'HeartGuide' food-rating program attracts 114 applications as controversy continues

Article Abstract:

The American Heart Association (AHA) is initiating a new program, called HeartGuide, to fight heart disease. Food products will be rated by the program on fat and sodium content and if accepted, will show a seal of approval. The goal is to help shoppers select healthy items from among the 50,000 foods stocked by a typical supermarket. Manufacturers are presenting their products to the AHA for rating; so far 114 products have been submitted. Each company will pay two annual fees to the AHA, an administrative fee for overhead and product testing and an education fee for pamphlets, a hot line and other consumer services. Critics have questioned the size of these fees, which range from $5,000 to $600,000 per year, yet the AHA maintains that the money will be used only to cover the program's expenses. The HeartGuide program's total revenues will amount to less than one tenth of one percent of the entire food industry's advertising budget. Some have objected to the program because manufacturers who choose not to participate may experience a drop in sales if consumers perceive that their products are less healthy than those bearing the seal of approval. Federal agencies, including the US Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration, have expressed disapproval of the program because consumers may mistakenly believe foods are either good or bad, and that good items can be eaten in unlimited quantities. Nutritious foods, such as meat and dairy products, may be avoided because they do not display the seal. Certain groups, such as children and the elderly need these foods because they supply concentrated nutrition.

Health aspects, Standards, Purchasing, Coronary heart disease, Food, Labeling, Public opinion, Nutrition, Low-fat diet, Low fat diet, Food buying, Grocery shopping, American Heart Association, Nutritional requirements, Food labeling

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HIV/AIDS early treatment controversy cues new advice but questions remain

Article Abstract:

A panel of scientists formed by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease discussed the proper time to begin treatment of patients with HIV infection. Three antiviral drugs are available for the treatment of HIV infection. The scientists agreed that patients with symptoms of infection should begin treatment with one of these drugs immediately. The treatment of asymptomatic individuals is more controversial. Asymptomatic individuals should consider treatment when their T-cell count is between 500 and 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood. The main problem associated with early treatment is the development of drug-resistance by HIV. Treatment with a combination of antiviral drugs has not been an effective solution for this problem. Scientists also discussed the proper time to begin treatment at the Ninth International Conference on AIDS.

HIV infection, HIV infections, AIDS (Disease)

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Tomorrow's gene therapy suggests plenteous, patent cardiac vessels

Article Abstract:

Gene therapy may be an effective way to treat different types of heart disease. Gene therapy involves the insertion of normal copies of genes into a cell to replace defective genes in patients with inherited disorders. Some disorders are caused by an abnormality in a single gene. Other disorders such as hypertension or atherosclerosis are caused by mutations in several genes. A new technique has been developed to insert genetic material into heart muscle cells. It involves the use of a virus as a gene carrier. Clinical trials using patients to test this technique may begin in 1994 or 1995. Some types of heart disease may be treated by inserting genes that will allow the growth of new blood vessels in the heart. Gene therapy using the gene for clotting factor VIII is being investigated as a treatment for hemophilia.

Usage, Heart diseases, Gene therapy

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