A year or two ago there was a big fuss about Triclosan, which was the main antibacterial agent in most toothpastes. The publicity resulted in many products being taken off the shelves and other agents being substituted for Triclosan.

Now, however, I’ve noticed Triclosan is back, at least in the cheaper own-brand products of the big supermarkets.

The original fuss occurred because it apparently reacted with the chlorine in normal domestic water to produce toxins that could be harmful over time. Despite that, it remains the best of the antibacterials.

On an individual level, we can simply use filtered water to brush our teeth. Popular filter systems, like Brita, do remove most of the chlorine in water, and osmotic systems are even better.

So, stick to Triclosan and eliminate the chlorine instead. That is the healthy alternative to reading every toothpaste label.

Many women suffer from tender breast tissue. The issue is complicated by fear of breast cancer.

However, a very simple solution may be at hand. A caffeine-free diet.

Breast surgeon, Sharon Rosenbaum Smith, MD of St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital in New York City, says, “The biggest contributing factor to fibrocystic change in the breasts is caffeine.”

Remember, though, caffeine is not just coffee. She adds, “In some women, avoiding caffeine works, but it has to be the complete avoidance of caffeine.”

The advice is, to remove all caffeine from your diet for two to three months on a trial basis. That means tea, coffee, caffeinated soda and chocolate in all its forms.

It would also be a good idea to consult a doctor first.