CELEBREX TO PREVENT LUNG CANCER
It's still too early to know for sure, but the arthritis drug Celebrex may help prevent lung cancer in heavy smokers.
In a 6-month study, heavy smokers taking high doses of Celebrex showed much lower rates of precancerous changes in lung cells compared to those taking a placebo.
The study started before news that Vioxx, a drug similar to Celebrex, was linked to heart problems.
Smokers taking the Celebrex were closely monitored, and showed no cardiovascular problems.
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ALLERGY STOPPERS
If you've got allergies, here are some tips for more comfortable car trips this vacation season.
Before leaving, open the car windows, and turn on the air condition for about 10 minutes to get rid of molds and dust mites.
Also try to leave early in the morning, or late at night when air quality is at its best.
If your trip includes a hotel stay, ask for an allergy-proof room.
Many chains now have them.
If one's not available, try for a sunny, dry room away from indoor pools, to limit molds.
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FOAM ROLLERS
Stretching is an important part of any exercise program.
Now, giant foam rollers are helping people stretch those hard-to-loosen places.
Kathy Pichnarcik, a certified fitness trainer, says, "It's like ironing out the muscles, and helping the knots to release so you have healthy tissue."
The rollers are easy to use - just lay on them and roll out your tight spots.
They can be used fro almost any part of your body.
Pichnarcik says the action is especially helpful after surgery.
"You especially should do it if you;ve had any surgerys or anything that you need to make sure that you're not letting that scar tissue develop," she says.
Kevin Sutherland has tried a lot of fitness gear, and really likes the rollers.
"I noticed increased flexibility. It really works over the specific areas that I have problems with, in my legs and my lower back," he says with a smile.
