Health briefs: PMS Rx by way of supplements

Dietary supplements that contain essential fatty acids can help ease symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, according to a new study. Brazilian researchers found that PMS symptoms were significantly reduced when women took capsules with about one gram of a blend of three essential fatty acids. The study appears in the current issue of the journal Reproductive Health. The human body does not produce essential fatty acids, which are found in foods such as eggs, nuts, vegetable oils, fish and supplements.

- HealthDay

First aid for mental health

Learning how to identify and help people with mental illnesses should be a first aid skill as common as CPR, according to the Washington-based National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare. Since 2008, the organization has offered 12-hour "mental health first aid" certification courses nationwide. The courses equip students with a five-step action plan for identifying individuals in crisis and knowing more about when and how to intervene.

Inquiries about the program have spiked since the Jan. 8 shooting in Tucson, Ariz., that killed six people and wounded 13 others, including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

- The Washington Post