A recent Chinese study that followed more than 485,000 participants over an average of seven years found that a spicier diet was associated with a reduced risk of death.

After controlling for variables such as age, education, smoking and family medical history, researchers found that people who consumed spicy food (mainly chili peppers) less than once a week had a higher overall risk of death than those who ate spicy food multiple times per week. For example, people who ate spicy food once or twice a week had a 10 percent reduction in death risk; people who consumed spicy food six or seven times weekly reduced their risk by 14 percent.

Death rates for ischemic heart disease, respiratory diseases and cancers were all lower in eaters of spicy foods. The scientists did not reach a conclusion about the reason but did note that other studies have suggested that the active agent in chili peppers — a compound called capsaicin — may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Number Cruncher

A serving of two microwaveable White Castle hamburgers (89.6 grams) contains 260 calories, 117 from fat. It has 13 grams of total fat, or 20 percent of the recommended total fat intake for a 2,000-calorie daily diet.

It also contains 25 milligrams of cholesterol (8 percent), 350 milligrams of sodium (15 percent), 25 grams of total carbohydrates (8 percent), 1 gram of dietary fiber, 3 grams of sugar and 12 grams of protein.

Doc Talk

Focused H and P: the results of a history and physical examination. The patient is physically examined and interviewed by a doctor about a specific medical complaint before a diagnosis is made. The term "focused" refers to the fact that the exam and discussion are limited to a particular issue. In other words, if the patient is complaining of a headache and double vision, the doctor does not examine the patient's feet as part of the diagnostic process.

Phobia of the Week

Scopophobia: fear of being looked at or stared at.

Never Say Diet

The Major League Eating record for giant cabbage is 6 pounds, 9 ounces in nine minutes, held by Charles Hardy.

Observation

"The colder the X-ray table the more of your body is required to be on it." — comedian Steven Wright

Medical History

This week in 1973, the first computerized tomography scan was performed. It's estimated that 80 million CT scans are now performed annually.

Last Words

"I haven't had Champagne for a long time." — Russian playwright Anton Chekhov (1860-1904). His doctor gave him Champagne after all attempts to ease his tuberculosis symptoms had failed.

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.