Say Ahh, Poor Yorick

The current Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that physicians would be better doctors--and get more satisfaction from their jobs--if they took acting classes. If they don't have empathy for their patients, at least they can learn to fake it.

DOCTOR'S ORDERS

o THE HEALTH RISKS OF PRO SOCCER

Professional soccer players have a sixfold greater risk of developing Lou Gehrig's disease, according to an Italian study. Why? Among the theories: too much heading, too many legal--or illegal--drugs, and toxins sprayed on the fields.

o PREVENT CANCER WITH A SNACK?

An apple a day keeps breast cancer away, at least in rats, according to a new study. Eating half a dozen is even better. If you don't like apples, many fruits and vegetables contain the same protective phytochemicals.

o MEDITATION: GOOD FOR THE HEART

Daily meditation, according to a report in the American Journal of Hypertension, lowers blood pressure in African Americans, who are at especially high risk for heart disease.

o MAKEOVER DREAMS VS. REALITY

As much as it may seem that cosmetic surgery among young Americans is at an epidemic level, a poll of 600 female college students by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons shows that while a majority would consider it, only 5% have gone under the knife.

ISN'T EVERYONE JUST TOTALLY INTO MASSAGE THESE DAYS?

Massage therapy is on a roll. A new survey found that 12% of adult Americans got a massage last year, a number destined to go up as the population gets increasingly creaky. Top reasons for the laying on of hands: stress relief (27%), pain relief (27%), relaxation (25%) and injury (11%). Ten percent didn't know why they came.

12 DEADLY DISEASES

Death rates are mostly lower in the latest data from the CDC. Among the top killers:

Heart disease [down] 3.6%

Cancer [down] 2.2%

Stroke [down] 4.6%

Accidents [down] 2.2%

Diabetes [down] 0.8%

Flu/pneumonia [down] 3.1%

Alzheimer's [up] 5.9%

Kidney disease [up] 2.1%

Suicide [down] 3.7%

Chronic liver disease [down] 2.1%

Hypertension [up] 5.7%

Parkinson's disease [up] 3.4%

HEARTFELT FLICKS

Funny movies increase healthy blood flow, a new study shows; disturbing ones constrict blood vessels. What's next, [heart] ratings?

FOUND IN THE MEDICAL JOURNALS

Sulfur dioxide from the Kilauea volcano is causing health problems in Hawaii o Smoking-prevention programs in schools have had almost no influence on whether teens light up o The shorter a man's index finger is relative to his ring finger, the more aggressive he is likely to be (this doesn't apply to women) o The fat in avocados helps the body absorb cancer-fighting nutrients