Life & Health

COLLEGE STATION — More than 25 percent of Texans still don’t use their seat belts when they travel in their vehicles. Coordinated Campaign Safe and Sober reminds Texans about the importance of using safety belts with some straight-forward facts. Katie Womack, research scientist for the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI), said they have been collecting safety…

(Color photos available upon request.) COLLEGE STATION — Biochemist George Bates begins his talk about malnourished Mexican children in an academic way; slides showing stunted growth, protruding shoulder blades, dry eyes, rotten teeth and scaley skin. But somewhere in the carousel of images, scientist turns sentimentalist. “I’m not in this because I’m a toughy,” admits…

WICHITA FALLS — Diabetes is a widespread disease affecting more than 14 million Americans, almost a million of whom are Texans. Half of the victims are unaware they have the disease, but there are successful treatments which can help diabetes sufferers and their families manage and cope with the changes the disease causes, say family…

COLLEGE STATION — Osteoporosis, a major health problem in America, will receive statewide attention during Osteoporosis Action Week, May 12-18. The Texas Department of Health, along with health care providers, hospitals, businesses and other agencies such as the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, will join the annual National Foundation’s Osteoporosis Prevention Week campaign to educate Texans…

COLLEGE STATION — Drivers are killed everyday in drinking and driving crashes, and a number of them are young drivers involved in illegal recreational drinking. Many of these deaths will occur around prom or graduation activities, tarnishing a young adult’s life. In 1994, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reported a person was killed…

COLLEGE STATION — Almost all new passenger vehicles are equipped with an anti-lock braking system. Now some are wondering whether the anti-lock brakes are working properly or if they are being misused by the driver. “There’s been a lot of concern lately about the anti-lock braking system in the newer vehicles,” said Janie Harris, traffic…

COLLEGE STATION — One of the driest winters on record for Texas may be setting the stage for a dry summer, making drinking water supplies even more precious during Drinking Water Week, May 5-12. “We’ve seen a decrease in the amount of recharge, or the amount of water that’s percolating back down through the soil…

COLLEGE STATION — Those who think they are getting all the vitamins and nutrients needed each day through supplements instead of food, should think again. “Vitamins in the form of pills and liquid or powdered supplements are no substitute for the real thing,” according Dr. Mary Kinney Bielamowicz, registered dietitian and nutrition specialist with the…