Synopsis for May 17, 2002

The MMWR is embargoed until 12 NOON, ET, Thursdays.

1. Trends in Cigarette Smoking Among High School Students — United States, 1991–2001
2. Prevalence of Health-Care Providers Asking Older Adults About Their Physical Activity Levels ― United States, 1998
3. Update: Neurologic Illnesses Associated with Eating Pufferfish Among Florida Residents

MMWR Recommendations and Reports
Vol. 51/No. RR-7/May 17, 2002

Guidelines for Using Antiretroviral Agents Among HIV-Infected Adults and Adolescents: Recommendations of the Panel on Clinical Practices for Treatment of HIV
The availability of an increasing number of antiretroviral agents and the rapid evolution of new information has introduced substantial complexity into treatment regimens for persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In 1996, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation convened the Panel on Clinical Practices for the Treatment of HIV to develop guidelines for clinical management of HIV-Infected adults and adolescents. This report updates the 1998 guidelines.

Contact: Office of Communications
CDC, National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention
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Synopsis for May 17, 2002

Trends in Cigarette Smoking Among High School Students — United States, 1991–2001

A new report by CDC found that although more than one in four U.S. high school students still smoke cigarettes, prevalence rates among this group have been declining since 1997. According to the report, 28.5 percent of high school students in the U.S. currently smoke, down from 36.4 percent in 1997. Lifetime use has also declined. In 1999, CDC reported that 70.4 percent of high school students had tried cigarette smoking during their lives. By 2001, that number had fallen to 63.9 percent. The report concludes that if this pattern continues, the United States could achieve the 2010 national health objective of reducing current smoking rates among high school students to 16 percent or less.

Prevalence of Health-Care Providers Asking Older Adults About Their Physical Activity Levels ― United States, 1998

Regular physical activity reduces the risk of dying of heart disease and decreases the risk for colon cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure. In addition, among older adults it can also prevent falls and maintain independence. This study, analyzing a national data set, shows that about half of adults age 50 and older reported that their healthcare professional had asked about their level of physical activity during a routine check-up. As part of an effort to help organizations plan strategies to increase physical activity among older adults, healthcare professionals are encouraged to promote physical activity and its health benefits among older adult patients.

Update: Neurologic Illnesses Associated with Eating Pufferfish Among Florida Residents

People who eat fish should be aware that some species of pufferfish (also called sea squab, chicken of the sea or blowfish) from Florida may contain a powerful neurotoxin called saxitoxin. The toxin has no odor or taste and it cannot be destroyed by freezing or cooking the fish. Since the beginning of this year, there have been 13 cases of illness associated with pufferfish in FL residents. An additional 5 cases of illness were reported in two other states (New Jersey and Virginia), but all of the pufferfish were caught in the Indian River Lagoon with the majority caught off the Titusville Pier. One of these cases (from New Jersey) was from commercially purchased fish. All persons that became ill have recovered. There are many benefits to including fish in one's diet, and these illnesses should not be cause for people to eliminate fish from their diets.

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