DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have heard that a person’s hair can be tested and tell all sorts of things about the body. I have been wondering if there is a hair home test that will reveal what vitamins a person is lacking or overdoing.

A few weeks ago there was an interview on TV (can’t recall the channel but a major network) and a reporter was interviewing a woman who told of a very small gadget which would reveal by a breath test what medical problems a person would have, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes and many other things.

She said that instead of going in for a blood test, one could just go take a breath test. I haven’t heard of it since anywhere else. What can you find out about this exciting news? Why is it not being shouted about everywhere? — No name via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots found a video about a breath-checking health device on cbs.com (http://tinyurl.com/cjnw3y5) from last fall (although it was not particularly small).

On this clip, Dr. Peter Mazzone of the Cleveland Clinic’s Respiratory Institute talks to Anthony Mason and Norah O’Donnell about a new high-tech device that can check your breath and tell you if you’re seriously ill.

This device is still being tested, which is why you are not hearing about it more. Dr. Mazzone said they are getting about an 80 to 85 percent accuracy rate in testing for lung cancer.

They are also looking at the possibilities for diagnosing many other diseases as well. With any luck it will soon be approved and help save some lives.

As for testing hair, from what Sun Spots found online, that is more limited. The traditional use has been to identify poisons, such as arsenic. Hair analysis can also help identify drugs and minerals in your system, but because it takes a while for things to “grow into” your hair, using it to identify illness might not be as useful as the more immediate breath test.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Can you find out if the Sturbridge Yankee Workshop on Blueberry Lane in Portland is having a clearance sale at its warehouse this year? They had one last June that I missed, and I would like to go to the sale if they are having one this year.

Thanks for all you do to provide answers to the many questions you receive. — Pam via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots called the store at 774-9405 and was told, yes, there will be a warehouse sale from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 8.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On Monday, Antigoni’s will be hosting its annual fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Every cent that goes into the register goes back out to the hospital!

Andi and Kastro donate their time and all running costs of the business, and the employees all donate their time for this great cause.

Last year we raised more than $1,600, and this year we’d like to beat that. This will be our fifth time doing this benefit, and each year has been more successful then the last.

So join us Monday and help us make this the most successful year ever! Thank you very much. — Joshua Hutchinson, rainex17@gmail.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to the April 25 inquiry, I am an Amway dealer and would be happy to service anyone in the Auburn-Lewiston region. Thank you. — Tammy Exel, mnmchildcare1@aol.com, 207-739-0098

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