Someday soon, you may be able to get a beautiful tan without exposing yourself to the damaging power of the sun or frequenting a tanning booth. Researchers are currently working on a way to allow people to get a safe tan by taking a shot or an injection.

Initial findings indicate that a synthetic hormone may make tanning possible without exposure to the sun. It may also provide protection against continued sun damage.

In a recent study, some of the men participating, received 10 injections of a synthetic version of melanocytestimulating hormone (MSH) while others were given an inactive saline solution over 12 days. Several of the men in the study were known to tan easily and others sunburned easily.

The results of the study showed that the skin of the men who received the hormone actually darkened. Some of these men even stayed tan up through a seven-week observation period which followed the injections.

Researchers say that the drug works by stimulating an enzyme which in turn triggers the production of melanin— the substance which is responsible for skin color. Studies into the feasibility of “tanning injections” continue.

*227\27\8*

The study revealed that patients who had received antibiotics up to two hours before surgery were as much as 50 percent less likely to develop infection than those patients who received antibiotics either earlier or after their operations.

The researchers say that the two-hour period prior to surgery is the optimum time to give the patient antibiotics because it can help reduce the risk of post-surgery infection and pain, as a consequence reduce the patient’s hospital bill by thousands of dollars by reducing the time of recovery.

5 Important Pain Killer Warnings

Here are some things you should know about over-the-counter pain

killers:

1) Don’t use over-the-counter pain killers for longer than 48 hours before you seek medical advice.

2) Avoid taking aspirin for a few weeks before you are to have surgery.

3) Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers.

4) If you are allergic to aspirin, you may also be allergic to ibuprofen, so don’t take either.

5) Don’t take ibuprofen if you have kidney disease

*264\27\8*

According to a recent study, middle-aged men who exercised regularly had a lower risk of developing adult diabetes, which is the most common form of the disease. The study showed that the men reduced their risk of developing adult diabetes by as much as 6 percent with every 500 calories they burned off each week by exercise. The findings also suggest that the positive effects of regular exercise seem to apply regardless of such hearth risk factors as obesity, high blood pressure, aging, and/or family history of the disease. And while the study used men as its subjects, it is believed that the findings could probably hold true for women as well.

Diabetes affects men and women in almost equal numbers. In all, over 12 million Americans suffer from the disease. And, according to the study, vigorous exercise such as jogging or playing tennis, provided more protection than did less vigorous activities such as golf. Also, of the men who participated in the study, those at the highest risk benefited most from exercise. In fact, men who participated in vigorous activity, burning about 3500 calories each week, cut their risk nearly in half when compared with men who were inactive.

If you have diabetes, you may need to drink a sweet liquid or eat a food containing sugar just before you begin exercise. It may also be wise for you to carry sugar or candy with you in case your blood sugar level drops as a result of vigorous physical activity. Consult your doctor for his or her recommendations before you begin any exercise program.

*301\27\8*

This annoying condition arises from abnormal accumulations of secretions in the upper throat, behind the nose. When that happens, there is a watery or sticky discharge, which is affectionately called post nasal drip. Here are some expert suggestions on how to dry up the drip:

1) Blow your nose— while this may be an obvious thing to do under the circumstances, it is often overlooked. By blowing your nose regularly, you will get rid of some of the drainage from the front of your nose.

2) Use a saltwater gargle— add 1/2 teaspoon of salt (1/3 if you have high blood pressure) to 8 ounces of water, and gargle. This solution should help clear your throat.

3) Go easy on the spicy foods— some “hot” and “spicy” foods such as hot peppers and curry, can act as irritants and make the condition worse.

4) Drink lots of fluids, except milk— warm fluids such as tea or warm water with lemon can help keep the mucus lining moist and get rid of post nasal drip. Milk, however, may promote excess mucus production, making the condition worse.

5) If your post nasal drip is persistent, consult your doctor. You may have a genuine sinus infection. Your doctor may prescribe decongestants and suggest that you increase your household humidity.

*339\27\8*

People who are prone to high blood pressure may want to avoid caffeine before a workout. A recent study suggests that a cup of coffee just prior to exercising is likely to intensify the normally slight increase in blood pressure brought on by physical activity.

The study involved 34 men ages 21 to 35 who took either an amount of caffeine equal to that contained in 2 to 3 cups of brewed coffee or a placebo before exercising.

According to the researchers, the results showed that 44 percent of the subjects tested experienced a temporary increase in blood pressure. The number was more than twice that of those who experienced a short-term rise in blood pressure due to exercise alone. The study also suggests that caffeine may cause blood pressure to continue to rise throughout moderate to intense exercise.

While the study was conducted on men with normal blood pressures, experts say it is likely the results also hold true for people with high blood pressure. For that reason, the researchers recommend that people with hypertension avoid or at least limit their caffeine intake on those days they plan to exercise.

*375\27\8*