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Jul 11, 2003 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- SITE FOR THE IMPOTENT
The Erectile Dysfunction Institute is offering a free help line and Web site for impotent men. Researchers say treatments like Viagra have been shown ineffective in as many as 40 percent of cases of sexual dysfunction. Patients interested in obtaining the latest information on impotence and its treatment can call the toll-free Nurse Line at 1-866-294-7508 or visit the Web site at cure-ed.org. They can schedule an appointment with a physician from a network of more than 100 urologists. "One in 10 men in the United States has ED," said Dr. J. Francois Eid, clinical associate professor of urology at the Weill-Cornell Medical College. "While ED is clearly something that affects a large part of the male population, we also know that men are often too embarrassed to talk about the situation, in fact almost 20 million sufferers do not seek treatment."
RESIDENTS NOT KEEN ON SCREENING FOR BREAST CANCER
A survey shows radiology residents are getting extensive training in breast imaging, yet most do not want to interpret mammograms in their future practices. "As our population grows and women increase their utilization of screening mammography, we anticipate a greater need for qualified radiologists to supervise and interpret screening mammograms and perform diagnostic workups," said lead study author Dr. Lawrence Bassett, Iris Cantor Professor of Breast Imaging at the University of California, Los Angeles, Jonsson Cancer Center. "Training sufficient numbers of residents to interpret these examinations in the future is an important challenge for our radiology residency training programs." Because the American Cancer Society advises women 40 and older to get a yearly mammogram, the demand for mammography screening is expected to rise as baby boomers age and more women comply with screening guidelines. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates the female population 40 to 84 will increase from 64.6 million to 77.4 million in the next two decades. Inadequate reimbursements, costly regulations and exam-related litigation have resulted in a shortage of radiologists who read mammograms, researchers say. An increased demand for breast imaging could exacerbate the situation, they say in the journal Radiology.
ALL-IN-ONE TOOTH CLEANER
A new electrical device lets you brush, floss and apply antimicrobial supplements to your teeth all in one sweep. Dentists recommend those with periodontal disease -- about 80 percent of the adult population -- should rinse daily with antimicrobials and antioxidants. Yet if daily flossing -- shown to be practiced by only 5 percent of the population -- is any indication, only a small minority will follow the advise. Holland, Mich., dentist P. Piero has designed a home dental cleaning system to help fight periodontal disease. It replaces tooth brushing and flossing and is FDA approved for marketing. The electrical appliance uses air, water and dental cleaner to power wash between teeth and along the gum line. Nutritional supplements can be added for direct application to the tooth during the 2-minute cleaning process, Piero points out.
SCHIZOPHRENIA TREATMENT SHOWS PROMISE
Schizophrenia patients treated with Risperdal Consta, a long-acting version of the antipsychotic drug risperidone, improved without serious side effects, researchers say. Risperdal Consta, which is injected every two weeks, is approved in more than 20 countries. In the United States, Johnson and Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development is seeking federal approval of the drug. An estimated 2 million Americans suffer from schizophrenia, a brain disorder that impairs a person's ability to think clearly, relate to others and distinguish between reality and imagination, researchers say.
(Editors: For more information about IMPOTENCE, contact Teresa McFarland at 952-440-6084 or tmcfarland@mcfarlandcahill.com. For BREAST, Maureen Morley at 630-590-7754 or mmorley@rsna.org. For TOOTH, Pia Brown at 616-399-8511 or pia@dentalairforce.com. For SCHIZOPHRENIA, Melissa Katz 609-730-2612)
Copyright 2003 by United Press International.
