Dermatologists are warning that the henna tattoos, sold everywhere from beachside stands to carnivals to cruise ships, may contain a harmful chemical known as para-phenylenediamine, or PPD. Used to make the temporary tattoos last longer, PPD has been associated with major skin problems including rashes, blistering and even permanent scarring.

At the American Academy of Dermatology's Summer Academy Meeting 2008 in Chicago, dermatologist Sharon E. Jacob, M.D. of the University of California at San Diego pointed out that henna used for temporary tattoos is made from the lawsonia inermis plant. Temporary coloring of the skin with natural henna is considered harmless and only lasts for a few days. To darken the tattoo (making it more visible and long- lasting) some henna tattoo artists are adding PPD, usually used for black hair dye, into the henna mix.

The FDA prohibits direct application of PPD to the skin because of its known health risks. However, since the tattoo industry is not regulated, people, including children, are still getting black henna tattoos and potentially exposing themselves to serious medical problems.

Dr. Jacobs advised that if you do choose to get a henna tattoo, do so only if you can be sure that only vegetable henna is used. I agree: if there is a shadow of a doubt, do without.

Butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata), is a type of winter squash and excellent for reducing vata. It has a sweet, nutty taste that is similar to pumpkin. It has yellow skin and orange fleshy pulp. When ripe, it turns increasingly deep orange, and becomes sweeter and richer.

Butternut squash is a vegetable that can be roasted and toasted and also be puréed or mashed into soups, casseroles, breads, and muffins. In Australia it is regarded as a pumpkin, and used interchangeably with other types of pumpkin. A common vegetable in South Africa, it makes a very tasty soup and can be cooked on a barbecue (known as a braai in South Africa) wrapped in foil with spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon.

It is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, manganese, magnesium, and potassium. It is also an excellent source of vitamin A.

Hand washing is a simple habit that can help keep you healthy. Learn the benefits of good hand hygiene, when to wash your hands and how to clean them properly. Bottom line: Wash hands often for 20 seconds. That's about the same time it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice! Keep hands aways from mouth, nose and eyes!

Hand washing is a simple habit, something most people do without thinking. Yet hand washing, when done properly, is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick. This simple habit requires only soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer - a cleanser that doesn't require water. Do you know the benefits of good hand hygiene and when and how to wash your hands properly?

The dangers of not washing your hands Despite the proven health benefits of hand washing, many people don't practice this habit as often as they should - even after using the toilet. Throughout the day you accumulate germs on your hands from a variety of sources, such as direct contact with people, contaminated surfaces, foods, even animals and animal waste. If you don't wash your hands frequently enough, you can infect yourself with these germs by touching your eyes, nose or mouth. And you can spread these germs to others by touching them or by touching surfaces that they also touch, such as doorknobs.