Gray Matters

Now you have another reason to blame Mom and Dad for your horrible lot in life.

If your hair is graying before its time, it’s not because your job is too stressful or your commute is too long, according to an August article in Fitness magazine. Rather, it’s because at least one of your parents’ heads turned gray early too, the article says.

Of course, whether you decide to color your hair is up to you, but parental permission wouldn’t hurt.

Doggone It

Has the self-esteem of your favorite male dog or cat gone down the toilet since he had his testicles removed? (No wonder.) Now there’s something you can do about it--reattach them.

Well, sort of.

A Missouri-based company called CTI Corp. is selling testicle implants called “Neuticle Naturals.”

Said one California pet owner after her pug Frodo underwent the procedure: “Frodo doesn’t know anything is missing, and that’s important.” For more information, visit the company’s Web site at https://www.neuticles.com.

More Than Just Peanuts

Our friend the peanut is not just a snack at the ballgame; it turns out that it’s also quite good for you.

Researchers found that individuals who added a small amount of peanut products to their diet had a 14% reduction in LDL cholesterol (the bad kind), while their levels of HDL cholesterol (the good kind) did not change, according to an article in the fall issue of Prime Health & Fitness magazine.

Peanuts contain vitamin E, fiber and plant proteins, but they are high in fat. For more information, visit the Web site https://www.peanut-institute.org.

Men and Breast-Feeding

Contrary to what many may think, men cast the deciding vote when it comes to whether a baby is breast-fed, says an article in the fall issue of Fit Pregnancy. About 75% of mothers said their husband’s opinion “greatly influenced” their decision to nurse, the article said. Men who know about the health benefits of breast milk tend to be more supportive, while those who fear separation from their partner or envy the special bond between mother and infant discourage it, according to the article. No percentages were available for men who are “greatly influenced” by their spouses to change diapers.