Research

Disparity: African-Americans whose post-stroke rehabilitation is delayed recover more slowly than whites whose rehab is delayed, new research shows.

African-Americans have more strokes at earlier ages, are more likely to die from them and have worse outcomes than other ethnic groups, statistics show.

A new study from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke followed patients at nine Veterans Affairs medical centers for one year after a stroke.

Patients received the same in-hospital care, but African-Americans recovered more slowly outside the hospital, probably because of less access to resources such as in-home care or transportation to physical therapy, researchers said.

Hot news

Patched up: New research shows that patching the unaffected eye in children with amblyopia for two hours is just as effective as the traditional six-hour recommendation.

The shorter treatment could lead to better compliance with treatment for children affected by "lazy eye," the most common cause of childhood visual impairment.

Amblyopia occurs when the brain learns to favor an eye unaffected by common vision problems such as nearsightedness.

The shorter period with the eye patch means children won't have to wear the patch during school hours, according to the study in the May edition of Archives of Ophthalmology.

Tips

On ice: Warm weather means it's time for picnics - and food poisoning, says Dr. Rhonda Cole, a gastroenterologist at Baylor College of Medicine and the Houston V.A. Medical Center.

Her advice:

• Undercooked meats and dishes made with mayonnaise or creamy substances are high-risk foods, especially when kept out of the proper temperature.

• Symptoms, including stomach cramps and diarrhea, can start five minutes to eight hours after eating, and might last up to a week.

• Keep cold foods, including mayonnaise, lunchmeats and cheese, on ice. Keep hot foods heated to the proper temperature to prevent bacteria growth.

• Avoid foods that have been left on the table for a long time.

Calendar

For parents: Dr. Elizabeth Cottingham, a University of Cincinnati psychiatry professor, presents "ADHD: 24/7, 365 Days a Year" at 3 p.m. May 29 at Barnes & Noble Booksellers in Kenwood. Free, and the third in the "MindPeace" series sponsored by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the Junior League of Cincinnati. Information: 871-9339.

Shelf help

Updated: Prime Time: The African American Woman's Complete Guide to Midlife Health and Wellness (One World/Ballantine; $19.95) by Dr. Marilyn Hughes Gaston and Dr. Gayle K. Porter has been updated and revised in this new edition that focuses on self-help and wellness for women.

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