Pope edges away from condom ban
HIV campaigners hail positive step forward but church warns that Pope Benedict XVI’s statement is not official teaching
The Vatican today rushed out a “clarification” of the pope’s remarks on the use of condoms, reported in a book to be published this week, insisting he had “not reformed or changed the [Roman Catholic] church’s teaching”.
But the statement made clear that Pope Benedict XVI was prepared to consider the use of condoms in certain, limited circumstances.
The statement, and the pope’s interview, suggested that, notwithstanding the interpretation of remarks he made last year on his visit to Africa, Benedict accepted that condoms reduced the risk of infection from Aids.
His spokesman, Father Federico Lombardi, said the pontiff’s view was that “Aids cannot be solved only by the distribution of condoms”.
But, he added: “At the same time, the pope considered an exceptional situation in which the exercise of sexuality represents a real risk to the lives of others. In this case, the pope does not morally justify the exercise of disordered sexuality, but believes that the use of condoms to reduce the risk of infection is a ‘first step on the road to a more human sexuality’, rather than not to use it and risking the lives of others.”
Benedict caused surprise by taking as his example a male prostitute who used a condom to protect his client. But in so doing he avoided breaching his church’s opposition to artificial contraception: birth control not being an issue in male homosexual relations.
What remained unclear, however, was whether the pope was subtly edging open the door to the use of condoms in heterosexual relations, if only by couples in which one partner was HIV-positive.
The Vatican’s statement was issued as Catholics struggled to get to grips with the pope’s characteristically scholarly phrasing in the interviews, to be published on Wednesday.
In the book, the pope also said that the wartime pontiff Pius XII – accused of not speaking out against the mass deportation and killing of Jews by the Nazi regime – was a “great righteous” man who saved more Jews than anyone else.
Benedict’s “comments fill us with pain and sadness and cast a menacing shadow on Vatican-Jewish relations”, said Elan Steinberg, vice president of the American Gathering of Holocaust Survivors and their Descendants, in an emailed statement to Associated Press at the weekend.
Several theologians have argued that the pope’s remarks on condoms did not represent a change of position, let alone of doctrine. But many ordinary Catholics took them as a green light for “safe sex” and they were welcomed by Aids campaigners. A spokesman for the United Nations’ joint programme on HIV/Aids called the comments “a significant and positive step forward”. He added “This move recognises that responsible sexual behaviour and the use of condoms have important roles in HIV prevention”.
In Zimbabwe, a Catholic priest interviewed by the Associated Press had no doubt about the import. “Now the message has come out that [men and women] can go ahead and do safe sex, it’s much better for everyone,” said Father Peter Makome.
But, as the Vatican noted in a longer, Italian version of its statement, the pope’s remarks were made in a “colloquial and not magisterial” form. In other words, they represented his private opinions rather than official teaching.
Writing for the Catholic World Report website, US academic Janet Smith, argued: “The Holy Father is simply observing that for some homosexual prostitutes the use of a condom may indicate an awakening of a moral sense.”
Spanish theologist Juan José Tamayo agreed. “I don’t detect any change in the words of the pope,” he told the Cadena SER radio network. “They ratify traditional doctrine, opposed to the use of condoms, and even confirm the irresponsible remarks he made in Africa about Aids.”
In 2009, Benedict prompted international uproar when he told journalists condoms should not be used because they could increase the spread of Aids. In the book, he stands by his remark, but in more nuanced terms.
He argues “condoms alone do not resolve the question itself. More needs to happen.” And in the key passage, he says: “There may be a basis in the case of some individuals, as perhaps when a male prostitute uses a condom, where this can be a first step in the direction of a moralisation, a first assumption of responsibility, on the way toward recovering an awareness that not everything is allowed and that one cannot do whatever one wants. But it is not really the way to deal with the evil of HIV infection. That can really lie only in a humanisation of sexuality.”
Asked by the interviewer if the Catholic church was not opposed in principle to the use of condoms, the pope replied: “She of course does not regard it as a real or moral solution, but, in this or that case, there can be nonetheless, in the intention of reducing the risk of infection, a first step in a movement towards a different way, a more human way, of living sexuality.” Pope Benedict XVI Religion Catholicism Christianity HIV infection Sexual health Sex John Hooper guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
View full post on All Stories
Dr Reddys gets US FDA approval for Lansoprazole
Dr Reddy’s Laboratories on Saturday said it has received an approval from the US health regulator to sell a generic version of Takeda Pharmaceuticals ‘Prevacid delayed release capsules’ in the US market.
View full post on All Stories
Herbs For Hair Loss
Are there really herbs for hair loss?And are they really effective?Hair loss problem is of great concern to both males and females. If you have thinning hair first find out the cause. Normal shedding of hair is natural. To understand what is normal hair fall we must know the basics of hair growth cycles.Herbal medicines for this hair loss problem are already available in the marketplace, nowadays. However, they may not be that totally effective without applying gentle massage on to the scalp. The truth says that scalp massage is one very good means to maintain a healthy scalp and hair. Doing so, would aid in preserving healthy hair growth. Yet still, you have to do it (aromatherapy with massage) regularly, to obtain best results.
Natural treatments for alopecia (the clinical term for hair loss) is such a profitable industry, we can now find chemical shampoos, even tonics and medicines. But when natural herbs for hair loss are available, why would we want to massage some chemical tonic into our scalp? Natural herbs have been used for centuries as popular remedies to treat all sorts of illnesses. Here is a list of the five most highly recommended natural herbs for hair loss treatment.It provides the best natural cure for hair loss when taken on a regular basis. There are also several herbal remedies you can use on your scalp to make hair growth back as well. Even though red pepper isn’t really considered an herb, it serves as a great remedy for hair loss and has been used for centuries.
Now-a-days a number of shampoos, potions, oils are promoted through the media and those are readily accessible to everybody. But whether those products are worth trying or not leaves much room for discussion. The naturally occurring herbs have been tested through ages and their efficacy is beyond any doubt.Now-a-days a number of shampoos, potions, oils are promoted through the media and those are readily accessible to everybody. But whether those products are worth trying or not leaves much room for discussion. The naturally occurring herbs have been tested through ages and their efficacy is beyond any doubt.
Natural preparation for treatment of male pattern hair loss – US Patent 5972345 This patent describes an invention of formula for treatment of male pattern hair loss. The formulation contains a combination of Saw Palmetto extract, African Pygeum extract, stinging nettle extract. The various extracts are prepared according to the traditional procedures, then combined in a suitable formulation for administration to the patient for treatment of the male pattern hair loss.
Popular Hair Loss Treatments – Propecia & Rogaine
Today millions of people are suffering from hair loss. While there have been a lot of progress over the years, we still have a long way to go. There have been many treatments on the market. Some of these have been fads, however many have stood the test of time.
There are some preventive measures that can be done, such as diet and exercise. It’s also a good idea to use a shampoo that nourishes your scalp with all the vitamins and minerals necessary for a healthy scalp.
The following are two popular hair loss treatments that have been around for a long time:
Propecia was originally designed to treat prostate glands. However during testing, it was also found to treat baldness. In December 1997 it was approved by the FDA. Since then, thousands of people have been using it to treat hair loss.
While Propecia has become very popular, Minoxidil was the first medication that was approved by the FDA as a treatment for hair loss. It’s also known by many people as Rogaine. Like Propecia, it originally wasn’t created as a treatment for baldness. Rogaine was originally used as a treatment for high blood pressure. One of the “side effects” of this new drug is that appeared to re-grow hair. Over the years many people have been skeptical saying that it doesn’t work. However over the years studies have shown that it is an effective treatment if used properly. So does it work? Only you can find out by giving it a try.
Like any medical treatments, it’s also advisable to consult a doctor to discuss any possible side effects.
If you’re looking for a treatment for your baldness, be sure to do all the research necessary to be sure you choose the one that’s right for you.
Author: Tim Bock
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: US Dollar credit card
Rogaine Or Minoxidil – Which One Shall I Use?
Rogaine was the first medicinal drug in history approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating hair loss. By now it has been approved and is available as a cure for baldness in many other countries of the world. Its main active ingredient is minoxidil, a vasodilator that was originally used in the form of the oral drug Loniten to treat high blood pressure. Minoxidil is a hair-growth stimulant but its exact mechanism of action is not known. Since Loniten has long come off patent, generic minoxidil is widely available in pharmacies at a very reasonable price and in most countries it does not require a doctor’s prescription.
Both Rogaine and generic minoxidil solutions come in concentrations of 2% for women and 5% for men but many experimental, generic products use concentrations of up to 20%. Minoxidil is often blamed for causing various negative side effects. Since it has become the most frequently-used drug for treating baldness, its side effects are very well documented and they happen to be often exaggerated. In less than one percent of patients they include an irregular or fast heart beat, very low blood pressure, blurred vision, swelling face and ankles, numbness in the hands, etc. These symptoms are directly related to minoxidil being a vasodilator. In addition, minoxidil can cause increased hair growth on the face and other parts of the body. This is due to its ability to stimulate hair growth. But some side effects that minoxidil is often blamed for are not caused by minoxidil itself. They include inflammation, itchiness and redness of the scalp, dandruff and allergic reactions. These side effects can be attributed to the vehicles used in the solution, such as propylene glycol and isopropyl alcohol (propanol). Many hair loss sufferers have discontinued their minoxidil treatment because of scalp problems, although minoxidil seldom causes such reactions.
Furthermore, many generic, minoxidil-based lotions contain supplementary ingredients that are supposed to enhance their overall efficacy, such as azelaic acid, retinoic acid, herbal extracts, etc. These substances, especially the herbal extracts, are known to be allergenic to many people. It is advisable to try several different minoxidil-based products, for instance, those that do not contain propylene glycol, in order to test their tolerability for your scalp. A more expensive product, e.g. the original formulation – Rogaine solution – is not necessarily a better option than a less expensive generic mixture. However, Rogaine foam, though quite expensive, is usually very well tolerated. Anti-dandruff shampoos, e.g. Nizoral, can, in the majority of patients, be employed successfully to treat scalp inflammations, itchiness and dandruff caused by the use of minoxidil-based topicals.
Author: Dody Gasparik
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Creditcard Currency Conversion Fee
Where to Buy Provillus in Australia – Provillus Australia
Provillus has become one of the leading hair loss products in the world for men and women a like with the only clinically tested and approved ingredient by the FDA to help re-grow your hair. It has already captured most of the US and Europe markets and is now available in Australia. It is the top rated all natural hair loss remedy for men and women.
Provillus has been specially formulated for use by both males and females. This is a very intense hair loss health regime designed to stop hair loss and to help in the natural process of your body to regrow your hair, Provillus is based on a two part system which contains just what you need to assist your body to re-grow your hair.
Provillus for women. It has been estimated that one in four women suffer from some form of Female Pattern Baldness. For a lot of these women, this hair loss begins to manifest about the time of menopause. Provillus for Women formula was designed with a unique formula just for women to help re-grow their own hair naturally.
Provillus for men. Provillus has been proven to be effective for men dealing with Male Pattern Baldness. If you know that other men in your family are dealing with thinning hair, then you probably are going to be as well. Provillus two part proprietary formula adds the powerful FDA-approved ingredient, minoxidil, too an all natural base of herbs, vitamins, and minerals to give you the maximum benefits you need to regrow your hair.
Now you can order Provillus online in Australia from the comfort of your own home and have it delivered right to your door. Now is the time to take advantage of their best offer ever and get a full 2 months free with a purchase of a four month supply.
Don’t Despair! Just re-grow beautiful healthy hair! Yes! You really can re-grow your own hair. No transplants, No surgery, and Forget about wigs and put your hats away. Buy Provillus Australia Presented by Buy Provillus In Australia your source for natural hair loss remedies. Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/hair-loss-articles/where-to-buy-provillus-in-australia-provillus-australia-1628943.html
Finasteride Propecia Hair Loss Drug – Answers To Frequently Asked Questions
Finasteride Propecia is one of only two prescription drugs approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to combat hair loss. Originally Finasteride was used for prostate enlargement in men over 50.
Then in January 1998 the FDA approved Finasteride Propecia 1 mg per day for the treatment of hair loss in men. As with any prescription drug, there can be limitations and side effects.
Browse this FAQ page to get a basic understanding of how Finasteride Propecia works for hair loss and decide whether you will consult your doctor about the possibility of getting a prescription.
Just exactly what is Finasteride Propecia?
Finasteride for hair loss is a non-addictive oral medication manufactured by Merck & Co. Inc. under the name Propecia. Each film coated tablet contains 1 mg of Finasteride and it may be taken with or without food. Just swallow it with a glass of water.
Who is Finasteride Propecia intended for?
Men only! Women and children should not take this drug.
Additionally, pregnant women or women who might be pregnant should not handle broken or crushed tablets of Finasteride Propecia to avoid the risk of causing abnormalities in a male baby’s sex organs.
Men who are experiencing hair loss on the crown of the head or in the mid-scalp area may benefit from Finasteride Propecia. At present there is no evidence to prove it is effective for a receeding hairline or for hair loss on the sides of the head around the temples.
How soon can I expect to see results?
Taking 1 tablet per day (it makes no difference if the dose is increased) results are often seen within 3 to 6 months, namely, a slowing down or stopping of hair loss, and an increased hair density.
Do I have to keep taking Finasteride Propecia?
If you want to maintain the benefit of using this drug then continued use is recommended. It is possible you can lose the hair you gain 9 to 12 months after you stop taking the drug.
What results can I expect?
Results obviously vary from person to person. Many men note a slowing down of hair loss after taking Finasteride Propecia and an increase in the number of visible scalp hairs, although it seems you will not be able to grow back all hair you have lost by taking this drug.
Clinical studies showed that after two years approximately 8 out of 10 men either kept their hair or grew more. 17% of the 1,553 men involved in the test continued to lose hair.
How does Finasteride Propecia work?
The medication causes a significant drop in DHT levels in both the scalp and the blood. DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is one of the main culprits in causing hair loss. Finasteride Propecia blocks the conversion of the male hormone testosterone into DHT.
What are the side effects of Finasteride Propecia?
About 3.8% of the men involved in clinical trials experienced some form of sexual dysfunction. As the percentage indicates, the likelihood is uncommon and the side effects disappeared within a few weeks once the medication was stopped.
The side effects become apparent before the user notices any improvement in hair growth. This is important to note as there is no risk of losing any hair gained through stopping the medication.
From the information presented above it can be seen that the decision to use Finasteride Propecia to combat hair loss must be thought out carefully.
Pros And Cons
On the negative side, there is a small risk of sexual dysfunction and the medication has to be taken indefinitely to maintain any improvement in hair growth.
On the positive side, there is a high chance this medication will make a difference to hair loss and the chances of re-growth.
Consult with your doctor and see whether he feels you would be a good candidate for Finasteride Propecia!
Author: Mike Jones
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: US Dollar credit card
Mega Session and Giga-Session Made Easy Through Laxometer
Not too long ago, Dr. Parsa Mohebi, Medical Director of US Hair Restoration Los Angeles, gave a lecture on a new way to use the Laxometer during mega and giga-session hair transplants at the annual ISHRS (International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery) gathering in Amsterdam, Netherlands. As mentioned in other hair transplant industry gatherings, the Laxometer has the ability to make more accurate the strip removal method during a follicular unit hair transplant and, at the same time, minimizing the risk of donor scar complications.
At the 2009 ISHRS Meeting, Dr. Mohebi discussed a new manner in which to utilize the Laxometer for patients who have limited laxity of the scalp because of previous hair transplant surgeries or for people needing a max number of grafts in one session (3000+, 4000+, 5000+, etc.). In 2008, Dr. Mohebi tried a different method by which he removed the strip in sequences for hair restoration procedures using the Laxometer before and after removal of every part of the strip. This particular way of using the Laxometer has resulted in a safer strip removal and, at the same time, has lessened the risk of donor wound complications.
The results presented at the ISHRS meeting proved that the Laxometer is the ideal surgical tool for increasing the number of hair grafts during a strip hair transplant while minimizing donor wound complications of a hair transplant surgery. Because of the results Dr. Mohebi found, he has been using the Laxometer at his California hair transplant offices quite often and it has resulted in a lot of satisfied patients.
For other cosmetic-related questions and answers, do a Web search on teeth whitening in Woodland Hills. Also, if you’re interested in dermabrasion, dysport, or botox, check out an Encino Laser Hair Removal center.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/hair-loss-articles/mega-session-and-gigasession-made-easy-through-laxometer-1590156.html
Exploring the Different Hair Loss Treatment Alternatives
Hair loss is a natural part of the aging process, and is something that happens to virtually every man – and even some women – as they grow older. More than half of all men will suffer from some form of male-pattern baldness by the time they reach 50. While in past years, baldness was seen as something to be ashamed of; in recent years it has become seen as increasingly less of a liability due to the popularity of bald actors such as Bruce Willis, Jason Statham and Ben Kingsley. Despite this, many men still seem to have trouble accepting their baldness and this may eventually lead to psychological problems such as loss of self-esteem. This explains why the hair loss treatment industry is one of the largest in the US, with $1 billion in annual sales.
At present there are only two FDA-approved treatments for baldness – minoxidil and finasteride. Minoxidil, which is sold over-the-counter under the brand name Rogaine, is reportedly effective in addressing both a receding hairline and baldness at the crown of the head. However, Rogaine has serious side effects, the most common of which are itchy scalp and dandruff, when the drug is applied topically, and rapid and irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness and swelling of the face and extremities when taken orally. Finasteride, on the other hand, is available only by prescription and has sexual side effects that include impotence and abnormal ejaculation.
If you can afford the cost, you can consider laser hair loss treatment. These procedures use lasers to stimulate hair growth in the scalp and increase blood flow to the scalp. At least 25 treatments will be required, one a week, and each treatment will cost around $80. In addition, your dermatologist may recommend the use of a ‘laser-comb’ device at home to supplement in-office treatments. This device is brushed through the hair and administers additional phototherapy.
Those concerned about the side effects of medication can consider natural alternatives, which are not only safe but considerately less expensive than drugs. Omega-3 oil, for example, will reduce swelling and inflammation in the scalp and thus, treat baldness. You can apply it by putting Omega-3-rich canola oil or soybean oil directly to your scalp, take fish oil supplements, or increase the amount of fish such as tuna, salmon and trout in your diet.
Herbs such as rosemary and sage are also effective in addressing baldness and are applied topically. Rosemary reduces dandruff outbreaks which can lead to baldness while also improving blood circulation in the scalp. Saw Palmetto, on the other hand, is taken orally but is recommended only for men; nettle root extract is used to treat women’s baldness. Other herbs that can be used as an effective hair loss treatment include Aloe Vera (rub broken leaves directly onto your scalp); ginger (boil five slices of ginger in water for ten minutes then rinse your hair with the resulting solution) and cucumber (drink a couple of glasses of cucumber juice every day). As a preventive measure, you can also massage your scalp for ten to fifteen minutes right before you go to bed, starting from your hairline and working your way to your nape.
Are you looking for the best Hair Loss Treatment cure? Visit http://www.baldness-prevention.com today for more information! Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/hair-loss-articles/exploring-the-different-hair-loss-treatment-alternatives-1573661.html
Rogaine Review – Lesser Known Details Brought To Light
Rogaine hit the world by storm back in 1988 after gaining FDA approval. Since then many Rogaine review articles have been published extolling the virtues of this wonder drug in promoting hair growth.
However, it is necessary to read between the lines and do more thorough research into the background of this drug to get an objective Rogaine review.
In his ebook “Hair Loss No More”, Jonathon E. Phillips, an international hair loss analyst who has helped many people including celebrities and sports professionals, presents lesser known information regarding the marketing of Rogaine. (See resource box for more information)
While Mr. Phillips’ book provides a complete education on hair growth and hair loss including his own Step-By-Step Hair Power Regimen, the Appendix section contains helpful information on popular hair loss drugs and remedies including Rogaine.
While this information is to be found with a little digging on the internet on public domain web sites operated by the US government, we owe it to Mr. Phillips for bringing lesser known facts into the spotlight that should be carefully considered when looking for an objective Rogaine review.
As you will discover by checking government sources, Rogaine is a brand name for the drug Minoxidil, manufactured by the Upjohn company, which was originally prescribed for patients with high blood pressure. Those who took the drug noticed increased hair growth.
In view of the huge interest worldwide for a product that would stop hair loss and promote new hair growth, the media obviously took great interest in this information. Upjohn realized it could be sitting on a virtual goldmine and invested time and resources into testing Minoxidil for hair loss.
Numerous studies were initiated in different parts of the USA and the public interest in these tests can only be described as phenomenal.
Herein lies the danger with any Rogaine review. The public in general desperately wants to find a hair loss remedy. It seemed from the intense interest surrounding the Rogaine tests that the public just ‘wanted it to work.’
The 1987 hearing held by the FDA (Federal Food & Drug Administration) lasted for four hours and was attended by hundreds of people including 40 financial analysts and a number of television crews.
The five doctors on the panel unanimously approved Rogaine as safe and effective but warned it was not a cure all. The panel chairman even made the comment that he didn’t consider it a major medical breakthrough. It was shown to be effective on a small number of those tested.
In fairness to Upjohn, when giving information for promotional material, they stressed that results were better for younger men who had been losing hair for less than 10 years. They also pointed out that it was only effective on the crown of the head, not on the sides or for receding hairlines.
It seems when considering many a Rogaine review that these details are glossed over to a certain extent.
Yes the manufacturer clearly states Rogaine does not work for everyone and individual results will vary.
Also consider this: Embarking on a treatment of Rogaine will last for many months and involve an outlay of a few hundred dollars. Those who see some improvement then need to maintain the medication to avoid losing any hair gained.
As clinical test results showed about 55% of the men who used Rogaine saw some improvement, there is a fair chance a user might be in the 45% who didn’t see any improvement.
Mr Phillips makes an astute observation however regarding the effect of Rogaine’s main ingredient, the drug Minoxidil. It serves to underline one of the main philosophies in his book “Hair Loss No More.”
The fact that Minoxidil was originally prescribed for high blood pressure with a resultant side effect of increased hair growth in some patients underscores the connection between good blood circulation and hair growth.
Pay attention to your diet so as to maintain healthy blood, invest time and energy in proper exercise to contribute to good blood circulation, and you are well on the way to a healthy head of hair. The hair follicle needs nourishment from the blood and Minoxidil seems to prove that.
So if you are considering a course of Minoxidil for hair loss, be aware when reading through a Rogaine review and try and analyze it objectively. Is it full of hype? Is sufficient attention drawn to the limitations of Rogaine or is it a case of the writer ‘wanting’ the product to work?
Make your own Rogaine review after considering all the facts!
Author: Mike Jones
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Benefits of electric pressure cooker
