Men with elevated levels of calcium in their blood may have a much higher risk of getting fatal prostate cancer, U.S. researchers said yesterday. The findings indicate that a simple blood test may identify men at high risk for the most dangerous prostate tumours, and there already are drugs available that cut calcium levels in the bloodstream, the researchers said.

Exercise May Improve Memory in Elderly Regular, moderate exercise may help improve memory in older people and delay the onset of dementia, a study in Australia shows. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, involved 170 participants aged 50 and over who reported some memory trouble but who did not have dementia.

Early Weight Gain May Lead to Hypertension-Babies who gain weight rapidly after birth may have an increased risk of developing high blood pressure as adults, British researchers said this week. They have been trying to understand more of the causes of high blood pressure, also called hypertension. Low birth weights also have been associated with an increased risk for high blood pressure later in life.

Nuts and Corn Not Source of Colon Ills: Study-Eating seeds, nuts, corn and popcorn does not cause the bowel disease diverticulosis or its painful complications, researchers said this week. In fact, nuts and popcorn may even provide some protection from the complications and those who avoid nuts may be depriving themselves of valuable nutrients, said Dr. Lisa Strate at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Guide Helps Doctors Manage Vaccine Allergies-With careful monitoring, children who have had allergic reactions to a vaccine can still be vaccinated, a U.S. team of experts said this week. The team developed a step-by- step guide to help pediatricians quickly identify children with allergic reactions to vaccines and safely immunize them.

Benign Skin Cancers May Be 'Warning Sign'-People who have had a normally non-fatal form of skin cancer have double the risk of developing other types of cancers, U.S. researchers say. They said the increased risk is especially pronounced in younger people and suggests people who get these less serious forms of skin cancer may be more cancer-prone in general.