Vital Signs: If visions of sugar plums, sweet potato pudding, and all the holiday trimmings are dancing in your head, don’t stress. Vital Signs comes to the rescue of those trying to stay on diets this holiday.   

Black men more likely than Whites to have AIDS
African-American gay men are more than twice as likely to be infected with the AIDS virus than their White counterparts, but the reasons aren’t clear, federal researchers said Tuesday. “Men who have sex with men account for almost half of all people estimated to be living with HIV in the United States, and African Americans are the most heavily impacted,” said Kevin Fenton, director of HIV prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. Researchers at a national prevention conference Tuesday said they were somewhat perplexed by the disparity. A recent study found little difference in the rates of unprotected sex among Black and White homosexuals, although the practice was common among both groups. But new studies point to possible reasons. Black gay men in one study were more likely to be currently infected with a sexually transmitted disease, which can make them more likely to catch or transmit HIV. Blacks were also less likely to be taking anti-retroviral medications, which can lower the concentration of virus in the bloodstream, and with it the chance of transmitting it to others. 

The deadline approaches for Barbara Jordan Scholarships
The application deadline for the 2008 Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program Deadline Is Friday, Dec. 14. The scholarship offers an opportunity for college seniors and recent college graduates who have a strong interest in addressing racial and ethnic health disparities, and/or who are themselves a member of a population that is adversely affected by racial and ethnic health disparities to understand policy issues. Application materials and more information are available at www.bjscholars.org. During their nine-week experience, the Scholars work in congressional offices in Washington, D.C., obtaining first-hand experience in the policy-making process. They participate in seminars and site visits to enhance their practical knowledge of health care issues and gain first-hand knowledge of the federal legislative process. Each Scholar also writes and presents a health policy research paper in one of the following areas: Medicaid and the uninsured, Medicare or HIV/AIDS. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens who will be seniors or recent graduates of an accredited U.S. college or university in the fall of 2008. Individuals with an advanced degree, and those individuals currently enrolled in an advanced degree program are not eligible to participate. Candidates are selected based on academic performance, demonstrated leadership potential, and interest in health issues that disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minorities or underserved communities. Scholars receive roundtrip transportation to Washington, a stipend and housing at Howard University for the duration of the program.

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