April 20, 1999

Here are descriptions of the radio stories available on the Ohio State University Info Line, April 23 through April 30, 1999. Stories are changed at noon on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. All feeds include one wraparound report of approximately 1:00 and at least one other actuality plus background material. If you have questions, want additional information, or need a re-feed of a missed story, call Amy Murray at 614-292-8385.

Friday 4/23-Monday 4/26 - Are you satisfied with your body and body image? As another swimsuit season looms, Nancy Ann Rudd, professor of consumer and textile sciences and chair of the Body Image and Health Task Force, says few people are happy with their appearance. Rudd says while few of us will ever be supermodel beautiful, a distorted or negative body image can lead to destructive and unhealthy behaviors.

Monday 4/26-Wednesday 4/28 - U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher is writing a prescription for better health for Americans. In a recent visit to Ohio State, Satcher said we need more emphasis on preventing diseases. He prescribes physical activity, a healthful diet, avoiding toxins like tobacco and alcohol, and responsible sexual behavior.

Wednesday 4/28-Friday 4/30 - Results from a new study cast doubt on the common belief that children in single-parent households are better off living with the same-sex parent. Ohio State University Sociology Professor Doug Downey says there is no evidence to back up the commonly held belief that children do better when raised by the same-sex parent. He found no same-sex advantage after a family breaks up or even when the children reached adulthood. Downey says the research should persuade judges involved in child custody cases that there is no inherent advantage for girls to be placed with their mothers or boys with their fathers.

Many news outlets are getting our news releases electronically. Would you like to receive your weekly Info Line rundown via e-mail? It’s faster than the postal service and offers less chance for bad addresses, lost or damaged mail. We can e-mail this and other news releases directly to your computer. E-mail Amy at murray-goedde.1@osu.edu or call 614-292-8385 to make arrangements.

www.osu.edu is Ohio State’s Internet address. News releases (including this rundown sheet) from University Communications and many other offices are posted on the website. The site is also a great source for answers to frequently asked questions about OSU.