Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, February 14, 1993 TAG: 9302120377
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MATTHEW LESKO
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
LET UNCLE SAM HELP SAY `I LOVE YOU'
These might be the "just say no" '90s, but Uncle Sam knows Cupid isn't taking the decade off.So instead of preaching, he's teaching . . . and giving away more than advice to lovers old and young . . . in honor of Valentine's Day.\
\ Aphrodisiacs
There's a universe of quasi-aphrodisiac drug products out there that claim to arouse or increase sexual desire. The Food and Drug Administration, after examining all over-the-counter aphrodisiacs, found that they were not safe or effective in doing their job. Save your money. Buy flowers instead. If you don't believe it, contact:
Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
Food and Drug Administration
HFD 100, Room 14B45
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, Md. 20857
(301) 295-8012\ \ Bald is sexy
Don't look for some over-the-counter miracle to solve your balding pate. Our government hair and drug experts say over-the-counter drugs don't work, but some prescription drugs and implant techniques can keep you from those "Hair Club" types on late-night TV. Get the facts. Contact:
Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
Food and Drug Administration
5600 Fishers Lane, HFD 100, Room 14B45
Rockville, Md. 20857
(301) 295-8012\ \ Impotence
Sexual dysfunction can be treated. The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse can provide articles on causes and cures for impotence and literature examining the pros and cons of the different types of penile implants. Contact:
NKUDIC
P.O. Box NKUDIC
Bethesda, Md. 20892
(301) 468-6345
NKUDIC also can refer you to organizations for more information and local support groups. One such organization is:
Impotent Anonymous
2020 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
(202) 577-0650\ \ Breast implants
Last April 16 the FDA announced that it would only allow silicone gel-filled breast implants under certain conditions. For up-to-date info on implants contact:
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
FDA
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, Md. 20857
(301) 443-4690\ \ Condom testers
A team of researchers at the FDA test condoms for their reliability and effectiveness. Which condoms have passed the tests? Do condoms protect against AIDS? Contact:
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
FDA
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, Md. 20857
(301) 443-4690\ \ Menopause
Menopause doesn't have to be the hormonal hurricane the women faced in the past. Mood swings, hot flashes, depression . . . the list goes on. But many women still rely on outdated information when trying to adjust to "the change."
The National Institute on Aging answers questions regarding menopause and the current research and can send you reports on the subject. The Office of Technology Assessment has a report available for $6 titled "Menopause Hormone Therapy and Women's Health," which discusses the various hormones, combinations and risks. Contact:
National Institute on Aging
P.O. Box 8057
Gaithersburg, Md. 20898
800-222-2225
or . . .
Publications
Office of Technology Assessment
U.S. Congress
Washington, D.C. 20510
(202) 224-8996\ \ Estrogen
The FDA is encouraging doctors to examine the needs of their patients on estrogen, as evidence is lacking that "post" menopausal estrogens are necessary.
The FDA has up-to-the-minute information on estrogen use and has put together a packet of information on estrogen so women can know the benefits and risks when deciding the best course of therapy. Contact:
Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
FDA
5600 Fishers Lane, HFD 100, Room 14B45
Rockville, Md. 20857
(301) 295-8012\ \ Fearless sex hotline
Sexually transmitted diseases are nothing new. From Casanova to Sigmund Freud, some of the greatest lovers of all times had to pay for not being careful. The STD hotline can give you the latest information on a wide range of sexually transmitted diseases and how to protect yourself. Free publications include:
"Condoms, Contraceptive and Sexually Transmitted Diseases"
"Protect Yourself and Your Baby From Sexually Transmitted Disease"
"Some Questions and Answers about PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease)"
"Questions: STD/VD"
"Some Questions and Answers about HPV and Genital Warts"
"Some Questions and Answers about NGU (Nongonococal Urethritis)"
"Some Questions and Answers about Chiamydia"
"Questions: Herpes"
"HIV Infection and AIDS: Are You At Risk?" Contact:
National Sexually Transmitted Diseases Hotline
P.O . Box 13827
Research Triangle Park, N.C. 27709
(800) 227-8922\ \ Sexy seniors
A recent poll found that many Americans are enjoying each other's charms well into their 70s and beyond.
Many even swear that sex, like wine, gets even better with age - and that when problems occur, they should not viewed as inevitable but rather as the temporary result of disease, disability, drug reactions or emotional upset.
For more information on this, contact:
National Institute On Aging
P.O. Box 8057
Gaithersburg, Md. 20898
(800) 222-2225\ \ IUDs: Too risky?
IUDs are not without their own set of risks. The FDA can give you the latest information on their safety. Contact:
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Food and Drug Administration
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, Md. 20857
(301) 443-4690\ \ Teen love and middle age angst
Birds do it, bees do it, even sympathetic fleas do it. Also teens. The Family Information Exchange can provide free publications such as:
"Trends in Adolescent Pregnancy and Childbearing"
"Teen-age Pregnancy and Fertility"
"Many Teens Are Saying NO"
"Family and Adolescent Pregnancy"
"Adolescent Abstinence"
Contact:
Family Life Information Exchange
P.O. Box 30146
Bethesda, Md. 20814
(301) 585-6636\ \ AIDS
There is so much information out there regarding AIDS, how do you know what is true? Contact the AIDS Clearinghouse. They can answer all your questions, refer you to testing centers, link you up with support groups, send you publications, reports, posters and more for you, your company, your school or your group. Contact:
National AIDS Information Clearinghouse
P.O. Box 6003
Rockville, Md. 20850
(800) 642-AIDS or (301) 762-5111\ \ Free family planning
Free condoms and other natural family planning methods and supplies are available from Uncle Sam plus physical examinations (including testing for cancer and sexually transmitted diseases), infertility services, services for adolescents, pregnancy tests, periodic follow-up examinations, referral to and from social and medical services agencies and ancillary services.
Family planning clinics provide services free to those whose incomes do not exceed 100 percent of the federal poverty guidelines ($11,570 for a family of three).
A sliding payment scale is offered for those whose incomes are between 100 percent and 150 percent of the federal poverty level. There are more than 4,000 clinics spread across the United States.
To find a clinic near you, contact:
Family Life Information Exchange
P.O. Box 30146
Bethesda, Md. 20814
(301) 585-6636\ \ Contraceptives
You may have heard about new ones, such as Norplant or the Cervical Cap, but want to learn more about them? How safe are birth control pills?
The FDA examines contraceptives to make sure that they are safe and effective, as well as making sure they are properly labeled.
The FDA will send you articles examining all the different forms of birth control, as well as articles specific to one type of contraceptive. They also can include FDA press releases about concerns or labeling requirements for certain contraceptives.
Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
Food and Drug Administration
5600 Fishers Lane, HFD 100, Room 14B45
Rockville, Md. 20857
(301) 295-8012
You also can get a free pamphlet, "Facts About Oral Contraceptives" which examines the pros and cons of the Pill. Contact:
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
National Institutes of Health
Bldg. 31, Room 2A32
Bethesda, Md. 20892
(301) 496-5133\ \ A permanent solution
There are two pamphlets that describe sterilization for men and women, as well as its benefits, discomforts and risks. Contact:
Family Planning Information Exchange
P.O. Box 30146
Bethesda, Md. 20814
(301) 585-6636\ \ Infertility
An FDA Consumer article discusses the drugs approved to treat infertility, as well as the causes of this problem. Contact:
Office of Consumer Affairs
FDA
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, Md. 20857
(301) 443-3170
Another good source of information is the National Institutes of Health which is researching the causes and cures of infertility. Call for the latest research and information:
National Center For Child Health and Human Development
NIH
Bldg. 31, Room 2A32
Bethesda, Md. 20892
(301) 496-5133
Memo: ***CORRECTION***