Skin Oil Conservation

Dishwashing liquids tend to dissolve the skin’s oils as they wash away grease from pots and pans, exposing the hands to irritant chemicals that can cause swelling and redness. Palmolive Sensitive Skin is based on a patented technology, 10 years in development, that is said to get the job done without making trouble for those protective oils. If the only dishwasher in the house is a human one, it might be worth trying: in three sizes, 22 ounce ($1.79), 32 ounce ($2.59) and 42 ounce ($3.29).

Dieting Out by the Book

“Healthy Dining in Orange County,” a sequel to a similar book giving nutritional information on particularly healthful dishes in San Diego restaurants, is available at Orange County Ralphs markets and bookstores at $9.95. It gives specific figures on the usual areas of nutritional interest and also general ratings of low or very low in calories, fat and salt. A volume on health dishes in Los Angeles restaurants is planned.

Fight Fat, Fido

Obesity is a serious problem for America’s pets, says veterinary nutritionist Dr. Elizabeth Hodgkins, particularly for female dogs and cats, and overweight middle-aged owners are more likely to have obese pets. Other nutritional risks: too much calcium (skeletal and skin diseases) and too much protein, salt and phosphorus (kidney damage, the No. 2 killer of dogs). So let’s shape up our pets’ eating habits and start them jogging.

Women Need More Irony Than Men

Red meat consumption has declined over the last 10 years, writes Joseph C. Piscatella in his elegantly titled book “Controlling Your Fat Tooth,” but mostly among women; men still eat as much red meat. But that doesn’t mean women have substantially reduced their fat intake. Partly because of the foods they substitute for meat, such as salad or tuna sandwich, they end up consuming more margarine, mayonnaise, salad dressing and dairy foods than men.

Are More Less?

It sounds much too good to be true, but clinical nutritionist Cliff Sheats claims you can lose body fat by increasing your calorie intake; few habits are more unhealthful, he says, than trying to live on the least amount of food possible. “Cliff Sheats’ Lean Bodies” (The Summit Group, Fort Worth), which includes 90 recipes, is available at bookstores for the not-quite-lean price of $24.95.

President Should Bite the Broccoli, Public Opines

Presumably people who attend health education seminars are interested in broccoli’s virtues, such as vitamins, minerals and presumed cancer-fighting abilities, but in a recent survey, 62% admitted they never eat the stuff. The reason, said 93% of non-eaters: the odor (even broccoli-eaters were less than fond of it). Nevertheless, 95% said First Broccoli-Hater George Bush should eat broccoli to provide a good example for children.

Pacific Rim Spelling

Prego Restaurant in Beverly Hills, on finding that 5% to 10% of its customers are visitors from Japan, decided to translate its menu into Japanese. The Italian pronunciation is given in Japanese characters too--for instance, pittsua (pizza), fuokatchiya aru fuorumadjiyo (focaccia al formaggio), ronbata dei wittero (lombata de vitello). That should be a big help.