(NC)-Avoiding bananas. Using citronella candles. Rubbing fabric softener on skin. There are many theories on how to protect yourself from mosquito bites. The trouble is, most of these are just myths. Scientific evidence and common speculation buzz around us when it comes to repelling mosquito bites but you should use caution before trusting in these remedies. Experts say that none of these home remedies are as effective as simply covering up and taking precautions around home to reduce the chance of mosquitos breeding there.

Common myths that don't work:

Fabric Softener Sheets. While it may sound like a friendly way to fight off mosquitoes, there are no known scientific studies that show it can prevent mosquito bites. The best protection is to keep yourself covered in light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing.

Bug Zappers and Electronic Devices. Researchers have found that while bug zappers do attract and kill thousands of insects within a 24-hour period, mosquitoes comprise only 6.4 per cent of a five-day insect catch. And just half of the mosquitoes killed were females - the ones that bite humans. Numerous scientific studies show that electric devices that emit high-frequency sounds are not proven to significantly reduce exposure to mosquito bites.

Citronella candles. Citronella is a product currently sold to repel mosquitoes. According to Health Canada, citronella oil repellents registered in Canada protect people against mosquito bites for less than one hour. Products containing citronella, such as candles, are only effective at repelling mosquitoes at very close range and when wind is minimal.

Bananas, Garlic and other foods. It is said that if you eat bananas, you will attract mosquitoes, whereas if you eat garlic you will repel them. While your pores can emit scents, no studies suggest these attract or repel mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide and strong fragrances from soaps, lotions, deodorants, hair care products and perfumes.

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(NC)-Osteoporosis-a disorder that makes bones thinner, more fragile and therefore more easily broken-is far more common in men than previously thought. The good news: early diagnosis and proper treatment can reduce the risk of broken bones.

"About one in eight men over age 50 has osteoporosis," says Dr. Susan Jaglal, Senior Scientist at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Canada's largest provider of adult rehabilitation services. "The disease causes fewer fractures in men than in women, simply because men's bones are thicker. Even so, the number of osteoporosis-related fractures in men is very significant."

Fractures from low-trauma events are the single biggest warning sign. "If a man fractures a bone - especially the wrist - because of a simple fall, he should ask his family doctor for a bone density test," says Dr. Jaglal. "This will determine whether osteoporosis is present."

First-line treatment is a drug called bisphosphonate, which can reduce fractures by between 30 and 50 percent. "Exercise is also vital," says Dr. Jaglal. "Men and women with osteoporosis can strengthen weak bones with weight-bearing exercises such as brisk walking and strengthening exercises such as lifting weights.

"However, people with osteoporosis should avoid high-impact exercises, as well as golf and other sports like tennis which involves sudden twisting or jolting. An individual's exercise options depend on how low his bone density is, so it's important to have a thorough assessment."

Proper diet is also vital to keep bone loss in check. Men and women over age 50 should aim for a daily calcium intake of between 1000 and 1500 mg - the equivalent of about four glasses of milk. "Getting the right amount of dietary calcium can be challenging," says Dr. Jaglal. "Your body can only absorb about 500 mg at a time, so you need to spread your calcium intake over the day. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you the best ways to get the calcium you need."

For more information visit, www.torontorehab.com.

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(NC)-Looking for something to give Mom or Grandma this spring as a token of affection and appreciation? Why not make her something from hand - a planter bench that can store her favorite herbs or perennials. Planter benches are easy to put together, and make for a useful gift for any occasion. This project requires the use of power tools, so make sure an adult is supervising and cutting, but feel free to have young children pitch-in and help decorate. Here are some easy DIY tips from The Home Depot Canada, for this fun family project:

Gather the Tools That You Need - Before you get started, make sure you have all the materials you'll need to complete this project. For a planter bench, you'll need: 1x6 lumber, galvanized 2-inch spiral nails, a hammer, a drill, a mitre saw and a hand sander. Don't forget your safety glasses and ear plugs (for when you use an electric saw) and that all important tape measure.

Measure and Cut Your Wood - Cut two 1x6s for the sides of the planter using a mitre saw. The finished size of each side should be 3/4" x 4 1/2" x 6"

Sand to Smooth - Use a sander to smooth the surfaces of the boards that will form the outside of the window box.

Create Drainage Holes - Using a 1/2" drill bit, drill three holes in a piece of wood that will serve as the base of the planter. Be sure to check that the drill bit is tight and secure and that the chuck is tight in the spindle. Wear safety glasses and hold the drill securely.

Put it All Together - The final step is to hammer nails into the wood to assemble the planter box. Be sure to align the sides of the planter box with the bottom before driving in nails. Next, align the ends of the front and back flush with the end of the bottom and sides. Hold the hammer at the end and strike the nail perpendicular to the end of the hammer. If you are concerned about hitting your fingers, wear gloves or use pliers to hold the nail in place.

Now that you've finished assembling you planter box, consider applying a light stain to bring out the wood's natural colour, or have the kids put on their own personal touches with stickers and finger paint.

For more great gift ideas for mom, visit www.homedepot.ca or The Home Depot in your community.

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