Triclocarban thus joins a growing group of chemicals called endocrine disruptors, substances that have been linked in animal studies to a variety of ailments, including cancer, reproductive failure and developmental anomalies.
UC Davis scientists cautioned, however, not to take this study as guidance on whether to use or avoid triclocarban-containing products. The findings are tentative; more research is needed, and soap is a proven health protector.
"Our mothers taught us to wash our hands well before the advent of antimicrobial soaps," said Bill Lasley, one of the study authors. "And that practice alone prevents the spread of disease."
MEDTRONICA
Vestibular Disorders Association
vestibular.org
Vestibular or inner ear disorders can cause a range of symptoms, from dizziness to fatigue to mental impairment. Consequences can be devastating. This Web site, by VEDA, provides information, advice for finding help and patient support.
BODY OF KNOWLEDGE
The sensitivity of a woman's middle finger is reduced during menstruation.
GET ME THAT. STAT!
Women with dementia begin to lose weight years before the first cognitive symptoms appear. A recent study found that by the time of diagnosis, sufferers were an average of 12 pounds lighter than their symptom-free counterparts. The weight loss may be due to early mental confusion, loss of motivation and diminished smell, all reducing the desire to eat.
NEVER SAY DIET
The world's speed-eating record for blueberry pie (hands-free) is 9.17 pounds in eight minutes, held by Patrick Bertoletti.
CURTAIN CALLS
At a Georgia truck stop, two truckers got into an argument, according to Michael Largo, editor of "Final Exits." One became so angry that he pulled out a hunting knife and stuck it in the tire of the other man's truck.
"That'll teach you," he reportedly said, just as the pressurized air from the punctured tire propelled the knife back into his throat, killing him.
Chrematophobia - fear of money
DOC TALK
Red and blue pipes - arteries and veins
BEST MEDICINE
Two carrots are riding in a car when they get into a terrible accident. They're rushed to the hospital, where one turns out to be OK, but the other is immediately sent into surgery.
Hours later, a doctor comes out and says to the unharmed carrot:
"I've got good news and bad. The good news is that your friend is going to live. The bad news is that he's going to be a vegetable the rest of his life."
OBSERVATION
One out of four people in this country is mentally imbalanced. Think of your three closest friends. If they seem OK, then you're the one.
- Advice columnist Ann Landers (Esther Lederer 1918-2002)
TALKING BEHIND THE WHEEL
When cruising in the HOV lane, slow down on the talking. People often underestimate how hard it is for the brain to multitask between watching the road and talking, an Australian study says. Driving with two or more passengers in the car doubled the risk of having an accident that resulted in a hospital visit. Although light conversation is usually safe, researchers warn against arguing with or handing objects to others while you're behind the wheel.
RACE ENDURANCE
Fiber may be the real secret to race endurance, not carbo-loading, a study in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism says. Runners were asked to eat low-fiber cornflakes and toast one morning and high-fiber cereal and fruit another morning, and then wait three hours and run until exhaustion. After the high-fiber breakfast, runners lasted seven minutes longer and burned more fat. Fiber slows digestion and keeps energy levels steady.
