Research — Hefty viewing: It may not have any calories, but watching television makes kids heavy, say researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

        “Children watching more than two hours of TV per day had a higher weight status than children watching less than two hours per day,” says Dr. Brian E. Saelens.

        By age 12, children who watched more than two hours of television a day were at or above the 85th percentile for weight for their age and height, a strong risk factor for being overweight later in life.

        The study was based on surveys with 169 mothers and their children conducted in 1990 and again in 1996. Children's height and weight also were measured. All of the families lived in San Diego County, Calif.

        Compared with their television habits in 1990, the children watched an average of approximately five more hours of television a week in 1996, for an average of 26 hours of TV time a week. Researchers also found that each meal eaten in front of the television added 38 to 73 minutes of time to overall television watching.

        Previous studies have shown that children who are allowed to watch television during meals are more likely to have unhealthy diets.

        The study appears in the June edition of the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.

Tips

        Chill: Hot, humid weather makes for potentially dangerous outdoor workouts.

        Shan James, an exercise physiologist at the Duke Center for Living at Duke University Medical Center, says fitness buffs need to adjust their routines for summer heat and humidity.

        Her advice:

        • Exercise during cooler periods of the day, such as early morning or evening. Wear loose clothing, a protective hat and sunscreen.

        • Watch for signs of heat-related illness, including fatigue, dizziness, headaches and cramps.

        • Keep hydrated before, during and after exercise. And unless you're sweating buckets for hours, water is sufficient. The sugar in sports drinks can cause stomach cramps.

       Calendar

        Register now: It's time to sign up for the inaugural Hyde Park Blast 4-mile Run/Walk July 4. The charity event begins at 8:30 a.m. at Hyde Park Square. Information: Chad Sims, 533-4708. Registration forms at Bob Roncker's Running Spot, Wild Oats, Gold's Gym, Revolution Fitness, Midtown Fitness, Cincinnati Sports Mall, or www.hydeparkcincinnat.org. Cost: $20. Benefits Wellness Community, Lance Armstrong Foundation and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

       Shelf help

        Rainbow: What Color Is Your Diet: The Seven Colors of Health (ReganBooks; $14.95) by Dr. David Heber and Susan Bowerman says fruits and vegetables in all colors of the rainbow can brighten up diet and health.

       Siting
       Click: Want to work out your higher self along with your abs? Check out www.allspiritfitness.com, which features information on body/mind workouts, yoga and holistic health, along with a forum and shopping link.

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

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