Your Health

Chew on this

A tween-ager could've told you this: chewing gum seems to help kids do better in school.

A new study by the Baylor College of Medicine found that students who chewed sugar-free gum while taking tests and doing homework had higher math test scores and final grades than kids who didn't.

The study looked at 108 kids in Houston age 13 to 16. Over 14 weeks, the gum-chewers saw a 3 percent boost in standardized test scores, on average, over their non-chomping classmates.

Stunning footnote: The research was funded by the Wrigley Science Institute, sponsored by the gum company.

Not so well done

With barbecue season upon us, it's a good time to know that people who like their meat charred are more likely to get pancreatic cancer, researchers say.

The surveys of almost 63,000 participants found 208 cases of pancreatic cancer. Those who liked very well-done grilled or fried steak were 60 percent more likely to get pancreatic cancer than those who ate steak less well done or did not eat steak.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota recommended turning down the heat or cutting off burned portions.

In addition, the precursors of cancer-causing chemicals can be reduced by microwaving the meat for a few minutes and pouring off the juices before putting it on the grill.

Researchers could not explain why the best-tasting food is always the worst for your health.

Pilates for dressage

Here's a new one: A local Pilates studio will offer a one-time seminar on Pilates for Dressage. That's right, exercises for horseback riding.

Dancer-turned-rider Janice Dulak wrote a book on the subject, "Pilates for the Dressage Rider," and says it trains the core muscles needed to control the horse.

The clinic is open to all types of riders at all levels. The fee is $150 for mounted participants, $100 for nonmounted.

First, participants will do Pilates exercises on the ground, then, if they desire, in the saddle.

The clinic will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at a private indoor facility in Barrington Hills. For registration, call Chris Girard of Pilates Studio 6 in Barrington at (847) 602-8001.