Area agencies offer HIV screening, testing
In honor of the 10th annual National HIV Testing Day, observed June 27, here’s a review of screening and testing services offered by area agencies. First, there’s the Spokane Regional Health District’s HIV hotline. Callers can get free HIV risk screening over the phone. The hotline operates from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some callers will be encouraged to seek HIV testing. Call the hotline at (509) 324-1542 or (800) 456-3236.
Your doctor may offer HIV testing. You can also find out your HIV status at one of the following clinics:
“ Spokane Regional Health District’s main clinic, 1101 W. College Ave., offers anonymous testing and is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (509) 324-1600 for an appointment.
“ Spokane Regional Health District’s Valley Clinic, 10814 E. Broadway Ave., also offers anonymous testing. It’s open Monday and Thursday, 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m.. Call (509) 324-1600 for an appointment.
“ Planned Parenthood, 123 E. Indiana Ave. and 20 S. Pines Road, offers anonymous testing by appointment. Call (509) 326-2142.
“ Community Health Association of Spokane offers testing at four locations. Call (509) 835-1205 for more information.
This year, eight new cases of AIDS and five new HIV infections have been identified in Spokane County. High-risk groups for new infections here are men who have unprotected sex with men, people who use contaminated syringes and people who have unprotected sex with HIV-infected people. Between 750 and 1,250 people in Spokane County are estimated to be living with HIV or AIDS.
“Knowing your HIV status is a cornerstone of AIDS prevention and care,” said Dr. Kim Thorburn, health officer for the Spokane Regional Health District, in a press release. “The disease is primarily spread by those who are HIV positive but do not know it, which is why we encourage all people engaging in high risk behaviors to be tested for HIV. For people who are infected, early intervention is important for staying healthy and preventing further spread of the disease.”
It’s cosmetic surgery
Liposuction is no quick fix for obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, according to a new study in the New England Journal of Medicine. In the study, 15 women underwent liposuction that removed 22 pounds of fat from each on average. Ten to 12 weeks later, the researchers found no improvement in the patients’ insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, cholesterol levels and other measurements related to health.
Autism diet
Parents considering a gluten-free, casein-free diet for children with autism may want to take a look at a new report on the reliable consumer Web site, www.informedhealthonline.org.
The report summarizes the first scientific review of the evidence on the diet’s effectiveness at reducing autism traits. One small study suggests it can help, the report says.
“The jury is still out on whether or not diets free of gluten and casein can reduce autism, but the little evidence that there is suggests it’s possible that it could help some children,” said Hilda Bastian, editor of Informed Health Online, in a press release.
Gluten and casein are present in wheat, most cereals (but not rice) and milk products. Some children could have withdrawal-like symptoms when the proteins are eliminated from their diets.