Herpes Treatment: November 2005

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

New Gene Identified

MONTREAL, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Scientists at the MUHC and McGill University have identified a gene responsible for a disease that impairs the body's ability to handle vitamin B12 and that may contribute to heart disease, stroke and dementia. The details of the CIHR and March of Dimes funded research are published in this week's issue of Nature Genetics. The research, which began more than 20 years ago, will allow doctors to perform earlier diagnosis, assess 'carriers' of the disease-Combined Methylmalonic aciduria (MMA) and Homocystinuria-and open the door to new and improved treatments for this debilitating disease. "Although this disease sometimes starts in adolescence or adulthood, we usually diagnose this rare inability to process vitamin B12 in the first few months of life," says Dr. David Rosenblatt, Chairman of Human Genetics at McGill, Director of Medical Genetics in Medicine at the MUHC, Chief of Medical Genetics at the Jewish General Hospital and lead researcher of the new study. "Babies may have breathing, feeding, visual and developmental difficulties, older patients may develop sudden neurological disease." Vitamin B12, which is found in all animal products -- including dairy, eggs, meat, poultry, and fish -- but not in plants, is vital for synthesis of red blood cells and maintenance of the nervous system. Vitamin B12 also helps control homocysteine levels in the human body. Homocysteine control is important because in excess this compound can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and dementia. 17 year-old Michael -- a typical MMA and Homocystinuria patient -- was diagnosed at 6-months of age, and has battled numerous medical challenges as a result of his condition. Michael is developmentally delayed, visually impaired and does not talk; he has suffered seizures since he was three years old, had a stroke by the age of seven and has since developed rheumatoid arthritis and scoliosis. Michael's diagnosis, which led the way to treatment involving injections of vitamin B12, was conducted at Dr. Rosenblatt's laboratory at the MUHC-one of only two centres in the world that perform these tests. After more than 20-years of data collection, Dr. Rosenblatt, his student Jordan Lerner-Ellis and their team have now unlocked some of the secrets of this rare but debilitating condition. "Using over 200 patient samples, representing the majority of the world's 350 known cases, we have identified the responsible gene, called MMACHC," says Dr. Rosenblatt. "In collaboration with the laboratory of Dr. James Coulton, Department of Microbiology and Immunology at McGill, we used computer modelling to demonstrate the similarity between the protein encoded by the MMACHC gene and a protein involved in bacterial vitamin B12 metabolism." This new link between bacterial and mammalian species may help us better understand how humans use vitamin B12. Ultimately these discoveries have enabled us to develop early diagnosis and carrier assessment tests for the disease-something that was not previously possible. "This discovery offers earlier diagnosis and treatment options for genetic diseases such as Methylmalonic aciduria and Homocystinuria. This represents a step toward improving the lives of those afflicted with such rare and devastating genetic diseases," says Dr. Roderick McInnes, Scientific Director of CIHR's Institute of Genetics. This breakthrough represents hope for Michael and his family, and many others that have been touched by this disease. "Michael is a very loving and caring child, who has had to overcome many challenges," says his mother Karen. "We are overjoyed that this research may one day give courageous children like Michael a fighting chance at a better quality of life." About medical genetics: Alterations in our genes are responsible for thousands of hereditary diseases and influence the development of thousands more. Once the genes involved in a particular disease are discovered, scientists become better able to precisely diagnose disease, predict its course, and create more effective treatments with fewer side effects. Medical genetics can even be used to assess patients' risk of developing certain diseases, allowing them to take preventive medicines and make lifestyle changes, like diet and environment, which may help prevent or delay their development. Medical genetics research is advancing at an incredible rate. This year alone, MUHC scientists have identified genes contributing to breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, tuberculosis, migraines, cytomegalovirus (associated with herpes, chicken pox and mononucleosis) and rare but devastating diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa. The current work on Methylmalonic aciduria and Homocystinuria was a product of the CIHR group in Medical Genetics, comprised of scientists at the MUHC, McGill University, the University of Calgary and collaborators at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. The McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) is a comprehensive academic health institution with an international reputation for excellence in clinical programs, research and teaching. The MUHC is a merger of five teaching hospitals affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University -- the Montreal Children's, Montreal General, Royal Victoria, and Montreal Neurological Hospitals, as well as the Montreal Chest Institute. Building on the tradition of medical leadership of the founding hospitals, the goal of the MUHC is to provide patient care based on the most advanced knowledge in the health care field, and to contribute to the development of new knowledge. http://www.muhc.ca McGill University is Canada's leading research-intensive university and has earned an international reputation for scholarly achievement and scientific discovery. Founded in 1821, McGill has 21 faculties and professional schools, which offer more than 300 programs from the undergraduate to the doctoral level. McGill attracts renowned professors and researchers from around the world and top students from more than 150 countries, creating one of the most dynamic and diverse education environments in North America. There are approximately 23,000 undergraduate students and 7,000 graduate students. It is one of two Canadian members of the American Association of Universities. McGill's two campuses are located in Montreal, Canada. http://www.mcgill.ca The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a campaign to reduce the rate of premature birth. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at http://www.marchofdimes.com. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada's agency for health research. CIHR's mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to catalyze its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health care system. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to close to 10,000 health researchers and trainees across Canada. http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Most people in the US have NO idea about std's like herpes!

Realizing Reality Tuesday, November 29, 2005 Most people in America think they know the facts about sexually transmitted diseases and the importance of practicing safe sex, but many have no idea. A new survey shows many Americans are involved in risky sexual behavior, and seemingly simple things such as proper use of condoms and the avoidance of alcohol and drugs in potentially dangerous situations are to blame. The survey, conducted by MSNBC and market-research firm Zogby International, says millions of Americans are living with STDs - and some don't even know it. Nineteen million new cases of STDs are reported every year, and one in five Americans has genital herpes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which was cited in the study. At least one million Americans are living with AIDS. The scarier part, according to the study, is that many Americans don't know they are infected with the diseases, so the actual numbers likely are significantly higher. More than 56,000 adults ranging in age from 18 to 70 responded to the anonymous survey, which was developed with the help of sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer. Released last month, the survey included questions about participants' sexual histories and practices, how knowledgeable they thought they were about STDs and demographic information such as gender, age and ethnic background. The results include: - 39 percent of respondents said they always ask whether a new partner is infected with HIV or other STDs. About one-third said they never ask about the status of prospective partners' sexual health. - 44 percent of African Americans said they talk to their partners about STDs, compared to 38 percent of whites and 40 percent of Hispanics. - At least half of respondents said they worry about contracting herpes from oral sex, but not all are exactly sure how the disease is spread. Lack of communication between partners plus improper use of condoms is a dangerous combination that is partly responsible for the spread of STDs, said a physician's assistant with Planned Parenthood in Gilroy. "It's actually frightening how many of my patients either aren't using condoms correctly or aren't using them at all," she said. "If you aren't comfortable talking about STDs or you aren't comfortable putting a condom on a penis, you aren't ready to have sex." Some women the assistant talked to said they don't look when putting a condom on their partner, or they don't look when their partner is putting on a condom, so neither partner is sure if they are properly protected. "It's not a moral question of right or wrong; it's pure science. Using a condom is the best way to protect yourself from STDs other than not having sex at all," the assistant said. "Using condoms should be standard practice for anyone having sex." Improper protection has led to a "huge resurgence" in gonorrhea and chlamydia, STDs that generally don't cause any outward signs of infection such as discharge or lesions, she said. A 2002 Planned Parenthood study found that about 40 percent of college-aged men don't put condoms on correctly. To put on a condom correctly, first check the expiration date, then tear open the wrapping either at the notch provided or in the middle of the packet. Squeeze the tip of the condom between your thumb and first two fingers to get rid of any air and to allow room for semen and any further enlargement of the penis. Place the rolled-up condom on the tip of the penis with the hand pinching the end, and roll the condom down with the other hand. If the man is uncircumcised, pull back the foreskin first. If the condom doesn't roll down easily, it's probably on inside out. Discard this condom and begin again with a new one. The condom needs to be unrolled all the way to the base of the penis. After intercourse, the man should hold the base of the condom around his penis as he pulls out to prevent the condom from slipping off inside the woman and to avoid spillage. Use each condom only once. Don't store condoms in a hot area and never in a wallet. The condom should be in place before any physical contact between genitalia. Use only water-based lubricants with condoms. Though condoms will greatly reduce transmission of STDs between partners, they don't provide 100 percent protection against certain diseases such as herpes and vaginal warts, the assistant said. For example, herpes can be transmitted when flakes of skin from the pubic area - an area not covered by a condom - shed onto another person's pubic area, even when the person with herpes is not having an outbreak of sores. Alcohol and drugs were another factor to blame for the spread of STDs, according to the MSNBC and Zogby survey. Nearly two-thirds of survey respondents said they've had unsafe sex while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. "Getting drunk and making bad choices go hand in hand," the physician's assistant said. "You need to have a plan. I think everyone should have a designated driver and a designated moral advisor who can step in and say, 'No, you're drunk, you're not going to go home with this person.'" Here are some other tips to maintain good sexual health: - Urinate after sex. It can help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. - If you're a woman, don't douche, which is applying a water solution intended to clean the vagina, can wash - Regularly get tested for STDs, and also have regular checkups. Sounds like good advice to me! JJ Currie www.xherpes.com

Pizza Hut To Blame For Her Herpes Simplex Attacks?

When will fast-food joints stop putting people in peril? How could anybody be expected to know that a joint's deep-fried food might be hot? We need someone to protect us from such shameful irresponsibility, so thank heavens for Joshua Goldberg, Esq. A lawsuit filed by Goldberg, said a story in Monday's paper, alleges that Sorana Georgescu-Hassanin of Lehighton is the victim of a pernicious Pizza Hut in her town. I looked at Goldberg's complaint, filed in Carbon County Court, and (gasp) it's true. Georgescu-Hassanin, the lawsuit says, ordered cheese-stuffed ''Jalapeno Poppers'' on Nov. 5, 2003, and their ''excessive heat'' caused the cheese to burn her chin when it squirted out as she bit the deep-fried popper pepper. Pizza Hut failed to ''adequately warn her of any dangers,'' the lawsuit says, and the side of her chin was blistered. Not all of her medical bills, the suit says, were paid by the Department of Public Welfare; she paid part of them herself.

The trauma, the suit says, resulted in ''a wage loss and a loss or impairment of her future earning capacity'' and it ''traumatically induced/reactivated chronic herpes simplex.''

Her husband is a co-plaintiff who ''suffered the loss of companionship, comfort, services and support of his wife.''

All this, the lawsuit says, entitles the couple to at least $75,000 from Pizza Hut et al. I was wondering what sort of wage loss Georgescu-Hassanin suffered if she is a welfare beneficiary. If Goldberg returns my calls, I'll ask him. I'll also ask how a chin blister two years ago cost her husband a loss of companionship, and how Pizza Hut is to blame for her herpes condition. Finally, I want to know why Goldberg is seeking only a crummy $75,000. When a New Mexico woman spilled hot McDonald's coffee in her lap, she was awarded $2.9 million. I know I have written unkind things about lawyers, accusing them of getting rich by filing blizzards of contingency-fee lawsuits intended to harass people into making settlements (rather than going broke over legal costs) even when claims have little merit. I have been so cruel as to say such lawyers need a big dose of tort reform in Harrisburg. But Monday's heartbreaking story made me realize we need them to protect us from the forces of evil who refuse to adequately warn us of dangers and let us hurt ourselves. Accordingly, I see an urgent need for establishments to be more responsible about adequately warning us. Every St. Patrick's Day, for example, Ye Olde Limeport Inn has a big Irish celebration. That establishment, I am distressed to report, has failed to put up a sign saying, ''Making harshly derogatory comments about Notre Dame's football team could result in unscheduled visits to your dentist.'' Yosemite National Park is lovely, but the last time I was at the Glacier Point lookout, I was horrified to find a lack of adequate warnings. I demand the following signs: ''Stepping off this precipice could cause you serious harm, although not until you reach the bottom of the 3,200-foot drop.'' The Lehigh Valley Ice Arena must warn hockey players not to provoke and confront former Flyer Dave ''The Hammer'' Schultz during charity games. (I have personal knowledge that such actions result in getting knocked on one's fanny. I was not physically injured in that game, but the humiliation was traumatic.) Companies that make light fixtures have been endangering us for too long. They need a sign on each light that says, ''If you remove the light bulb, stick a finger into the socket, and turn on the switch, you may experience discomfort.''

Yes, we need more knights in shining litigious armor to protect us from such harm, and I expect that Joshua Goldberg will help lead the charge.

Sunday, November 27, 2005

Female condom supply would save lives now

Female condom supply would prevent spread of herpes and other std's Basic maths shows that the department of health's distribution programme falls pitifully short of a meaningful contribution to safe sex November 27, 2005 If women want to live in South Africa, then they shouldn't have sex. Or - if the department of health has its way - they would have safe sex only once every five years. Although women are 66 percent more likely to be infected than men, according to UNAids, it is almost impossible for them to access female condoms or dental dams to ensure they can practise safe sex. This week, UNAids released its annual epidemic update in which it referred to the "astonishing speed" of the evolution of the Aids epidemic in South Africa - "a national adult HIV prevalence of less than 1 percent in 1990 rocketed to almost 25 percent in 10 years"

'Our condom distribution cannot be compared to any in the world'

. The department of health announced earlier this year that there were 6,57 million HIV-infected people in South Africa in 2004 compared with 5,6 million at the end of 2003. It said 29,5 percent of pregnant women surveyed in 2004 were HIV-positive, up from 27,9 percent in 2003. In KwaZulu-Natal, the HIV prevalence rate among pregnant women was more than 40 percent. Last month the department crowed that "our condom distribution programme cannot be compared to any in the world. Public health sector male condom distribution increased by 80 percent from 150 million in 1997 to 270 million in 2003". That is 270 million male condoms in a population of 44 million, of whom about 20 million are men. The figures seem good, until a little basic arithmetic reveals that this means 13,5 condoms per year for each man. In a country of 40,5 percent unemployment, few can afford to buy condoms. This either means that South African men need to cut back dramatically on their sex lives or that campaigns promoting safe sex are hypocritical. The situation is worse for women. The department of health revealed that "more than 1,4 million female condoms were distributed in 2003". There are about 24 million women; the average age of sexual induction, according to the Durex surveys, is 12. Basic maths shows that 1,4 million female condoms among 24 million women means they should have sex only once every four to five years, because the department is distributing 0,058 condoms for each woman. And while male condoms are obtainable in public toilets, supermarkets and chemists, it is almost impossible to find female condoms. Supermarkets whose primary clients are women stock none. Dis-chem is the most reliable outlet and sells them for about R27 for three, significantly more expensive than male condoms. Research in Uganda is broadly applicable across the continent: women in long-term relationships are at very high risk of HIV infection. The Ugandan study quoted by UNAids this week shows that "women's vulnerability to infection in marriage is underlined by the fact that most men with multiple partners are married (45 percent of married men had multiple sex partners compared with 5 percent of women)." If penetrative sex is dangerous for women, can they at least experience oral sex? No. Neither the department of health nor any other major organisation distributes dental dams in South Africa - essential for safe oral sex with a woman, whether lesbian or heterosexual. The only outlet for these safe sex tools is Out, an organisation for gay and lesbian people in Pretoria, which sells them for R15 each.

Dental dams are small, thin, square pieces of latex used for oral sex. They reduce the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (such as herpes, genital warts and HIV) during oral sex by acting as a barrier to vaginal and anal secretions that contain bacteria and viruses. They come in a variety of sizes and flavours. Dr Elna McIntosh, a Johannesburg sexologist, says she is seeing a steep rise among sexually transmitted illnesses among her A-list clientele. "I recently had a teenager from a prestigious Johannesburg school who had the worst case of genital warts I have seen. It means she isn't practising safe sex." McIntosh suggests the use of water-based lubricants when using a dental dam or to stop the rustling noise of a female condom during sex. She says the best lubricants to use are KY Jelly or Astroglide, "which, though expensive, is similar to vaginal mucosa. People must not use Vaseline, baby oil or aqueous cream with condoms - they decrease their effectiveness and increase the woman's risk of thrush". These substances also heighten the risk of breakage. McIntosh suggests that if you cannot obtain a dental dam, "make one out of a male or female condom, latex glove or non-microwavable cling wrap. To make a dental dam out of a condom, simply cut off the tip and cut down one side". A Johannesburg HIV specialist says the lack of access to female prevention methods is a serious problem. "I have one couple, as an example, where the man is HIV-positive and the woman is HIV-negative. He doesn't like using condoms and she would prefer to use female condoms, but they are expensive and difficult to obtain." Although many women complain of the rustling noise of a female condom during sex - making it difficult for them to insert and use without their partner knowing - sex workers in some countries promote it as a sex toy. The Guardian newspaper reported recently that in Colombo, Sri Lanka, sex workers "marketed it as a toy, allowing the client to insert it - a real thrill, because seeing a vagina up close, or touching one, is a huge taboo in Sri Lanka". Clients enjoy the way the "plastic ring inside [the condom] rubs against the tip of the penis during intercourse, intensifying the man's orgasm... "In Senegal, the condoms are sold with noisy 'bine bine' beads, an erotic accessory that women wear around their hips. The rustle of the polyurethane during sex is now associated with the clicking of the beads - and so, a turn-on. "In Zimbabwe, where 930 000 of the 1 600 000 adults infected with HIV are women, a new word - kaytecyenza - has entered the vernacular to describe the 'tickle' created by the inner ring rubbing against the penis." McIntosh says it is important to "eroticise safer sex - people can use different colours, gels that have different tastes. I suggest to clients that they have a basket or drawer next to their bed with different coloured condoms, a variety of lubricants, gloves and toys".

Saturday, November 26, 2005

Northern Ocean Support Groups

ART THERAPY: Children in this group deal with emotions and feelings through art after losing a loved one. The group meets at Ocean Medical Center, 425 Jack Martin Blvd. Call (732) 206-8340.

AUTOIMMUNE INFORMATION NETWORK offers a support group for those with any type of autoimmune disease. Meetings are at 1 p.m. on the fourth Sunday of each month at Ocean Medical Center, Conference Room C. Call Barbara at (732) 262-0450.

BEREAVEMENT GROUP: A group for the newly bereaved or those still experiencing the pain from the loss of a loved one meets 7:30-9 p.m. the first and third Tuesday at Meridian Nursing and Rehabilitation, 415 Jack Martin Blvd. Call (732) 206-8340.

BEREAVEMENT GROUP: A senior bereavement group meets 1:30-3 p.m. the second and fourth Friday at St. Dominic's Church, Van Zile Road. Call (732) 840-1410.

BREAST CANCER: A support group for people with breast cancer and their families meets at 7:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month in the cafeteria at Ocean Medical Center, 425 Jack Martin Blvd. Call (732) 206-8340.

COPING WITH CANCER: Cancer patients and family members meet at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Monday of each month in the Oncology Conference Room at Ocean Medical Center, 425 Jack Martin Blvd. Call (732) 206-8340.

DIVORCE CARE: Christian support and group counseling for people going through divorce is available at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 714 Herbertsville Road. Call (732) 775-9016 or (732) 451-1938.

FAMILY SUPPORT: Helping Hands of the Epilepsy Foundation of NJ is seeking families with children with special needs who would benefit from weekly visits from a Helping Hands volunteer. The program targets children from birth to 12 years old, providing fun and educational activities while giving parents a break. Volunteers may accompany the family to doctor visits, outings or school performances. Call the Helping Hands coordinator at (732) 262-8020.

GROW, a mutual-help support group for people suffering from depression or anxiety of dealing with other stressful situations, meets at 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday at Brick Presbyterian Church, Drum Point Road. Meetings are confidential and nondenominational. Call (732) 785-9502.

HEP-C SUPPORT: MOCHCCI-Hepatitis C support group meets 7-9 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month in the lower-level conference room at Ocean Medical Center, 425 Jack Martin Blvd. Visit mochcci.org or call (732) 974-5797.

LA LECHE LEAGUE: La Leche League support group for breastfeeding meets at 7 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at Ocean Medical Center, 425 Jack Martin Blvd. Call (732) 295-2536.

LUPUS SUPPORT: The Ocean County Support Group of the Lupus Foundation of America meets every other month at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Ocean Medical Center. Call the foundation office for details at (800) 322-5816.

MOMS CLUB: Moms Offering Moms Support meets during the day and allows mothers to bring their children with them. Call (732) 202-0689.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, Mid-Jersey Chapter, meets 10:30 a.m.-noon the last Monday of each month at the Ocean Medical Center, 425 Jack Martin Blvd. Call (732) 701-1593 or (732) 270-3459.

MYASTHENIA GRAVIS: A support group meets at 1 p.m. the third Sunday of each month at Ocean Medical Center in the Community Classroom; food and refreshments. Call Barbara Yodice at (732) 262-1526.

RAINBOWS: St. Dominic's Church offers Rainbows, a peer support group for schoolchildren who have experienced significant loss in their lives through death, divorce or other painful transitions. Another group, Prism, is available for single parents, stepparents and parents whose children are in Rainbows. Call Karen Voorhees at (732) 840-1410.

STRESS SUPPORT: Stress Central, a support group to help control stress, meets at 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday at the Worthington assisted-living community, 458 Jack Martin Blvd. Call (732) 785-1081 or (732) 477-2859.

SURVIVORS TALK: The Center for Behavioral Health Services sponsors a recovery program for survivors of abuse and assault. Individual, confidential services are available, and women's and children's therapeutic support groups are being formed. Call (732) 920-7933.

TRANSPLANT GROUP: A support group for pre- and post-transplant patients, donors, family and friends meets once a month at Ocean Medical Center. Call Kathleen Strittmatter at (732) 262-0959.

VIETNAM VETS: Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 200 of Ocean County, sponsors a support group for the spouses and companions of Vietnam veterans. The group meets at 7:30 p.m. every third Friday of each month at the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 20, 1810 Lanes Mill Road. Call (609) 693-7574 or (732) 269-0230.

WOMEN IN RELATIONSHIPS: This group focuses on establishing and maintaining healthy relationship boundaries with parents, family, a spouse, children and significant others. Group participants will examine beliefs that limit healthy boundaries and learn ways to develop healthy relationships in a safe, group environment at Catholic Charities, 35 Beaverson Blvd., Building 12. Cost is $15 per session, $10 fee for book purchase at first session.

HOWELL

HELP FOR PARENTS: The Holy Family Support Group for struggling parents meets 8-9:30 p.m. every Friday in St. Veronica's Rectory, Route 9 North. This is a 12-step recovery program. Call (732) 928-2476.

SINGLE, AGAIN: St. Veronica's Support Group for Separated, Divorced or Widowed meets at 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday night in St. Veronica's Church rectory basement, Route 9. A separate widowed group meets the first Tuesday of each month, same time and place. Call (732) 577-6964 days or (732) 431-0446 evenings or (732) 364-0729.

TOUGH LOVE: Tough Love, a parent support group for those troubled by their child's behavior, meets at 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday at Church of the Master, 110 Salem Hill Road. Call Susan at (732) 431-1740 or Ruth at (732) 536-9324.

JACKSON

ALZHEIMER'S: The Seasons, Bella Terra's memory care program, holds a monthly support group for families dealing with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. The group meets 10-11:30 a.m. the last Tuesday of every month at 2 Kathleen Drive, off County Line Road. Call Paula Douglas at (732) 730-9500.

HERPES SIMPLEX: Central New Jersey Help, an affiliation of American Social Health Association Herpes Simplex Virus support group, meets 7:30-9 p.m. on the third Friday of the month at St. Aloysius Church, 935 Bennetts Mills Road. Contact Gina or Mike at (732) 270-4680.

STROKE SUPPORT: The CentraState Healthcare System-sponsored stroke support group offers educational programs and supportive interaction for those dealing with events and lifestyle changes associated with stroke. The group meets at 2 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at Westlake Community Clubhouse in Jackson. Call (732) 780-3013.

LAKEWOOD

BEREAVEMENT GROUP: Jewish Family and Children's Service of the Jewish Federation of Ocean County sponsors a bereavement group for those who have recently encountered a loss 9:30-11 a.m. on Wednesdays at 301 Madison Ave. Call (732) 363-8010.

CANCER SUPPORT: A cancer support group meets 12:30-2 p.m. the fourth Monday of each month at the Lighthouse, 198 Prospect St. Call (732) 370-9667.

CAREGIVERS: This support group, provided by Kimball Medical Center, is for anyone caring for a person living in Ocean County age 60 years and older (not necessarily living in the same house). The group meets 12:45-2:15 each Tuesday at the Center for Healthy Living, 198 Prospect St. The group is facilitated by two social workers. The group is free, but registration is required by calling (732) 730-9112.

DIABETES SUPPORT: Kimball Medical Center diabetes support group meets monthly at the Center for Healthy Living, 198 Prospect St. Call for meeting time and to register at (888) 724-7123.

HEMANGIOMA SUPPORT: Parents of children with hemangiomas, benign tumors formed by a cluster of blood vessels, are invited to join a support group to exchange information and associate with others who are concerned with this affliction. Beatrice Coulter of Howell and Clare Connolly of Jackson, both of whose daughters have problems caused by hemangiomas, founded the group, which meets at Early Intervention of Ocean County in Lakewood. Anyone who is interested in joining the group should send their name, address and telephone number to Hemangioma Help, P.O. Box 1401, Jackson, NJ 08527-9998.

JEWISH SENIORS: Jewish Federation of Ocean County holds a senior support group 1-2:30 p.m. Wednesdays at 301 Madison Ave. Call (732) 363-8010.

JEWISH FAMILY AND CHILDREN'S SERVICE'S Caregiver Group, providing support for those involved with caring for a loved one, meets 10-11:30 a.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month at Wellsprings Adult Social Day Care, 525 Route 70. Call (732) 363-8010.

NEW BEGINNINGS offers support to those suffering from cancer as well as to their family and friends. Meetings are held 6:30-9:30 each Wednesday at Leisure Park, 1400 Route 70 East, Lakewood. Call (732) 255-5940.

NEW DAWN: This support group for parents who have lost a child meets at 8 p.m. the first Monday of the month at the Northern Ocean Professional Plaza, 525 Route 70, Suite A-3. Call (732) 928-2565.

PAAVE: Parents for Autism, Autoimmune and Vaccine Education holds its monthly meeting on first Wednesday of the month at The Arc of Ocean County. Call Ellen Sweeney (732) 451-1073.

TOUGH LOVE, a support group for parents coping with out-of-control behavior, meets at 7:15 p.m. Mondays at First Presbyterian Church, Third Street. Call (732) 928-4125 or (732) 280-7594.

WOMEN FOR SOBRIETY is a non-12-step based, nonreligious recovery program meeting the needs of women by striving to build self-esteem and empowerment to overcome addition. The group meets 7-8 p.m. each Wednesday at the Center at Kimball Medical Center, 198 Prospect St. Call (732) 370-5586.

MONMOUTH/ OCEAN COUNTY

9/11 SUPPORT: Anyone affected by the events of Sept. 11, 2001, can get help through Project Phoenix, a FEMA-funded outreach program. Project counselors meet individually or in groups, provide education and assist in referrals. People who lost family, relatives, friends, or co-workers or who witnessed the event in person, worked in lower Manhattan at the time, assisted in rescue or recovery operations and those who have had difficulty coping with the disaster are eligible for the program. Visit www.projectphoenixnj.com or call (877) 294-HELP.

BENIGN ESSENTIAL BLEPHAROSPASM: A support group for this rare eye disease has been formed. Contact Bonnie O'Rourke at (732) 922-4429 or at tombor@worldnet.att.net.

CHILD SUPPORT: The Monmouth-Ocean Chapter of ACES, the Association for Children for Enforcement of Support, assists custodial parents struggling to collect support for children. E-mail monmouthaces1@aol.com or visit www.childsupport-aces.org.

CONTACT OCEAN COUNTY is a 24-hour, seven-day hot line serving Monmouth and Ocean counties, providing help to people in crisis or having difficulty handling their everyday lives. Call (732) 240-6100 or (609) 693-5834.

FAMILIES OF ADDICTS, NAR-ANON: A support group for families and friends of drug addicts meets 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sundays in CentraState Medical Center, Route 537 and West Main Street, Freehold Township; 7:30-9:30 p.m. Sundays at Kimball Medical Center, Route 9, Lakewood; and 7:30-9 p.m. Mondays at the Presbyterian Church, Hooper Avenue, Dover Township. Call (800) 322-5525 or (800) 255-0196.

HEARING-IMPAIRED TEENS: The mother of an oral deaf 15-year-old daughter is looking to form a social group for like teens. Call (732) 286-1711.

HOT LINES: Self-Help Clearinghouse maintains a database of more than 4,000 support groups in New Jersey, plus 200 help lines/hot lines. Call (800) 367-6274 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

MENDED HEARTS helps cardiac patients and their families. This group meets at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune; Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank; and Ocean Medical Center, Brick. Call (800) 560-9990, Prompt 3.

PARENTS OF ADDICTS: Help Mothers and Fathers is a support group for parents trying to cope with addictions in adolescent and adult children. Meetings are in Old Bridge, Fair Haven, Toms River and Long Branch. Call (973) 736-3344.

TOURETTE SYNDROME: A new Monmouth/Ocean County Tourette Syndrome family support group has been formed and meets 7-8:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month (except July and August) at the Wellness Center of Jersey Shore University Medical Center, second floor classroom, 2020 Route 33, Neptune. Visit www.tsanj.org or call (908) 575-7350.

WEIGHT HELP: Overeaters Anonymous has a hot line with information about meeting times and places. Call (609) 698-0244.

OCEAN COUNTY

ALZHEIMER'S CARE and related dementias support group, sponsored by the Ocean County Board of Social Services, meets 1-3 p.m. the third Friday of the month at The Gables at Brick on Jack Martin Boulevard and 1-3 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month at the Manchester Manor, Route 70, Manchester. Call Ellen Vidal at (732) 505-3754 or Anna Smith at (732) 286-5975. In Toms River, Princeton Biomedical Research is offering a free Alzheimer's disease caregivers support group 11 a.m.-noon every other Friday. Call (732) 240-5775.

ALZHEIMER'S RESPITE CARE: People with Alzheimer's disease may be helped by the Alzheimer's Respite Care Program started by Caregivers of Central Ocean County Inc. and Caregivers of Lakewood Inc. Call (732) 505-0031.

MOTHERS WITHOUT CUSTODY meets 2-4 p.m. the third Saturday in Lacey. Call Kathleen Pitman at (609) 971-1684.

PANIC RELIEF INC. offers panic, anxiety and phobia workshops and support groups in Point Pleasant and Toms River. Call (732) 940-9658.

SURVIVOR SUPPORT: The Sexual Abuse and Assault Program of St. Francis Counseling Service helps anyone who has been raped or sexually abused. Its 24-hour rape hot line has experienced counselors for crisis intervention and support. In northern Ocean County, call (732) 370-4010. In southern Ocean County, call (609) 494-1090. St. Francis also offers free counseling services at 10 sites in the county.

VETERANS' FAMILIES: A self-help group is organizing for veterans' families and friends who are trying to cope with their veteran's combat post-traumatic stress disorder. The group follows a 12-step format. A meeting date and location will be determined. Call Chris Woolnough at (732) 928-7027 or e-mail cwoolno1@aol.com.

POINT PLEASANT

EYE OPENERS, a support group for the visually impaired and blind, meets at 10 a.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month in the Presbyterian Church education building. Call George Brown at (732) 892-5117 or Fran Grecco at (732) 458-7181.

POINT PLEASANT BEACH

CANCER CONCERN: Cancer Concern Center, 1101 Richmond Ave., offers support groups for people living with cancer. Meetings are 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays. A men's support group meets 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Call (732) 701-0250 or (732) 701-0750.

Support group meetings are subject to change, please call before heading to a meeting. New support groups that meet in a public place may submit their information to Community Support Groups, c/o the Asbury Park Press, 3601 Route 66, Box 1550, Neptune, NJ 07754, fax to (732) 643-4015 or e-mail to community@app.com. Existing groups that would like to amend or update their information should call (732) 643-4206.

‘Playing around’ has a price tag

‘Playing around’ has a price tag Could the values in gay male relationships contribute to our STD and HIV infection rates?

By STEPHEN FALLON, Ph.D. Friday, November 25, 2005

A FEW MONTHS back, my friend Oscar was describing his new relationship over dinner. His boyfriend of two months had suggested that they commit to one another exclusively.

When Mitch heard this declaration of exclusivity, he snorted from across the table, “Please! I’ll have him by Christmas.” Though everyone was laughing, Mitch’s comment struck me sour.

Why don’t more gay guys encourage one another’s committed relationships? Our party line is that we’re just more realistic and honest with each other than straight lovers are.

But does our “honesty” extend as far as mocking and trying to trip up any relationships that are committed?

When my friend Chris took a weekend trip with a group of gay athletes, one of the other athletes hit on him. Chris said, “Thanks, but I have a boyfriend.” This didn’t slow the other guy’s advances.

When Chris removed the guy’s straying hand from his chest, the guy challenged, “What? Don’t you guys have rules for when you’re out of town?” It was inconceivable to this guy that any gay male relationship would even try to be truly exclusive.

This expectation that “playing” is inevitable in any gay relationship has come to worry me. I’ve been working in public health for a decade, and witnessed the anxiety that gay men feel when they find out they’ve caught HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, herpes or Chlamydia.

COULD OUR VALUES contribute to our disproportionate STD and HIV infection rates?

Surveys conducted in seven U.S. cities among 5,600 young gay and bisexual men, ages 17-29, find that 10 percent are already HIV positive. Infection rates for just about every other STD tracked are also higher for gay men than for straight men or women.

The point isn’t that straight folks are pure, and we are hedonistic. But for straight couples, sexual exclusivity is at least the stated goal. Notwithstanding the sort of mutually undeserving, hetero imbeciles paraded on “Jerry Springer,” when a straight spouse cheats it’s supposed to be the exception that proves the rule of presumed fidelity.

In anonymous surveys, about a third of straight married people admit to having ever had an affair. But in a recent survey of gay men in sexually exclusive relationships, nearly one-third had cheated within three months of starting the relationship. More than half of them had unprotected sex when they strayed.

Did these men slip up sooner because their pledges were at odds with general gay male expectations?

Wedding or civil union vows spoken before friends and family send a message of planned fidelity. A spouse feeling the urge will have to work harder to manage an affair away from the eyes of neighbors or friends.

WE SEEM TO expect “open” relationships. Another long survey of 4,295 gay and bisexual guys in six U.S. cities found the average guy had seven sexual partners during the past six months, though about half of the men were in primary partner relationships.

To be sure, plenty of guys have caught HIV or STDs even staying true to their partner, either because they didn’t get tested together at the outset, or because one of them strayed and brought an infection home. But from a general safety perspective, even imperfect or serial monogamy is preferable to “honestly open” relationships.

A person newly infected with HIV is 12 to 20 times more contagious than after the immune system has started to fight back. If a guy becomes HIV infected during a rare one-night stand, or within a mostly monogamous relationship, he will likely pass through his “peak contagion period” without exposing anyone else.

Yet if he became infected while “playing” in an open relationship, or during a regular “trick,” then each of the guys he has unprotected sex with in the coming two months will face a much greater risk of catching his virus.

How about if relationships are sexually open only when partners use condoms? Many gay men use condoms improperly, putting them on only after already entering a partner a few times during foreplay.

Though guys who “play” tell me that they’re extra careful, gay guys with multiple partners are statistically no more likely to use condoms than those with just one partner.

I’d oppose anyone who tried to legislate against individual sexual choice. But maybe it is time for us to encourage exclusive relationships.

Safe-sex advocate addresses churches

'If God created it, we can talk about it,' she tells congregations

BY CHRISTINA MURPHY

THE NEWS LEADER

Nov 25, 2005

WAYNESBORO -- Safe sex is a controversial topic to take to church. But when you're talking with people dedicated to stopping the spread of AIDS, the conversation will go there.!!!

Alisa Lundeen, who coordinates AIDS/HIV intervention programs for the Valley Community Services Board, believes church is a perfect forum for AIDS prevention. Why? Because churches are close-knit communities made up of individuals who care for one another and who want to keep each other safe. And her message is slowly taking root in area congregations.

"I sincerely believe if God created it, we can talk about it," Lundeen routinely says to church assemblies.

That opens an hour or so of discussion about sex, protection and consequences. Adults and teenagers are encouraged to attend.

On Sunday, Lundeen brought her presentation to Oak Grove Baptist Church in Waynesboro. About 50 people gathered in the basement after services to participate.

The Rev. T.E. Payne of Oak Grove Baptist said alarming statistics about the high numbers of blacks infected with AIDS prompted the church to get involved with prevention about a year ago.

"This church is certainly liable to become caught up in those [statistics] if we don't do something to prevent it," Payne said.

Offer of AIDS tests

The visit to Oak Grove was Lundeen's second. At the first session in September, she offered AIDS testing to all in attendance. The pastor volunteered first to help put people at ease.

At Sunday's session, the discussion focused on how to prevent new infection in young people.

Safe sex, Lundeen said, is a lot of work. Her prevention props include condoms, dental dams, lubricants and boxer shorts -- to help protect against another sexually-transmitted disease, herpes.

"Abstinence starts to look real good after a while, at least until you decide to get married," Lundeen said.

Abstinence is the preferred method of safe sex endorsed by Oak Grove Baptist, Payne said. But he wants the congregation to be informed and able to educate others. It's in that spirit of community networking that Lundeen founded one of her major AIDS prevention programs, Red Band.

Red Band volunteers help plant seeds to build informal information networks by agreeing to serve as resources in their communities.

A little-discussed topic

One of the first volunteers, Cassandra Scott, said she felt compelled to get involved after realizing how little people in the valley talked about AIDS. Scott's church, Beverly Manor Baptist, was the first to invite Lundeen and Red Band to speak on that subject.

"One thing I realized -- I'm from New York -- [is] information isn't out there," Scott said. "In New York, you see it on the subways; you see it everywhere.

"I speak with people anywhere; it can be in the Laundromat," Scott said.

The message resonated with Oak Grove youths.

"I'm all about people being educated," said Renee Hobson, 21. "I think it [Red Band] will work; we just have to reach people so that they can really get it." Hobson is a pre-med student at James Madison University.

"I think the more we talk about it, the more it'll work, because when you talk about it, it spreads," said Devaughn Payne, 16.

Whitney Silver, 15, also reacted positively.

"I think more people should hear it, because it's there," she said of AIDS.

HIV-Aids moves stealthily

HIV infection rates are decreasing in several countries but the number of people living with HIV continues to rise, according to a United Nations report released in advance of World Aids Day, marked worldwide on the first of December. "We are encouraged by the gains that have been made in some countries and by the fact that sustained HIV prevention programs have played a key part in bringing down infections," said Dr. Peter Piot, executive director of the Joint United Nations Program on HIV-Aids (UNAids). "But the reality is that the AIDS epidemic continues to outstrip global and national efforts to contain it." In Asia, infection levels are still low: 0.4 percent in adult population. "But with Asia accounting for 60 percent of the world's population, figures are more significant than a single low rate," says Dr Bernard Fabre-Teste, an advisor with the sexually transmitted infection unit of the regional office of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Manila. In the Philippines, the first AIDS case reported was in 1984. Since then, almost 2,500 have been recorded by the National Epidemiology Center of the Department of Health (DOH). The figure, however, is just the "tip of the iceberg." "We may have smaller incidence of HIV-Aids compared with Asian countries, but this does not mean we have to be complacent. We cannot completely eradicate it, but at least we must limit its spread," said DOH head Dr. Francisco T. Duque III in a recent forum. The term Aids--Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome--applies to the most advanced stages of HIV infection. It is, according to the US-based Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAid), caused by HIV (discovered by Dr. Luc Montagnier and his colleagues at the Pasteur Institute in France in 1983). Outside the human body, HIV -- human immunodeficiency virus -- is relatively fragile and can be easily killed by household disinfectants. Once inside the body, there is no way a person can eliminate the virus. HIV progressively weakens the body's immune defense system, until it is no longer able to fight off infections, many of which are normally harmless. When the immune system is severely damaged by HIV, several opportunistic infections are present at once. Opportunistic infections common in people with Aids cause symptoms such as: coughing and shortness of breath, seizures and lack of coordination, difficult or painful swallowing, mental symptoms such as confusion and forgetfulness, severe and persistent diarrhea, vision loss, nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, weight loss, extreme fatigue, severe headaches, and coma. Among the indicator diseases affecting people with HIV include tuberculosis, Kaposi's sarcoma (a tumor primarily affecting the skin), pneumonia, herpes, shingles and weight loss. "Death is not caused directly by HIV, but by one or more infections," says Dr. Dominic Garcia, an infectious disease specialist at the Gat Andres Medical Hospital. How does HIV work? The AIDS Information Unit of the health department explains: "When HIV enters your body, your body tries to kill the virus by creating chemicals called 'anti-bodies.' This process -- from the moment you are infected until the moment antibodies appear in your blood -- takes an average of six weeks but may take as long as one year." The DOH information sheet said HIV antibodies do not kill the Aids virus. The antibodies and HIV remain in the bloodstream of a person until the rest of his or her life. Only a special blood test can detect whether a person is HIV-infected or HIV-positive. Medical scientists consider HIV as a retrovirus, which means it is a slow virus. "Unlike flu, when you get it today, you might already present symptoms the following day. With HIV, you can be without symptoms for several years. Possibly as short as three years or as long as 12 years," explains the Health Action Information Network (Hain). Currently, there are three classes of drugs available to treat HIV infection: nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and protease inhibitors. "HIV usually develops resistance to any of these drugs when they are used alone," warns the Merck manual. "Resistance can develop after a few days to several months of use, depending on the drug and the person." Prevention is still the best way to stop the spread of HIV/Aids. And preventing Aids, according to the Department of Health (DOH), is as easy as ABC. Actually, ABC stands for "abstinence," "be faithful," and "condom use." Abstinence or no sex is a difficult but possible option for many people, especially young people. "Abstain from having sex," the health department recommends. "Wait for the right partner that can make your heart beat fast and ready to put you in a comfortable and healthy life." For married people, the DOH urges couples to "be faithful." Edwina Currie, in an article which appeared in 'The Observer,' once told a group: "My message to the businessman of this country when they go abroad on business is that there is one thing above all they can take with them to stop them from catching Aids, and that is the wife." But for those who can abstain from having sex or being faithful to their partners, DOH suggests condom. "Protection is still the best defense against this disease," says Dr. Cyrus Trocio of the Department of Health in Davao City. "Use a latex condom for each act of intercourse with an infected partner or a partner whose HIV status is unknown," recommends The Merck Manual of Medical Information. But let me remind you, "Condoms aren't completely safe," says Bob Rubin. "A friend of mine was wearing one and got hit by a bus." Of course, he was joking!

Thursday, November 24, 2005

Drugs from the ocean beds

The oceans have been recently described to be the "Medicine Chest of the New Millennium". There is a gold rush amongst pharma and biotech companies to tap this new found resource. Traditionally many medicines have their origin from plants and animals that occur on land. However, most of the plants and animals on land have been discovered and many of the curative properties of the chemicals, they contain, have been found.

Marine plants and animals largely remain unexplored because these organisms are not easily accessible, the average depth of the earth’s oceans being 3.8 km! Naturally, there is no history of use of marine organisms in traditional herbal medicine anywhere in the world.

Marine organisms, in relatively shallow waters near the shores, can be collected by scuba diving. This is being practiced in nearly every coastal country whether rich or poor. The more developed among them are now in the process of expanding their undersea programmes and use submersibles to collect marine plants and animals.

This search for new drugs in marine organisms aptly called "Marine Bioprospecting" akin to the prospecting for gold and other minerals on land, is "the dawn" if BT, pharma and IT are considered to be "the sunrise" industries.

A strong reason to find drugs in the marine plants and animals is that many organisms spend their life anchored to the seabed and have poisonous spines, claws and nails to ward off preys like fishes. These poisonous toxins are the most sought after, as cures against cancer and other diseases. It is believed that the same method by which these toxins are able to harm the predators without harming the organisms itself, could be used to treat cancer. For example, killing cancerous cells selectively while not harming healthy cells, or killing disease causing bacteria without killing the host.

Secondly, many molecules found in marine organisms have totally different patterns of construction from the molecules of medicinal value found in terrestrial plants and animals. These marine compounds can lead to new curative methods in the human body, and thus opening up the possibility of treating drug resistance diseases like the tuberculosis.

The drug Ara-a, used all over the world for treating herpes and other viral infections and commercially manufactured by Parke-Davies and others, was originally isolated from a sea sponge. Another drug Ara-C also isolated from a sea sponge being manufactured by Pharmacia-Upjohn is well known anticancer agent. Estee Lauder’s facecream, Resilience, contains extracts of feathery sea fan and claims anti skin ageing properties.

Many ocean derived drugs are under various stages of clinical and pre-clinical trails by pharmaceutical companies and government organisations all over the world. Astra Zeneca, the pharmaceutical giant, is involved intensely in marine bioprospecting.

Martek BioSciences (USA) produces some polyunsaturated acids (DHA and ARA) essential to the proper development of grey matter in the brain and retina of eyes in infants. Nutraceuticals containing these two ingredients have been recommended by the World Health Organisation.

Marine Bio-prospecting in India began in the early nineties as the National Project on Development of Potential Drugs from the Sea. The Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow is the coordinating body together with several other collaborating institutes and universities. Organisms from both the long Indian coastline, particularly the mangroves of the Sundarbans, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands etc are identified, screened and specimens stored at the National Repository, at The National Institute of Oceanography, Goa.

Some chemicals compounds have been identified which are anti-oxidant, have cholesterol and blood sugar lowering properties and can even cure diarrhoea. These are in different stages of clinical and pre-clinical trails of drug development.

In the private sector, the Hyderabad based Shanta Marine Biotechnologies now known as Samudra Biophrama, is setting up a marine biotech plant at Tiruchendur, near Chennai, which will produce beta-carotene by large scale culturing of marine microbes. (Beta-carotene is much in demand now as an antioxidant and as food supplement for functioning of retina). A marine biotechnology park would be set up near Mandapam, Tamil Nadu. The biotech policy of Tamil Nadu also mentions marine biotechnology as one of the main thrust areas.

A marine biotech park in 218 acres of land is being set up at Vishakhapatnam, where Celgen Biologicals is setting up India’s first facility for the production of the essential fatty acid DHA. It would also produce beta carotene. Biogenus Ltd. would invest $ 20 million to set up a marine biotech research station and bacterial culture and enzyme plant in the park.

Maharashtra’s biotechnology policy announced recently includes efforts to exploit the marine organisms along its coastline; Karnataka Millennium Biotech Policy, 2000 plans to set up a marine biotech park at Karwar to promote marine biotech. Marine bioprospecting is a major theme of Kerala’s biotechnology policy. The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Ernakulam, would be the nodal centre to coordinate the R&D efforts with other academic and research institutions of the state. For example, the Bharathidasan University, Trichy hosts the National Facility for marine cynobacteria. The Biotechnology Park to be set up at Cochin would have marine biotechnology as the thrust area. Orissa draft biotechnology policy 2005 has plans for a marine biotechnology park at Chilka Lake, one of the largest lagoons in India famous for its prawns.

There will be huge employment opportunity in these industries and it is necessary to create a reserve talent pool in this area. The starting of post graduate courses in marine biotechnology at the Andhra and Goa Universities is a right step in this direction by the academia. Nearer home, the Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar, is also planning to start courses on marine biotechnology.

The possibility of obtaining drugs and food additives from marine plants and animals is just unveiling its huge economic potential worldwide. India is blessed with a long coastline with shallow tropical seas surrounding most part of the continent. The time is ripe for the Indian pharmaceutical and food supplement industry to dive into the oceans and reap the benefits which this huge natural marine laboratory offers.

The writer is Assistant Professor at the Indo Global College of Engineering, Abhipur (Ropar)

Herpes from a manicure or pedicure?

Get Regular Manicures & Pedicures? Avoiding them? Play it Safe at the Nail Salon and Relax. Women can feel safe again returning to the nail salon for a manicure or pedicure when they arm themselves with the right salon-grade tools and information to avoid a painful fungal or bacterial infection. San Rafael, CA November 24, 2005 -- Women who get regular manicures and pedicures spend upwards of $1,000 or more a year pampering themselves with an indulgence that could lead to more than beautiful nails. Looming in the whirlpool, manicure bowl, or other salon instrument is the possibility of bacteria and organisms that could result in fungal and bacterial infections, and in extreme cases HIV, Hepatitis, Herpes or warts. In response, girl-i-cure(TM) has developed a set of "nail salon tools to go" that provides true peace of mind for personal safety. "Going to the nail salon without your own complete set of tools is equivalent to using the toothbrush of patients before you," says Principal Mette Nygard of girl-i-cure "While dentists use an autoclave heat sterilization method to clean their instruments, the cosmetology industry doesn't seem to have the same standards to eradicate micro-organisms." Even salons with high-profile clientele that look clean or even use an autoclave may unknowingly spread bacteria and infections, if they: * don't sanitize their hands between clients. * share towels, manicure bowls, pumice stones, pedicure slippers, or other tools not appropriately sterlized (as with an autoclave). * use a brush-on cuticle oil, polish, base coat or top coat among several clients. * provide a whirlpool footspa "throne", which may harbor micro-organisms in the jets even if the basin is clean. * drop a tool on the floor and use without re-sterilizing. Case in point is singer and American Idol hostess Paula Abdul, who contracted a painful fungal infection on her thumb, likely from a high-end salon. The experience motivated Abdul to lobby with the California Senate to improve sanitation methods in California, and educate salon patrons nationwide. As we wait for the government or the Board of Cosmetology to implement stricter standards, what can patrons do? Bring their own tools! "You can buy other manicure kits on the market, but they fall short of the true consumer need," says Nygard who developed the girl-i-cure concept while pregnant and extra concerned for her personal safety. "Other kits seem to provide items you can't sanitize or disposable ones intended for repeated use, so I created an end-to-end solution for 'individual use only' to make a trip to the salon a safer experience for the patron and the technician." The girl-i-cure "nail salon tools to go" set includes all the basic professional-grade tools a girl needs (salon quality cuticle nippers and pushers, a set of washable salon boards, a set of disposable manicure sticks, plus a salon safety guide, tool tray, a towel, antifungal polish remover, sani-scrub antifungal to clean the nail, sani-spray antibacterial nail prep, hand and cuticle treatment, manicure bowl, base coat, top coat, cuticle oil and more). Everything you need for a safe manicure is in the bag -- just supply the polish. And for pedicures, the girl-i-cure tool set includes a pedicure basin with disposable liners to tote, then toss (no washing necessary), plus pumice sponges and sanitizable toe separators. Recommended for natural nails, the safe manicure kit is $69.95, and the safe manicure kit with pedicure upgrade is $88.95. >>>> NOTE: These product sets are not meant to cure, treat, or diagnose any medical condition. If you notice skin or nail changes, or if you have an existing medical condition, contact your physician immediately for a proper diagnosis. In addition to bringing their own salon-grade tools, patrons can: * Clean tools at home with an antiseptic spray, such as MRX Mediceutical, which kills staph and strep bacterial on contact -- or Star Nail Sani-Spray Antiseptic, which contains Chlorothynol (thymol) to help prevent cross-contamination and destroy staph aureus. * Insist the technician santize with an antibacterial to prevent the spread of viruses, fungus and germs from hand-to-hand or hand-to-foot contact. * Avoid shaving legs 48-hours prior to a pedicure service, and avoid any nail service if hands or feet have any nick, papercut, burn or wound until fully healed -- as these all provide the gateway for micro-organisms to enter the body. * Never use the whirlpool "throne" foot bath as microbacteria may breed in the suction screen and harbor in the jets. Ideally women should bring their own footspa. * Don't reuse disposable toe dividers, emery boards or manicure sticks,. If the package doesn't say you can sanitize, then it's meant for one use only. * Women with acrylic nails should bring their own drill bits for the technician's electric drill. Better yet: consider a natural manicure, as the air pockets may form between the synthetic nail and the actual nail bed to trap moisture, which may breed fungal and bacterial growth. * Finally, keep check of any discoloration, redness, soarness or swelling, and seek help from a physician if these symptoms appear. A manicure or pedicure should never hurt. http://www.xherpes.com

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

How to indentify and deal with herpes

Herpes: What It Is Genital Herpes and How I Deal With It? What is genital herpes? Herpes is the name of a group of viruses that cause painful blisters and sores. One kind of herpes, herpes simplex, causes both cold sores around the mouth and genital herpes (herpes around the sexual organs). Herpes zoster, another kind of herpes, causes chickenpox and shingles. How does genital herpes get spread? Genital herpes is spread easily. The virus from contact with an infected person can enter your body through a break in your skin or through the skin of your mouth, penis or vagina, urinary tract opening, cervix or anus. Herpes is most easily spread when blisters or sores can be seen on the infected person. But it can be spread at any time, even when there aren't any symptoms. Genital herpes is usually spread from one person to another by having sex, including oral sex. Herpes can also be spread from one place on your body to another, such as from your genitals to your fingers, then to your eyes or to other parts of your body. Herpes can also be spread from a mother to her baby when she gives birth. What should I do if I think I have herpes? See your doctor as soon as you think you may have herpes. Herpes is easier to diagnose when there are sores. You can start treatment sooner and perhaps have less pain with the infection. What happens once someone is infected? Once you have the virus, you'll go through different stages of infection. Each stage is explained in the following sections. Primary stages of herpes This stage usually starts 2 to 8 days after you're infected, but it can take much longer to begin. Usually, the infection causes groups of small, painful blisters. The fluid in the blisters may be clear or cloudy. The area under the blisters will be red. The blisters break open so easily that they quickly become open sores. You may not ever notice the blisters. Besides having tender blisters or sores in your genital area, it may hurt to urinate. You may run a fever and have other flu-like symptoms. While most people have a painful primary stage of infection, some don't have any symptoms at all, and may not even know they're infected. Latent stages of herpes During this stage, there are no blisters, sores or other symptoms. At this time, the virus is traveling from your skin into the nerves near your spine. Shedding stages of herpes The virus starts multiplying in the nerves. It can then get into body fluids, such as saliva, semen or vaginal fluids. This is called shedding. There are no symptoms during this stage, but the virus can be spread during this time. Recurrences of herpes outbreaks Many people have blisters and sores that come back after the first herpes attack goes away. This is called a recurrence. Usually, the symptoms aren't as bad as they were during the first attack. Stress, being sick or being tired may start a recurrence. Being in the sun or having your menstrual period may also cause a recurrence. You may know when a recurrence is about to happen because you may feel itching, tingling or pain in the places where you were first infected. Is there a cure for herpes? No. But medicines can help. The medicine Choraphor works quickly to kill the herpes virus on contact.

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

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