News Briefs

Web site gives bioterrorism info

The president’s recent State of the Union address strongly
underscored the need for continued vigilance in matters of
terrorism preparedness. In response to the need for
easy-to-understand information about biological and chemical
weapons, UCLA’s School of Medicine announced Tuesday the
launch of a comprehensive Internet tutorial to educate the public
about precautions and treatments for combating biological and
chemical warfare.

The Web site offers expertise by leading authorities on
bioterrorism, emergency medicine and disaster-response.

It also includes video segments hosted by “ER”
television series stars Anthony Edwards and Noah Wyle.

Intended to provide a single, authoritative source of accurate
information about biological and chemical warfare threats, the Web
site aggregates essential information from more than 30 health-care
professionals.

“Bioterrorism and chemical warfare threats are raising
fears and questions that require good answers right now,”
said Edwards, who portrays Dr. Mark Greene on “ER.”
“Knowledge that’s easily accessible is the best
antidote.”

Police prone to stress disorders

Police officers are more likely to suffer from post-traumatic
stress disorder if they experience high levels of emotional
distress, including panic reactions, at the time of traumatic
events, such as a partner being injured or killed or their own life
being threatened, according to a study from San Francisco Veterans
Affairs Medical Center researchers.

The researchers also confirmed a finding from their earlier
studies of combat veterans ““ that those who feel the event is
unreal as it unfolds, as if they were in a dream, a movie or a play
““ have a higher risk of developing symptoms.

Sadness causes eating disorders

Don’t blame those chocolate treats in heart-shaped
boxes.

One of the biggest factors contributing to eating disorders
among this country’s youth is a negative body image,
according to health and nutrition experts.

To address this issue, the Center for Weight and Health at the
University of California, Berkeley, is presenting a “Love
Your Body” conference on Valentine’s Day.

“You can’t have a serious discussion about
preventing and treating eating disorders among young people without
factoring in the impact of poor self-esteem and body
dissatisfaction,” said Joanne Ikeda, UC Berkeley nutrition
education specialist and co-director of the Center for Weight and
Health.

Compiled from Daily Bruin wire services.

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