Making Cook Out Less Carcinogenic

Q. My husband is the self-anointed barbecue king. He got a new grill for our anniversary and he fires it up every chance he gets.
I keep reading that charbroiled meat is bad for you. What’s the problem and is there any way to counteract it with vitamins? Our kids love his burgers but I don’t want to expose them to anything harmful.
A. Charbroiling meat can create chemicals that may increase the risk of cancer. Vitamins may not counteract this danger, but some grilling techniques might help. Select lean meat as part of a heart-healthy diet. To make it juicier on the grill (and to reduce the formation of carcinogenic chemicals), the meat should be marinated before grilling.
Defrosting or pre-cooking in the microwave will also reduce the levels of dangerous chemicals that form under high heat. Be sure to discard the juices left over after microwaving.
Of course, your husband needs to make sure the meat is thoroughly cooked so that no bacteria remain to make your children sick.
Both marinating and microwaving reduce the amount of compounds that form when meat is charbroiled. Frequent flipping also helps.
Q. Because of all the concern about hormone replacement therapy I have switched to natural progesterone cream. But perimenopause and prescriptions have diminished my libido and my ability to achieve climax.
A friend mentioned that testosterone is very helpful for women as well as men. Is it safe to buy the stuff advertised on the Internet?
A. A number of medications (including progesterone) can have a negative impact on sexuality. Testosterone can sometimes be beneficial but only in people whose own levels are low and only under medical supervision. Testosterone has a range of potential side effects including facial hair growth, acne and elevated cholesterol.
We are sending you our Guides to Female Sexuality and Hormones with more details on these issues and ways to combat sexual frustration. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. WZ-492, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.
Q. Do you know of anything I can use to replace the Chapstick I have been addicted to for years? I need to break this habit, but after three weeks off Chapstick I am still tempted to go back.
A. Dermatologists assure us that Chapstick is not addicting, but many people have noted that it can be difficult to stop after long-term use.
Lip balm containing beeswax, lanolin, coconut oil or other natural moisturizers is an alternative. Look for a brand such as Burt’s Beeswax Lip Balm, Desert Essence Lip Rescue, Lip Shtick or Un-petroleum Lip Balm.
Q. Some drugs require that you remain upright for half an hour after taking them. Potassium is one, Fosamax is another. Why is this? What will happen if I lie down?
A. Some drugs can be very irritating to the esophagus. Fosamax and certain potassium formulations can cause tissue damage or even ulceration if they get stuck. Lying down increases this risk, so it is important to remain upright to help facilitate passage of the pills into the stomach.
Q. Will applying Rogaine to my scalp for hair loss affect my blood pressure?
A. Although minoxidil (Rogaine) was originally developed as an oral drug for hypertension, the topical solution for hair growth is not well absorbed. It rarely affects blood pressure but you should monitor your pressure.