Research

Gutsy: Swedish researchers say there might be a link between Crohn's disease and appendicitis.

A new study in Gastroenterology finds that patients who are prone to appendicitis are also prone to Crohn's, a painful disease that causes inflammation of the small intestine.

Researchers at Linkoping University followed more than 200,000 patients from 1964 to 1993. Of the 613 who developed Crohn's, 56 percent had undergone appendectomy.

Other findings: Patients whose appendix had ruptured had a higher incidence of Crohn's, a more aggressive form of the disease and a poorer prognosis. And children who had appendectomies before they were 10 were less likely to develop Crohn's than children who had the surgery later.

Hot news

Puff: Women smokers may face more challenges than men when they try to kick the habit, according to the January issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource.

A review of several studies found that women tend to be less successful than men at quitting, even though they are at greater risk from smoking-related illnesses, including lung cancer. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and disease among women.

Among the findings:

• Women smokers fear gaining weight more than men.

• Nicotine withdrawal symptoms may vary in intensity more throughout the menstrual cycle.

• Responses to medications aimed at making quitting easier may vary throughout the menstrual cycle.

• Women might be more susceptible than men to environmental cues that trigger smoking.

Tips

Youthful: Try this advice from Dr. John Morley, director of geriatric medicine at St. Louis University, to keep from aging too fast:

Up to age 20: Avoid obesity. Get enough calcium. Eat nutritious foods. Avoid alcohol, violence and illicit drugs. Get your vaccinations.

20 to 40: The above, plus: Eat fish. Drink in moderation. Drive at a safe speed. Women should do monthly breast self-exams.

40 to 60: The above, plus: Get blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose checked, and screen for breast and colon cancer, high blood pressure and diabetes. Women should get Pap smears. Men should consider hormone replacement therapy. Stay mentally active.

60 to 80 years: The above, plus: Add balance and resistance exercises to your workout. Avoid weight loss. Get flu and pneumococcal shots. Avoid overmedicating.

Above 80: The above, plus: Safety-proof the home and use a cane and hip protectors if necessary. Keep your mind active and your mood upbeat.

Shelf help

Preservation: The Dana Guide to Brain Health (The Free Press; $45), edited by Floyd E. Bloom, M. Flint Beal and David J. Kupfer, features information on how the brain works and how to keep it healthy.

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