DATE: Monday, March 24, 1997                TAG: 9703220064

SECTION: DAILY BREAK             PAGE: E3   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: From staff and wire reports 

                                            LENGTH:   51 lines

HEALTH NEWS AND NOTES

Osteoporosis, diabetes focus of talk

``Bones, Moans and Groans'' - the link between osteoporosis and diabetes and endocrine diseases - will be discussed at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Virginia Beach Central Library.

The speaker will be Dr. John T. O'Brian, director of the laboratory system at the Diabetes Institute at Norfolk's Eastern Virginia Medical School.

The hourlong lecture is free and open to the public. For information, call the school at 446-6050.

Drug Fosamax safe if taken properly

Fosamax, an effective drugs for treating osteoporosis, is extremely safe - but only if taken properly.

Osteoporosis, the loss of bone mass, becomes a problem for many women after menopause. That's when estrogen levels drop, speeding the rate at which the body reabsorbs bone.

Studies have shown that Fosamax increases bone density, making bones stronger and less prone to fractures and deformation. The medication is usually taken orally.

If you experience esophageal pain while taking Fosamax, contact your doctor. Also, if you have or have ever had upper intestinal tract problems such as a peptic ulcer or gastroesophageal reflux, inform your doctor.

Study promotes exercise for youths

Parents, schools and communities can help young people get fit by promoting lifelong physical activity, according to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.

In its Guidelines for School and Community Health Programs, the centers recommended physical education programs for all children in kindergarten through 12th grade.

A 1995 CDC survey showed that 48 percent of high school girls and 26 percent of high school boys do not exercise vigorously on a regular basis.

Physical activity, the report said, helps control weight, reduces feelings of depression and anxiety, and promotes well-being.

``Regular moderate physical activity, such as walking, dancing and biking, will help children now and later,'' said Dr. David Satcher, CDC director.

Rh factor found in 1940

An important medical event was the discovery in 1940 of the Rh factor in human blood cells.

The Rh factor is named after the Rhesus monkey, a small brown Bengal monkey found in South Asian forests. With blood containing the Rh factor, the Rhesus monkey has been widely used in research.

Send Suggestions or Comments to webmaster@scholar.lib.vt.edu