WELCOME! to Current Health 2's Web extension for October 2008.

Sometimes, in the news business, we find our work is more timely than we anticipated. That's the case with two articles from the issue you hold in your hands. Just as the "Brainstorm" article on seizures and epilepsy was entering the layout stage, Sen. Ted Kennedy from Massachusetts suffered from a much-publicized seizure. In his case, this led to a diagnosis of brain cancer. While that's an uncommon condition and certainly nothing your readers need worry about, it's a good idea for them to learn what seizures are all about and how to handle them. Our article, written by a practicing neurologists, demystifies the phenomenon and gives readers concrete tips for dealing with it.

Breaking news also worked its way into the "Speed Limits" story on speeding and racing as well. That was prompted by the drag race–related deaths of eight people in Maryland earlier this year. When doing research, we noticed that Nick Bollea, son of wrestler Hulk Hogan and featured on the "Hogan Knows Best" TV show, was in 2007 involved in a speed-related crash that left a friend severely injured. Just before the October issue went to the printer, developments in both cases came over the newswires: Bollea was sentenced to jail for his crash, and the driver in the Maryland case was arrested and formally charged. These tragic examples may help your students understand the real risks of driving too fast—and the sometimes-dire consequences.

Lastly, a little plug for the piece "This Is Your Brain on Politics" in the Pulse section. The vice-presidential and presidential debates are a great way for your class to exercise their brains while learning about how each candidate approaches the big issues our country faces. You can even make a fun homework assignment out of the debates—ask students to watch them and report back on what the candidates do (and don't) say about health care and medicine. Then energize your health lessons with your own lively debates!

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