How Often You Really Need a Shower
More than likely, your daily routine includes a good scrub down (or two) in the shower – you’ve been conditioned to believe that washing your body daily is essential for cleanliness and good health! But what if a daily shower wasn’t the necessity you once thought?
Turns out, taking too many showers can rob your skin of natural, essential oils that protect the skin cells. Frequent showering, particularly hot showers, can also lead to dry skin that’s red and itchy and form cracks that create a higher risk for infection. With this in mind, many doctors now recommend showering every two to three days.
Of course, this blanket recommendation doesn’t account for factors such as climate, work conditions, and exercise. Generally, men who perspire throughout the day, whether at a labor-intensive job or at the gym, will want a daily shower to rid the body of excess oils and environmental contaminants. Skipping that shower can result in clogged pores, acne, and unpleasant odors.
The bottom line: If you lead a sedentary lifestyle, try going a day or two without showering – especially during winter when the air is dry and cold. When you’re ready for a rinse, limit time spent in the shower as much as possible, and use a lukewarm water temperature.
Reigning in the Road Rage
Cut someone off in traffic lately?
According to the American Automobile Association, millions of Americans engage in road rage annually, with men ages 19 to 39 being the biggest culprits. Described as uncontrolled anger that leads to aggressive, violent driving, road rage includes purposefully tailgating, honking or making obscene gestures, and yelling at other motorists.
On a more dangerous level, road rage can result in running another car off the road or colliding with another vehicle – which can cause personal injury and have legal or financial consequences. Whether road rage is a daily concern, or just an occasional occurrence, you can help keep your emotions in check with a few preventative measures:
- Get plenty of rest before getting behind the wheel.
- Plan to leave early for your destinations.
- Listen to soothing music on your drive.
- Practice simple relaxation
techniques, like deep breathing.
When you encounter another driver who might be experiencing road rage, do not respond. Give the other driver room on the road, and avoid eye contact. If the driver persists, putting you and other motorists in danger, call or drive to the nearest police station for help.