In Brief

By Alain L. Sanders

EAT AS I SAY...When it comes to kids and food, it's what parents do, not what they say, that matters most. A study of young children presented to the American Heart Association found that those who grew to be the plumpest had parents who themselves were either controlled eaters or binge eaters. Kids whose parents alternated between these behaviors gained the most fat. The advice for parents: set a good example through sensible diet, and respect your children's natural hunger patterns.

VACATION OF A LIFETIME If you're a workingman, don't pass up your family vacation. Time off is rejuvenating, according to research presented to the American Psychosomatic Society. A study of 12,338 men ages 35 to 57 found that, with other factors controlled, men who took annual vacations were 21% less likely to die during the 16-year study period than nonvacationers--and 32% less likely to die of coronary heart disease. The findings add to evidence showing that cutting stress is good for you.

CHECKING OUT Equipped with a study showing that 86% of injuries among 9-to-15-year-old hockey players are linked to bumping and blocking moves known as body checks, the American Academy of Pediatrics last week called for a ban on checking for players under 16. Officials at USA Hockey, which organizes most leagues for the nation's more than 350,000 young players, will look at the recommendation but believe it's safer to teach proper checking techniques at age 11, when kids are smaller.

--By Alain L. Sanders