People's Pharmacy

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Can Doggy Drug Ward Off Dementia?

Posting Date: 08/01/2005

If the problem persists, check with your doctor about other contraceptive options.

Q. My daughter is an avid hiker and camper. When she returns to civilization, she is covered with bites?not just 20 or 30, but hundreds!

Is there anything she can use to keep the bugs away? Is she putting off a scent that is different from most campers?

She uses DEET but has concerns about its long-term safety. It also isn?t working well.

A. Some people are undeniably more attractive to mosquitoes than others, probably because of their scent. Some readers swear that taking the B vitamin thiamine cuts down on bites, but scientific evidence is flimsy.

Two new insect repellents are worth a try. Consumer Reports tested Repel Lemon Eucalyptus and it worked for 4 to 7 hours, longer than a DEET-containing product. Cutter Advanced with Picaridin is another alternative that should provide 2 to 3 hours protection against aggressive mosquitoes.

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In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.org. Their newest book is The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies (St. Martin's Press).

2005 King Features Syndicate, Inc.