SCIENCE MUSEUM EXPLORES SECRETS OF AGING.

Byline: - Staff and Wire Services

Aging seems an unusual topic for a museum primarily geared toward children, but it's exactly the focus of an exhibit opening Thursday at the California Science Center in Exposition Park.

``Secrets of Aging'' will offer displays- including a colorful backdrop of thematic illustrations by Anna Vojtech- and interactive activities, including a morphing machine to show how individuals will likely age and a place to learn the movements of tai chi. The exhibit continues through Feb. 24. Beginning Oct. 14, ``The Human Body,'' a look inside our bodies, will begin showing on the huge IMAX screen.

On Oct. 6, the AARP Andrus Foundation and the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives will present a free seminar at the museum featuring some of the nation's top brain researchers. The experts at ``Staying Sharp'' will discuss such topics as Alzheimer's disease, stroke and depression, and offer tips for maintaining a sharp mind. Four free informational booklets will also be available at www.andrus.org/sharp. The seminar is from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and tickets are required. Call [phone] or log on to www.andrus.org/stayingsharp.html The California Science Center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and admission to exhibits is free. For general information, call [phone] or visit www.casciencectr.org. For IMAX show times, call [phone].

GOOD FOR THE HEART: Wider use of drugs such as beta blockers and ACE inhibitors. More aggressive control of risk factors. These are among the updated guidelines for preventing heart attacks among people who have had one attack or have heart disease.

Doctors use these recommendations when treating heart patients. If you've had a heart attack or diagnosed with heart disease, talk to your doctor to find out which guidelines apply to you.

Here are some suggestions:

Treat all heart attack survivors indefinitely with drugs called ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors, which have been shown to reduce death in such patients. Previously, ACE inhibitors were recommended only for select patient groups.

Use beta-blocker drugs indefinitely on heart attack survivors and people whose hearts are getting an inadequate blood supply. Previously, beta blockers were recommended only for high-risk patients after a heart attack.

Encourage a minimum of 30 to 60 minutes of activity preferably daily, or at least three or four times weekly.

Encourage patients not only to stop smoking, but also to avoid secondhand smoke.

Control diabetes, which increases risk of another attack.

Reevaluate hormone replacement therapy. HRT does not reduce a female patient's risk of a heart attack.