Health Moves

. . . helping you toward your goal of optimal health for your mind, body, and relationships

Q: Are henna tattoos safe? What about temporary tattoos?

A: Stay away from henna tattoos. Henna, a coloring made from a plant, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only for use as a hair dye. Use on the skin is illegal. Products marketed as henna can cause allergic reactions. Some henna products also contain other ingredients that are not legal for use on the skin and can cause damage.

Q: I've been hearing that creatine gives you energy for sports. I know that some professional athletes use it, but my coach won't let our football team. Who's right?

A: Listen to your coach! Many coaches have banned its use in their players (except if it's prescribed) because its long-term safety is unknown. Creatine occurs naturally in the body. It is made in the liver, pancreas, and kidney, then is transported through the blood into skeletal muscles. There it combines with phosphate to form a high-energy compound that supplies energy to muscles. Dozens of experiments have studied the effects of taking creatine supplements, but the results are inconsistent. Some studies have shown that taking creatine does enhance muscular force during short-term, high-intensity exercise, such as lifting weights or swimming. (Note: Creatine does NOT increase maximal muscle strength, only the ability to train.) But other studies have shown no positive benefits. And there are side effects. These include weight gain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramping, dizziness, and even high blood pressure.

Q: I have a friend who confided that he gambles a lot on video poker and slot machines. I'm worried that he's losing a lot of money. Should I keep his confidence?

A: First, let's make it clear that it's illegal for minors to gamble, and your friend should stop on that ground alone. Second, gambling is potentially addictive; though gambling can lead to financial problems, gambling addiction is primarily an emotional problem. More and more teens are gambling—on lottery tickets, high school sporting matches, playing cards for money, and gambling machines, to name a few. Teens themselves do not perceive gambling as potentially addictive. Some teens outgrow the habit, but some will go on to become compulsive gamblers. Your friend is potentially at risk. Tell a trusted adult what is happening—you could save your friend's life.