Who burns a candle in their garage? 

Why do running shoes smell so bad, especially if they’re wet? Shoes with that stench should not be allowed past the garage. Even the most potent candle can’t mask the stench of wet running shoes in the garage. Why is the odor potent? Why is it worse when shoes are wet? 

Bacteria. With 150,000 sweat glands in each foot, our feet sweat. If your shoes don’t get a chance to dry out between wearing, the bacteria in your shoes keep growing.  

Aside from going barefoot, there are remedies for smelly shoes and feet. 

1. Wash your feet with antibacterial soap and thoroughly dry them, even between the toes. 

2. Wear wicking socks made of natural or acrylic fiber blends that draw the moisture away from your feet instead of trapping it with socks made from 100% cotton. 

3. Wear shoes made of breathable materials.  

4. Wash shoes or insoles. 

5. Avoid shoes made of plastic. 

6. Don’t share shoes or towels, that’s sharing bacteria. 

Other remedies are to sprinkle corn starch or baking soda inside your shoes to absorb odor. Soaking your feet in a sink or tub of warm tea or Epsom salts are also methods of controlling foot odor.  

Until you find the remedy that works for you, keep your shoes on in social situations.  

Why do running shoes smell so bad, especially if they’re wet?

For most people, hiccups are rare and don’t last very long, sort of like having a great hair day. To learn what causes hiccups, likely cures, whether you should be concerned and a little trivia, take our quiz. 

(Quiz) To learn what causes hiccups, likely cures, whether you should be concerned and a little trivia, take our quiz.

Be a skin cancer sleuth by checking your skin regularly for signs of cancer. Skin cancer, including melanoma, is curable if spotted early.

Heatstroke and heat exhaustion or not interchangeable. They are two different conditions and have two different levels of severity. Do you know the differences?   

1. Which condition is more serious?  

                   Heatstroke     or      Heat exhaustion 

2. Which condition makes the skin red, hot and dry, even in the armpits?  

                   Heatstroke     or      Heat exhaustion 

3. Which condition includes symptoms of moderate to severe difficulty breathing?  

                   Heatstroke     or      Heat exhaustion 

4. Which condition causes confusion, restlessness or anxiety?  

                   Heatstroke     or      Heat exhaustion 

5. Which condition requires emergency treatment?  

                   Heatstroke     or      Heat exhaustion 

The correct answer to all of these is heatstroke. A heatstroke can develop without exertion when a person is exposed to a hot environment and the body is unable to cool itself effectively. This is a life-threatening condition requiring emergency medical treatment. If you suspect it, call 911 and get the victim out of the heat and cool them down by any means possible. If the patient is conscious and not vomiting, give them fluids to drink.  

Heat exhaustion is caused by excessive sweating, which results in depletions of salt and fluid. This leads to low blood pressure, muscle cramps and nausea. It is prevented by staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged exposure to high temperatures. It can usually be treated quickly and effectively with shade, fluids and rest.  

Heatstroke and heat exhaustion or not interchangeable. They are two different conditions and have two different levels of severity. Do you know the differences?   

Whether your face is oval, heart-shaped or round, the perfect pair of shades can be hard to find. But sunglasses are more than just another fashion accessory – they also provide significant health benefits.  

Sunglasses and eye health 

Your whole face can quickly show signs of excessive UV (ultraviolet) radiation exposure from the sun, and your eyes and the skin surrounding them are especially susceptible. Sunglasses can help combat your eyes' exposure to harmful rays by reducing the UV radiation and your risk of cataracts (cloudiness of the eye's lens that affects vision) and skin cancers of the eye. 

Reducing UV radiation can also reduce your risk of age-related macular degeneration, which happens when the macula – the part of the eye we use for sharp vision – becomes damaged, making objects appear blurry, dark or otherwise distorted. Without sunglasses, even those wearing contact lenses with UV protection are still at risk, as the skin around the eyes is still exposed. 

Choosing the right pair 

The most important thing to look for in a good pair of sunglasses is 100% UV protection. Although it seems intuitive that darker lenses or frames would offer more protection, that's not necessarily the case, because the UV blocker is clear. Sunglasses that wrap around your eyes to the sides of your face can offer even more protection from UV exposure to your eyes. 

The lowdown on UV rays 

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation falls into three categories: UVA, UVB and UVC. While UVC radiation is fully absorbed by the ozone layer and not as harmful, UVA and UVB radiation make it to the Earth's surface and are more dangerous.  

Several factors determine the level of this radiation your eyes are exposed to, including the time of day and weather conditions. Experts say levels are highest from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Clear, sunny skies allow the most exposure to UV radiation, but even in cloudy weather, UV rays are present.  

The most important benefit of wearing sunglasses is they protect your eyes from UV light, so choose a pair that offers you the best protection. 

Whether your face is oval, heart-shaped or round, the perfect pair of shades can be hard to find. But sunglasses are more than just another fashion accessory – they also provide significant health benefits.

Do you visit “Dr. Internet” every time you get the sniffles or feel a twinge? In other words, do you search online for health symptoms on a regular basis? If you do, you may have a condition called “cyberchondria,” meaning you experience anxiety for your personal wellness caused by health-related online searches.  

About 80% of internet users surf the web to answer health questions and self-diagnose when they don’t feel well. Searching the Internet may seem like a good idea because there is so much information at your fingertips. But you don’t want to add stress to your life unnecessarily. 

Here are just a few reasons why trying to answer health questions and diagnose any problems without the aid of a doctor can be a problem: 

• There is so much information available online that it can be difficult to sort reliable sources from those that are less reputable. Even when health-related information is reliable, most searchers don’t have a medical background to allow them to know what to do with it, as medical problems tend to be complex. 

• Recent studies have shown that as many as 9 out of 10 people who used the Internet to self-diagnose were led to information on serious illnesses when they had basic symptoms. 

• When patients mistakenly believe they have a serious illness based on Internet searches, it can lead to high levels of anxiety that can cause medical problems and lead to unnecessary screenings or diagnostic tests.  

“The most important search you can make is finding the right doctor if you don’t already have one,” said Stacey Guan, M.D., Genesis Primary Care. “Your primary care physician will be your partner in your health journey. He or she will serve as your source of credible information specific to your personal health history.” 

So don’t stress yourself. Make an appointment to talk with your doctor about what is bothering you. If you can’t stay away from the Internet in the meantime, use credible medical websites like the National Institute of Health to search for signs and symptoms. Then you can have a comprehensive list to take to your doctor.  

About 80% of internet users surf the web to answer health questions and self-diagnose when they don’t feel well. Searching the Internet may seem like a good idea because there is so much information at your fingertips. But you don’t want to add stress to your life unnecessarily. 

“I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” was an iconic catchphrase from a 1989 TV ad. But, for those left helpless from a broken or fractured hip, the situation is no laughing matter. The CDC says a broken hip is one of the most serious fall injuries; it’s a difficult recovery and jeopardizes independent living. How vulnerable or prepared are you to handle a hip injury? 

How vulnerable or prepared are you to handle a hip injury?

Energy drinks are beverages that claim to improve energy. Their main ingredient is caffeine. They usually contain sugar, which adds calories. They also may contain guarana plant extract (which is like caffeine), taurine (an amino acid) and vitamins. How much do you know about the benefits and the risks of energy drinks?  

Q: Are energy drinks safe for adults? 

A: Energy drinks are usually safe for adults if you drink them in moderate amounts. The main ingredient is caffeine. Consuming less than 400 mg a day of caffeine is considered safe for adults. There is about 95 mg. of caffeine in 8 oz. of brewed coffee. A single energy drink can have as much as 500 mg of caffeine. Caffeine increases energy in adults and fights tiredness. But too much caffeine can make you feel nervous or grouchy. And it can cause an upset stomach, diarrhea and headaches. 

Q: Is it okay to drink alcohol and energy drinks at the same time? 

A: Drinking energy drinks and alcohol together may be unsafe. The caffeine in these drinks can make the effects of alcohol harder to notice. People may feel they are not as intoxicated as they really are. Mixing caffeine with alcohol may cause you to drink more. That's because the caffeine may keep you awake longer. 

Q: Are energy drinks safe for children and teens? 

A: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children and teens not drink energy drinks. One reason to avoid them is that the main ingredient is caffeine. It can cause problems in children and teens, including: 

• Higher blood pressure 

• Sleep problems 

• Worsen existing problems, such as an abnormal heartbeat for those with a heart condition or high levels of blood sugar for those with diabetes 

The best way for children and teens to improve energy is to eat a balanced diet and get enough sleep. 

Q: What are some concerns about energy drinks? 

A: There are several:  

• Too much caffeine. 

• Other ingredients are sometimes included, such as kola nut or guarana. There has been little research on how these ingredients may affect the body. 

• Limited regulation. 

Energy drinks may be classified as dietary supplements, which are not as strictly regulated as foods. For example, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the amount of caffeine in sodas, but not in energy drinks. 

Sugar

Energy drinks usually contain sugars, which add to the calories. This could lead to weight gain. The sugars can also lead to dental problems. 

Withdrawal

When your body gets used to a lot of caffeine and then you stop using it, you can get symptoms such as headaches, feeling tired, having trouble concentrating and feeling grouchy. 

Sleep

The caffeine in energy drinks may make it harder to sleep. Some people may feel they need less sleep, due to the stimulation they get from the caffeine. This can lead to not getting enough sleep, which can be harmful to your overall health. 

How much do you know about the benefits and the risks of energy drinks?

A mostly age-related normal condition that is years in the making – cataracts. Around age 40, the proteins in the lens of your eye start to break down and clump together. This clump makes a cataract, a cloudy area on your eye’s lens. Over time, the cataract gets more severe and clouds more of the lens. 

Cataracts can make your vision blurry, hazy or less colorful. You may have trouble reading, driving at night, or find lamps, sunlight or headlights too bright because of the cataracts.  

There are steps to protect your eyes and delay cataracts: 

• Wear sunglasses and a hat with a brim to block the sun. 

• Quit smoking.  

• Eat healthy. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables – especially dark, leafy greens like spinach, kale and collard greens. 

• Get a dilated eye exam. If you’re age 60 or older, get a dilated eye exam at least once every two years. 

You can get cataracts in one eye or both eyes – but they can’t spread from one eye to the other.  

In addition to aging, your risk for cataracts goes up if you: 

• Have certain health problems, like diabetes 

• Smoke 

• Drink too much alcohol 

• Have a family history of cataracts 

• Have had an eye injury, eye surgery, or radiation treatment on your upper body 

• Have spent a lot of time in the sun 

• Take steroids (medicines used to treat a variety of health problems, like arthritis and rashes) 

You can get cataracts for other reasons – for example, after an eye injury or after surgery for another eye problem (like glaucoma).  

If or blurred vision is interfering with your daily living, talk with your doctor.  

Cataracts can make your vision blurry, hazy or less colorful. You may have trouble reading, driving at night, or find lamps, sunlight or headlights too bright because of the cataracts.  

There are no bones about it – your bone health is vitally important. When you develop a condition like osteoporosis, you are susceptible to various health problems later in life. 

Osteoporosis is a disease that affects your bones, meaning they are thin and brittle with lots of holes inside them, like a sponge. This makes them easy to break. Osteoporosis can lead to broken bones (fractures) in the hip, spine and wrist. These fractures can be disabling and may make it hard for you to live on your own. 

What causes osteoporosis? 

“A lack of bone strength or bone density causes osteoporosis,” said Corey Jackson, D.O., board-certified orthopedic surgeon with the Genesis Orthopedic Group. “As you age, your bones get thinner naturally. Some risk factors can make you more likely to have osteoporosis. And some of those, like age and family history, are ones you can’t control. One of the risk factors – not getting enough weight-bearing exercise, is something you can control.” 

Exercises for your bones 

There are two types of osteoporosis exercises essential for building and maintaining bone density: weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises. 

Weight-bearing exercises 

These exercises include activities that make you move against gravity while staying upright. Weight-bearing exercises can be high-impact or low-impact. 

High-impact weight-bearing exercises help build bones and keep them strong. If you have broken a bone due to osteoporosis or are at risk of breaking a bone, you may need to avoid high-impact exercises. If you’re not sure, you should check with your healthcare provider.  

Examples of high-impact weight-bearing exercises are: 

• Dancing 

• Doing high-impact aerobics 

• Hiking 

• Jogging/running 

• Jumping rope 

• Stair climbing 

• Tennis 

Low-impact weight-bearing exercises can also help keep bones strong and are a safe alternative if you can’t do high-impact exercises.  

Examples of low-impact weight-bearing exercises are: 

• Using elliptical training machines 

• Doing low-impact aerobics 

• Using stair-step machines 

• Fast walking on a treadmill or outside 

Muscle-strengthening exercises 

These exercises include activities where you move your body, a weight or some other resistance against gravity. They are also known as resistance exercises. 

Examples of resistance exercises include: 

• Lifting weights 

• Using elastic exercise bands 

• Using weight machines 

• Lifting your body weight 

• Functional movements, such as standing and rising on your toes 

Check with your healthcare provider to see what exercises are recommended for you. It’s time to start improving your bone health today for a healthier tomorrow.  

Source: Healthwise.org; National Osteoporosis Foundation 

When you develop a condition like osteoporosis, you are susceptible to various health problems later in life.