Just in

        New use: A drug used to make people with diabetes less resistant to insulin could also help prevent heart disease in those patients, say researchers from the University at Buffalo.

        Researchers studied the anti-inflammatory properties of Avandia (rosiglitazone), a popular insulin sensitizer, and insulin and their potential use to treat and prevent atherosclerosis, a leading cause of heart attack.

        Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, begins as an inflammation of the blood vessel wall. People with diabetes are at higher risk for developing atherosclerosis and heart disease. Researchers led by Dr. Paresh Dandona, the head of the Division of Endocrinology at the University at Buffalo School of Medicine, showed that rosiglitazone reduced the levels of oxygen free radicals and several other blood markers for arterial inflammation.

        The study involved 11 obese patients with Type 2 diabetes, in which the body produces adequate insulin but cells don't respond to its action.

Research

        Brain boost: Beta-blockers given to patients before or during coronary artery bypass surgery help protect the brain and its functions, say researchers at Duke University Medical Center.

        Dr. Mark Newman, lead author of the study and chairman of anesthesiology at Duke, says the results show that almost all patients should be given beta-blockers during bypass surgery. Currently, only about 60 percent of bypass patients get the drugs.

        Researchers analyzed medical records of more than 2,500 patients who underwent bypass surgery at Duke over a three-year period. Data showed that 3.9 percent of patients who received beta-blockers suffered stroke, coma, “ministrokes” or encephalopathy compared to 8.2 percent of patients who didn't receive beta-blockers.

        Beta-blockers reduce heart rate and blood pressure by blocking the effects of epinephrine and norepinephrine — the body's “fight-or-flight” hormones. The drugs are prescribed to treat irregular heartbeat, chest pain and high blood pressure.

        The study appeared in the June 13 issue of the Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia.

Calendar

       Eat right: Lisa Andrews, a registered dietitian with the Nutrition Council of Greater Cincinnati, will present “The Healthy Weigh,” a 90-minute program on weight management, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the United Way/Community Chest building, 2400 Reading Road. Cost: $10. Registration deadline is Friday . Information: 621-3262.

Shelf help

        For parents: Beyond the Big Talk (Newmarket Press; $14.95), by sexuality expert Debra W. Haffner, gives advice on talking to teens ages 12 and up about sex. Issues include peer pressure, dating, alcohol and drugs, abstinence, date rape and more.

Resource

        Fire extinguisher: The National Heartburn Alliance is offering a free guide to help make food choices to prevent heartburn. The “Green Light Guide” covers food choices and cooking methods and lifestyle tips for easing heartburn. To order, call (877) 471-2081 or visit www.heartburnalliance.org.

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

Too hot to cook? Chill out
Disney plans all-out effort for ABC's new season
Head parrot Buffett has new songs, new energy
Food lovers dish out advice
King Wok's seafood secret is out
Low-fat dressing lightens chicken pizza
Smart mouth
Lincoln Center symphony hall in the works
Lombardo tribute tonight
Sony, Jackson in a thriller
Body & mind
Get to it