Reconsidering the steam room

Ned's many friends may recall that he mused recently on the possible health benefits of regular visits to a steam room, since research has shown that breathing in a salty mist is good for one's sinuses. However, recently Ned has come down with two annoying minor sinus infections (here he is practicing medicine without a license, since he would never put his health in the hands of the medical cranks for such a minor complaint). He is now moved to wonder whether in fact the steam room may not be an incubator for germs of all stripes and persuasions, given the wet conditions and warm temperatures. Therefore, from now on he will confine his (all too few) leisurely moments at his gym--er, health club, to the salt water hot tub.
He will report on his findings at a later date.

Dental health

Ned had his biannual cleaning (that is, once every two years--of course the quacks tell you to do it twice a year because of $$$). The hygienist said, 'if everyone had gums and teeth like yours I'd be out of a job.' Here's why: Ned does not drink colas, nor fruit juices. Colas especially are deadly to one's teeth, whether sugared or not, because of the carbonation and the phosphoric acid. These two substances render the pH of the diabolical stuff down around 2.5 or so--highly acidic, which eats away at one's teeth. Moreover, the sugar provides food for bacteria. Bad combination.
So eat fruit, don't drink juice. Brush twice a day, and swish water around in the mouth regularly to keep those bacteria unhappy. Floss also. Gum chewing is OK, especially xylitol gum which the bacteria don't like. And the chewing generates saliva which adds minerals back to teeth.
Happy dentine.