Your Health

By Dara Horn

GOOD NEWS ON ASTHMA

Many people with mild asthma suffer attacks while exercising, or worse, avoid exercise altogether for fear of their symptoms. This week studies showed that two prescription drugs--montelukast, a pill, and salmeterol, an inhalant--can be used effectively on a daily basis to prevent exercise-induced wheezing.

BAD NEWS ON DEPRESSION

Nearly 40 years of data on 1,190 men have shown that those with depression are about twice as likely to develop heart disease, including fatal heart attacks--even when adjusting for factors like smoking and cholesterol. Researchers can't explain the connection, but advise those with depression to take other heart risks more seriously.

GOOD NEWS ON A BAD DRUG

For most Americans thalidomide is synonymous with tragic birth defects. But last week the FDA made headlines by approving the drug--for leprosy victims. Research suggests that thalidomide may later be helpful in treating other conditions, including tumors and AIDS-related illnesses, but these uses remain unapproved. The drug is still extremely dangerous for pregnancies, and patients will be carefully monitored.

BAD NEWS ON DIABETES

Adults with type 1 diabetes have always had an increased risk of heart disease. But those who gain a lot of weight during intensive insulin therapy face even greater risks. Their cholesterol and blood pressure rise more steeply than those of diabetics whose weight is more stable.

--By Dara Horn

Sources: New England Journal of Medicine; Archives of Internal Medicine; FDA; J.A.M.A.