Your Health

Spray danger/p>

Researchers have found that using aerosol cleaners at least once a week increases the chances of asthma symptoms by almost 50 percent.

The findings in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine suggest not spraying cleaners in the air -- instead, use liquids or powders, and pour them directly on a sponge or cloth or the area to be cleaned.

HPV vaccine for boys?

A few recent studies indicate the HPV vaccine, given to adolescent girls and women to prevent cervical cancer, also can protect against oral cancer. Based on that, the Oral Cancer Foundation is calling for more research and fast FDA action to offer the shots to boys.

Along with tobacco and alcohol, oral sex can cause cancer by spreading the human papilloma virus, or HPV.

Warning signs of oral cancer include red or white spots, sores or lumps on the sides of the tongue or back and floor of the mouth.

A dental checkup should include lifting the tongue to check for abnormalities. Early detection is crucial to keep oral cancer from spreading.

Soy power

Girls who regularly eat soy had a 58 percent lower chance of getting breast cancer as adults, according to the National Cancer Institute.

You can get your soy from soymilk, tofu, edamame or roasted soybeans. For ideas on cooking with soy, see thesoyfoodcouncil.com.

Don't get burned

Even on a cool, cloudy day in March, the sun can damage skin. Experts say you should always wear sunscreen, especially if you're spending spring break on a sunny beach or ski slope. One blistering burn when you're young, the Skin Cancer Foundations warns, can double your chances of melanoma.

Anytime your shadow is shorter than you, the sun's rays are at their strongest, so doctors recommend at least 15-rated sunblock with UVA and UVB protection.

And have a dermatologist check your skin once a year.