Research

Bear bones: Black bears could offer clues on osteoporosis treatments. Researchers at Penn State's Milton S. Hershey Medical Center want to know how the bears recover bone lost during their months of hibernation.

Scientists studied blood samples collected during 17 radio-collared bears' denning and active periods. Results showed that while bears' bones lose matter during hibernation, as humans do during periods of inactivity, they continue to form new bone - something people don't do.

Researchers think that because bears don't urinate or defecate while they're hibernating, calcium remains free in the body for bone formation.

Samples from two of the bears showed that the bone formation marker was four to five times higher early in the active months than during the hibernation period. The results could indicate that bears are more sensitive to mechanical stimulation for rebuilding bone.

The same markers studied in bears are used to track bone loss in humans.

The study was funded by a grant from the National Institute of Aging and National Institutes of Health.

Calendar

Resources: St. Elizabeth Medical Center presents a daylong health fair for people without health insurance, starting 10 a.m. Friday at the Northern Kentucky Community Center, 824 Greenup St., Covington. Counselors will help consumers assess health coverage options. Health screenings will be available. (859) 292-4337.

Developments: Neurologist Michael Schmerler and patient advocate Pam Allen will discuss multiple sclerosis 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Westin Cincinnati, downtown. Free. (800) 522-5185.

Options: The Spina Bifida Association will present "Housing and Living Independently" for young adults with disabilities, 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Health Foundation Fund Conference Facility, Rookwood Tower, Norwood. Reservations: 923-1378.

Help: Jewish Hospital in Kenwood will offer two free nutrition seminars. Pat Streicher will discuss "What, Why and How Much?" 4:30 p.m. next Wednesday. Karen Weber offers "Tips and Techniques to Trim the Fat" 4:30 p.m. March 20. Reservations: 585-2273.

How-to: Facilitators from the St. Elizabeth Medical Center Caregiver Support Group will teach caregivers how to evaluate loved ones' needs, plan self-care and improve communication with family and friends in an April 8 workshop at St. Elizabeth's south unit. Registration: (859) 578-5999 or primewise@stelizabeth.com.

Resource

Stuck: The Council on Family Health is offering emergency telephone stickers free to consumers for National Poison Prevention Week, which begins Sunday. To order, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Council on Family Health, "Emergency Stickers," 1150 Connecticut Ave., Suite 1200-B, Washington, D.C. 20036.

Help wanted

Volunteers: The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense are recruiting women veterans for a study on cognitive-behavioral treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. Information: 861-3100, Ext. 4255.

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