Health Report

THE GOOD NEWS

-- Another reason to exercise, at least for women: a new study says moderate but regular physical activity -- jogging, swimming, playing tennis four hours a week -- can reduce the risk of breast cancer as much as 60%. The benefits are greatest for women who have given birth and who exercised in their teens and 20s.

-- Research shows surgeons have lower blood pressure, lower pulse rates and perform better in stress tests when they listen to music that they like. Of 50 doctors tested, 46 preferred to operate to classical music, two chose jazz and two favored Irish folk tunes. No word on how they perform when they hear music they don't like.

THE BAD NEWS

-- Premature babies with extremely low birth weights -- less than 1 lb. 10 oz. -- face a host of neurological difficulties, according to a new study. Nearly half of those who survive to school age suffer from learning disabilities, 25% have poor vision, and 21% have IQs lower than 70. However, preemies born today can be treated with new intensive-care techniques that reduce complications.

-- Women treated with the infertility drug clomiphene (trade names: Clomid and Serophene) have a 2.3 times greater than normal risk of developing ovarian cancer. The risk is even higher for women who take the drug for a year or more.

Sources -- GOOD: The Journal of the National Cancer Institute; Journal of the American Medical Association. BAD: The New England Journal of Medicine and Journal of the American Medical Association; The New England Journal of Medicine.