by the Way . . .

A recent study reported in Science linked regular blood tests to several medical problems in persons over 65. The study divided volunteers into three cohorts (that is scientific terminology for "bunches") : those that reported no test in the last 10 years, those that reported regular annual tests, and those that couldn't remember whether they had tests or not. The first cohort had the lowest incidence of treatment for hypertension, cholesterol, and diabetes, as well as gout and prostate cancer. Most in the second cohort required treatment for at least one of these maladies, and often two or three. Those in the third cohort were uncertain as to their medical history. The sponsors said that further study was needed.