Coping with cancer

Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men. Mortality rates are improving, but the treatments can take a toll. Side effects like urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction affect both the patient and his spouse.

A study in the December issue of the journal Cancer found a few counseling sessions improved the quality of life of the entire family. Compared to families who didn't receive counseling, spouses who had five sessions reported significantly better mental and physical health. These couples felt better about their care-giving and communicated better with each other.

Asthma alert

A new survey by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and AstraZeneca shows most people with asthma don't really have their illness under control. While two-thirds of people claimed to have their asthma under control, over half suffered symptoms like wheezing, coughing or chest tightness once a week.

Specific ethnic populations are at a greater risk. Among Hispanics, 8 percent said they were diagnosed with asthma, but 58 percent reported asthma symptoms. Among African-Americans, 13 percent were diagnosed with asthma, compared to 58 percent who experienced symptoms.

A day for diabetes

If you started feeling extremely thirsty, hungry and tired, would you know what to do? Those are warning signs of type 1 diabetes, which often occur suddenly and can be life-threatening.

Most people with type 1 diabetes will be diagnosed by age 30, according to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. It's neither preventable nor curable, though research is leading to better treatments.

In honor of World Diabetes Day Wednesday, the Illinois chapter of JDRF is hosting several events in Chicago, including a walk down Michigan Avenue and lighting the Sears Tower in blue. For more information about the disease or events, log on to www.jdrfillinois.org.

--Susan Stevens