Cleaner Contact Lenses

I’ve been wearing contact lenses since I was a teenager and have usually done a good job of taking care of them, although I haven’t always been vigilant. For example, I slept in my contacts last night because we were hunkering down in the basement during Hurricane (Cyclone) Sandy. I also probably use them for longer than I should. Recently, I came across a study that examined the cases that those of us who wear contact lenses put those lenses in for storage. The study was pretty scary. It found that a full two thirds of the contact lenses cases … Continue reading →

Good Hygiene on the Go

Some days, the schedule is just packed. You’re running from one thing to another, with barely a minute in between to catch your breath… let alone freshen up. So what can you do to keep feeling (and smelling) fresh on those ultra-busy days? The very best thing you can do is to plan ahead. If you know you’ve got a crazy day on the schedule, be prepared. Pack a change of clothes if you think you’ll need a fresh outfit. Bring toiletries so you can wash up a little when you change. Maybe you won’t end up needing them… but … Continue reading →

How to Teach Good Hygiene

If you’re a parent, you are also a teacher. You have the incredibly difficult, challenging, amazing, wonderful, emotional job of helping the little life you created grow up healthy, smart, and strong. And one of the more awkward parts of the job can be teaching good hygiene. I’m sure my mom dreaded certain questions and milestones in my life (and looked forward to others). Questions about smells and the prevention of smells can be some of the most uncomfortable ones — whether you’re talking to a friend, a child, a parent, or a coworker. Here are some tips to help … Continue reading →

Did Your Deodorant Stop Working?

The deodorant/antipersperant aisle at the store is full of options. Sporty, teen, extra strength, spray, invisible, transdimensional, does the dishes too, etc. I used Secret because that was what my mom used… and I stuck with it for years. One day, I noticed that it wasn’t working as well as it used to. The powder fresh scent wasn’t lasting as long, and I was starting to feel sweaty. Betrayed! By my favorite deodorant! Oh, the horror! Heartbroken, I switched to another brand — Suave, if you’re curious. I’ve more or less been switching between the two every few years now, … Continue reading →

How to Talk to a Person with Bad B.O.

This may be a recurring nightmare among folks in management positions: a star employee has a problem with body odor… and it’s up to you to talk to them. What do you say? How do you approach the subject tactfully? It’s not an easy one. Even for the people we hold closest — family and friends — it’s not always easy to point out a flaw like body odor. I feel horrible suggesting that a friend needs a breath mint… yet I’d definitely want to know if I was the stinky one. The approach is even more delicate when you … Continue reading →

Showers: More Than Just Hygiene, Says Study

Is a shower part of your daily ritual? Maybe you like one first thing in the morning, to get your brain going. Maybe you like one before bed, so the warm water can help you relax. A new study has shown that showering during the workday can actually help increase productivity! Four businesses took part in an eight week study sponsored by Mira Showers, a shower designer in the United Kingdom. (They’re owned by kitchen and bath powerhouse Kohler, in case you’re curious.) The study included ad executives, restaurant industry workers, architects, and more. Study participants were asked to record … Continue reading →

Foot Odor

Foot odor may be annoying, but it usually isn’t serious. Most often the culprit is overactive sweat glands — excessive sweating creates the perfect environment for bacterial and fungal growth. So what can you do about stinky feet? When my brother was in high school, I used to attack him and his friend Michael with a can of Lysol because their feet smelled SO BAD! That didn’t cure the problem, but at least the air freshener smelled better than their feet. Change your socks throughout the day. Bring extra pairs to work with you and switch for fresh socks every … Continue reading →

Body Odor

Did you know that our bodies produce two types of sweat? Eccrine is a clear, odorless sweat that helps regulate body temperature. Apocrine is produced by glands in the armpits and groin that can get stinky when it interacts with bacteria on the skin. So what can you do to fight offensive body odor? Wash daily. Use a deodorant or antibacterial soap. Use deodorant daily. Pick a deodorant that contains metallic salts (like aluminum or zinc). Roll-ons and sticks usually give better coverage and protection than sprays. Use an antiperspirant. This can slow down apocrine sweat production. Look for an … Continue reading →