HEALTH BEAT.

The annual National STD Report, unveiling the states with the highest rate of STD cases per capita, has been released by Alarms.org, part of the National Council for Home Safety and Security. The top five, starting at No. 1, are: Mississippi, Nevada, Louisiana, California, and New Mexico. The report contains data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Census Bureau.

While antibiotic resistance is on the rise, pharmaceutical companies are making fewer and fewer new antibiotics. Michael Johnson, assistant professor of immunobiology at the University of Arizona, Tucson, says this trend is in urgent need of reversal and believes copper toxicity in bacteria just might be the key, offering clues to how antibiotics might be created to treat pneumonia, ear infections, meningitis, and pink eye. In hospitals, copper surfaces like doorknobs and bedframes are used to cut down on the spread of infection.

The stigma of lung cancer --that patient behavior usually is the cause--is problematic and could influence smokers to feel guilty and delay talking to their doctor about potential symptoms. "We know that there is still so much we can do to improve outcomes for this terrible disease, such as focusing on screening and early diagnosis, continued development of innovative treatments, and improving the quality of patient care," says Patrick Connor, VP of Tumor Drivers and Resistance Mechanisms at Astra-Zeneca.

Walking to the party in heels?--it is no secret that you are at a much higher risk of slipping in such footwear, especially during the winter months. If that does occur, try to protect your arms and head first by falling on your side or butt, advises Paradocs Worldwide, Inc., a team of doctors that staffs such events as New York Fashion Week and the Governor's Ball. Stay on the ground to relax and evaluate what injuries you may have. If severe, of course, call 911 for help. Do not forget...