Friday, April 20, 2007 - Beer and college - the two words seem to go together. However, research shows too much alcohol in college may lead to heart disease later in life. A small survey of college students finds those who drank heavily had higher levels of C-reactive protein, a blood marker associated with inflammation and hear disease. A person was considered a heavy drinker if they had three or more drinks on three or more days of the week. Researchers say having high levels of this protein early in life may be a predictor for future heart problems. However, larger studies are needed.

A study of over 1,500 inner-city students shows having good self-management and high refusal skills can help teens beat peer pressure. Teens that had these skills were able to say no to smoking, drinking and doing drugs - even if their best friends and siblings were doing it.

A review of the latest research finds that whole grains may boost heart health. The review looked at 10 short-term trials that included over 900 adults. The studies found whole grains can lower cholesterol, including the "bad" type. However, experts interpret the results with caution. They say many of the studies were funded by companies with commercial interests in whole grains.