Why is your favorite food very tasteless when you have a cold?

I was hoping you could answer a question for me about birth control pills. There is a history of breast cancer in my family (my mother). Is it true that because of this, it is unsafe for me to use birth control pills? A few friends have recently had condoms break during sex, and I am looking for a type of "backup" contraception system.

Do men need to cover up their testicles when using indoor tanning facilities?

I use tanning booths regularly and I normally use only eye protection. I am slightly worried, however, that the UV radiation from the sunlamps could do internal damage to a man's testicles, because the skin is obviously only very thin and might not offer much protection against UV radiation. Since eyelids are similarly thin and it is known that eye damage can result even when using tanning equipment with closed eyes, I wonder if advice should be given to men to use similar precautions to prevent testicles being exposed to high-intensity UV-A or UV-B radiation. I have looked everywhere for scientific information on this matter but could not find anything. Your advice on this matter would therefore be very much appreciated.

I have plantar faciitis which is heel pain often caused by bone spurs. In my case, an x-ray did not show that I have a bone spur. I've bought orthotic shoe inserts ($200), and received instructions from both my doctor and an orthopedic surgeon. I've been doing stretching exercises recommended by my orthopedist. I tried taking anti-inflammatories, but they all gave me symptoms. One even hurt my chest and heart. I've had a bi-pass.

My doctor recommended soaking my foot in hot water three times a day. The orthopedist disagreed with that and said after the foot was stressed to use ice but no heat. I haven't been using either. Do you think I should use heat?

Also, I ride my bike about three days a week. My doctor said don't ride, but my orthopedist said it was okay. I usually ride 30 to 40 miles.

Thanks for your opinion on heat or any advice I can get would be appreciated.