It seems that with each day, a new carcinogenic, or cancer causer, is brought to our collective attentions. If we are not told to stay away from microwaves, be aware of grilling temperatures or freezing that gym water bottle, we are consistently bombarded with new, albeit intriguing ways, to get cancer. Well, get your pens out, because here's another cancer causer to add to your list: incense. Yes, incense. So even if your instructor doesn't light a stick of frankincense and myrrh while you are in Downward Dog position, you may be exposed to incense while smoking your house out or practically floating in its varieties of aromas and flavors at your local church or temple — this has been my experience, at least. In the article "Long-Term Exposure to Incense Raises Cancer Risk," study author Jeppe Friborg, MD, PhD, of the department of epidemiology research at Statens Serum Institute in Copenhagen, Denmark, discusses his findings, which surveyed more than 61,000 cancer-free Singapore Chinese between the ages of 45 and 74. His findings showed that because the smoke contains carcinogenic substances, those who were exposed to incense over a long period of time, irrespective if they were smokers or nonsmokers, almost doubled their risk of squamous cell carcinogens in their upper respiratory tract. Go figure. And although the article says, "There was no overall increased risk of lung cancer, but it did heighten the risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the lung," even the American Lung Association is officially adding incense to its list of risk factors. Hmm. Of course, one wouldn't compare incense to the risky behavior of smoking cigarette packs every day, but I do think it would be wise to minimize your personal exposure to it (read: you really don't have to tell me twice). One question lingers, though: What am I to use for my home air freshener now?

Over the years, one of vitamin B's believed benefits is that it will protect you from mosquitoes. Supposedly, vitamin B creates such an unpleasant odor through one's pores that mosquitoes are forced to stay away from their prospective meal (that's you!). Two studies were conducted both stateside and abroad (Brazil) to determine if this urban legend was myth or truth. Indeed, both studies results are in accord: vitamin B will not protect you from these mini vampires. To get the full report, read The New York Times' http:www.nytimes.com/2008/08/12/health/12real.html?_r=1&ref=health&oref=slogin">"The Claim: Vitamin B Can Ward off Mosquitoes." Where did I put those candles again ... ?

DHEA, short for dehydroepiandrosterone, is a hormone that's produced in the body and is converted into male and female hormones. Our natural DHEA levels typically peak in our 20s and decline with age, which is why there has been considerable interest in DHEA's role in the aging process and whether taking DHEA supplements can slow or reverse some of the signs of aging.

Although DHEA has become popular as a nutritional supplement, it's important to remember that it's also a hormone. Taking too much of it can disrupt our body's hormonal balance and cause side effects. Find out more about what DHEA is, the benefits of taking DHEA, and the possible side effects and safety concerns. What You Need to Know About DHEA

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A reader asks, What can you tell me about saw palmetto? I read that it's a good herbal remedy for hair loss and baldness.

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens or Sabal serrulata) is a dwarf palm plant native to North America. It primarily grows along the Atlantic coast in Georgia and Florida. The active ingredients are believed to be found in the plant's brown-black berries.

Saw palmetto has become popular as an herbal remedy for a type of hair loss and baldness called androgenic alopecia, or male- and female-pattern baldness. Read the full answer: Can Saw Palmetto Stop Baldness and Hair Loss?

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