RAY OF SUNSHINE? Given the sun's well-documented link to skin cancer, we should avoid it at all costs, right? Not necessarily. A preliminary study suggests that working outdoors or living in a sunny climate may reduce the risk of breast and colon cancers. Possible reason: the sun triggers the production of vitamin D, which may slow cancer-cell division. But remember, don't hang out in the sun without adequate protection.

THE DEEP END Anybody who's been near one knows that indoor swimming pools reek of chlorine. But what you may not know is that when chlorine mixes with skin cells and skin-care products, it can form a variety of volatile compounds, some of which may be harmful to a developing fetus. Researchers in Britain found that the amount of at least one organic compound, chloroform, is 35 times higher in pools than in tap water.

A hot oil massage, especially with olive oil, lavender oil or coconut oil is a must to grow thicker hair. Well, this means massaging the scalp with hot oil and applying it thoroughly on the length of hair, wrapping hair in a hot towel for half an hour and then washing them.

Apart from this, regularly oiling your hair with effective oils like aloe Vera oil, rosemary oil, almond oil or one of the above mentioned oils is very useful to improve the density of your hair. Hair mask consisting of egg white and olive oil is also a great idea. You can also apply a mask of mayonnaise once a week to make hair thicker. Home remedy, such as using a mixture of honey and olive oil is the best. This will also help add luster to your locks.