SOCIAL SKILLS FIGHT BULLIES
British researchers say using proper social skills can ward off bullies. Emily Lovegrove and Nichola Rumsey of the University of the West of England in Bristol report in The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal such skills can reduce general bullying or teasing as well as that aimed specifically at children with an unusual appearance, such as those with cleft palates. In the study of children ages 11-13, the scientists found involving adolescents in the design and implementation of a strategy to deal with bullies is crucial to the plan's success. An added benefit is the skills learned to deal with appearance-related bullying can be easily adapted to other confrontational situations, the researchers say.
BEING CAREFREE ABOUT CANCER CAN BE DEADLY
U.S. scientists say when it comes to cancer symptoms, being carefree can be deadly. The Washington University School of Medicine scientists in St. Louis say people with low overall anxiety levels are more apt to ignore symptoms of rectal cancer for long periods, delaying treatment and endangering their lives. In contrast, people with at least moderate levels of anxiety tend to quickly recognize symptoms such as rectal bleeding as a sign of serious illness. Stephen Ristvedt, assistant professor of medical psychology in psychiatry and investigator at the Siteman Cancer Center, says the common assumption is fear or denial keeps people from having cancer symptoms checked out, but his study shows those who are generally optimistic and unconcerned have the longest delays in seeking medical attention. The study will be reported in the May 2005 issue of Psycho-Oncology.
IGNORANCE ABOUT PROSTATE DISEASE IS NOT BLISS
A U.S. survey shows only 10 percent of undiagnosed men know the signs of enlarged prostate. To rectify the situation, former football great Joe Theismann is speaking out in "EP in America," an educational campaign sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline, maker of Avodart, a treatment for enlarged prostate, which affects more than half of men over 50. The survey of 1,000 men shows among those who had surgery for an enlarged prostate, most were not told they could have reduced their risk of surgery with medication. Symptoms vary, but the most common include frequent and urgent urination, a weak or interrupted urine stream and frequent nighttime urination. "For enlarged prostate to be accurately diagnosed and effectively managed, men need to take control of their health and communicate with their doctors," says Dr. Steven Kaplan, Given Foundation Professor of Urology and vice chair of the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University in New York.
CAUTION URGED IN ANTIBIOTIC USE
The U.S. government is urging Americans to be cautious about using antibiotics as treatment for respiratory infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta is running a series of print and radio public service announcements to counter the public perception antibiotics can cure everything, says Dr. Richard Besser, director of the campaign. "Taking antibiotics when they are not needed can cause some bacteria to become resistant to the antibiotic," he says. "The fact is these resistant bacteria are stronger and harder to kill. They can stay in your body and cause severe illnesses that can't be cured with antibiotics. It's so important to get smart about antibiotic use and work with your doctor to get the right remedy."
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(Editors: For more information about SOCIAL, contact Kim Jackson at (785) 843-1235, ext. 251 or [email protected]. For CANCER, Gwen Ericson at (314) 286-0141 or [email protected]. For PROSTATE, Natalie Mines at (516) 621-6121 or [email protected]. For ANTIBIOTIC, Courtney Froemming at (202) 452-9431)
