Lady Victoria Eclectic Pagan's blog: "Helpful Hints"

Toothpaste: it whitens, brightens, deodorizes, removes stains, and restores and protects enamel. But toothpaste’s cleaning capabilities work wonders on many things besides our teeth. The same ingredients that help polish our pearly whites can also soothe some common ailments, make household items sparkle, and even get rid of stains and pungent smells. Try out these fifteen tricks with a white, non-gel toothpaste (unless otherwise noted), and watch that cavity-fighting, breath-freshening tube of wonder work its magic.

1. Relieve irritation from bug bites, sores, and blisters. These skin irritations all tend to weep and, in the case of bug bites, often itch. Apply a drop of toothpaste to a bug bite or insect sting to stop the itching and decrease any swelling. When applied to sores or blisters, it dries them up, thus allowing the wound to heal faster. It’s best when used overnight.

2. Soothe a stinging burn. For minor burns that don’t involve an open wound, toothpaste can deliver temporary cooling relief. Apply it delicately to the affected area immediately after a burn develops; it temporarily relieves the sting and prevents the wound from weeping or opening.

3. Decrease the size of a facial blemish. Want to speed up the healing of a zit? Apply a tiny dot of toothpaste to the affected area at night before bed. Wash it off in the morning.

4. Clean up your fingernails. Our teeth are made of enamel, and toothpaste is good for them, so it stands to reason that toothpaste would also be good for our fingernails. For cleaner, shinier, and stronger nails, simply scrub the underneath and tops of fingernails with a toothbrush and toothpaste.

5. Keep hair in place. Gel toothpastes contain the same water-soluble polymers that many hair gels are made of. If you’re looking to style and hold an extreme hair creation, try gel toothpaste as your go-to product if you’re out of regular hair gel. (This is also a great trick for making baby barrettes stay in place.)

6. Scrub away stinky smells. Garlic, fish, onion, and other pungent foods can permeate the skin cells on our hands. Scrubbing hands and fingertips briefly with toothpaste removes all traces of smelly odors

7. Remove stains. Toothpaste can make tough stains on both clothing and carpets disappear. For clothes, apply toothpaste directly to the stain and rub briskly until the spot is gone, then wash as usual. (Note that using a whitening toothpaste on colors can sometimes bleach the fabric.) For carpet stains, apply toothpaste to the stain and scrub it with an abrasive brush, then rinse immediately.

8. Spruce up dirty shoes. This tactic works great on running shoes or scuffed-up leather shoes. As with carpet stains, apply toothpaste directly to the dirty or scuffed area, then scrub with a brush and wipe clean.

9. Remove crayon stains on painted walls. Rub a damp cloth with toothpaste gently on the marked-up wall and watch the Crayola marks disappear.

10. Make silver jewelry and other silver pieces sparkle. Rub toothpaste onto jewelry and leave overnight. Wipe clean with a soft cloth in the morning. Make diamonds shine by giving them a gentle scrub using a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a little water. Rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of toothpaste. Do not use this method on pearls, as it will damage their finish.

11. Remove scratches on DVDs and CDs. This remedy has been used with mixed success rates, but it seems to work fairly well on shallow scratches and smudges. Apply a thin coating of toothpaste to the disc and rub gently, then rinse clean.

12. Tidy up piano keys before tickling them. Piano keys retain oil from the skin, which then attracts dust and dirt. Clean away grime gently with a damp, lint-free cloth and toothpaste; after rubbing in the toothpaste, wipe the keys clean with a second lint-free cloth.

13. Deodorize baby bottles. If baby bottles develop a sour-milk smell, a good cleaning with some toothpaste and a bottle scrubber will clean away residue and deodorize. Always make sure to rinse well.

14. Remove the burned crust on irons. For those of you who still use an iron, you may find that after time, the plate of the iron develops a burned crust. The silica in toothpaste gently grinds away this rusty-looking layer.

15. Defog goggles. Scuba divers, swimmers, and triathletes may already know about this handy little trick: Rub a small spot of toothpaste into each lens of your goggles, then rinse thoroughly, and voila! There’ll be no need to ever buy expensive defogger gels again. Avoid rubbing too vigorously, though, as the abrasive ingredients in toothpaste could scratch the lenses.

I can see how using toothpaste could save me time and money over the course of a year, not to mention help me reduce my shopping time and cleaning-supply collection. I’d like to see my toothpaste work harder anyway. After all, if I’ve got to suffer through itchy bug bites, they might as well smell fresh.

Vodka has been enjoyed since at least the early Middle Ages, and is well known as one of the world's most popular spirits. Its versatility in mixing and high alcohol content have made it extremely popular in cocktails, and it is still widely enjoyed 'neat' (straight up) in much of Eastern and Northern Europe. Vodka also has a long history of use as medicine, having been sold by druggists to cure everything from infertility to colic and the plague. While some of those historic promoters were half-cocked, it's true that vodka has a wide range of potential uses beyond serving as a relaxer and social lubricant. Why would you want to do anything else with vodka but drink it? It is widely available, effective and less toxic than many of the chemical alternatives you might use for these tasks. Defeat Poison Ivy For many, one of the hazards of enjoying the great outdoors is an encounter with poison ivy, oak or sumac. It can lead to a nasty, long-lasting rash. Unfortunately, the plants are spreading thanks to global warming. Many people have reported that if they immediately pour vodka over an area that has contacted poison ivy, the alcohol will wash away the culprit urushiol oil, and they won't experience an uncomfortable reaction. Some have said that the vodka needs to be at least 100 proof to work. Others have argued that straight rubbing alcohol works better, but we're guessing you may not have that as handy if you are on your average picnic. Freshen Laundry The only people I know who like doing laundry have OCD. If you find the task calming, that's great. But the rest of us would prefer to wear clothes as much as possible without having to count quarters or lug baskets up and down stairs. Keep your clothes smelling fresher with vodka! Simply spritz your duds with the stuff, then hang to dry in a well-ventilated area. (Do a spot-test first to be safe.) Vodka kills odor-causing bacteria, but doesn't leave a scent when dry. Get Your Shine On It's easy to get your chrome, glass and porcelain fixtures shining like the top of the Chrysler Building. Guess what does the trick? Moisten a soft, clean cloth with vodka, then apply a little elbow grease. Preserve Flowers If vodka can help you find love, then it can also help you preserve it -- or at least the symbols of it. Add a few drops of vodka and a teaspoon of sugar to the water in your flower vase. It should help keep your flowers fresh longer. Change out the mixture with fresh ingredients daily. Do Battle with Insects Unless you are intent on proving how 'hardcore' you are, or have a bizarre fetish, you probably don't enjoy getting feasted on by insects. But you've read media reports questioning the safety of DEET-based repellents, and you are pretty sure you don't want to take the risk of spraying yourself in the face with poisonous bug killers. Who knew that vodka can kill pesky insects, as well as nagging doubts at the bar? Pour a little of the saucy spirit in a spray bottle and squirt on the little buggers, or yourself as a repellent. But please don't take aim at any beneficial bees! Soothe Jellyfish Stings Jellyfish are fascinating, beautiful sea creatures. But their stingers can pack a powerful, painful punch. For vegetarians and others who don't travel with meat tenderizer (or who don't feel comfortable asking friends to, um, relieve the pain) take heart. Vodka can also disinfect and alleviate some of the bite of a jellyfish sting. Get Great, Shiny Hair Vodka doesn't just make you think people look prettier. It actually can make people prettier. How? Try this remedy for healthier, lush hair: Add a jigger of vodka to a 12-ounce bottle of shampoo. Tell Billy Madison that vodka is better than both shampoo and conditioner. Clean Away Mold Got mold? The stuff spreads easily and can severely diminish indoor air quality. Unless you are shacking up with the Crypt Keeper, who wants to look at those grimy dark stains that build up on caulking (sometimes even on mold-resistant varieties)? But instead of harsh chemical sprays, try filling a recycled spray bottle with some bottom-shelf vodka. Spritz on, then let sit for 15 minutes. Scrub away with an old toothbrush (please don't use your sister's). Make a Soothing Tincture Do you find the scent of lavender soothing? Did you know that herbalists have used it for generations to ease aches and pains? Here's a fun DIY tip: Fill a clean glass jar with fresh lavender flowers, then top off with vodka. Seal the lid tightly and place in the sun for three days (same idea as making sun tea!). Strain the resulting liquid through a coffee filter, and poof! You have a homemade tincture to rub into aches and pains. You can pour into smaller bottles, decorate them, and give them as unique gifts. Ease a Toothache Got a toothache? Your first priority should be to see a dentist. But sometimes you can't get an appointment right away, or the professionals tell you it will just have to heal on its own. In that case, try swishing a shot of vodka over the affected area. It can help disinfect, and should numb some of the pain in your gums. Just beware that your honey may accuse you of smelling like a saloon.

This was written by Becky Ransey of Indiana (a doctor's wife), and I want to share it with you. She was over recently for coffee and smelled the bleach I was using to clean my toilet and counter tops. This is what she told me.: "I would like to tell you of the benefits of that plain little ole bottle of 3% peroxide you can get for under $1.00 at any drug store. What does bleach cost? My husband has been in the medical field for over 36 years, and most doctors don't tell you about peroxide. Have you ever smelled bleach in a doctor's office? NO!!! Why? Because it smells, and it is not healthy! Ask the nurses who work in the doctor's offices, and ask them if they use bleach at home. They are wiser and know better! Did you also know bleach was invented in the late 40's? It's chlorine, folks! And it was used to kill our troops. Peroxide was invented during WWI in the 20's. It was used to save and help cleanse the needs of our troops and hospitals. Please think about this: 1. Take one cap full (the little white cap that comes with the bottle) and hold in your mouth for 10 minutes daily, then spit it out. (I do it when I bathe.) No more canker sores , and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes. Use it instead of mouthwash. 2. Let your toothbrushes soak in a cup of peroxide to keep them free of germs. 3. Clean your counters and table tops with peroxide to kill germs and leave a fresh smell. Simply put a little on your dishrag when you wipe, or spray it on the counters. 4. After rinsing off your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide on it to kill salmonella and other bacteria. 5. I had fungus on my feet for years until I sprayed a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every night and let dry. 6. Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to ten minutes several times a day. My husband has seen gangrene that would not heal with any medicine but was healed by soaking in peroxide. 7. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water and keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your septic system like bleach or most other disinfectants will. 8. Tilt your head back and spray into nostrils with your 50/50 mixture whenever you have a cold, plugged sinus. It will bubble and help to kill the bacteria. Hold for a few minutes, and then blow your nose into a tissue. 9. If you have a terrible toothache and cannot get to a dentist right away, put a cap full of 3% peroxide into your mouth and hold it for ten minutes several times a day. The pain will lessen greatly. 10. And of course, if you like a natural look to your hair, spray the 50/50 solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it through. You will not have the peroxide-burnt blonde hair like the hair dye packages but more natural highlights if your hair is a light brown, faddish, or dirty blonde. It also lightens gradually, so it's not a drastic change. 11. Put half a bottle of peroxide in your bath to help rid boils, fungus, or other skin infections. 12. You can also add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a load of whites in your laundry to whiten them. If there is blood on clothing, pour it directly on the soiled spot. Let it sit for a minute, then rub it and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary. 13. I use peroxide to clean my mirrors. There is no smearing, which is why I love it so much for this.

Using Green Tea Around the House - 5 Great Ideas Adapted from The Book of Green Tea, by Diana Rosen (Storey Books, 1998). After you’ve absorbed the health benefits from your cup of green tea, you’ll be amazed at how many more uses there are for those soggy tea-leaves! No need to throw them in the trash or compost: you can use them to feed your garden plants--green tea is high in nitrogen--and they will even ward off pests and insects. Green tea is especially wonderful as a deodorant that absorbs offensive odors. 1. Yoga Mats. In the hot, humid areas of Thailand, Burma, and other Asian countries, people sleep on straw mats. This straw is cool and comfortable, but people do perspire. It is quite common in these areas for straw mats to be washed in tubs of water to which tea has been added. The tea works as a powerful deodorizer, leaves a fresh scent, and can even infuse the straw with a delicate sage color. You can use green tea to clean other washable surfaces, such as yoga mats and air mattresses. 2. Litter Boxes. Used green tea leaves are wonderful in kitty litter as an extra boost for diffusing odors, and they help deter fleas from both cats and dogs. 3. Pet Beds. Sprinkle dried used green tea leaves on your pet’s favorite pillow or bed. Great in doghouses or anywhere troublesome pet odors occur. If you can afford the extravagance, loose leaf gunpowder tea is great for dogs to roll around in. The crunching of the pellets releases a wonderful aroma, and helps to scratch wherever dogs have an itch. The pellets help give your dog a more pleasant smell. 4. Refrigerators. Place used green tea bags or leaves in a small bowl, uncovered, in your refrigerator to help absorb odors from onions and garlic for about three days. NO need to throw them out even then, just sprinkle the old leaves around your ferns, rosebushes, or other plants. 5. Kitchen Odors. Preparing fish? Cutting up garlic? Rid your hands of the fish or garlic oils by rubbing them with wet green tea leaves, an instant deodorizer. The leaves are also great for deodorizing and cleaning the pan in which you cook fish or garlic.

Home-Made Alternatives to Toxic Household Products All-Purpose Cleaner 1 quart warm water 1 teaspoon liquid soap 1 teaspoon borax 1/4 cup undiluted white vinegar Mix ingredients and store in a spray bottle. Use for cleaning countertops, floors, walls, carpets and upholstery. Glass Cleaner 1 quart warm water 1/4 cup white vinegar (or 2 tablespoons lemon juice) Mix ingredients and store in a spray bottle. Dip a wet sponge in baking soda to clean a glass oven door. Stain Remover 1 part glycerin 1 part liquid dish washing detergent 8 parts water Test on unexposed area of fabric. Apply to stain as soon as possible and blot with cloth. Store in a plastic squeeze bottle. Shake well before each use. Disinfectant Use 1/2 cup of borax in one gallon of hot water. To prevent mold or mildew from forming, don’t rinse off the borax solution. Oven Cleaner 1 quart warm water 2 teaspoons borax 2 tablespoons liquid soap Spray on solutions, wait 20 minutes, then clean. You can also pour salt on spills as they occur and wipe while your oven is warm. Drains Pour 1/4 cup baking soda down the drain, followed by 2 ounces of vinegar. Cover the drain and let sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with 2 quarts of boiling water. Use this treatment regularly to prevent clogged drains and keep them smelling fresh. Also, pour boiling water down drains on a weekly basis to prevent grime buildup. Toilet Bowls Put 1/4 cup borax in toilet bowl and let set overnight. Next day, scrub — or scrub with a solution of 1/2 cup borax to 1 gallon of water. Tub and Tiles Scrub surfaces with baking soda slightly moistened with water. Polishes Silver: Rub object gently with toothpaste on a soft cloth to avoid scratching. Rinse well with water. Copper: Pour vinegar and salt over copper and rub Brass: Polish with Worcestershire sauce; or pour on ketchup, let sit,then wipe dry. Chrome: Shine wet chrome fixtures by rubbing with newspaper; or rub with baby oil and a soft cloth. Test first on an inconspicuous area. Preserving Indoor Wood Try borax-based wood preservatives for indoor applications. Instead of Moth Balls Store clean woolens in sealed plastic bags or air-tight containers. Place garments in the freezer for several days to kill adult moths and larvae. Fighting Silverfish Make traps with mixture of 1 part molasses to 2 parts vinegar. Place near cracks or holes where pests live. Repel silverfish by applying a mixture of borax and sugar or honey to baseboards and cupboards. Stick to Glue Use Elmer’s-type white glue or yellow carpenter’s glues for wood, china, paper and other porous materials. Use a glue stick or paste rather than rubber cement. Vinyl Floors 1 gallon warm water 1/2 cup white vinegar or 1/4 cup borax Wood Floors For unvarnished floors, damp mop with mild vegetable oil soap. For no-wax floors (such as polyurethane or Swedish finishes), clean with 1 part vinegar to 10 parts water. Alternative Air Fresheners Pour vanilla extract on a cotton ball in a saucer. Use in your car, home or refrigerator. Set out a dish of vinegar, or boil 1 tablespoon white vinegar in 1 cup of water to eliminate unpleasant cooking odors. Spice Up Your Home Wrap cloves and cinnamon in cheesecloth and boil in water; or, leave herbal bouquets standing in open dishes for a fragrant smell. Removing Onion Odors Add a few drops of vinegar to soapy water to remove onion odors from utensils, chopping blocks, or hands. Rubbing hands with the cut end of a celery stalk will also remove odor. Freshen Up Your Garbage Disposal To clean garbage disposals, grind used lemons in the disposal or pour in baking soda. Cat Smells? Cover the bottom of your cat’s litter box with baking soda before adding litter. It eliminates odors for days. Oil-based Paint / Spray Paint Use latex water-based paints and apply with a brush or roller whenever possible. Paint Stripper Use a scraper, rasp or abrasive block, heat gun or sandpaper to remove paint without chemicals. Use water or alkali-based paint strippers rather than solvent-based products. Slug Trap — or "Beer Garden" Cut several 1-inch square openings in the sides of a clean covered cottage cheese container or margarine tub. Sink the container into the soil so the openings are just above the soil surface. Remove the lid and pour in 1/2-inch of beer, or whip up a yeast mixture: 2 tablespoons flour 1/2 teaspoon baker’s yeast 1 teaspoon sugar 2 cups warm water Replace the lid. Slugs will be attracted to the trap, fall in and drown. Empty the container every few days and refill. Weed Killer To control weeds, hand-pick them and then apply mulch from wood chips or grass clippings. This mulch also acts as a natural fertilizer. You can also pour boiling water on dandelions. Repeat over several days. Make Your Own Fertilizer 4 parts seedmeal or fishmeal 1 part agricultural lime or dolomite 1 part rock phosphate or 1/2 part bonemeal 1/2 part kelpmeal Measure ingredients and place in a large container. Mix well. Use in garden or on lawn, as well as beneath seeds or as a side dressing for vegetables. Aphid & Mite Control Mix 1 tablespoon pure soap with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in 1 gallon of water. Spray on aphid- or mite-infested plant parts. Store unused portion in labeled container. Use pure soap only. Detergent can burn plants. Attract "Nice Bugs" Introduce friendly insects such as ladybugs (natural enemies of aphids), ground beetles and praying mantises, to rid your garden of uninvited pests. Check with a nursery for plants that attract these insects. Black Spot & Powdery Mildew Spray Mix 3 tablespoons baking soda with 2 teaspoons insecticidal soap or ultra-fine horticultural oil in 1 gallon of water. Spray on affected plant parts.

Three Ways to Kill Mold Naturally By Annie B. Bond, author of Home Enlightenment (Rodale, 2005). A proliferation of mold and mildew can be the hallmark of hot and humid summers. I have a friend who has green mold growing on the shoes in her closet! A humidifier might be the best help for her, but there are also three natural materials that can be used as a spray to kill mold and mildew. They are all an excellent substitute for less environmentally safe bleach. Learn these three tricks for killing mold and mildew. One of these you most likely already have in your kitchen cupboard: Over the years I have found three natural ingredients that kill mold: tea tree oil (an essential oil found in most health food stores), grapefruit seed extract, and vinegar. There are pros and cons of each, but all three work. Vinegar is by far the cheapest. Tea tree oil is expensive, but it is a broad spectrum fungicide and seems to kill all the mold families it contacts. The problem is that it has a very strong smell, but that dissipates in a few days. Grapefruit seed extract is also expensive, but has no smell. Mold can be dangerous to your health, even if you aren't allergic. Many people react to mold by getting tired and even depressed. Try to stay on top of moisture and mold as soon as either arises. Dry out anything that is damp, such as basements (use a dehumidifier), and carpets. Fix leaks in plumbing and roofs. Wipe up spills. Make sure water doesn't escape from shower curtains. Vigilance will pay off! * Tea Tree Treasure Nothing natural works for mold and mildew as well as this spray. I've used it successfully on a moldy ceiling from a leaking roof, on a musty bureau, a musty rug, and a moldy shower curtain. Tea tree oil is expensive, but a little goes a very long way. Note that the smell of tea tree oil is very strong, but it will dissipate in a few days. 2 teaspoons tea tree oil 2 cups water Combine in a spray bottle, shake to blend, and spray on problem areas. Do not rinse. Makes 2 cups Preparation Time: Under a minute Shelf Life: Indefinite Storage: Leave in the spray bottle * Grapefruit Seed Extract The advantage of using grapefruit seed extract instead of tea tree oil for killing mold is that it is odorless. 20 drops grapefruit seed extract 2 cups water Combine in a spray bottle, shake to blend, and spray on problem areas. Do not rinse. Makes 2 cups Preparation Time: A minute or so Shelf Life: Indefinite Storage: Leave in the spray bottle * Vinegar Spray Straight vinegar reportedly kills 82 percent of mold. Pour some white distilled vinegar straight into a spray bottle, spray on the moldy area, and let set without rinsing if you can put up with the smell. It will dissipate in a few hours.

Trash Meds Safely What's the best plan for getting rid of old or leftover medicines? Answer this multiple-choice question to find out. A. Keep them at home as a backup. B. Give them to friends or family with similar conditions. C. Flush them down the toilet. D. Return them to a healthcare provider or pharmacy. References: Patient practices and beliefs concerning disposal of medications. Seehusen, D. A., Edwards, J., Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine 2006 Nov-Dec;19(6):542-547. Answer: D! Returning leftover or old medicines to a doctor or pharmacy is your best bet for safely disposing of them. For years, some doctors advised flushing medicines, but we now know that's not good for the environment. Same goes for rinsing them down the drain. Eventually, those medicines may make their way into lakes, rivers, and even tap water. Unfortunately, about half of people dump their old meds in the toilet. Pharmacies that accept old meds will incinerate them -- the most environmentally friendly way to dispose of them -- or treat them as medical waste. But because of state laws, not all pharmacies will accept old meds. So what's the next best option? Don't just toss them in the trash. Contact your local waste-management company for guidance. They may have an incineration facility for medications, or they may treat certain meds as hazardous waste.

It's that time of year again, tax season! Whether you're 30 days into your first job and don't know what a deductible is or 30 days from retirement with a hundred deductions, here are some help tips to make it to April 16th and keep your sanity. * Keep it all in one place This is really a no-brainer. Keep all of the records you need and all those you might need together; in doing so you will reduce your chances of scrambling on April 14th to find the receipt for that charitable donation you made last May. Important tax categories to keep in mind include: o W-2 information o Interest and dividend income o Capital gains and losses o Charitable donations o Medical and dental expenses o Deductible business expenses o Miscellaneous deductions (educational expenses, safe deposit boxes, financial planning) Keeping items from each category separate will help you avoid confusion when the big day comes. * Set some time aside — early! Set some time aside early. Don't wait until April 14th to make sure you have everything. Look over your information, make sure you have everything you will need, and get an idea of the challenges you face. Trust us, you do not want to be surprised on April 10th when you realize you never received your W-2 information. * Help technology help you! Quicken and Turbo Tax are great tools. Quicken even includes a feature that automatically categorizes items for your taxes. Filing your taxes can be tough, but it can be made considerably easier with the right financial software. * File electronically There is no reason to stand in line at the Post Office on April 14th. File electronically and avoid the hassle. A further benefit of doing so is that your filing will be processed faster, which is a good thing whether you�re expecting a tax return or not. Even if you owe taxes, you will feel better if you complete your tax work, and know the amount due. * Direct Deposit is your friend Another way to speed up your tax return is to use direct deposit. This year the IRS will allow you to split your tax return across as many as 3 accounts.

The steady stream of good news about green tea is getting so hard to ignore that even java junkies are beginning to sip mugs of the deceptively delicate brew. You'd think the daily dose of disease-fighting, inflammation-squelching antioxidants - long linked with heart protection - would be enough incentive, but wait, there's more! Lots more. CUT YOUR CANCER RISK Several polyphenols - the potent antioxidants green tea's famous for - seem to help keep cancer cells from gaining a foothold in the body, by discouraging their growth and then squelching the creation of new blood vessels that tumors need to thrive. Study after study has found that people who regularly drink green tea reduce their risk of breast, stomach, esophagus, colon, and/or prostate cancer. SOOTHE YOUR SKIN Got a cut, scrape, or bite, and a little leftover green tea? Soak a cotton pad in it. The tea is a natural antiseptic that relieves itching and swelling. Try it on inflamed breakouts and blemishes, sunburns, even puffy eyelids. And that's not all. In the lab, green tea helps block sun-triggered skin cancer, whether you drink it or apply it directly to the skin - which is why you're seeing green tea in more and more sunscreens and moisturizers. STEADY YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE Having healthy blood pressure - meaning below 120/80 - is one thing. Keeping it that way is quite another. But people who sip just half a cup a day are almost 50 percent less likely to wind up with hypertension than non-drinkers. Credit goes to the polyphenols again (especially one known as ECGC). They help keep blood vessels from contracting and raising blood pressure. PROTECT YOUR MEMORY, OR YOUR MOM'S Green tea may also keep the brain from turning fuzzy. Getting-up-there adults who drink at least two cups a day are half as likely to develop cognitive problems as those who drink less. Why? It appears that the tea's big dose of antioxidants fights the free-radical damage to brain nerves seen in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. STAY YOUNG The younger and healthier your arteries are, the younger and healthier you are. So fight plaque build-up in your blood vessels, which ups the risk of heart disease and stroke, adds years to your biological age (or RealAge), and saps your energy too. How much green tea does this vital job take? About 10 ounces a day, which also deters your body from absorbing artery-clogging fat and cholesterol. LOSE WEIGHT Oh yeah, one more thing. Turns out that green tea speeds up your body's calorie-burning process. In the every-little-bit-counts department, this is good news!

Tips on safer cookware When heated, cookware coated with Teflon and other non-stick surfaces emits fumes that can kill birds and potentially sicken people. You can avoid exposures to the fumes from Teflon and other non-stick cookware by phasing out your home use of these products. If you can afford to replace your non-stick cookware now, do so. Statistics reported by the Cookware Manufacturers Association indicate that 90 percent of all the aluminum cookware sold in the United States in 2001 was coated with non-stick chemicals like Teflon (Cooks Illustrated, September 2002). Chemicals and tiny, toxic Teflon particles released from heated Teflon kill household pet birds. At least four of these chemicals never break down in the environment, and some are widely found in human blood. Consumers concerned about the effects of Teflon on human health and the environment should consider these alternatives: Stainless Steel Stainless steel is a terrific alternative to a non-stick cooking surface. Most chefs agree that stainless steel browns foods better than non-stick surfaces. In their 2001 review of sauté pans, Cooks Illustrated, an independent publication, chose a stainless steel pan over otherwise identical non-stick models. They also recommended stainless steel pan roasters over non-stick. Cast Iron Cast iron remains a great alternative to non-stick cooking surfaces. Lodge, America’s oldest family-owned cookware manufacturer, refers to their cookware as “natural non-stick.” Cast iron can be pre-heated to temperatures that will brown meat and will withstand oven temperatures well above what is considered safe for non-stick pans. Cast iron is extremely durable and can now be purchased pre-seasoned, ready-to-use. Other Cooking Surfaces Because Teflon coated non-stick surfaces fail to brown foods there has been a push to find other “non-stick” cookware coating that will allow the use of higher temperatures and still clean up easily. Some examples include ceramic titanium and porcelain enameled cast iron. Both of these surfaces are very durable, better at browning foods than PTFE (Teflon) non-stick coatings, and are dishwasher safe. In her New York Times piece, "In Search of a Pan That Lets Cooks Forget About Teflon," Marian Burros recommends Le Creuset enameled cast iron pans with a matte black interior. Anodized aluminum is another alternative, but some people question its safety, citing evidence in some studies linking aluminum exposures to Alzheimers.