Wellnews by Scott LaFee

Excessive alcohol consumption has long been linked to poor physical and mental health. But little or no alcohol consumption can apparently cause problems, too.

A Norwegian study looked at the drinking habits and mental health of more than 38,000 individuals. It found that people who reported drinking no alcohol over a two-week period were more likely than moderate drinkers to report symptoms of depression. Individuals who identified themselves as complete teetotalers were at the highest risk of depression.

Other factors, such as age, physical health problems and number of close friends, explained some, but not all, of the increased risk. The study authors also reported that abstainers who were former heavy drinkers were more likely to be depressed.

The study concluded that where alcohol consumption is part of the social custom and norm, abstinence can be associated with being socially marginalized, or the particular personality traits that result in abstinence may be associated with mental illness.

Nonetheless, the researchers were quick to note that alcohol consumption is fraught with health risks of its own, and that moderation is key.

BODY OF KNOWLEDGE

Feelings of hopelessness appear to be associated with increased thickening of neck arteries in healthy, middle-aged women, University of Minnesota researchers say.

GET ME THAT. STAT!

Almost 15 percent of preschoolers have atypically high levels of depression and anxiety, according to a Canadian study. The children tended to have mothers with a history of depression.

NUMBER CRUNCHER

A single serving of Panera's four-cheese baked egg souffle (163 grams) contains 470 calories, 270 from fat.

It has 30 grams of total fat, or 46 percent of the recommended total fat intake for a 2,000-calorie daily diet.

It also contains 150 milligrams of cholesterol (50 percent); 700 mg of sodium (29 percent); 35 grams of total carbohydrates (12 percent); 2 g of dietary fiber (8 percent); 8 g of sugar; and 16 g of protein.

MEDTRONICA

2009 H1N1 flu

cdc.gov/H1N1FLU/

With the new flu season fast approaching, this will be a primary site for finding out the latest on the 2009 H1N1 flu strain, otherwise known as the swine flu. Run by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it posts daily and weekly updates, plus practical information about avoiding the disease or taking care of someone who has it.

STORIES FOR THE WAITING ROOM

It's not clear how they taste, but French researchers report that several species of lupins from the mountains of Andalusia are remarkably nutritious, with protein content similar to other cultivated legumes.

Cultivated lupin seeds are used as cattle fodder. The Andalusian lupins are wild, so there's no immediate opportunity to rush down to your local Whole Foods for a bag of them.

But you can find lupins in nurseries, where they're primarily sold for their lovely, colorful vertical displays of flowers.

PHOBIA OF THE WEEK

Helminthophobia — fear of being infested with worms

OBSERVATION

When I was a boy, the Dead Sea was only sick.

— Comedian George Burns, who lived to be 100 (1896-1996)

CURTAIN CALLS

The last formal duel in the United States occurred in 1959 when Barney Silva, a Los Angeles restaurant owner, and jazz musician Jack Sorin could not agree upon either's status with the same woman. The men met in Silva's living room, put their backs together, marched 10 paces, turned and fired handguns.

Both men died.

To find out more about Scott LaFee and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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