Saturday, February 26, 2005

Health Headlines - February 27

Anti-Tobacco Treaty Going Into Effect

A global anti-tobacco treaty that comes into force Sunday needs strengthening fast if it is to curb a killer that claims 5 million lives a year, a leading expert said.

Taboos Threaten Senegal Anti-AIDS Push

Homosexuality is such a deeply ingrained taboo here that it is punishable by law as an act against nature. The threat of violence and rejection, experts say, is scaring gays away from treatment and making them a high-risk group.

Study: Oscar Winners Outlive Other Actors

A Canadian professor of medicine argues that actors who win Academy Awards on Sunday night won't only boost their chances of other box-office hits, but will likely live longer than their fellow nominees.

Schwarzenegger: No Regrets About Steroids

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has acknowledged using steroids during his years as a champion body builder, said he doesn't regret using the performance-enhancing drugs.

New York Suburb Has First Case of Rare STD

A Nassau County man has been diagnosed with a rare sexually transmitted disease, the first case in the county and one of seven around the country.

Malaysia Takes Steps to Stem Tobacco Use

Next month's Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix will be the last time cigarette companies will be able to use the romance of racing to sell their tobacco products in Malaysia.

Landmark anti-smoking treaty enters into force

A landmark treaty aimed at cutting deaths and illness caused by smoking came into force Sunday, after 57 countries ratified international restrictions on tobacco producers and smokers, the World Health Organisation said.

Two new HIV-related viruses likely came from monkeys, scientists say

US scientists have identified two new human retroviruses, cousins of HIV, which may have originated in monkeys, according to researchers presenting their work at an AIDS conference.

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