News you can use in brief
Title: News you can use in brief , By: Danyliw, Norie Quintos, Melton, Marissa, Beddingfield, Katherine T., Stern, Daniel, Hammel, Sara, U.S. News & World Report, 00415537, 05/18/98, Vol. 124, Issue 19
HEALTH
Tensions are high among health care providers trying to figure out how and whether to compensate their clients for Viagra. Cigna HealthCare, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and United Healthcare have all set temporary policies that cover six to 12 pills per month; others, like Aetna U.S. Health Care, are still deliberating. One company reportedly estimated unlimited coverage would run $100 million per year, putting providers in the uncomfortable position of limiting the medication–and clients’ sex lives. But if you can pay more, you can play more. “Most of our members,” says Beverly Hayon of Kaiser Permanente, “don’t seem to have a problem with paying for it themselves.” Many companies hope to have a definitive policy in place by June.
Europe on the fly
TRAVEL
So you’ve got that bargain fare across the Atlantic locked up, but you’re still considering how best to crisscross the Continent? The new EurAir Pass lets travelers fly on any of nine (mostly smaller) airlines to more than 50 cities in 18 European countries for $90 a flight. You must buy a minimum of three flight coupons (purchase before leaving the United States), but no other restrictions apply–no blackout dates, no penalty for changes or devising an itinerary as you go. The greatest number of flights will be available to destinations like London, Brussels, Milan, and Madrid on carriers such as Virgin Express, AirOne, and Spanair. Long hops between those cities are the best deal. Some cities aren’t covered (Paris is one), but EurAir expects more carriers to sign on soon. Call (888) 387-2479 or visit www.eurairpass.com for details.
Liquor lock
HOME
Like the Club for cars, Bottle Cop ($14.95; 800-544-0252) protects against theft–in this case, liquor bottle break-ins. Place the cap over the bottle, insert and turn the key, and your best brandy is safe from teens, baby sitters, and other unauthorized users. Adhesive pads customize the fit for most bottle types.
A healthy sweat
SCIENCE
Spending your golden years in a warm climate might be good for your health. Researchers at the University of Delaware found that when given a choice, elderly rats infected with disease sought out hot spots (about 100 degrees Fahrenheit). The heat induced fever–an important weapon in fighting infection.
The findings are preliminary, but Evelyn Satinoff, chairperson of the university’s Department of Psychology, says that doctors could one day advise elderly patients battling infections to “put on a sweater and go where it’s warm.” Florida, anyone?
PHOTO (COLOR): Air travel within Europe just got cheaper
ILLUSTRATIONS
~~~~~~~~
Edited by Norie Quintos Danyliw Pay to play
Copyright of U.S. News & World Report is the property of US News & World Report and its content may not be copied or e-mailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder`s express written permission. However, users may print, download, or e-mail articles for individual use.
Source: U.S. News & World Report, 05/18/98, Vol. 124 Issue 19, p77, 1p
