Doctor's Orders: Sep. 19, 2005

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NEW HEART TIP: SKIP THE FISH OIL

Casting more doubt on the power of fish oil, a European study finds that the supplement offers no protection against irregular heart rhythm in patients with implanted defibrillators. After taking 2 g of fish oil daily for a year, 30% of patients had life-threatening arrhythmia or died, compared with 33% of the placebo group.

GOOD NEWS FOR GERMOPHOBES

If you're wondering whether that sanitizing hand gel really does you any good, a new report in Pediatrics says yes. In a five-month study of 292 Boston-area families, those who regularly rubbed on the alcohol-based gels had a 59% reduced risk of gastrointestinal infections. So go ahead, slather away.

DOES STRESS HAVE A SILVER LINING?

Under pressure? A Danish study suggests that high levels of stress may have at least one benefit: a lower risk of breast cancer. In the 18-year survey of more than 6,500 women, those who were most frazzled were 40% less likely to develop breast cancer than low-stress ladies. But doctors warn that stress puts you at risk for a host of other ailments, like heart disease.