Is creatine both safe, legal to build muscle?

Legally rippedJust because some pro athletes jeopardize their health to bulk up doesn't mean that's the only way to build muscle.While steroids are illegal and dangerous, the supplement creatine can help build muscles legally. Multiple studies have shown that creatine makes energy available to muscles, improving performance and increasing muscle mass, and possibly helping with heart conditions.The compound is found naturally in the body and in milk, but can be bought as pills or powder.But is it safe? The consensus is yes, for most people. Mayo Clinic cautions that people with kidney or liver disease should avoid it, and children under 18 should be under a doctor's supervision. Creatine has been associated with allergies and asthmatic symptoms, digestive problems, muscle cramps or breakdown, and other side effects. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate such supplements, and evidence suggests some users take way too much.On the one handMix-handedness is associated with more frequent mental health, language and scholastic problems in childhood.A new study of almost 8,000 children in "Pediatrics" found that 8-year-olds who typically use both hands were more than twice as likely as right-handers to have concurrent difficulties with language and school.Sixteen-year-olds were at considerably higher risk for probable psychiatric disturbance, including symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.The authors suggest further study of connections between hand preference and behavior.Home health ratingsFour home health care agenices in Chicago's suburbs have been rated among the top nationally.OCS Home Health Care, a business intelligence analyst, bases its ratings using public data on quality of care and quality improvement, as well as profit margin.The top 100 nationally include Advanta Home Health Care in Northbrook, First Choice Health Services in Glendale Heights, Metropolitan Home Health Care in Glenview, and Sigma Home Services in Skokie.For a full list of top-rated home health agencies, see ocshomecare.com.Sticks and stonesLow-tech, generic toys may fire the imagination of kids more than the latest Disney doll.Psychology professor Keith Sawyer, who studies child creativity at Washington University in St. Louis, tells "Parents" magazine that if your child plays with the cowboy from "Toy Story," the character and storyline are already defined.But with a generic cowboy, your child may still act out "Toy Story," but may make up his or her own stories.Encourage play with boxes, blankets that make a fort, and anything that encourages imagination.