Sexually transmitted disasters? On February 11 health officials in New York City reported the appearance in one man of a highly virulent strain of HIV, called 3-DCR HIV, that's resistant to three classes of antiretroviral drugs; the man's infection apparently progressed to AIDS very quickly-within a few months (it often takes as long as a decade). He is in his mid-40s, had unprotected anal sex with numerous men in October 2004 (at which time he used crystal methamphetamine), and had not previously been treated for HIV infection. And just nine days before that announcement, city health officials had reported the appearance in two men of a rare form of chlamydia that had previously been known in Europe, lymphogranuloma venereum, described as a "painful, bloody rectal infection." Officials fear that the success of antiretroviral treatments against AIDS and waning public education on safer sex have resulted in more dangerous sexual practices among men who have sex with men.

New, evidence-based dietary guidelines designed to promote health and prevent chronic disease have been issued by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture. Recommendations include eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods, especially fruits and vegetables, fiber-rich whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. The report recommends limiting trans fat, saturated fat, total fat, cholesterol, added sugars, salt, alcohol, and refined grains. For more information, go to http://www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines.