Since the HIV epidemic exploded onto the scene in the 1980's, the need for comprehensive care for those infected was obvious. As the number of infected people grew, the burden placed on HIV care programs grew as well. Thankfully, the U.S. government realized the need and understood that it would take skilled medical professionals and a lot of money to properly care for the growing HIV population. So in August of 1990, Congress signed the Ryan White CARE Act and in doing so created a system of services that has improved the quality and availability of health care services for people living with or affected by HIV and AIDS.

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In Other News - Isolate All HIV People?

Doctor Sitaleki Finau holder of senior medical positions in Australia and New Zealand - and currently the Director of Health on Niue believes it would be in the best interests of people with HIV and Aids if they were isolated - possibly on an island. Read more about this outrageous idea from Radio Australia.

A report released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygeine indicates that the rate of new HIV infections in the city is about 72 new infections for every 100,000 people. That number is about three times the national rate according to a new formula developed by the Centers for Disease Control. While the city admits that the most current estimate of over 4000 new infections per year is the most accurate estimate thus far, there is no way to tell if that number is higher or lower than previous estimates. Because the formula is new, it is difficult to compare two estimates produced by different means. Read more in this article from the New York Times.

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Over 2100 physicians, nurses, administrators, and prevention experts from the Ryan White HIV Program are meeting in Washington DC this week as part of their semi-annual update. It is actually a two-in-one meeting with clinical providers also meeting to discuss current prevention techniques and treatment guidelines. The Ryan White program funds hundreds of HIV agencies and care providers across the country; providing care for over 500,000 HIV positive patients each year.

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When the drug Viagra first came to market in 1998 it was targeted to men 56 years old and older. And today, the largest group of Viagra and other ED drugs users is still men over 56. However, the number of Viagra users under the age of 45 has increased almost 300 percent. Young men without erectile dysfunction are asking for Viagra prescriptions at an accelerated rate and now makers of the three best selling ED drugs has begun to target their product to younger men. Stories have surfaced of men in their twenties popping a pill as they leave the bar with their date, making sure that their sexual performance will be up to par. Men have been interviewed and have admitted that after taking their first dose of ED med, they find they take them before most sexual liaisons "just to make sure". But ED drugs are not harmless and in fact do carry with them some considerable side effects. While physical dependence doesn't seem to be an issue, psychological dependence on drugs like Viagra seems to be more common. Let's take a look at the risks of one of these ED drugs...Viagra.

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