A new study by German researchers reports heart attacks and other cardiac emergencies doubled in Munich when their nation's soccer team played in World Cup matches -- it tripled for men. I witnessed how serious World Cup fans follow their sport after living four years in a university's graduate/married student family housing complex sporting a predominately international population. Didn't matter if a soccer match started at 3:00 a.m., academic and regular life stopped during the World Cup, with all eyes glued to the TV.

Americans take their version of football pretty seriously, too. German study author, Dr. Gerhard Steinbeck, stated the Super Bowl could also pose a similar cardiac hazard. Per the study, the effect was strongest in those with known heart disease.

If you're at risk for heart disease and planning on watching the Super Bowl this Sunday, a U.S. doctor suggested the following:

• Take prescribed meds.
• Avoid tobacco smoke and fatty meals (say goodbye to most XLII fare).
• Get a good night's sleep the evening before.
• Don't physically over-exert yourself (no raucous cheering).
• Men should stick with a two-drink maximum, women should have just one.
• Bad call? Count to ten and relax -- the point is, don't get angry at the refs.

Now for the big question -- will the Patriots keep their perfect record or will Eli join the Manning dynasty of greatness? Go Eli!

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