Compiled by Peggy O'Farrell

Hot news

Indication: A blood protein might be a better indicator of heart attack risk than high blood pressure, obesity and cholesterol levels, say researchers at Duke University Medical Center.

C-reactive protein, or CRP, is produced in the liver and is thought to indicate the

amount of inflammation that can cause blood clots to form. Clots, formed when the plaque lining artery walls comes loose, are a common cause of heart attack and stroke.

CRP is measured by a simple blood test recently developed to identify inflammation levels.

CRP testing could one day become another helpful procedure to identify future heart trouble, says Dr. Bill Kraus, a cardiologist at Duke.

CRP levels are likely to be indicative of Metabolic Syndrome, which is characterized by belly fat, high blood pressure and a predisposition to diabetes.

"We don't know exactly how to incorporate (CRP measures) into our current risk profiling and how to treat elevated CRP levels. We don't know how it fits into the normal context of what we do as preventive cardiologists," Kraus said.

Safety

Play safe: Playground-related injuries cost more than $11 billion a year in medical expenses, work loss, pain, suffering and liability, say the experts at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Most of those injuries are related to children falling from playground equipment. Often children are injured not only by the fall but by striking the equipment as they fall.

To help your kids stay safe, follow the academy's advice on using playgrounds:

• Look for softer surfaces under play equipment, such as engineered wood mulch, shredded tires or cushioned rubber safety surfacing. Asphalt, concrete, dirt and grass can make injuries from falls worse. Make sure the surface material is deep enough to cushion the impact of a fall.

• Children need adult supervision while using equipment.

• Inspect equipment for loose or missing supports, anchors or footings; loose or missing fasteners; broken or missing rails, rungs or seats; sharp edges or points; splintered wood; bent or broken components; missing end caps; and cracks and holes.

• Look for environmental hazards, including roots, rocks and poor drainage, and trash, particularly glass or metal cans.

• Make sure there are separate areas for active (swinging, etc.) and quiet play.

Sitings

Click: Check out www.research forwomen.com, a Web site hosted by Greater Cincinnati OB/Gyn and UC Physicians, for information on research trials related to women's health.

Shelf help

New release: What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Fibroids (Warner Books; $14.95) by Scott C. Goodwin and Michael Broder looks at options, including diet, exercise, alternative remedies, medications and surgical options, for controlling fibroids.

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