Wellnews: All the news that's fit
By Scott LaFee
September 19, 2006

Medtronica
Spine Universe
http://www.spineuniverse.com
A comprehensive, if crowded, site designed for people
looking for information and answers about back pain.
There are lots of reputable contributors and many
useful links.

Body of knowledge
A 1997 Danish study found that men's brains, on average,
have 15 percent more neurons than women's brains:
22.8 billion compared to 19.3 billion.

Phobia of the week
Dromophobia - fear of crossing the street

Best medicine
Psychiatrist: Mr. Phelps, I can say with confidence
that after 15 years of psychotherapy, you're cured.
Patient: Well, that's good, I guess. Still, 15 years
ago I was God.  Now I'm nobody.

HEALTH SCREENINGS - TV

"Strictly Sex With Dr. Drew"
Midnight Saturday, Discovery Health
Drawing on years of addiction recovery work, Dr. Drew helps viewers
work through their fears, guilt and shame. TV host Jillian Barberie
shares how childhood sexual abuse has affected her relationships and
sex life.

"Discovery Health CME: HPV and Cervical Cancer - Managing the Risk"
9 a.m. Sunday, Discovery Health
Cervical cancer is one of the most common female cancers. Research
has shown that more than 99 percent of cervical cancer is caused by
human papillomavirus. Discovery Health CME brings together a group
of experts to discuss testing, screening strategies and the HPV
vaccine.

  CALENDAR

  Prostate screening: Sharp Coronado Hospital will offer prostate
  screening from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday on the second floor of
  Sharp Coronado's Medical Office Building, 250 Prospect Place. Free.
  First come, first-served. Information: (619) 522-3756.

TAPPING INTO A VEIN
Anyone who knows the agony of having blood drawn by an inexperienced
nurse will appreciate this. The Georgia Institute of Technology is
developing a device that locates veins quickly. The pen-sized
instrument uses high-frequency sound waves that distinguish moving
blood from tissue. When the waves bounce off a vein, an alarm goes
off so the nurse can take blood or insert an IV on the first try.