Health Flash

Screen smarts. Spending hours in front of a computer without taking a break can bring on headaches, back pain and trembling fingers, a study in Perspectives in Psychiatric Care shows. Delete bookmarks to make it less tempting to regularly visit sites, so you won't linger as long.

Lighten up. If you have heavy periods, a hormone-releasing intrauterine device may be an attractive alternative to surgery. Although a hysterectomy most effectively prevents bleeding, IUD users reported being as satisfied as women who went under the knife, according to an analysis of eight major studies in The Cochrane Library. Talk to your doc about all your options.

Sore spot. Up to 40 percent of us will get a cold sore at some point, the American Academy of Dermatology in Schaumburg, Illinois, notes. Sun exposure can trigger an outbreak, so be sure to use lip balm with sunscreen.

Flu fighter. Physically or mentally challenging yourself for 45 minutes can produce more antibodies that may make your flu vaccine work better, a study in Brain, Behavior and Immunity suggests. Instead of dreading the shot, distract yourself beforehand by jogging or lifting weights.

Breast protection. Only one in three women who has a lumpectomy or single mastectomy for breast cancer has a mammogram during each of the five years after treatment, a study in Cancer reveals. Survivors are at a higher risk for tumors than those who have never had the disease. Regular screens for early detection, however, are key for all women.

Melting down?. Half of those who stress about stress say they're trying to quell it, a survey by the American Psychological Association in Washington, D.C., reports. People most concerned about stress also complained about hypertension, depression, anxiety, and obesity, among other ills. Take action to chill every day.

Baby love. Despite the myth, having sex late in pregnancy doesn't spur labor, a study in Obstetrics and Gynecology indicates. Women who had sex in the last three weeks of pregnancy carried their baby an average of 39.9 weeks; women who didn't delivered a few days earlier.