Fitness
Before You Exercise
Exercise Caution
For Athletes
Exercise for Health
Exercise at Home
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine
Tag: sweat
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Fever
General Health Conditions
The average normal temperature is about 98.6°F (37°C).
Signs & Symptoms
A fever means that body temperature is higher than:
* 99°F (37.2°C) under the arm.
* 99.5°F (37.5°C) by mouth or ear.
* 100.4°F (38°C) by rectum. Rectal temperatures are advised for infants.
Don’t use a glass mercury thermometer. If it breaks, droplets of toxic mercury can be released. If this happens, don’t use a vacuum or broom to clean up the mercury. Call your local health or fire department to find out what to do.
Causes
Fever is usually a sign of another problem, such as an infection.
Body temperature changes during the day. It is usually lowest in the morning and highest in the late afternoon and evening. Other factors can increase body temperature. These include:
* Wearing too much clothing.
* Exercise.
* Hot, humid weather.
* Taking a temperature by mouth after drinking a hot liquid, like tea.
Treatment
Treatment includes self-care measures and treating the cause.
Questions to Ask
Self-Care / Prevention
* Drink lots of fluids, such as fruit juice, water, etc.
* Take a sponge bath with warm (about 70ºF) water. Don’t use cold or cool water. Don’t use rubbing alcohol.
* Take the right dose of an over-the-counter medicine to reduce fever, as directed.
* Rest.
* Don’t do heavy exercise.
* Don’t wear too many clothes. Don’t use too many blankets.
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine
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Jock Itch
Men’s Health
Jock itch is an infection of the skin on the groin and upper inner thigh areas.
Signs & Symptoms
* Redness.
* Itching.
* Raised red rash with borders. Center areas of the rash are dry with small scales.
Causes
Jock itch is usually caused by a fungus. It can also result from garments that irritate the skin. Jock itch is more likely to occur after taking antibiotics or steroids, or in persons who have diabetes or a weakened immune system.
Treatment
Over-the-counter antifungal creams treat most cases of jock itch. Stronger creams or an oral medicine can be prescribed, if needed.
Questions to Ask
Self-Care / Prevention
To Treat Jock Itch
* Use over-the-counter antifungal cream, powder, or lotion for jock itch. Follow package directions.
To Prevent Jock Itch
* Don’t wear tight, close-fitting clothing. Wear boxer shorts, not briefs. Put socks on before underwear. Fungus on the feet, such as from athlete’s foot can transfer to the groin. Change underwear often, especially after tasks that leave you hot and sweaty.
* Bathe or shower right after a workout. Don’t use antibacterial soaps. Dry the groin area well.
* Apply talc or other powder to the groin area to help keep it dry. If you sweat a lot or are very overweight, use a drying powder with miconazole nitrate.
* Wash workout clothes after each wearing. Don’t store damp clothing in a locker or gym bag.
* Sleep in the nude or in a nightshirt.
* Don’t share towels or clothes that have come in contact with the rash.
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine
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A Simple Remedy For Prickly Heat
Skin Conditions
Feeling hot and sticky is bad enough. A visible sign of discomfort only makes it worse. Such is the case with prickly heat (also known as heat rash), identified by clusters of small blisters that itch and appear where you perspire the heaviest – the armpits, neck, back, or creases in the elbows (but not the face).
Hot, humid weather, sensitive skin, and excess weight all aggravate prickly heat. Here are some simple ways to find relief:
* Wear loose, lightweight clothing.
* Dust the affected area with cornstarch.
* Take cool baths to reduce itching.
* Avoid hot, humid environments and stay in air-conditioned places, if possible.
The key to managing prickly heat is to avoid sweating by staying in a cool environment. The rash will disappear in a couple of days.
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine