but caregivers as well. * Make sure your child seeks the shade between 10AM and 4PM. Check the outdoor area where your child plays to make sure there is adequate shade. * A broad-spectrum, SPF 15+ sunscreen should be applied every morning, 30 minutes before leaving the house. Keep sunscreen in the bathroom where children brush their teeth, and eventually it will become routine. * Two tablespoons (one ounce) of sunscreen must be applied every two hours and more often if your child is swimming or sweating. * Children should wear sun-protective clothing whenever possible - including shirts, hats and sunglasses - for protection against ultraviolet radiation. Make sure your child wears a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt and pants during prolonged periods in the sun. Children should enjoy the outdoors safely. Teach them how to protect themselves and tell others about the importance of sun protection.
The study - the first to examine symptoms of OSA among Caribbean men and women residing in Brooklyn - was recently conducted by the Brooklyn Centre for Health Disparities (BCHD) at State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Centre and University Hospital of Brooklyn. Principal authors of the study were Drs Girardin Jean-Louis, associate professor in the Department of Medicine and research core director at BCHD, and Ferdinand Zizi, BCHD associate - two Haitian experts assigned to the centre. The other author was African-American Dr Clinton Brown, BCHD director and clinical associate professor of medicine at the Division of Renal Diseases at SUNY Downstate. 
The study found that a significant
number of Caribbean nationals report OSA symptoms - snoring and
excessive daytime sleepiness - and that a history of heart disease
was a "strong predictor of the likelihood of reporting these
symptoms".
The study showed that men who disclose having sex with men were twice as likely as those who did not to have been tested for HIV (63% vs. 36%). The low rate of HIV testing among non-disclosers suggests that health care providers continue to practice risk-based HIV testing in New York City. This means that unless providers know that a patient has a risk factor for HIV, they are not offering the test. The current national guidelines, adopted in 2006 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, call on health care providers to offer HIV tests to all patients between the ages of 13 and 64. "Health care providers should screen patients routinely for HIV," said Dr. Elizabeth Begier Director of HIV Epidemiology. "They should also ask their patients about behavior that may put them at risk. And New Yorkers shouldn't hesitate to talk openly with their health care providers. Being frank about sexual behavior when you see the doctor of your choice will help you get the services and information you need to stay healthy." The study findings also suggest that just as doctors may hesitate to ask patients about their sexual practices, MSM are often reluctant to volunteer such information especially if they do not regard themselves as gay. While the overall rate of disclosure was just 61% among MSM in New York City, the rate increased to 78% among those who identified themselves as homosexual. These men may have less apprehension about how their homosexuality is perceived and were more likely to tell their doctor. "These findings show that the stigma of homosexuality can be harmful to people's health," said Dr. Monica Sweeney, Assistant Commissioner. "Because of the fear and discrimination that still surround coming out, we are missing opportunities to stop the spread of HIV." Disclosure rates also varied widely among different racial and ethnic groups. Among the MSM surveyed in New York City, blacks were three times more likely than whites to say they had not discussed their sex lives with their doctors. Disclosure was also less common among Hispanic and Asian men (see table). The findings are consistent with past studies suggesting that men of color are less likely than whites to embrace the term "gay" or deem themselves homosexual. They are more likely to call themselves bisexual or heterosexual, presumably because of the stigma associated with homosexuality in many minority communities. In the current study, 78% of the men who identified themselves bisexual were black or Hispanic and none of them had disclosed his orientation to a health care provider. Certain other sub-groups were also less likely to disclose their sexual practices. Men who were 28 or older were more like than younger men (69% vs. 52%) to be out to their providers. Those born in the United States were more likely than immigrant men to disclose their practices (64% vs. 52%), and those who were better educated disclosed at higher rates than the less educated. Know Your HIV Status Get Tested · If you have ever been sexually active or have injected drugs (even once) you should be tested for HIV. · Rapid tests are now available that give results in less than an hour. · If you're infected, you can get medical treatment that can help you feel better and live longer. You can also prevent others from becoming infected. Protect Yourself and Others · Not having sex is the surest way to avoid HIV and other STDs. · If you are sexually active, you can reduce your risk of getting or spreading HIV by having sex only in a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner you are sure is not infected. · Always use a latex condom if you have sex vaginal, anal, or oral. NYC Condoms are available for free. Call 311 or visit nyc.gov/condoms. · Limit the number of people you have sex with. The more people, the higher your risk. Sex with people you do not know also increases your risk. · Avoid alcohol and other drugs when you have sex. Being intoxicated or high makes it much harder to remember to use condoms. Some Activities Are Riskier Than Others According to the best available evidence: · Receptive anal intercourse is the riskiest sexual act it is 5 times riskier than receptive vaginal intercourse and 50 times riskier than receptive oral sex. · Insertive anal or vaginal intercourse is 10 times riskier than insertive oral sex. · Oral sex carries some risk for both partners, but is less risky than other penetrative sexual activities. · Condoms greatly reduce the spread of HIV for both partners in anal, vaginal, and oral sex. Health Department efforts to help more New Yorkers learn their status The Health Department works rigorously to increase HIV testing, and to make it more routine. Most recently, the agency launched an effort to increase HIV testing in the Bronx. Working with dozens of medical providers and community partners across the borough, the Bronx Knows initiative aims to help all Bronx adults know their HIV status within three years, and ensure that people testing positive receive care. The Health Department's STD Clinics provide HIV testing six days a week at 10 different sites throughout the five boroughs. Nearly 60,000 tests were provided in 2007, double the number provided in 2002. New Yorkers can walk in, get tested, and receive results within an hour. New Yorkers can call 311 for clinic locations.
The grant, which will be received this month, is based on the new National Strategic Plan 2007-2012, which aims at achieving universal access to HIV prevention, treatment and support. It focuses on the three priority areas of prevention, treatment, care and support and enabling environment and human rights. Speaking Wednesday during the launch of the fund, Ruddy Spencer, minister of health and environment, said just over US$12 million (J$864m) has been earmarked for prevention, US$25 million (J$1.8b) for treatment and over US$7 million (J$504m) will be dedicated to enabling environment and human rights as well as monitoring, evaluation and administration. Spencer, who was addressing members of the media at the Ministry of Health's downtown Kingston headquarters, said under the prevention component, the ministry plans to scale up interventions for socially vulnerable and marginalised populations and those who are considered to be more at risk. Family life curriculum The minister noted that the prevention component will also help to support a revised health and family life curriculum. This curriculum, he said, will ensure that sex education and HIV prevention will be integrated into the regular instruction in most schools. The health minister said as the ministry moves towards universal access, the treatment, care and support component will seek to accommodate up to 7,500 persons who are in need of treatment and ensure that they adhere to antiretroviral (ARV) treatment. More than 4,000 persons, including children, living with HIV are now on ARV treatment. There will be interventions geared to monitor and prevent drug resistance and improve standardised methods of tracking adherence and ARV resistance. Estimated infected The Ministry of Health estimates that between 25,000 and 30,000 Jamaicans have HIV. Of that total, 15,000 are unaware of their status. In 2004, Jamaica received a grant from the Global Fund. All the key indicators were achieved. Spencer announced that based on the country's track record, Jamaica is also qualified to receive an additional grant of up to US$23 million (J$1.65b) from the Global Fund. In his remarks, Professor Peter Figueroa, who has retired from the Ministry of Health, said if Jamaica is to make further progress in controlling the epidemic, several social issues must be addressed. He urged the Government to empower public health specialists to communicate more on these issues.
In a study that followed nearly 1,000 older Finnish men for five years, researchers found that those who were regularly having sex at the start of the study were at lower risk of developing erectile dysfunction (ED) by the study's end. In fact, the more often the men had sex, the lower their ED risk. The implication, say the researchers, is that men should be encouraged to stay sexually active into their golden years. Dr. Juha Koskimaki and colleagues at the University of Tampere in Finland report the findings in the American Journal of Medicine. The study included 989 men who were between the ages of 55 and 75 at the outset. Overall, those who said they had sex less than once per week were twice as likely to develop ED over the next five years as men who had sex at least once a week. Furthermore, compared with men who had sex three or more times per week, their ED risk was increased nearly four-fold.
The changes were seen both in long-term practitioners and in newer recruits, the scientists said. "It's not all in your head," said Dr. Herbert Benson, president emeritus of the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind/Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. "What we have found is that when you evoke the relaxation response, the very genes that are turned on or off by stress are turned the other way. The mind can actively turn on and turn off genes. The mind is not separated from the body." Benson first described the relaxation response 35 years ago. Mind-body approaches that elicit the response include meditation, repetitive prayer, yoga, tai chi, breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, biofeedback, guided imagery and Qi Gong. "Previously, we had noted that there were scores of diseases that could be treated by eliciting the relaxation response - everything from different kinds of pain, infertility, rheumatoid arthritis, insomnia," Benson said. He believes that this study is the first comprehensive look at how mind states can affect gene expression. It also focuses on gene activity in healthy individuals.
Sales in Latin America of CimaVax EGF, which can prolong survival and improve quality of life in lung cancer patients, may commence in Peru, where clinical trials with a view to registering the product in the country are due to start in August. The vaccine, developed by the Centre for Molecular Immunology (CIM) in collaboration with the Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), was approved on Jun.12 by the Cuban regulatory authority, CECMED, for use in hospitals in this country. Medical services, even the most sophisticated, are provided free to Cuba's 11.2 million people. But in the 1990s, Cuba opened its doors to health tourists, which means that foreigners could come to this Caribbean island nation to receive treatment with the vaccine.  CIM scientists told
reporters on Tuesday that clinical trials in more than 400 patients
with advanced lung cancer showed that CimaVax EGF has no serious
side-effects, elicits an immune response and lengthens the lives
of patients, as well as improving their quality of life.The vaccine has undergone seven clinical trials in Cuba, Canada and the United Kingdom, and is presently being used in three further trials, two in Cuba and one in Malaysia. Gisela González, a CIM expert, said that trials are also due to start this year in China. The vaccine consists of a protein, epidermal growth factor (EGF), combined with another protein that enhances the patient's immune response against EGF. When EGF binds to its specific receptor on cell membranes, it triggers the cell proliferation mechanism, which is augmented in the case of tumours. "Upon vaccination, the body produces antibodies that recognise and bind specifically to EGF, preventing the protein from binding to its receptor and initiating cell proliferation. As a result, tumour growth is slowed, to an extent that depends on each patient's individual response," a press release said. González, who headed the project that began in 1992, said this is the first vaccine for lung cancer to be registered anywhere in the world. CimaVax EGF has been patented in Cuba, Canada, Japan, South Africa and the United States, among other countries. The researcher said that sales of the vaccine abroad will be undertaken by different foreign companies through arrangement with Cuba. The Bioven company in Malaysia will cover the market in that country and the rest of Southeast Asia, while YM BioSciences of Canada may handle distribution in North America and Europe. But the vaccine will continue to be produced in Cuban laboratories, said González, who added that exports will depend on the results of clinical assays and on obtaining registration of the vaccine in each and every interested country. Special authorisation granted by the U.S. Treasury Department in 2004 permits distribution of the vaccine in the United States, but YM BioSciences needs to complete the clinical trials that were left unfinished due to the bankruptcy of U.S. firm CancerVac, the holder of the permit. CIM scientists hope that the vaccine's registration in Cuba will provide an incentive for carrying out the U.S. clinical trials, which are expected to cost about 20 million dollars. A U.S. law passed in 2000 authorised sales of food to Cuba, despite the nearly half-decade U.S. embargo. CIM and CIGB are part of the West Havana Scientific Pole, which includes the Finlay Institute of Serum and Vaccines, the Immunoassay Centre (CIE), the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNIC), and the National Bio-preparations Centre (BIOCEN). These biotech centres carry out the complete product cycle, from R&D to marketing and assessing the impact on health. In total, the country has more than 120 scientific research centres, employing about 30,000 people. Opened in 1994, CIM is devoted to manufacturing biopharmaceuticals for the treatment of cancer and other chronic, non-infectious diseases, to be used in the Cuban public health system. At the same time it endeavours to make its scientific and productive activities self-sufficient, and to make important contributions to the country's economy. Since the early 1980s, the government determined that biotechnology was a priority area for Cuba's economic and social development. Its support for the sector was maintained even during the crisis of the 1990s, caused by the collapse of the Soviet Union, its main aid and trade partner. According to official sources, 38 new products were registered in this cutting-edge scientific field in 2007, and in the same year biotechnology became the country's second most valuable export category after nickel. Exports from CIGB alone have reached over 340 million dollars since their début, supplying countries in Latin America, Africa, Oceania, Asia and Europe. (IPS)
In press conferences in Manhattan and other major U.S. cities, Latino leaders said that Hispanics are disproportionately affected by HIV and AIDS. They said that Latinos account for 19 percent of people living with AIDS and 25 percent of HIV diagnoses, although they comprise about 15 percent of the U.S. population. The figures were slightly higher in New Jersey, where Latinos account for 21 percent of people living with HIV and AIDS, according to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. In the year 2005, Latinos - who are 15 percent of the state population -- accounted for 24 percent of new HIV/AIDS diagnoses, the NJDHSS said. "It's clearly a crisis in New Jersey," said Larry Ganges, the assistant commissioner of the Division of HIV/AIDS Services for NJDHSS. "It's
a lack of access to healthcare, it's the stigma, it's tied to
poverty - it's all that."Blacks continue to have the highest rate of HIV and AIDS, followed by Hispanics and non-His panic whites. But on Tuesday, Latino AIDS activists and health officials said they believe the epidemic is much worse in the ethnic community than the data show because of the reluctance of many Latinos to get tested and to get treated. The activists, led by the New York-based non-profit Latino Commission on AIDS, released five pages of recommendations for federal policies aimed at, among other initiatives, tightening partnerships between government health agencies and local community organizations that cater to Latinos, launching marketing campaigns to encourage Latinos to get HIV testing and treatment, and developing a better understanding of the factors - such as language and cultural barriers, particularly for new immigrants - that contribute to a higher risk of HIV infection. New Jersey state health officials say they dispatch mobile HIV testing units throughout the state, and print their HIV/AIDS literature in Spanish as well as English. "They access medical care only when needed, when they're feeling very sick, in the late stages," said Catherine Correa, the director of the Ryan White Grants Division of the Paterson Department of Human Services. "They also believe that there's no real treatment for HIV, so they think 'Why get tested?'" Buddies of New Jersey, a nonprofit group based in Hackensack that provides a myriad of services for people infected with HIV or AIDS, has been seeing an increase in newly diagnosed Latinos, said case manager Marie Hill. Although no statistics are available, she said the rise is more from sexual activity rather than from drug use. "People are failing to protect themselves when they are having sex, regardless of whether they are having it with men or women," Hill said. "And we're seeing an increase in people between 18- and 24-years-old being diagnosed."
On May 11, 2006, Kathy's husband, Tony Arduini's passed away suddenly. He was a well known detective in the Albany, New York area - hardworking, dedicated, and in the prime of his life. Notwithstanding the shock and grief of his untimely passing, his widow, Kathy, made the decision to donate his kidneys to two strangers, so their lives could be improved and hopefully lengthened. Douglas got the call around 12:30 am on May 12th that a kidney had become available and he was to go to Albany Medical Center immediately. His body accepted the kidney which has since changed his life. He no longer has to endure three weekly four-hour dialysis treatments which over time debilitates the body. In keeping with the Transplant Center policy, the donor family and the recipient can communicate anonymously for at least a year and then should there be a desire to meet, they can do so. When Douglas and Kathy met it was a very emotional moment two people whose lives were forever changed. The fact that Tony was white and Douglas is black underscores the fact that regardless of skin color, we are truly one people. Fidler and Arduini would like to lend their voices to the need for organ donation. The need is particularly great in the black community. By signing the back of your driver's license or having the discussion with your family members that you would like to donate your organs, you can change the lives of several people for the better. There are thousands who are waiting to receive that life-changing call. For more information, visit the New York Organ Donor Network's website at www.donatelifeny.org
The report also shows that most families will have trouble paying for such care even if they are lucky enough to find a spot for their child. The going rate for children under three in a child care center is now more than $19,000 a year more than a parent working full-time, year-round in a minimum wage job can earn in a year. "New parents are especially anxious about finding quality care for their new babies" says Nancy Kolben, Executive Director of Child Care, Inc. Few get the needed help finding or paying it. Many are driven to using underground unlicensed care. The critical shortage persists even though more than half of all callers to the city's child care resource and referral agencies are from parents seeking care for children under the age of 3. The shortage also persists even though the city's Administration for Children's Services made expansion of services for infants and toddlers a strategic goal three years ago. Since then, the city has only added a few hundred slots in licensed centers, leaving many working families without good options for care. Parents of infants and toddlers aren't the only ones finding it hard to locate quality, affordable early childhood programs. The cost of early care and education now outpaces housing costs for many families. A two-parent family earning about $51,000 a year with two preschoolers must now shell out more than $23,000 a year in child care fees, and can expect no assistance from public child care subsidies. Only the most impoverished families, mostly those earning up to 135% of poverty, receive subsidies in New York City even though the city's goal is to serve all families earning up to 200% of the Federal Poverty level. These are just a few of the key facts about early care and education in New York City included in the 2008 CCI Primer to be released on June 19th. The new edition provides a comprehensive overview of early care and education services, as well as detailed information on enrollment, access, capacity and funding. The data is drawn from official public reports and documents, as well as special studies commissioned just for the new edition of the Primer. ACS paid for care for over 100,000 children under the age of 12 in 2007, only a slight increase over the number of children cared for in 2003. About 86% of the children in subsidized care live in families earning up to 135% of the Federal Poverty Level. (About $23,000 for a family of 3) A growing number of children about 40,000 were in publicly-supported, license-exempt care. An expansion of public pre-k for four-year-olds represented the only major new initiative in the last decade. Even with that expansion, the city failed to meet its pre-k expansion targets last year, turning back $25 million to the state.
Notwithstanding, AIDS remains the leading cause of death among people in the 25-44 year-old age group and prevalence is high among the most vulnerable populations, says a UNAIDS progress report on the Caribbean . The report was presented recently by UNAIDS Consultant, Dr. Bilali Camara, to a Breakfast Meeting of members of the Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP), chaired by the Hon. Denzil Douglas, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis and Chair of PANCAP. Dr. Bilali informed
that there were 22 indicators on which countries reported and
urged the gathering to pay particular attention to those which
were below 50 per cent including those related to vulnerable
populations and orphans. PANCAP Coordinating Unit Director, Carl Browne, used the opportunity to further update stakeholders on the new Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework (CRSF) for 2008-2012. The stated goals of the new Framework, he said, were by 2012, to reduce the number of new HIV infections by 25 per cent; reduce the mortality rate from AIDS by 25 per cent and reduce the social and economic impact of HIV and AIDS on households by 25 per cent. Mr. Browne identified the six areas for priority focus in the new CRSF as, creating an enabling environment that fosters universal access; strengthening the inter-sectoral response; prevention of HIV transmission BCC; treatment, care, support; capacity development and monitoring, evaluation and research. The meeting also received various perspectives and requests from Civil Society. These included the development of policies to deal with men who have sex with men (MSM); access by youth to free health and reproductive services; the integration of sex and HIV age appropriate education into the primary and secondary schools; and an evaluation of the values which made PMTCT efforts successful with a view to applying them to interventions to deal with sex workers, drug users and MSMs. Dr. Piot, UNAIDS Executive Director, commended the region for its efforts and thanked Prime Minster Douglas for his unfailing leadership and UN Special Envoy for AIDS in the Caribbean, Sir George Alleyne, noted the crucial role of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and urged the gathering not to take regionalism for granted. "United we stand, divided we fall", he said and "unless the social partners come together, we will not be successful". It is imperative that the media and business coalitions become active social partners, he also said. Hosted by the PANCAP Coordinating Unit, the Breakfast Meeting was held on the occasion of the United Nations High Level Meeting on HIV and AIDS 2008, in New York and included several CARICOM Ministers of health, including Chair of the PANCAP Regional Coordinating Mechanism, Pablo Marin, Minister of Health, Belize , regional organizations and members of Civil Society.
However, AIDS still remains the leading cause of death among people in the 25-44 year age group and prevalence is high among the most vulnerable populations, it said. The report was presented this week by UNAIDS Consultant Dr Bilali Camara to members of the Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP), of which Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis Denzil Douglas is Chair. The UNAIDS official said that there were 22 indicators which countries reported on and urged the gathering to pay particular attention to those which were below 50 per cent, including those related to vulnerable populations and orphans. United Nations Special Envoy for AIDS in the Caribbean, Sir George Alleyne underscored the crucial role of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in fighting the HIV/AIDS scourge and urged that regionalism be not taken for granted. "United we stand, divided we fall," he said, adding that "unless the social partners come together, we will not be successful". He said it is also imperative that the media and business coalitions become active social partners. PANCAP Coordinating Unit Director, Carl Browne, used the opportunity to further update stakeholders on the new Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework (CRSF) for 2008-2012. The stated goals of the new Framework, he said, were to reduce the number of new HIV infections by 25 per cent, reduce the mortality rate from AIDS by 25 per cent and reduce the social and economic impact of HIV and AIDS on households by 25 per cent, all by 2012. He identified the six areas for priority focus in the new CRSF as creating an enabling environment that fosters universal access; strengthening the inter-sectoral response; prevention of HIV transmission; treatment, care, support; capacity development and monitoring, evaluation and research. Spearheaded by the Caribbean Regional Network for People with AIDS' (CRN+) Chief Executive Officer, Yolanda Simon, the meeting also received various perspectives and requests from Civil Society. These included the development of policies to deal with men who have sex with men (MSMs), access by youth to free health and reproductive services, the integration of sex and HIV age appropriate education into the primary and secondary schools, and an evaluation of the values which made prevention of mother to child transmission efforts successful with a view to applying them to interventions to deal with sex workers, drug users and MSMs. Hosted by the PANCAP Coordinating Unit, the Breakfast Meeting was held on the occasion of the United Nations High Level Meeting on HIV and AIDS 2008, in New York and included several CARICOM Ministers of Health, regional organisations and members of civil society.
Evans, director of radiologic sciences and therapy in Ohio State's School of Allied Medical Professions, saw osteoporosis as a recurring problem in many of the women due to their diet and other risk factors. "These women have no regular health care, very limited access to educational resources and subsequently a very high risk for osteoporosis at an early age," Evans said. "The medical community doesn't really know much about osteoporosis in Hispanic women, because most studies conducted in this field have been completed with Caucasian women." Evans initiated a study that measured the knowledge Hispanic women have about osteoporosis and risk factors for the debilitating disease, which causes bones to become very brittle and likely to break. "Survey research documented a high desire on the part of the participants to implement health behavior change, but a low understanding of the disease itself," Evans said. In the second phase of the study, Evans and his team used ultrasound to measure bone density in the heels of participants. "Using ultrasound, we can get quick measurements of the bone density in the heel for diagnostic and comparison purposes," added Evans. Evans and his team plan to provide patients with calcium supplements while continuing to monitor heel density measurements. In addition, participants will be counseled and provided educational resources to help increase awareness of the diseases. The study is focusing on women who are pre-menopausal. "We want to increase the bone density of younger women at an early stage while they are still forming bone mass," he said. "If we get the bone to maintain a healthy density, by the time they reach menopause -- a period when osteoporosis becomes a much more imminent danger -- they automatically won't be at a higher level of risk than anyone else for falling down and breaking a bone. "The innovative piece of what we are doing is we're looking at this lifestyle and saying, 'Why wait until someone has irreversible changes? Let's start at the beginning.'"
MYTH: I couldn't quit the first time I tried, so I won't be able to quit this time. FACT: Most smokers need a few tries to quit successfully. Most New Yorkers who ever smoked have already quit. Relapse is part of the process, not the end of the line. Smokers should not feel discouraged if they relapse once, twice, or even three times. Keep at it the benefits will be worth it. Using nicotine patches or gum doubles your chance of success. "I tried to quit many times before I succeeded," said Marie, a former smoker featured in new anti-tobacco ads. "I just wasn't ready at first. I was still looking for an excuse to smoke. But you have to keep trying. When I set my mind to it and I used the patch, I finally put cigarettes down for good." MYTH: It will take forever to see the benefits, so why bother? FACT: The health benefits of quitting are immediate. Within a few hours of your last cigarette, the level of poisonous carbon monoxide in the blood begins to decline. Within 24 hours, your chance of having a heart attack drops. Smoking improves the quality of your life rapidly. In the days and weeks after quitting, your ability to taste, smell, and breathe will improve. "Quitting smoking will make you feel better now," said Sarah Perl, Assistant Commissioner for the Health Department's Bureau of Tobacco Control. "Why wait to quit, when you can start reversing the deadly effects of smoking today?" MYTH: Quitting will only mean living a few years longer, and I don't want to live to be 100 anyway. FACT: Smokers who are killed by tobacco die about 14 years younger than non-smokers. And early death isn't the only consequence smokers suffer. Cigarettes disable and disfigure far more people than they kill. Long before they die, many smokers develop heart disease, strokes, and emphysema, losing the ability to walk, talk, and breathe freely. Some endure amputations as their circulation shuts down. Smoking also stains teeth, causes saggy, graying skin and saps your lung capacity. It even affects reproductive health. Male smokers are at increased risk of erectile dysfunction, and some women smokers struggle with infertility. "As a doctor, I treated patients who could not walk more than a few steps without gasping for air because of their smoking," said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, Health Commissioner for New York City. "Problems like emphysema, stroke, and heart attack can be devastating. Smoking can rob you of your ability to do everyday things long before it takes your life." MYTH: I've smoked too long; it's too late for me to be healthy. FACT: It is never too late to quit. No matter how old you are or how long you've smoked, quitting can improve your health. Even among long-time smokers, the risk of a heart attack declines after one smoke-free year. After five years, the risk of mouth, throat, and esophageal cancer also drops by half. That's good news whether you're 18 or 80. Dr. Frieden took calls from smokers at the 311 Call Center on Tuesday. "I spoke to a 65 year-old man from Brooklyn who smokes two packs a day and was trying to quit smoking with medicines for the first time," he said. "I congratulated him for calling and taking the first step to quit. This act could change his life and benefit his children and grandchildren as well." MYTH: I'll gain lots of weight if I quit, and have another health problem to deal with. FACT: While smokers may gain some weight, the health benefits of quitting reduced risk of heart disease, cancer and stroke far exceed the risks of this weight gain. Smokers can ward off the weight gain through healthy eating and regular exercise. Some studies suggest that nicotine patches and gum can prevent or delay weight gain. "Smoking is the most damaging thing you can do your body no doubt about it," said Dr. Mary Bassett, Deputy Commissioner for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. "Even if you gain a few pounds, you'll be much better off for having quit. And weight gain is not inevitable it's preventable." For more tips on how to quit, visit http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/smoke/smoke2-cess.shtml.
"Some persons have questioned our legitimacy in the fight against domestic and sexual violence, putting the responsibility upon social services and security sectors. I posit we have strong legitimacy in demanding a place at the table in tackling these social issues. These are 'Health for All' issues," asserted the new head of the WHA, the highest decision body of the WTO, in his inaugural address at the 61st Assembly which ends on Saturday. The Health Minister also charged that the issue of disability had occupied "orphan status" on the public health agenda for far too long. "We must correct this anomaly. People living with disabilities cannot be ignored any longer and we need to ensure that public health caters equitably for their needs," he said. He pointed out that the technology and the tools to prevent disabilities such as blindness and impaired vision are available and contended that the WHO should ensure that those were more widely accessible to avoid preventable blindness. During his address, Dr Ramsammy identified a broad slate of other health-related challenges including food production and the high cost of living, the persistence of HIV/AIDS, the staggering rates of child mortality and the escalating rate of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). He lamented the omission of the issue of NCDs from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and insisted that it be accorded high priority on the global public agenda. The Guyana official further called on the WHO to identify chronic NCDs as an additional goal for the Millennium, as it had done for other public health challenges. "The MDGs failed to identify the NCDs in spite of the fact that these diseases account for 60 per cent of the global mortalities and in spite of the fact that most of the morbidity and mortality caused by the NCDs are preventable," the WHA President said. "I believe that this is a serious omission and this anomaly should be corrected." Although acknowledging the significant role played by the WHO in highlighting the problem of chronic NCDs, Dr Rammsammy said there was still a need to catapult efforts and advocacy into a more urgent and robust crusade against what he described as this "violent tornado". He said it was also critical to address the issue of lifestyle choices such as substance use. Citing tobacco and alcohol as two risk factors, he said that the global consumption of both alcohol and tobacco constituted a global crisis that must be reversed quickly. "Our peoples, while consuming too much alcohol and tobacco, do not consume enough fruits and vegetables. Compounding the problem, our peoples are not engaged in enough physical activity. The consequence is a pandemic of overweight and obesity. These lifestyle choices must be reversed now," the minister insisted. Dr Ramsammy is the second Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Minister in 30 years to be appointed president of the WHA. The first was Kamaluddin Mohammed, Trinidad and Tobago's Minister of Health in 1977.
"Listening to music is soothing and has often been associated with controlling patient-reported pain or anxiety and acutely reducing blood pressure," said study investigator, Prof Pietro A Modesti, Professor of Internal Medicine in the University of Florence in Italy. "But for the first time, today's results clearly illustrate the impact daily music listening has on ABP. We are excited about the positive implications for both patients and physicians, who can now confidently explore music listening as a safe, effective, non-pharmacological treatment option or a complement to therapy."
The "Saving lives, protecting jobs" report which will be launched in Barbados along with a companion film entitled "Creating change" that will make its world premiere on May 20, said that new programmes designed to step up action against HIV/AIDS in the workplace were becoming increasingly common in the Caribbean. It made specific reference to the progress made in the pilot countries in the ILO's Strategic HIV/AIDS Responses in Enterprises (SHARE) project which began in 2003. "The report found a marked improvement in six pilot countries - Belize, Benin, Cambodia, Ghana, Guyana and Togo - over the last four years in attitudes of workers towards people living with HIV/AIDS," the ILO said in a statement. "The proportion of workers who reported supportive behaviour towards co-workers living with HIV rose from 49 per cent to 63 per cent on average during the life of the SHARE programme. In addition, the percentage of workers who reported using condoms with non-regular partners
rose from 74 per cent to 84 per cent.""In Belize, the proportion of workers who reported a positive attitude towards condom use increased from 52.7 per cent to 72 per cent," the statement added. The ILO said that the recorded changes in behaviour could be attributed in part to increased access to HIV services in enterprises in all six countries. At the start of SHARE, only 14 per cent of the participating enterprises in the six pilot countries had written HIV policies. When the impact survey was conducted, 76 per cent of the participating enterprises had written HIV policies in place. The report also cited recent developments in Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago which have worked with the SHARE project to put in place policies and programmes addressing discrimination and behaviour change in the workplace. It pointed out that in Barbados, several large corporations have pledged US$150,000 in cash and kind to the AIDS Foundation for the next three years to build the capacity of this business coalition responsible for coordinating the private sector response to HIV/AIDS in the country and to support companies in HIV workplace initiatives. In Belize, the Ministry of Labour, Local Government and Rural Development is now playing a leading role in coordinating the workplace response as a result of the SHARE project, the report added. "Working hand in hand with national partners, the project paved the way for the development of a national tripartite workplace policy on HIV and helped formulate the workplace components of the Belize National Policy on HIV/AIDS," the ILO release indicated. It also noted that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), along with 17 other enterprises collaborating with the project in Guyana, had adopted an HIV/AIDS workplace policy and offered HIV services to workers and managers. "A key output of the project in Jamaica has been the successful transition from donor-funded activities to a national programme," the ILO release added. In Trinidad and Tobago, it noted, the government recently adopted a National Workplace Policy on HIV and AIDS.
"The World Bank is pleased to continue supporting the government's social and economic development strategy by investing in projects that promote equal opportunities for all Jamaicans," said World Bank Country Director for the Caribbean Yvonne Tsikata after the funds were approved on Tuesday. "These projects, which are at the core of the country's development strategy, seek to improve the efficiency of social assistance programmes, provide children better access to and quality of education and health services, and support services to prevent new HIV infections and provide treatment and care for people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS," she added. The first US$40 million loan for the Social Protection Project will strengthen the country's social insurance and social assistance system by supporting activities including the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH). Since its launch in 2002, the PATH - a cash transfer programme that provides benefits on the condition that children attend school and visit health centres periodically - has become the country's flagship social assistance programme providing cash transfers to almost 230,000 beneficiaries last year. The World Bank's support will allow the government to increase the benefit level by 23 per cent to adjust for inflation, to increase grants for secondary school students by up to 75 per cent to stimulate grade progression and high school completion and to give a one-time bonus to students moving to tertiary education or training. It also will expand benefit coverage by 50 per cent to reach approximately 14 per cent of the population, the equivalent of the country's poverty rate in 2007. The increase in benefits also addresses loss of purchasing power of PATH benefits due to the sharp increase in food prices and the need to compensate families for the increasing opportunity cost of schooling. The second loan for US$15 million will co-finance the implementation of Jamaica's National Strategic Plan for Early Childhood Development. The remaining US$10 million will be used to help implement the government's National HIV/AIDS Programme by supporting prevention efforts targeted at high-risk groups and the general population; increasing access to treatment, care and support services for infected and affected individuals; and strengthening the national HIV/AIDS programme management capacity and supporting analysis to identify priorities for building the capacity of the health sector to respond to the HIV/AIDS epidemic and other priority health problems.
Canadian researchers Lucie Blais, PhD, and Amelie Forget, MSc, concluded that women who had an asthma flare-up in the first three months of pregnancy were 48 percent more likely to have a baby with at least one congenital defect than asthmatic mothers who did not have a flare-up in the first trimester. The rate of birth defects among the children of mothers who experienced a flare-up was 12.8 percent, versus a rate of 8.9 percent for mothers with better-controlled asthma, according to study data. In total, researchers analyzed more than 4,300 pregnancies through health care and pharmacy records. The findings underscore the need to keep asthma well-managed throughout pregnancy, but especially in the first trimester a crucial period for fetal development. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) recommends all pregnant women with a history of asthma consult with an allergist/immunologist to ensure the asthma is well-controlled. When a pregnant woman has trouble breathing, as during an asthma attack, both mother and fetus can experience a drop in the level of oxygen in their blood. A fetus needs a consistent supply of blood for normal growth and survival. Pregnant women, like all asthma patients, should avoid common asthma triggers such as house dust mites, animal dander and smoke, according to the AAAAI. An allergist/immunologist can prescribe safe and effective medications for controlling asthma during pregnancy. To learn more about asthma and pregnancy or to find an allergist/immunologist in your area, visit www.aaaai.org. |