Synthetic brain power Nitric oxide, the same chemical targeted by the impotence drug Viagra, helps the brain ``boot up'' in the morning to process sensory information, according to a study in the journal Neuroscience.
But don't go reaching for that blue pill to boost your brainpower, say researchers -- Viagra works only in peripheral parts of the body, not the skull. Instead of discovering a way to get smart fast, they suggest the findings may lead to a better understanding of disorders of cognitive processing, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and schizophrenia.
Asthma's a problem
For millions of American children with asthma, the start of the school year can bring a rise in severe attacks and frantic trips to the emergency room.
More than six times as many asthmatic children of elementary school age are admitted to the hospital in early fall than during the hot, smoggy days of summer, according to studies done by scientists in the United States and Canada.
``Researchers speculate that it has to do with kids getting together in small indoor spaces again and passing around viruses,'' said Dr. Norman Edelman, chief medical officer of the American Lung Association.
Indoor air pollution ranging from mold growing on ceiling tiles to fur shedding off the class hamster also can cause attacks. Even the fumes from strong cleansers used by janitors can pose a threat.
Here are some back-to-school tips from the American Lung Association:
Make sure your child has a medical checkup before school begins.
Be aware of what triggers your child's asthma attacks, and work with the teacher to keep him or her away from them. Triggers may include exercise, smoke, pollen, dust, outdoor air pollution, animal fur, stress, colds and flu.
If your child is coughing or waking up at night, it may be a sign that asthma is not under control. Work with your child's doctor to adjust the medication or make other changes.
Meet with your child's doctor to come up with a written asthma action plan that you can share with your child's teachers, coaches, school principal and school nurse. The plan should include details about your child's asthma symptoms, daily medications and inhaler use, any limitations on physical activity and instructions on what to do if an asthma attack occurs.
Schedule a flu shot for your child for September or early October. Flu can trigger asthma attacks, so it's important to prevent your child from catching the virus.
Help school officials identify and eliminate some of the things that may be causing asthma attacks in students.
Problems for dogs, too
Arthritis is a painful condition caused by ``wear and tear'' of cartilage and other parts of the joint and is estimated to affect one out of four dogs.
Studies show that obese dogs are likely to develop osteoarthritis three years earlier, on average, than lean dogs and that moderate daily exercise can help delay the onset of arthritis.
There is a genetic predisposition with up to 70 percent of dogs in specific breeds affected: Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, and German shepherds. It is especially important with bigger arthritic dogs to help accommodate them with mobility aids. What happens when big dogs lose the ability to move like they once did? How will they get up stairs or into a vehicle?
Here are three new products:
1. Dog mobility harness -- Lift-n-Aid allows you to maneuver larger dogs without lifting the entire weight of the dog. It supports a dog around the ribcage so it doesn't put direct pressure on joints or limbs. http://www.petzone.com. Retail $19.99.
2. Folding pet stairs -- For help getting onto the couch or into the car, Toys4Petz has a unique line of fold-n-go products. Helping them once again, ``reach new heights'' is the Tread-A-Stair folding pet stairs. http://www.americas-pet-store.com/details/prodid/898.html Retail $79.99.
3. Pet Ramp system -- Safe, stable, versatile way to get pets into and out of vehicles. This lightweight portable system includes the rugged Cargo Step and attachable, folding pet ramp. Made of lightweight and strong aluminum and stainless steel, the Pet Ramp & Cargo Step w/Bag can support 300 pounds. http://www.petmate.com. Retail $184.99
Drink up, or not
Some runners rely on fancy calculators and charts to estimate fluid needs, but new guidelines from the International Marathon Medical Directors Association say it's more simple: Follow your body's natural cues.
The IMMDA recommends runners drink when thirsty and avoid drinking when not; they say this will prevent dehydration while minimizing the risk of low sodium levels caused by over-hydration. The guidelines also advise runners to drink whatever they prefer, such as water or sports drinks.
-- Washington Post, Gannett News Service, McClatchy
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