Research — MS hope: An exercise program appears to bolster multiple sclerosis patients' immune systems while easing inflammation, say researchers at the University of Buffalo.

        The study, led by Dr. Jaya Venkatraman, an associate professor of nutrition, showed that a 16-week program of resistance exercise lowered levels of pro-inflammatory blood components and increased levels of anti-inflammatory blood factors.

        “We don't know yet why this happens. Exercise may alter immune function directly or it may act indirectly by modifying stress and neuroendocrine factors that may play a role in maintaining optimal immune status during times of illness.”

        Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system in which the body's immune system appears to attack the myelin sheathing that protects nerve fiber. Breaks in the myelin disrupt the flow of electrical nerve impulses, causing the loss of sensation and coordination.

        The inflammation study follows a study on how exercise affects MS patients' immune system. Dr. Venkatraman theorizes that resistance exercise may strengthen the immune system by easing inflammation, which in turn decreases fatigue and improves physical performance.

Tips

        Scooter safety: Skyrocketing injuries have prompted the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons to warn parents about scooter safety.

        More than 101,000 scooter-related injuries were treated in 2001. Most injuries were associated with falls, and children under 15 suffered 85 percent of the injuries.

        Their safety tips:

        • Wear protective gear, including a helmet, wrist protectors and knee and elbow pads.

        • Wear sturdy shoes, not sandals or thongs.

        • Children under 8 should not operate a scooter.

        • Learn how the steering, handling and break system work before using the scooter.

        • Practice in a protected area.

        • Avoid steep hills, slippery or uneven surfaces and crowded walkways and streets.

        • Obey traffic signs.

        • Don't use the scooter at night.

Calendar

        Book signing: Diet guru Dr. Barry Sears will be at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Norwood's Rookwood Pavilion at 7 p.m. May 20 to discuss and sign his latest book, The Omega Rx Zone(Regan Books; $25.95).

        Shape up: Fitness guru Donna Richardson will lead a free fitness demonstration following the Kroger Juneteenth Wellness Walk June 15 at Seasongood Pavilion in Eden Park. The walk begins at 8 a.m. The free event is geared toward encouraging African-Americans to participate in fitness activities and to provide education about heart disease, hypertension, stroke and other diseases. A health pavilion will be open 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sponsor is the American Heart Association. Registration: Call Nikki, 281-4048.

Shelf help

        Sweat happy: The Intrinsic Exerciser: Discovering the Joy of Exercise (Houghton Mifflin; $14) by Jay Kimiecik, an associate professor at Miami University, offers inspirational messages and techniques to keep fitness seekers motivated.

Siting

        On wheels: Check out www.helmets.org, the Web site for the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, for a variety of tips, techniques and advice on choosing the right cycling helmet and other safety information.

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

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