NEW STUDY: Scientists Discover Prescription Drugs in Over-the-Counter Supplements....(21st of October 2014) Many of the products were tainted even though they had been previously recalled

In a report published today 21st of October 2014 in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers found that two thirds of supplements previously recalled by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) were still tainted with prescription drugs months to years after being called back. The drugs detected included anabolic steroids, erectile dysfunction medications, and more. Here’s how the scientists did their sleuthing: Last year, they purchased 27 supplements recalled by the FDA from 2009 to 2012 due to pharmaceutical contamination. Analyses of the 27 supplements revealed that 85 percent of sports supplements, 67 percent of weight-loss supplements, and 20 percent of sexual enhancement supplements contained prescription drugs or analogs of Rx drugs. In most cases—63 percent—the supplements contained the same drug that led to the FDA recall. However, 22 percent contained at least one more drug not previously identified. The following pharmaceuticals lurked in pills and powders: • Sibutramine (a weight-loss drug no longer available in the U.S. due to cardiovascular risks) and substances similar to it • Sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra) • Fluoxetine (the active ingredient in Prozac) • Phenolphthalein (a laxative) • Aromatase inhibitor (a breast cancer drug) • Anabolic steroids If you ingest these drugs unintentionally, you could face a few serious risks, says Pieter Cohen, M.D., an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard University and an internal medicine doctor at the Cambridge Health Alliance. For one, sibutramine, a weight-loss drug, isn’t supposed to be available in this country because of its link to heart attacks and strokes, Dr. Cohen says. The other drugs may seem safer, but only when taken under a doctor’s supervision. These pharmaceuticals could cause dangerous drug interactions with medications you already take, or they might exacerbate underlying conditions. For instance, men with certain heart problems should not take Viagra, he says. Dosing is another concern. Prescription drugs are manufactured in precise concentrations so that you can always ensure a safe dose. In supplements, the drug concentrations vary widely. “So in one batch of supplements, it might be in a dose higher than prescriptions; in the next batch it might be lower,” says Dr. Cohen. High doses could pose higher risks. The big question researchers can’t answer: How did these supplements end up on store shelves? “These are clearly the most hazardous type of supplements out there, and the ones that the FDA is working the hardest to try to remove,” says Dr. Cohen. “So the fact that the exact same supplement that the FDA has issued a recall about reappears months or years later with drugs is just mind-boggling.” It’s possible that some of the supplements in the study were manufactured before the recall and weren’t properly removed from the market, says Dr. Cohen. However, it’s also quite possible—and likely, in his opinion—that the companies kept on making drug-tainted supplements after the recall. If you take any supplements, check this list for the products found to contain pharmaceuticals. Avoid anything on this list, even if you can still find it in stores, says Dr. Cohen. “The FDA’s job is to remove dangerous supplements from the marketplace, and that’s not happening as you can see here,” says Dr. Cohen. The FDA should re-test previously recalled supplements to make sure the companies take out the offending ingredients, he says. What’s more, don’t assume that just because something hasn’t been recalled, it’s automatically safe. Before you pop any supplement, read the label closely. Some supplement ingredients have been studied extensively, and the research suggests that they are safe and possibly beneficial. But be wary of new or strange ingredients, especially in workout, weight-loss, or sex supplements: “It’s whenever you start seeing multiple different herbal ingredients listed on the label—these proprietary blends, these cocktails of herbs—that you're going to run into problems,” says Dr. Cohen.

28 Things You Should Never Say To Your Boss

Honesty is the best policy in the workplace — with a few exceptions. "It's important to be cautious with what you say to your boss, as even the slightest slip up could make or break your career," says Ryan Kahn, a career coach, founder of The Hired Group , and author of " Hired! The Guide for the Recent Grad ." "There are the obvious things to hold back from saying to your boss, but the key is to dissect the little things in your interactions." Lynn Taylor, a national workplace expert and the author of " Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant: How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job," agrees. "There are certain comments and questions based on negative perspectives that can set you back with your boss," she says. "If they continue unabated, these phrases can sabotage an otherwise great job." A good practice is to first pause before blurting out something you might regret and examine what you're trying to achieve, and the likely reaction you'll get from your boss. "If you think you may regret it, you probably will," she says. "Better to err on the side of waiting until you can crystallize your thoughts into a more palatable and professional dialogue." In honor of National Boss Day, which is celebrated in the US on October 16 each year, we've compiled a list of the words and phrases you should never say to your manager. Aside from the obvious — like profanity and insults — here are 28 phrases you should avoid: "I can't." A "can-do" attitude is always a valued trait. "I can't" shows both a lack of confidence and unwillingness to take chances — neither of which will endear you to management, says Taylor. "That's not my area." Or, "That's not part of my job." No job description is ever set in stone. "As cross-functional teams remain the order of the day, you're expected to be flexible and make your boss' life easier," Taylor explains. "As a side note, the more skillsets you accumulate, the more indispensable you are." Saying that you're not willing to go beyond your role shows that you are also not willing to pitch in for the success of the company, Kahn adds. "I don't know." You may not have the answers to every question, but your best guess and a promise to find out is much better than a shrug of the shoulders, she says. "Anytime your boss would need to do the work for you, assume that's not a path you should take." "No." Your cooperation is expected, and so is a polite tone. "Telling your boss 'no' is a challenge, and is sometimes necessary — but it can be inappropriate if you don't phrase it well with an explanation," Taylor says. "For example, if your boss says, 'Do you have time to work on the Smith project today?' you shouldn't just say, 'No.' Instead try something like, 'Today will be a challenge if you still want me to focus on that company presentation. Would you prefer I work on this today instead?'" "I'll try." Some people think that this is an acceptable response, as we all "try" to get things done to our best ability. But it leaves a manager feeling unsure, and when assignments are given, your boss is counting on you, usually with specific deadlines, says Taylor. "Imagine yourself asking, 'Will you be signing off on my paycheck on the 15th?' and your boss responding, 'I will try.'" "That's not what I heard." Avoiding gossip and conjecture is a good idea, as it can backfire. If you're not sure about something, wait, or you risk appearing unprofessional. "How do I benefit from this?" Sometimes your work involves helping others and other departments. Bosses have little tolerance for those who aren't team players, Taylor says. View gallery . meeting University of Exeter/flickr Don't make excuses. "I'm sorry, but…" "The caveat essentially cancels any genuine apologetic sentiment," Taylor says. "A straight, 'I'm sorry…I'll be much more aware of this next time' is the expected response when you mess up." "Well, I did my best." This is a cop-out. If you made a mistake, and that was your best, that doesn't speak highly of your abilities. The better response is that you'll get it right next time. "I'll leave." Don't threaten to leave the company, says Kahn. It's unprofessional and they'll consider you a flight risk. "I just assumed that…" That phrase causes frustration for many bosses, as they'd rather hear that you made an error in judgment and learned from it, versus excuses. "To err is human, but to defer blame is a career killer," Taylor says. "I've tried that before." Bosses have little tolerance for laziness. "Examine whether you really gave the option a shot before you shoot it down," she suggests. "Your boss may have something else in mind." Alternatively, explain that you appreciate the suggestion, and tried XYZ, with such and such a result — but would be glad to try something more effective. "At my last job we did it this way." No manager likes a know-it-all, so you must tread lightly if you think you have a better way. "You're better off phrasing sensitive or challenging responses by turning them into questions versus being confrontational," Taylor says. "It's really not my fault; it's John's fault." The blame game is a treacherous path. If you're innocent, then explain why. Don't implicate others if you bear the primary responsibility, Taylor says. "Taking responsibility is key," adds Kahn. "If your always seen as someone pointing the finger, eventually your boss is going to question who is really to blame." "[Your predecessor] did this differently/better." "Bosses usually feel that their methods are preferred over their predecessors because they now hold the position," Taylor explains. "Unless a method is clearly a mistake, don't challenge your boss with the 'old ways of doing things' just because they made things easier for you." "I'm bored." "You may have a weak moment and share your boredom with the wrong person: your boss," says Taylor. "You're being paid to be productive and remain enthusiastic; it's your responsibility to find ways to make your job interesting." "I can't work with him/her." "Not playing well with others" isn't good in elementary school, nor is it in the workplace. It's assumed that you are capable of getting beyond personality conflicts in the interest of delivering excellent results. "He's a jerk." "The golden rule is something your boss expects you to observe, and casting aspersions on others has no redeeming value. It just reflects badly on you," she says. "If I don't hear from you, I'll just do X." This has a threatening tone. Better to wait than be admonished later. "Why does Jane always…?" Whining is annoying. "If you have a gripe, better to ask how you can attain a certain privilege, and leave others out of the discussion," she suggests. "Can I/we speak with your boss about this?" Or, "I want to speak with HR about this." "Going over your boss' head challenges authority — a usually no-win situation, unless you're about to quit (or be terminated) and have no other recourse," says Taylor. If you're going to HR, don't threaten in advance, she adds. "And you should avoid it unless you've exhausted all the options with your boss." "I don't have a solution." Don't tell the boss about problems without presenting potential solutions, says Kahn. "Leaders talk about solutions; followers talk about the problems." "Why does John have X and I don't?" Focus on your own career, not others' salary or promotions — unless you're witnessing blatant favoritism. "If that's the case, you can opt for a more professional discussion once you've collected your thoughts about the facts," Taylor says. "I'm pretty busy. Can it wait?" It's your responsibility to ask your boss if priorities have changed, as your objectives must stay aligned with your manager's. "Priorities are rarely stagnant, so as in most cases, your better option is to ask if you should reshuffle them," she recommends. "Can I leave early today since things are slow?" It's fine if you have to leave early. But don't say it's because "things are slow" or you have "nothing to do." "There are always more projects in the pipeline. Bosses want you to show initiative," she says. "That's impossible." Your manager doesn't want to hear negativity or a lack of conviction. If you have concerns, state what they are, and ask for input. One of the best approaches in deciding whether to share your thoughts with your boss or ask sensitive questions is to put yourself in their shoes, Taylor suggests. "Do your comments and questions reflect a positive, can-do, and confident demeanor? Remember loose lips sink ships ­— so choose your words carefully when you feel challenged at work if you want to thrive in your career."

The 8 Dos and Don’ts of Wearing Denim on Denim

1. DO: Play with colors if you’re a total beginner Before delving into shades of double blue, start out by pairing different shades of denim together, like white jeans and a blue denim jacket, or black jeans and a chambray shirt. It’s almost impossible to go wrong this way. 2. DON’T: Wear denim accessories. Keep the jeans confined to your clothing and just say no to denim shoes, a denim hat, a denim, handbag, or any other accessory. 3. DO: Use denim shades to flatter or hide body parts. As a general rule, lighter shades of denim draw attention to the body parts they cover, while darker washes create a slimming effect. For many women this means that dark denim jeans, and a lighter denim top or jacket is the most flattering way to go. 4. DON’T: Wear a denim outfit that’s all the same weight or wash. You don’t want to look too matchy matchy. song of style denim on denim 5 The 8 Dos and Donts of Wearing Denim on Denim 5. DO: Distress. Something about distressed denim (ripped jean shorts or jeans) just lends itself well to the denim on denim look. So don’t be afraid to rip away. 6. DON’T: Look to Westerns for inspiration. Think of denim on denim, and images of cowboys likely come to mind, and that’s not necessarily a good thing—you don’t want to end up looking like a caricature. That means staying away from accessories like cowboy boots, cowboy hats, bolo ties, and Western belts. 7. DO: Dress up your double denim. Don’t be afraid to elevate your outfit with luxe-looking items including statement heels, a tuxedo blazer, or a fabulous red lip. 8. DON’T: Ever end up looking like Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, for the love of God. When in doubt, just look at this now-iconic image of Spears and Timberlake from back in the day to remind yourself just how utterly wrong denim on denim can go. That being said, it’l probably be impossible for you to ever go this wrong.