Drug to Boost Women¹s Sexual Desire: The FDA will be reviewing a drug in June that may be able to boost women¹s sexual desire. While there are different types of female sexual dysfunction, low desire is the most common and affects 10-20 percent of women. The drug, called Flibanserin, is being referred to as a "female Viagra." However, Dr. Georgiou explains that this medication is very different from Viagra which affects the blood flow and the mechanical aspects of male sexual function. Instead, Flibanserin, is a non-hormone medication that affect a female's brain has an impact on the emotional aspects of sexuality.

Low sexual desire, or Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HDDD) is a condition that has been recognized for over 30 years. However, women are not familiar with this disorder and avoid discussing symptoms with their doctors. More women would rather discuss other health topics such as allergies, skin care, hair loss and weight issues with their health care provider than talk about their sexual health. In fact, a study done by the Society for Women's Health Research showed that women are 7 times more familiar with erectile dysfunction than Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD).

The Society for Women's Health Research recently launched a credible, evidence-based web site called "SexBrainBody" where women can learn more about low sexual desire and find helpful tips for starting what may be an uncomfortable conversation with their partners or health care providers about their sexual health and any issues they may be experiencing. Link to the web site at www.SexBrainBody.com

(Note: Dr. Archelle Georgiou is on the Board of Directors for the Society for Women's Health Research.)

Cleanliness of Public Pools: The CDC analyzed data from more than 121,000 routine pool inspections in 13 states. Pools were located in child care facilities, residential complexes, hotels and motels, kiddie/wading pools and interactive fountains.

One out of eight (12 percent) pools had to be closed immediately for serious code violations. Pools in child care settings had the highest percentage of inspections that resulted in immediate closures. Violations included an inadequate level of chlorine in the pool and an improper pH level of the water, both of which can lead to diarrhea, respiratory illness, and ear and skin infections.

What are some tips to keep you and your family safe during summer pool fun? Dr. Georgiou recommends:

1) Thinking twice about swimming in a pool if:

--you are unable to see the floor drain in the deep part of the pool
--you smell a bleach-like odor, or
--feel sliminess on tile walls

2) Avoid swallowing pool water.
3) Take a shower before and after swimming
4) Make sure babies diapers are clean
5) Don't rely on routine inspections. Check pool water yourself using test
strips purchased at your local hardware or pool supply store. CDC
recommends a pH between pH 7.2­7.8 to kill germs.

*Free test strip kits can be ordered from the Water Quality & Health Council at www.healthypools.org\freeteststrips