Topic: AIDS

Stop Your Snickering: Bill Gates’ Challenge To Build A Better Condom Is Seriously Important

Stop Your Snickering: Bill Gates' Challenge To Build A Better Condom Is Seriously Important

When the internet heard that Bill Gates was investing money into building a better condom, it erupted into giggle fits like a bunch of immature jocks in the back of a high school health class. Cue the Microsoft puns. But considering how many people this world has living with AIDS (approximately 34 million) and how many people’s lives are affected by STDs (too many to tabulate), maybe we should calm down with the jokes and take this issue seriously. More »

A Drug To Prevent HIV? The FDA May Approve Truvada Today

A Drug To Prevent HIV? The FDA May Approve Truvada Today

There are already several ways to prevent HIV and AIDS, like condoms. But following an FDA panel today, there could be a new way for people to protect themselves against the deadly virus: a little blue pill called Truvada. Truvada is already being used to treat HIV and AIDS patients who have the disease, but now, experts are weighing the possibility of making it the first-ever drug to be administered preventatively. Yay! More »

Elton John Has Best Motivation For Writing New AIDS Book

Elton John Has Best Motivation For Writing New AIDS Book

We love it when a celebrity uses his name and influence to make a positive and healthy difference in the world.

The legendary pop superstar, Elton John, has announced that he is writing a new book that will be a personal account of his life during the AIDS epidemic while helping to dispel some of the long-standing stigmas and social barriers. And, given his history, we can’t think of a better person to do this. More »

Dumb, Dangerous, and Hateful: Bryan Fischer Denies That HIV Causes AIDS

Dumb, Dangerous, and Hateful: Bryan Fischer Denies That HIV Causes AIDS

Decades ago, the causes of HIV and AIDS  were a mystery–and one that, because the disease was thought to only kill gay men and drug users, many researchers, politicians, and members of the public didn’t feel like solving. Public perception and research have come a long way since then, but some individuals, like Christian extremist Bryan Fischer, of the American Family Association (AFA), are still set on preaching a dangerous, hateful message: that HIV doesn’t cause AIDS, that it’s a scam, and that it’s not something that straight people need to worry about. Do not listen to these false prophets. More »

UP: U.S. Obesity Rate Is Higher Than AIDS Rate In Africa

UP: U.S. Obesity Rate Is Higher Than AIDS Rate In Africa

It’s no secret that Americans have an obesity problem, but since we’re awfully skilled at looking away from the scale and towards our next drive thru, it can’t hurt to take a moment to check in with the numbers: According to an annual report from the Trust for America’s Health, adult obesity rates have gone up in 16 states between 2008 and 2010 (and gone down in none). Which puts over two-thirds of U.S. states at obesity rates of over 25 percent, while only one state — Colorado — has a rate lower than 20 percent. More »

10 Hollywood Celebrities Who Devote Their Lives to Health Charities and Causes

10 Hollywood Celebrities Who Devote Their Lives to Health Charities and Causes

It’s no secret that Hollywood celebrities have long taken up health-related charity cases of all kinds (and all the time) — whether for altruistic purposes or PR exposure, or both. But, in addition to the late, great Dame Elizabeth Taylor and The American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR), there are a few rare breeds who have gone well beyond being a fair-weather good Samaritan by devoting their entire lives and celebrity status to health causes of all kinds — whether or not they themselves have been directly affected by the disease or condition. So, in honor of early AIDS activist Elizabeth Taylor’s very recent passing, here’s our gallery of ten Hollywood celebrities who tirelessly have spent their lives working on behalf of a serious health charity with which they felt a personal connection. Luckily, those who are still with us are still going strong, while those who have passed away leave inspiring health legacies of which we all can be proud — and continue to support: More »

Morning Links: Stem Cell Transplant May Cure AIDS

Morning Links: Stem Cell Transplant May Cure AIDS

Stem Cell Transplant May Cure AIDS – Three years after receiving an unusual transplant, a Berlin man is clear of HIV, but doctors say the treatment isn’t practical on a large scale. (New York Times)

Inflammation Vaccine – Scientists in Copenhagen are developing a vaccine that boosts the immune system and relieves chronic inflammation, thanks to a newly discovered protein produced in the human body to help fight inflammation. (ScienceDaily)

In Defense of Chocolate – There are 10 good reasons to eat chocolate this month, just make sure it’s dark for the best health benefits. (Healthy Self Blog) More »

The Year’s Best Cookbooks and the 40 Unhealthiest Coffees: Morning News Roundup

The Year's Best Cookbooks and the 40 Unhealthiest Coffees: Morning News Roundup

The Best Way to Cook — The year’s best cookbooks will keep you interested in your kitchen, says The New York Times.

The Worst Part of Waking Up — Make sure your favorite brew isn’t one of the forty unhealthiest coffees. (The Daily Beast)

Vitamin A Prevents Death — Studies find that supplements can prevent childhood death from measles and diarrhea. (ScienceDaily) More »

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