Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, October 10, 1995 TAG: 9510100072
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RAY REED
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A: Vitamin B-1 has been suggested for a couple of decades as a mosquito repellent you can swallow.
There are no guarantees that it works.
The Food and Drug Administration published a rule in 1985 saying B-1 would not keep insects away and that any oral product labeled with insect-repellent claims would be considered a new drug and subject to testing.
That finding was met with some skepticism by outdoor people who had perceived a benefit from taking B-1.
Back in 1980, researchers at Lake Superior State College in Michigan found 60 volunteers willing to expose their skin in the mosquito-rich woods of that region.
They used conventional research methods, giving some subjects vitamin B-1 and others a pill that contained no vitamin.
Results: Some people received only a few bites, while others became lunch meat for the bugs. Some of those who were bitten a lot had received the real vitamins.
Conclusion: B-1 may provide relief for some people, but not everyone.
It's worth noting that megadoses of other vitamins - A, C, and D - have been found harmful in some cases. The B vitamins have not been found toxic.
Some nutritionists, however, recommend taking a B-complex vitamin instead of B-1 alone.
Bottom line: The most effective mosquito repellents are long sleeves and pants, smoky campfires and the chemical stuff containing DEET.
(Yes, Avon Skin So Soft works for some people, too. But not for everyone.)
Pension deal closed
Q: Do future holders of the city government positions that received the 2-for-1 pension automatically receive that sweet deal, or does it end when those who were involved leave office? O.C., Roanoke
A: The 2-for-1 pensions end with the 18 council members and administrators who were eligible when the city halted this practice in September 1992.
Undoubtedly the biggest winner under the plan is Joel Schlanger, former finance director, who began collecting $4,500 a month in June when he turned 55.
Schlanger wrote the plan and persuaded City Council to adopt it. Most of the other 17 won't receive anywhere near Schlanger's amount.
Got a question about something that might affect other people, too? Something you've come across and wondered about? Give us a call at 981-3118. Maybe we can find the answer.
by CNB