Health beat.

• Position: New research United States

Hospital emergency rooms treated more than 67,000 injuries related to sledding and snow tubing in 2001, the majority occurring among youths under age 15. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, most could have been prevented if a helmet had been worn.

Dandruff can be exacerbated by the cold weather and indoor heating that rob skin of moisture during winter, indicates Paul Bergstresser, chairman of dermatology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. "Over-the-counter shampoos, especially those containing tar, are effective in restoring moisture balance to the scalp and reducing flaking," he suggests. If flaking and/or itching persist, accompanied by greasy scaling and redness on the face, eyebrows, and eyelashes, a dermatologist should be consulted.

Men who have kidney stones and restrict their intake of milk because of their belief that calcium helps form stones are putting their bones in jeopardy, the National Dairy Council maintains. A study found that men with kidney stones have a significantly lower bone mineral density of the hip, which can increase their risk of fracture. Accordingly, they should consume plenty of milk to engender strong bones and prevent osteoporosis.

A few extra pounds can help fight osteoporosis, the National Institutes of Health say. Among a group of older adults studied, those that had greater muscle strength and higher body fat--especially in the abdomen--exhibited higher bone mineral densities.

Two percent of college-age women already have osteoporosis, a University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, study found. An additional 15% have had significant losses in bone density...