But the salt shaker isn't the main culprit. Seventy-five percent of the salt we eat is already in the foods we buy at supermarkets or order at restaurants. That is why it is almost impossible to cut down salt intake without the cooperation of the processed food and restaurant industries, willing or otherwise.

A flood of events has finally raised salt to near the top of the health agenda. The World Health Organization and the National Academy of Sciences have recommended dramatic reductions in sodium consumption. The American Medical Association and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute have urged the food industry to cut sodium by 50 percent over the next 10 years. The British government has been pressing food manufacturers to cut the salt.

In Britain, McDonald's and Kraft have started to use less salt. The FDA needs to require companies to reduce the salt. While each of us can cut down on salt, unless the government and industry do their part, salt will continue to take its deadly toll.

Some myths on food

and health

When it comes to diet and health, everyone is an expert. No matter where it comes from, it sounds convincing. Respected scientists often disagree on how to lose weight, prevent cancer, protect your heart, bones, brain or eyes and they disagree on what is on food labels or in ads.

We know that both overweight and obesity increase the risk of many diseases that affect health and quality of life and increases medical costs. In older people, it is not so much weight, but how much muscle they have lost and how much fat they have gained that matters.

For many people, overweight is just a stepping stone on the road to obesity.

Teeth whitening

There are several techniques for making your teeth pearly white. All involve bleaching them with varying doses of peroxide. Some require several visits over a month.

Light activated bleaching, where the dentist uses a laser to hasten the whitening process, works somewhat faster, but is no better at whitening teeth.

Or you can wear a custom fitted mouthpiece several hours a day for a week or two. The cost for each procedure can run between about $400 and $1,000, depending on where you live.

A less expensive option is an over-the-counter bleaching kit, such as AquaFresh, White Trays or Crest Whitestrips. They don't work as quickly as the treatment at the dentist's office, but the products typically cost only about $20 to $50.

First, make sure you want to spend the time and money. All the whitening products and techniques can leave your teeth temporarily sensitive, and they will probably darken over time, sometimes within a year.

Some evidence suggests that those products and procedures can damage teeth that have untreated cavities or other defects. See your dentist to make sure your teeth and gums are in good health. The option you choose is purely a matter of personal preference.

There will be a 55 Alive driving course at the Senior Center sometime in May. More on that later.