CONSUMING LOTS OF MEAT COOKED AT HIGH TEMPERATURES that results in charring may increase the risk for pancreatic cancer. An analysis of dietary surveys of 62,581 people found those who preferred very welldone steak were almost 60 percent as likely to get pancreatic cancer as those who ate steak less well-done or did not eat steak. If you enjoy barbecued meat, turn down the heat or cut off burned portions when it’s finished.

American Association for Cancer Research, Philadelphia, PA.

GOOD POSTURE INVOLVES TRAINING YOUR BODY to stand, walk, sit, and lie in positions where the least strain is placed on supporting muscles and ligaments. Poor posture can lead to loss of shoulder motion, chronic pain, headaches, and the inability to exercise. The longterm benefits of proper posture include decreased wearing of joint surfaces, less stress on the ligaments of the spine, and preventing backache and muscular pain.

New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY.

EXPOSING INFANTS AND TODDLERS TO TELEVISION DOES NOT IMPROVE THEIR LANGUAGE AND VISUAL MOTOR SKILLS. Researchers looked at the amount of time 872 children spent watching television or videos from birth to 2 years of age, then assessed their language and visual motor skills at age 3. Contrary to some parents’ perception that television viewing is beneficial to their children’s brain development, the researchers found no evidence of such a benefit.

American Association of Pediatricians, Elk Grove Village, IL.

SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER CAN WREAK HAVOC on the lives of the 15 million American adults who suffer from it, leaving them isolated, ashamed, and misdiagnosed. Approximately 36 percent of people with the condition report experiencing symptoms for 10 or more years before seeking help. Social phobia is an intense, persistent fear of being scrutinized and negatively evaluated by others in social situations.

Anxiety Disorders Association of America, Silver Spring, MD.

ADULTS ALSO NEED INOCULATIONS. To stay protected, they should be vaccinated against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis once between ages 19 and 64, with a tetanus/diphtheria booster every 10 years. Adults with no evidence of immunity to chicken pox should get the varicella vaccine. Adults born in or after 1957 need the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. Females ages 11 to 26 should have the human papillomavirus vaccine. People ages 65 and older should receive vaccines against pneumonia once and the flu each year. Those who travel abroad should seek the hepatitis A vaccine. Some vaccines require more than one dose.

Baylor Regional Medical Center, Grapevine, TX.

SPECIFIC PHOBIAS ARE STRONG, IRRATIONAL FEAR REACTIONS to a particular object, place, or situation. Such phobias can disrupt daily routines, limit work efficiency, reduce self-esteem, and place a strain on relationships. Common phobias include animals, insects, heights, thunder, driving, public transportation, flying, dental procedures, and elevators. Up to 90 percent of people with phobias can be effectively treated.

Anxiety Disorders Association of America, Silver Spring, MD.

“PRESENTEEISM” OCCURS WHEN EMPLOYEES WITH HEALTH CONDITIONS ARE PRESENT AT THEIR JOBS BUT ARE UNABLE TO PERFORM at full capacity. One study of 150,000 working adults concluded impaired employee performance typically creates a greater drain on a company’s productivity than employee absence. Employees with multiple chronic health conditions have the largest effect on productivity loss.

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 351 W. Camden St., Baltimore, MD 21201, monthly, $360/yr.

THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION ADVISES AGAINST THE USE OF OVER-THE-COUNTER COUGH AND COLD MEDICATIONS IN CHILDREN YOUNGER THAN AGE 2. Even so, many parents continue to give these products to their infants. One study found parents often did not read or heed dosing directions. More than half the time, parents said they would give these medicines to a 13-month-old child with cold symptoms, despite label instructions to consult a physician first.

American Association of Pediatricians, Elk Grove Village, IL.

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