compiled by Martin Flynn
CONDOMS STILL BEST
FOR HIV PREVENTION
A
new book argues that condoms remain the best protection against HIV and sexually
transmitted infections.
“My candidate for the greatest technological invention of the past 2,000
years is the condom,” Dr Monica Sweeney, author of Condom Sense: A Guide
to Sexual Survival in the New Millennium, told the New York Times.
“A condom can keep you from dying and reduces disease risk during vaginal,
oral and anal sex,” the book declares proudly. “And unlike oral
contraceptives, condoms are safe if you smoke. And they do not cause weight
gain.” Condoms are not messy and do not disrupt sexual spontaneity.
They are inexpensive and readily available, Dr Sweeney argues. Asked about
condom breakages, she suggests few people read the instructions in the heat
of the moment and urges all men to practise in advance, learning how to open
packets without damaging the condom and how to put one on and remove it safely.
Dr Sweeney reiterates the standard guidance to only use water-based lubricants
with condoms and not to use them with any other oils or creams.
Dr M Monica Sweeney & Rita Kirwan Grisman: ‘Condom Sense:
A Guide to Sexual Survival in the New Millennium’, published by Lantern
Books.
STRESS
MAKES MEN TAKE MORE SEXUAL RISKS
A study presented at this summer’s Aids2006 conference in Toronto
suggests that the more stress gay men experience the greater the chance they
will take more sexual risks and possibly become infected with HIV.
The Solaris study interviewed 124 gay and bisexual men recently tested HIV
positive and asked what stressful events had happened to them in the previous
six months. Health-related stress topped the list, followed by worries about
money, relationships and being attacked, abused, accused or arrested. Problems
with drink or drugs increased the risk by 53 per cent.
A control study found that the HIV positive men had substantially more stress
in their lives in the months leading up to their diagnoses than a sample of
HIV negative men. The study from Ontario also found that the more stressed
they were the more likely they were to practise unsafe sex.
“The results provide evidence that stressful events among gay and bisexual
men are related to increased risk of HIV infection,” the study author
Dr Calzavara reported. “Even after adjusting for receptive anal intercourse,
experiencing five-plus stressful events was still associated with a two-fold
increase of HIV infection.”
Ref: Aids2006.org TUPE0453, 2006
TEA
BEATS DRINKING WATER FOR YOUR HEALTH
Apparently Granny was right when she told you drinking tea every day can have
medical benefits.
A study in the journal European Clinical Nutrition, dispels previous myths
that tea dehydrates the body. It also suggests tea protects against heart
disease and some cancers because of the flavonoids it contains, which are
antioxidants and help prevent cell damage.
A team led by Dr Carrie Ruxton, from Kings College London, found clear evidence
that drinking three or more cups of tea a day can cut the chances of having
a heart attack. Other health benefits include protection against teeth decay
and bone strengthening. “Drinking tea is actually better for you than
drinking water,” Dr Ruxton told BBC online. “Water is essentially
replacing fluid. Tea replaces fluids and contains antioxidants, so it’s
got two things going for it.”
“Studies on caffeine have found that very high doses dehydrate, but
if you had a really strong cup of tea or coffee you would still get a net
gain of fluid.” But the British Nutrition Foundation was more careful.“In
terms of fluid intake, we recommend 1.5 to 2 litres per day and that can include
tea,” said spokesperson Claire Williamson. “Tea is not dehydrating,
it’s a healthy drink,” she added.
