THERE IS GROWING EVIDENCE THAT EVEN OCCASIONAL SMOKERS EXPERIENCE GREATER HEALTH RISKS, when compared with nonsmokers, and are likely to progress to regular, dependent smoking over time. Studies show people who smoke even a few cigarettes a week have a higher risk for smoking-related cancers, and symptoms of nicotine dependence have been reported in young people only weeks after they begin smoking.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA.

DARK CHOCOLATE HAS AN IMPRESSIVE ARRAY OF BENEFITS: It is an antioxidant that may improve cholesterol and lower blood pressure and blood sugar, and its antiplatelet abilities could reduce the chance of developing an artery-blocking clot. Taken together, these properties could reduce the risk for heart attack and stroke. Choose dark chocolate with cocoa, not sugar, as the first listed ingredient. Limit yourself to a few ounces a day, and cut calories elsewhere to keep your weight in line.

Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA.

TINNITUS—A RINGING, WHINING, WHISTLING, OR HISSING SOUND IN ONE OR BOTH EARS when there is no external noise—can interfere with sleep, concentration, and daily activities. The condition often is caused by hearing loss due to exposure to loud noises, aspirin, certain prescription medications, or a buildup of wax blocking the ear canal. Treatment includes wearing a hearing aid, turning on quiet music or a fan to provide background noise, and using relaxation techniques to help you cope.

Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, monthly, $24/yr.

IF YOU HAVE ARTHRITIS, these steps can help protect your joints, reduce pain, and improve mobility: Ask a physical or occupational therapist to teach you how to conserve energy, protect your joints, and accomplish daily tasks more easily. When working at a desk or watching TV , get up and stretch every 15 minutes. Avoid positions or movements that put extra stress on joints. To reduce hip or knee stress on stairs, lead with the stronger leg going up and the weaker leg going down.

Harvard Health Publications, Cambridge, MA.

PARENTS OF STUDENT ATHLETES need to ensure their children’s school sports and extra-curricular programs mandate the use of appropriate, sport-specific protective eyewear properly fitted by an eye care professional. Most youth sporting leagues don’t require protective eyewear, so parents should take special care to ensure their children’s eye safety.

American Academy of Ophthalmology, San Francisco, CA.

USING SUNSCREEN AND AVOIDING THE MIDDAY SUN are mainstays of skin cancer prevention. However, many vitamin D researchers believe that by obsessively shielding ourselves from sunlight, we might be missing out on the many benefits of this important vitamin, which is made when skin is exposed to ultraviolet light. Active vitamin D helps regulate how cells grow and mature, so in some circumstances it may put the brakes on cancerous cell growth.

Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA.

FISH OIL SUPPLEMENTS are a good substitute for people who want the heart-health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids but don’t like to eat fish. The supplements often are prescribed for heart attack survivors and people with high triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood. To avoid the fishy aftertaste or burps, freeze, then swallow the capsule. Take the capsule at the beginning of a meal. Switch brands—a different brand may taste less fishy.

Mayo Clinic Health Letter, 200 First St. S.W., Rochester, MN 55905, monthly, $27/yr.

IT’S NEVER EASY TO TALK ABOUT SERIOUS ILLNESS, DISABILITY, OR DEATH. But a little bit of uncomfortable conversation can make all the difference if you become unable to express your health care preferences. It’s most important that you talk with your health care agent (the person you appoint to speak for you if you are unable to speak for yourself) and your doctor about your wishes, but you also may want to share your desires with family members.

Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA.

© StayWell Custom Communications. Information is the opinion of the sourced authors and organizations. Personal decisions regarding health, diet, and exercise should be made only after consultation with the reader's own medical advisers. This material may not be reproduced for redistribution without written permission from StayWell Custom Communications.