| " A new study questions the notion that duct tape can cure warts. Researchers say that sticky, fibrous duct tape worked only 21 percent of the time in a small study with older adults. Overall, it performed no better than a cotton bandage." " Another small study in 2002 showed that the tape was effective with young adults and children. Doctors theorize that it works by irritating the skin, thus galvanizing the immune system to attack the virus that causes a wart in the first place." " One caveat: The study in 2002 used gray duct tape, which contains rubber. The new study used transparent duct tape, which does not. Some suggest that traditional tape is what is needed." " "Whether or not the standard type of duct tape is effective is up in the air," says Dr. Rachel Wenner of the University of Minnesota, who helped carry out the new study. "Theoretically, the rubber adhesive could somehow stimulate the immune system or irritate the skin in a different manner."" " More than 403,000 liposuction procedures were performed in 2006 -- making lipo the most popular type of cosmetic surgery in the country. Breast augmentation came in second with 383,886 operations." " Don't want to go under the knife? Never fear, nonsurgical cosmetic procedures are attracting millions, according to newly released statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery." " For example, nearly 3.2 million Botox injections were carried out in 2006, and another 1.6 million injections for other wrinkle-smoothers such as Restylane. There also were nearly 1.5 million laser-hair-removal procedures." " Most people seeking cosmetic enhancements were women ages 35 to 50. Overall, men underwent just 8 percent of the procedures (including more than 23,000 breast-reduction surgeries for men). The total bill for all this? About $12.2 billion, according to the society." " Before you hit up your doctor for an antibiotic, consider this:
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