One of the things I'd never thought much about before we started working from home and I had so much time to think is ... showering. Is a daily shower necessary — or even a good idea?
I found a recent article on the website of Cooking Light that answers this very question.
Dr. Elaine Larson, an infectious disease expert and associate dean for research at Columbia University School of Nursing, says that "People think they are showering for hygiene or to be cleaner, but bacteriologically, that's not the case."
Larson's research has shown that the antibacterial soaps and cleaning products many use in their homes aren't any better than plain old soap at lowering the risk for infectious diseases. And when it comes to showering, all that rinsing and swabbing and exfoliating doesn't amount to much.
Bathing will remove odor if you're stinky or sweaty, but in terms of protecting ourselves from illness, washing our hands regularly is probably adequate.
Too much all-over bathing could raise the risk for some health concerns. Dry, cracked skin opens up gaps for infection-causing germs to slip through. Frequent bathing, when your skin is already dry — especially as you age and your skin becomes thinner and less hydrated — can increase the risk of coming down with something.
Dr. C. Brandon Mitchell, assistant professor of dermatology at George Washington University, thinks that most people over-bathe. He says that washing can strip our skin of natural oils and disrupt the skin's population of immunity-supporting bacteria. That's especially true when people bathe using antibacterial cleansers.
Larson and Mitchell recommend we ditch those.
So what is the ideal frequency? In terms of health — not how we look or smell — Mitchell recommends once or twice a week. Our bodies are well-oiled machines, so a daily shower isn't needed.
As long as we are washing our hands, and our clothing — which naturally rubs away and then collects dead skin cells and grime — Larson says we should suffer no ill health.
Mitchell recommends that people who shower daily should not lather their whole bodies. "Hit your pits, butt and groin, which are areas that produce strong smells. The rest doesn't really need soaping. As for hair, unless you have super oily hair, bad dry scalp or other scalp issues, a couple of washes a week should do."
START WALKING
I would be lying if I said I was off to a good start with my exercising. This whole new way of doing things has me in a mindset like I'm on vacation. I'm working from home and getting it done, but with not leaving home, it doesn't seem like work.
I'm not alone here, with a son and two dogs, one of which can exhibit diva behavior. It's just an adjustment. I know I'm blessed to be able to work from home and have the things I need to stay comfortable.
I found a couple of ideas for exercise and helping out. The first is the virtual Heart Walk. It's a way to join others in support of the Arkansas Heart Association, without getting anywhere near anyone else.
Walkers can start a team online by searching for their area's virtual walk at ww2.heart.org, or register on the Heart Walk app. You can use social media to raise funds, posting on your personal accounts for friends to help with fundraising
The actual "race" starts at 9 a.m. April 25. Just lace up your shoes and walk where you are. Hop on a treadmill, walk around the house or neighborhood if you can, then cook a heart-healthy meal, just move and have fun.
Take a photo or video during or along your walk and share on social media. Tag the Heart Association and use the hashtags #ARHeartWalk and #ARHeartAtHome.
Prevention magazine is holding a 5K that also can be done on your own terms because it's "virtual." You can choose your own course and start time and who walks "next" to you.
Everyone who participates will be emailed an "I Did the Prevention Virtual Walk" sign to print out. You can personalize it with your time, who walked with you or what inspired you. Share your pictures on your social media or Prevention's, or both.
For information or registration, go to runsignup.com and search for "Prevention Virtual Walk." Scroll down through the page to the search results and it should be the first item.
Email me at:
rboggs@adgnewsroom.com
Style on 04/13/2020