By Peggy
O'Farrell
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Research

Study: New research from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center concludes that family physicians frequently identify errors and preventable adverse events during office visits.

Previous studies have focused on medical errors affecting hospitalized patients, said lead author Dr. Nancy Elder, but most medical care in the United States occurs in primary care settings.

A survey of 15 Cincinnati-area family physicians found that doctors identified errors and preventable adverse events in nearly 24 percent of 351 office visits.

Office administration errors were most frequently noted. Harm was identified in 24 percent of the noted errors, but doctors disagreed if emotional distress and wasted time should be quantified as harm to patients.

The study is published in the current issue of The Annals of Family Medicine.

Calendar

Mental health: The Junior League of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center will offer "When to Seek Professional Therapy for My Child" at 7 p.m. April 20 at the Kenwood Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 7800 Montgomery Road. Free. 871-9339.

Chuckle: In honor of National Humor Month, Community Multicare Center, 908 Symmes Road, Fairfield, will offer two programs. The Rev. Lynda Savelli will discuss humor's healing potential at 2 p.m. April 21. Rick Carson will share family stories at 2 p.m. April 22. Free. Reservations: Tammy Eady, 868-6500.

Program: The Cole Center for Healing will offer a free program on hyperbaric oxygen therapy at 7 p.m. April 22. Registration: 563-4321 or www.colecenter.com

Tips

Budget dining: Try these tips from Weight Watchers for eating healthy on a budget:

• Make a budget. Develop a list of weekly staples, such as skim milk, fresh fruits and vegetables. Deduct the cost of the staples from the overall budget and use the remaining dollars to add to a balanced diet.

• Plan ahead: Map out a week's worth of meals, make a list of the ingredients and stick to the list.

• Canned or frozen fruits and vegetables are often cheaper than fresh. And items like potatoes, oranges and apples can be bought in bulk for longer shelf life.

• Convenience foods can be expensive. A better idea is to cook entrees like lasagna ahead of time and package them in portion-sized containers so they're ready on busy days.

• Brown-bag your lunch. By including fruits, vegetables and whole grains, you save calories and money.

• Watch portion sizes to stretch your budget both in terms of dollars and calories.

Shelf help

Lose weight: 8 Minutes in the Morning for Extra-Easy Weight Loss (HarperResource; $14.95) by Jorge Cruise offers meal plans, eight-minute daily exercise menus and mental exercises for healthy weight loss.---

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