Hot news

With heart: Get your red dresses, scarves and sweaters ready: The American Heart Association is launching its "Go Red For Women" campaign in February to educate women on their heart disease risks.

Men and women are asked to wear red on Feb. 6 to show their support for the event. Local events are in the works to mark the initiative.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women. One in three women's deaths is from cardiovascular disease, while one in 29 deaths are from breast cancer.

To learn more, visit www.americanheart.org.

Healthy living

Timely: Think FAST to protect yourself and loved ones from the effects of stroke.

The Neuroscience Institute and the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Stroke Team remind Cincinnatians that immediate treatment for stroke saves lives. Call 911 immediately if these symptoms occur:

• F: Facial numbness or weakness, especially on one side.

• A: Arm numbness or weakness, especially on one side.

• S: Slurred speech or difficulty speaking.

• T: Time to call 911.

Calendar

Screenings: Episcopal Retirement Homes will offer Life Line Screening for stroke risks starting at 8:30 a.m. Jan. 12 at Deupree Health Center, 4001 Rosslyn in Oakley. Technicians will screen for plaque buildup in the carotid arteries, plaque in the arteries of the legs and aneurysm in the abdominal aorta. Cost is $45 each, or $99 for all three. Osteoporosis screenings will also be available for $35. Appointments: (800) 407-4557.

Tips

Play nice: Try these suggestions from the experts at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the National Safe Kids Coalition to pick safe, fun toys for your children this holiday season:

Newborns to 1-year-olds (exploration with their eyes, hands and mouths):

• Crib gyms

• Floor activity centers or activity quilts

• Squeaky toys, soft dolls and stuffed animals

One- to 3-year-olds (climbing, jumping, running and rough and tumble games):

• Soft blocks or large blocks

• Push and pull toys

• Books

• Pounding and shaping toys

Three- to 5-year-olds (imaginative play and toys that are companions):

• Nontoxic art supplies

• Pretend toys (play money, etc.)

• Teddy bears or dolls

• Outdoor toys, such as tricycles and helmets

Five- to 9-year-olds (complex games using specific skills and concepts):

• Arts and crafts kits

• Puppets

• Jump ropes

• Action figures and miniature dolls

Nine- to 14-year-olds (skills, hobbies and team sports):

• Handheld electronic games

• Board games

• Sports equipment and protective gear

• Model kits

• Musical instruments

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