(February 29, 2008 - Insidermedicine) From Uganda - In many developing nations, barriers to antiretroviral treatment, the mainstay of HIV treatment, include the cost of medication, long distance to see healthcare workers and low numbers of physicians. Researchers studied nearly 500 HIV patients who received home antiretroviral treatment, and found that the program lowered mortality by 90%, and lowered the chance that one of their uninfected children would die within 10 years by 80%.

From Seattle - Vitamin E supplementation in smokers can raise the risk for lung cancer. In a study following over 77,000 people, those who regularly smoked and took vitamin E had an 11% increased risk for developing lung cancer. The World Cancer Research Fund and the American Cancer Society now recommend eating two servings of fruit per day to help prevent cancer development.

And finally, from Atlanta - According to a survey of nearly 20,000 adults, only 30% reported getting enough sleep every day of the month. Sleep experts have linked chronic sleep deprivation to obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke, and refer to sleep loss as an under-recognized public health issue. It is recommended that adults get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.