Sunday, Jan. 29, 2006
Doctor's Orders
By Sora Song
HRT: TIMING IS EVERYTHING
Hormone-replacement therapy poses dangers for postmenopausal women, but a study in the Journal of Women's Health finds that starting HRT earlier, at the beginning of menopause, may cut the risk of heart disease 30%.
THE FIRST OTC DIET PILL?
If an FDA advisory-panel decision holds, a nonprescription version of the diet drug Xenical may soon hit stores. Doctors warn that it's no magic bullet; side effects include oily stools and diarrhea.
DIABETICS, TAKE A DEEP BREATH
The FDA has approved the first inhalable insulin, Pfizer's Exubera. Experts hope the user-friendly alternative to injections will get more diabetics to use insulin to help manage blood sugar and prevent complications.
SWEET-SMELLING WAKE-ME-UP
Undergraduate researchers at Wheeling Jesuit University report that whiffs of peppermint can reduce drivers' frustration and fatigue. Adding cinnamon aids alertness.