Bits and bytes of local and national health, wellness and scientific news:
• New studies show that injuries resulting from interactive video games are experiencing a surprising rise; research shows that even injuries of spectators, including children, are increasing. A study led by Dr. Patrick O’Toole of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia found that nearly 700 video game-related injuries were reported in the past five years. The most common injuries from interactive video games, such as the Nintendo Wii, included shoulder, ankle or foot injuries. The study also reported 65 seizures as a result of video games.
• Ochsner Health System and the New Orleans Saints are “Going Pink” for October in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Proceeds will benefit the Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center at Oschner. Those looking to donate can text GOPINK to 27722 to give $5 or shop for NOLA Couture merchandise at Ochsner.org/pink, with proceeds going directly to the center.
• This year’s Susan G. Komen’s Race for the Cure is Oct. 23 in City Park at 9 a.m. Ten-year cancer survivor Allene Thaller was recently named as this year’s honorary survivor. Mayor Mitch Landrieu and Rita Benson Leblanc will serve as the event’s honorary chairs. For more information and to sign up for the race, visit www.komenneworleans.com or call 455-7310.
• Pennington Biomedical Research Center recently released research that links a combination of aerobic training and weightlifting to significant improvements in blood sugar levels for individuals with Type 2 diabetes, as opposed to either aerobic training or weightlifting alone. The study supervised more than 250 individuals over a nine-month training period and found greater cumulative benefit when the two activities were combined.
