Hot news

Big day: Cyclists can get in on the Independence Day festivities in Hyde Park this year. The Hyde Park Blast Criterium bike race kicks off July 3. Registration opens at 2 p.m. at Hyde Park Elementary, Edwards and Observatory. For information, call Mary Beth Knight, 272-2345 or e-mail: revolution@fuse.net.

On July 4, the Subaru Hyde Park Blast starts its four-mile course from Ault Park at 7:10 a.m. for runners and 7:15 for walkers. Advance registration is $22. Same day-registration is $25. Information: www.hydeparkblast.org.

Calendar

For two: St. Elizabeth Holistic Health will offer a four-week couples massage course starting at 7 p.m. July 5. Cost is $200 per couple. Sessions also offered in August and September. Information: (859) 578-5959.

Scheduled: Healthy Steps, the Jewish Hospital's walking club, starts free health seminars in July at Kenwood Towne Centre's food court.

All seminars begin at 7:30 a.m. Dates are as follows: "Diabetes: Prevention and Treatment," July 6; osteoporosis, July 13; stretching and warm-up, July 20; preventive medicine, July 27; stress management, Aug. 10; and "Diabetes: Taking Care of Yourself," Sept. 7. Free blood pressure checks available. Information: 585-2273 or www.jewishhospitalcincinnati.com.

Breathe easy: The American Lung Association of Ohio, Southwest Region, will hold a free "Living with Asthma" night at 7 p.m. July 13 at the Carriage Court Community Center, 4650 E. Galbraith Road, Kenwood. The seminar focuses on how parents can help children manage their asthma. Information: 985-3990.

Tips

Nip: The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery offers these tips for selecting the right surgeon and facility for cosmetic procedures:

• Make sure the surgeon is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

• Make sure the facility is accredited. Many office-based surgical facilities are not.

• Make sure the surgeon has operating privileges in an accredited hospital for your procedure.

• The consultation should be thorough, and include a frank discussion of risks and realistic benefits of the procedure.

• Check the surgeon's experience in performing the procedure you seek.

• Ask about follow-up care and policies for surgical revisions, if necessary.

• Ask about costs. National averages can be found at www.surgery.org.

Healthy living

Flex: Here are the top 10 reasons to add yoga to your fitness routine, from the American Council on Exercise:

• Increased flexibility and reduced risk of injury.

• Improved breathing and concentration.

• Mind-body wellness.

• Improved strength and stamina.

• Reduced muscle imbalances.

• Improved posture.

• Greater body awareness.

• Reduced stress.

• Cross-training benefits.

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