Ask our experts

When I travel abroad, I use sunscreen containing Mexoryl. The FDA has now approved Mexoryl. What brands should I look for?

Harry Jaffe
Germantown, TN

Mexoryl SX is L’Oréal’s trademarked name for ecamsule, which protects against UVA rays. The FDA approved it in 2006 as one of the active ingredients in Anthelios SX by L’Oréal. Our tests found that Anthelios SPF 40 provides excellent UVB and very good UVA coverage. But it isn’t claimed to be water resistant, and it’s very pricey at $32 per bottle ($18.82 an ounce). Instead, try No-Ad with Aloe and Vitamin E SPF 45 or Equate Baby SPF 50. They don’t contain Mexoryl, but they’re far cheaper and rate higher in our tests.

Should I buy frequent-flyer miles?

Samuel Glassner
Alameda, CA

Not for economy tickets; the cost per mile is usually higher than what you’d otherwise pay. But if you need just a few points for a free flight, you want business or first-class tickets, or you want to upgrade or buy a last-minute ticket, buying miles can make sense.

Our hospital notified me that a computer with patient data (including my minor son’s) was stolen. The hospital is offering a year of free credit-report monitoring. What should I do?

D. Okamoto
Palm Desert, CA

Children don’t have credit reports, but ID thieves can use a minor’s Social Security number to open accounts under another name. See whether this is the case with your son by sending a certified letter, return receipt requested, to the major credit-reporting agencies: TransUnion (P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834), Equifax (P.O. Box 105139, Atlanta, GA 30348), and Experian (P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013). You usually need to include copies of your child’s Social Security card and birth certificate, and a copy of your driver’s license or other ID. If your child has a credit file, contact the Identity Theft Resource Center (www.idtheftcenter.org; 888-400-5530), a nonprofit group that can advise you on the next steps to take.

Following the tsunami, Japanese manufacturers are scrambling to find components for their products. I’m concerned that they may be using parts they wouldn’t normally. Typically, I wouldn’t buy an extended warranty for a TV, but should I now?

David Beauchamp
Huntington Beach, CA

We haven’t heard that TV manufacturers are using substandard parts. If they were to do so, resulting problems might well occur during the first year, when TVs are covered by the manufacturer’s standard warranty. We don’t think an extended warranty is worthwhile. If you’re worried, use a credit card that doubles the warranty at no cost or buy from a retailer that does.

Send your questions to www.ConsumerReports.org/askourexperts.