Your Health

By Janice M. Horowitz

GOOD NEWS

GOODBYE REYE'S Today, 20 years after doctors realized that Reye's syndrome was linked to taking aspirin, the dreaded childhood illness has virtually disappeared. Only two cases were reported in the U.S. in 1997, in contrast to 550 in 1980. The appearance of even two cases suggests that despite warnings on bottle labels, parents are still giving kids aspirin for viral diseases. That's a no-no, especially with chickenpox or the flu.

FILL 'ER UP Loading up on liquids--any kind, including water, coffee or soda--may help protect the bladder from cancer. Data on 50,000 men show that consuming ten 8-oz. glasses each day can cut the risk of bladder cancer in half. The liquids probably flush away carcinogens and keep urine diluted so toxins make less contact with the bladder wall. Half a gallon a day may sound like a lot to swallow, but it's only about three glasses more than most people already drink.

BAD NEWS

KIDNEY CAUTION A preliminary study suggests that elderly folks who chronically use nonsteroid anti-inflammatories may have high blood levels of serum-creatinine--often a warning that kidney function is impaired. Advil, Motrin and Aleve are all NSAIDs. Don't stop taking them--talk to a doctor.

CRUISIN' FOR A BRUISIN' Biking may do wonders for your thighs, but it may not be great for other body parts. A new report shows that of female cyclists who clock an average of 60 miles a week, 35% experience genital numbness and 14% have difficulty urinating. Among men, another study finds that 4% of those who ride about 100 miles a week experience erectile dysfunction. Wide bike seats help, as do frequent rest breaks.

--Janice M. Horowitz

Sources--Good News: New England Journal of Medicine (5/6/99); 1 & 2; Bad News: American Urological Association meeting; New England Journal of Medicine (5/6/99)