Interest heightens in defining, preventing AIDS in high-risk adolescent population
Article Abstract:
In part because only 1 percent of all reported cases of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) occur in children and young adults between the ages of 13 and 21, most of the attention concerned with this epidemic has been focused on the high-risk adult populations which have been massively affected. However, attention has recently been directed on this young population of AIDS patients who have been shown to be heterogenous and involved in high-risk life styles that are associated with AIDS. Surprisingly, the ratio of male to females in this age group are 2.9:1 as compared to the 7:1 ratio found in older AIDS populations. Fifty-two percent of the cases of AIDS in adolescent girls have been associated with heterosexual spread of the disease. Similarly the number of AIDS infected infants born to adolescent mothers has exploded during the last year; in New York the number increased to 88 from 10 afflicted babies born in the previous year. At particular risk for AIDS are children who have lived on the streets; in a New York study of homeless and runaway youths 7 percent of teenagers were infected as were 16 percent of those between 18 and 20 years. Of particular concern is the fact that teenagers are often sexually experimental; when this behavior is coupled with the frequent youthful feeling of immortality a dangerous vulnerability to AIDS may result. Sexual activity, often with many partners, is certainly another area of high-risk behavior. By 19 years of age approximately one half of all American teenagers have had sexual intercourse, and for certain groups, such as black girls in some cities, the rate is 80 percent. Although drug abuse has dropped among adolescents in general, there are pockets which have retained this high- risk behavior. Methods to prevent AIDS in teenagers and young adults must be rapidly developed to reduce the risk for this incurable disease.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1989
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Research focuses not only on where, why, how of falls, but also on preventing them
Article Abstract:
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has sponsored studies on how geriatric services can be improved, with an emphasis on reducing falls by elderly persons. Because improved mobility, strength, and balance can be achieved through exercise, physical fitness in the elderly has been the focus for some investigators. A study is currently underway to determine whether the incidence of falls in the elderly can be reduced by strengthening the leg muscles. Also, intervention programs have been devised to decrease the rate of injury from falls and to allow older adults to remain independent longer. One fall intervention system, called Fall-Safe, involves the use of a braking device attached to an overhead trolley mounted on a track on the ceiling. The individual is connected by a tether to the trolley, and if a fall occurs he is lowered gently to the floor; the device includes a special vest which enables stress to be evenly distributed over the torso to prevent damage to the ribs. Pilot testing is still underway and encouraging results have been reported thus far. In addition to preventing falls, this device may encourage the elderly to exercise without fear of falling. Air bags, similar to those used in automobiles, are also being studied. A new report is expected to be released this summer by the Institute of Medicine in Washington, DC; the report will cover 12 topics on disability prevention. Among the areas addressed will be cognitive impairment, falls, nutrition, and osteoporosis. One topic that is emphasized is implementation of fall prevention measures that will enable the elderly to maintain their independence. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1990
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Strategies proposed so cars won't harm kids
Article Abstract:
Pedestrian injuries to children can be curtailed through a three-point approach: environmental change, education and enforcement. Environmental change involves separating children's play areas from the street and driveways. Back-up warnings, speed bumps and one-way streets are other ways of cutting down on pedestrian injuries. These preventable injuries carry a high incidence of fatality, especially in children from 5 to 14 years old. Young children need to be taught to look for cars and cross the street safely. Parents should be aware that preschoolers' behavior can be unpredictable, and should start early in educating their children about pedestrian safety. Law enforcement efforts should be directed to stopping drunk drivers, speeders and other unsafe operators of vehicles.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1995
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