Your health

Now hear this

Can you listen to your voice mail in one ear while your co-worker talks in the other? If so, credit your genes.

Researchers with the National Institutes of Health studied nearly 200 pairs of twins to assess their auditory processing skills. They found 73 percent of dual-listening ability is inherited.

Get functional

If you don't like swallowing pills, now vitamins for healthy joints come in the form of a fruity drink. Proctor & Gamble took the compounds shown to support healthy cartilage and put them in a 30-calorie drink called Elations.

Each 8-ounce bottle has 1,500 mg of glucosamine and 1,200 mg of chondroitin, plus vitamin C and calcium. A 2006 study in the New England Journal of Medicine found glucosamine and chondroitin helped relieve moderate to severe knee pain.

A six-pack of Elations costs roughly $8 and is available at grocery stores and other retailers. Visit www.elations.com for promotional offers.

Know the signs:Œ

Only 15 percent of women are familiar with the symptoms of ovarian cancer, according to a survey by the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. That number is worrying, considering a woman's best chance for survival come with an early diagnosis and there is no early detection test.

Signs of ovarian cancer often mimic other digestive disorders. Persistent swelling, bloating, abdominal pressure or pain, gastrointestinal upset or frequent urination are all symptoms you should discuss with your doctor. Typically, two or more symptoms occur simultaneously and intensify over time.

The NOCC is hosting a variety of events in the area this month, including health fairs and inspirational talks. Visit the Illinois page at www.ovarian.org for info.

-- Susan Stevens