Research

        New questions: It's time to start researching the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy used to treat breast cancer, an oncologist at Ohio State University says.

        Dr. Charles L. Shapiro, director of breast medical oncology at the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, reviewed 25 years of research on the side effects of post-surgical treatments.

        His findings included:

        • Weight gain and chemotherapy-induced ovarian failure are common in younger women. When a woman's ovaries stop producing estrogen, it can lead to bone loss and possibly cardiovascular disease. He recommends calcium supplements, weight-bearing exercise and bone-density scans for patients.

        • More information is needed on the long-term side effects of anti-cancer drugs called taxanes, which include Taxol and Taxotere. The drugs are routinely incorporated into early-stage breast cancer treatment.

        • Standard doses of the chemotherapy drug Adriamycin don't seem to cause additional detectable long-term heart damage.

        Dr. Shapiro's conclusions were published in the June 28 edition of The New England Journal of Medicine.

Calendar

        Curtain up: The Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati presents the regional premiere of The Last Session, composer and lyricist's Steve Schalchlin's musical account of his battle with AIDS. The play opens July 11 at the Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati, 1127 Vine St. Tickets: $10. Information: 421-3555. A benefit for AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati is scheduled Tuesday . Benefit tickets: $25. Information: 421-2437.

Resources

        Fire extinguisher: The American Gastroenterological Association is offering a free patient brochure on easing nighttime heartburn suffering and available treatments. To order, call (877) 488-9800 or log onto the association's Web site www.gastro.org.

Shelf Help

        Ouchless: Two new books out this month offer advice on dealing with chronic aches and pains:

        • What to Do For a Pain in the Neck by Dr. Jerome Schofferman (Fireside Original/Simon and Schuster; $14), a spinal pain specialist, looks at causes and cures for said pains, with a heavy emphasis on proper diagnosis, good body mechanics and muscle strengthening.

        • The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-treatment Guide for Pain Relief by Clair Davies (New Harbinger; $19.95). Mr. Davies, a massage therapist, offers hands-on techniques for relieving soft-tissue pain.

Tips

        Try these: Carl Pratt, managing director of Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires in Lenox, Mass., offers these nine tips for living well starting now:

        • Sit quietly for five minutes every day.

        • Change one aspect of your diet weekly for the rest of our life.

        • Consistency is key when it comes to your target heart rate: Exercising for 15 minutes three days a week for the rest of your life is healthier than a sporadic fitness program.

        • Make wellness a habit: Establish a Monday/Wednesday/Friday exercise schedule for an effective long-term routine.

        • Put your fitness goals in print, and review your intentions daily for the next three weeks.

        • Jog your memory. Lay out your workout clothes in advance so you have no excuse for forgetting to exercise.

        • Have fun. Watch your favorite show or listen to a book on tape while walking on the treadmill or running.

        • Remember the buddy system. Ask two friends to exercise with you. You'll have a backup, in case one of them can't make it.

        • Follow the five-minute rule: Wait until you've worked out for five minutes before you start considering giving it up.

        Contact Peggy O'Farrell by phone: 768-8510; fax, 768-8330; e-mail pofarrell@enquirer.com.

Hard lesson in soft-serve
Smart mouth
Test your Independence IQ
Figuring out fuzzy thinking
Strawberry fruit dip adds cool flavors
Top ice cream with homemade sauces
Body & mind
Secrets
Get to it