Research

Team up: A team approach is more effective than one-on-one doctor visits in helping African-American men control high blood pressure, new research shows.

The study led by Dr. Martha N. Hill, dean of the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, found that teams of nurse practitioners and community health workers got better results in helping men lower blood pressure.

The team provided regular nurse visits and referrals to social services, housing assistance and job training.

Blood pressure control improved from 17 percent to 44 percent among men who received team support, the study found.

Cost of the team approach could be a concern, but the preventive measure would be cheaper than allowing patients to rely on emergency room care for hypertension-related problems, Hill said.

Hot news

Stressed: Pre-surgery stress could slow post-surgery healing, researchers in New Zealand report.

Researchers led by Dr. Keith J. Petrie at the University of Auckland found that patients who were worried about surgery were more likely to say their recovery was slow and painful.

Working to reduce patients' stress before surgery could improve wound recovery, Petrie says.

The study found that patients who were stressed had lower levels of a protein that helps speed healing in surgical wound sites.

Healthy Living

Safer: As Tristaters start turning on their furnaces, they might also be letting carbon monoxide into their homes, say the experts at University Hospital's Center for Hyperbaric Medicine.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include cold or flulike symptoms, headache, nausea, vomiting, irritability, confusion and convulsions. It can kill.

To reduce the risk:

• Check all fuel-burning appliances annually to make sure they're properly connected and vented

• Clean chimneys and vents annually.

• Don't operate a vehicle or lawnmower in a closed garage or enclosed space.

• Don't use a gas oven for heating.

• Buy, install and maintain a carbon monoxide detector.

Calendar

Stop smoking: The American Lung Association will hold two group hypnosis sessions for smoking cessation and weight loss Saturday: The first begins at 9 a.m. at the Drake Center, 151 W. Galbraith Road. The second begins at noon at the Clermont County United Way building, 2085 Front Wheel Drive in Batavia. Cost: $50, which includes a cassette tape and up to 11 follow-up sessions. Registration is required. 985-3990.

Shelf help

Ouch less: Better Back (DK Publishing; $15) by Dr. John Tanner lists the causes of back pain, with advice on minimizing pain, speeding recovery and preventing re-injury.

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