Your health

Why not just sleep?

Add watching TV in bed to the latest list of health hazards. A Chicago chiropractor says too much of it can cause Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, which can result in neck pain, shoulder problems, headaches and tingling or weakness in the hands. Who knew?

When you watch TV in bed - even with a pillow - you hold your head up by contracting neck muscles called scalenes, said Dr. James Stoxen, who lectures on the condition worldwide.

"It's similar to holding a 10-pound weight at arms length. What happens? Your scalenes go into constant spasm."

The treatment includes rehabilitation exercises and - sorry - moving the TV.

"This condition barely existed until all-night programming," Stoxen said.

Changing the subject

In consultations with patients with lung cancer, doctors rarely responded with empathy to patients' concerns about dying, symptoms or treatment options, according to a new study.

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center recorded consultations between physicians and lung cancer patients. They identified 384 moments or "empathetic opportunities" when patients talked or hinted about concerns, emotions or stressors. They found that physicians responded empathically to 39, or just 10 percent of the opportunities.

"When patients are struggling and bring up important issues, doctors don't have to take a lot of time to address them, but they do need to respond. Showing that they understand and giving their patients more of what they need is not that difficult," said Dr. Diane Morse, assistant professor of psychiatry and medicine.

Physicians tend to avoid these conversations because of their own discomfort, the authors suggest. They might feel a sense of failure because they can't cure the disease, or identify so closely with the dying patient that they start thinking about their own mortality.

Researchers suggest doctors can start with a simple phrase, such as: "It sounds like you are very concerned about that."

'Rakes and pains'

Brightly colored autumn leaves make for postcard-pretty scenery. But it's not a pretty sight when the leaves pile up in our yards and we have to rake them.

Raking is vigorous exercise, and you should pay close attention to your arms and back to avoid injury, says the Rosemont-based American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

To prevent injury from raking, the surgeons' group suggests:

• Warm up for at least 10 minutes with some stretching and light exercise. Use a rake that is comfortable for your height and strength.

• Wear gloves or use rakes with padded handles to prevent blisters.

• Vary your movement, alternating your leg and arm positions often. When picking up leaves, bend at the knees, not the waist.

• Do not overfill leaf bags, especially if the leaves are wet. To avoid back injury, you should be able to carry bags comfortably.

• Never throw leaves over your shoulder or to the side. The twisting motion required to do so places undue stress on your back.