Drink Up...or use it to unclog your drain!

While in Atlanta this past weekend attending a seminar on new health products, I pick up the Atlanta Journal Constitution and get a "WOW" when I glance at the Living Section. In a very matter-of-fact manner, I am told that the yummy soft drinks we put in our bodies have OTHER helpful uses. "Making cut flowers last longer" was interesting (they love the sugar) but three of the other four suggestions were particularly interesting: Clean car battery terminals ("the acidic properties of the beverage eliminate corrosion"), soak a rag and wrap around rusted-on nuts and bolts to loosen them, and, a sweet finale - "Clear out a slow drain by pouring a 2-liter bottle of cola down the drain to help remove the clog." The stuff I normally use for this features a label insisting that I wear rubber gloves and protective goggles.

Unclog our drains...or drink this stuff? Is it just me or is this a head-scratcher for you as well...what are we drinking, what are we eating? I pondered some of the Coke slogans over the years...."It's the Real Thing" (1969), "Have a Coke and a Smile" (1979). The 2009 Coca Cola slogan is clearly a subtle attempt to capture market share from Drano...."Open Happiness". Nice.

The Hits Keep Coming!

Almost daily, the news reports findings that support the crazy folks who have gotten a little carried away with this "healthy food" thing. Recent research to ponder:

A federal health panel recently acknowledged concerns that a chemical in everyday products, such as baby bottles and CDs, may cause cancer and other serious disorders. The draft report by the National Toxicology Program signaled a turning point in the government's position on bisphenol-a, or BPA -- so common in the U.S. that it's been detected in the urine of 93 percent of the population over 6.

Used in plastic production since the 1950s, BPA in lab animals may be linked to breast cancer, prostate cancer, early puberty in females and behavioral changes, according to the study. It called for more research.

Consumers anxious to reduce their exposure to BPA won't find the going easy. Labeling of plastic ingredients is not required in all cases, making it hard for consumers to confidently identify all products containing phthalates or BPA. But there are some steps people can take to lower possible risk, experts say.

• Avoid placing hot food or liquids in plastic containers. Use glass, ceramic or stainless-steel containers instead. Heating plastics promotes the leaching of chemicals into the food or liquid they hold. (CLICK for rest of article...similar reports from Canada). Thanks to the Gerber Clearview Bottles (above right) for making an appearance on short notice.