Your Health

By Janice M. Horowitz

GOOD NEWS ON LYMPH NODES

A new technique may reduce the number of lymph nodes surgeons need to remove to see if breast cancer has spread. Last week a report noted that by using a radioactive tracer, it's possible to pinpoint the few nodes most likely to harbor stray cancer cells --and biopsy just those instead of 20 or more. The advantages: less pain and lower risk of permanent arm swelling.

BAD NEWS FOR THE FETUS

You know pregnant women shouldn't smoke. But a study out last week warns they also should avoid breathing anyone else's smoke. For the first time, scientists have shown that embryos in women exposed to passive smoke may develop unique genetic mutations, which researchers suspect may be linked to childhood cancer.

GOOD NEWS ON MARGARINE

Healthy margarine? U.S. scientists confirmed last week that a margarine called Benecol, sold in Finland, reduces cholesterol. It's formulated with natural cholesterol-lowering compounds known as plant sterols. Just 1 1/2 tsp. a day lowers total count 9% and bad LDL cholesterol 14%. Expect the spread here by early 1999.

BAD NEWS ON JIMSONWEED

Don't let your kids fool around with jimsonweed. Also known as locoweed, it grows wild, makes you high--and can be toxic. Kids who have eaten its seeds--including five last week in New Jersey--have become critically ill with hallucinations and seizures.

Sources: New England Journal of Medicine; Nature Medicine; Mayo Clinic; New Jersey Poison Control Center

--By Janice M. Horowitz