Doctor's Orders: Feb. 6, 2006

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HRT: TIMING IS EVERYTHING

Hormone-replacement therapy poses dangers for postmenopausal women, but a study in the Journal of Women's Health finds that starting HRT earlier, at the beginning of menopause, may cut the risk of heart disease 30%.

THE FIRST OTC DIET PILL?

If an FDA advisory-panel decision holds, a nonprescription version of the diet drug Xenical may soon hit stores. Doctors warn that it's no magic bullet; side effects include oily stools and diarrhea.

DIABETICS, TAKE A DEEP BREATH

The FDA has approved the first inhalable insulin, Pfizer's Exubera. Experts hope the user-friendly alternative to injections will get more diabetics to use insulin to help manage blood sugar and prevent complications.

SWEET-SMELLING WAKE-ME-UP

Undergraduate researchers at Wheeling Jesuit University report that whiffs of peppermint can reduce drivers' frustration and fatigue. Adding cinnamon aids alertness.