Is Deodorant Safe When Exercising?

“Are deodorants that control wetness safe?”

Mary

Philadelphia

Deodorant companies are always telling us we shouldn’t sweat. The truth is, you should never stop your body from sweating. Sweating is your body’s way of cooling itself. If you stop this process you could do a lot of harm to your body. As your body’s temperature rises small blood vessels in your skin expand and draw heated blood to the surface. You also begin to sweat from the pores in your skin. As the sweat evaporates it draws heat away from the skin and blood vessels. The cooler blood then recirculates throughout your body. If you stop your body from sweating you could overheat your system. You can also aggravate the skin if you have a problem with blemishes and you don’t allow our body to sweat naturally. The difference between regular deodorants and antiperspirants is that deodorants will allow your body to sweat. Use a deodorant or finely ground baking soda instead of antiperspirants. Before applying make sure your underarm area is completely dry.

 

Gaining Weight

“Everyone wants to lose and there is a lot of information on the subject. I need to gain weight. What should I do?”

John

Philadelphia

There is no magic to gaining weight. You must have a sound plan that includes good nutrition, aerobics and some toning exercises. You should begin a food diary to keep track of the foods you’re eating. You should be taking in at least 17 calories per pound of body weight. That means a hundred pound person should be taking in no less than 1700 calories daily. Try to divide your food intake into six small meals. Gradually work into this program by first getting in three meals, and then add one additional meal as your system gets use to the added food. Start with small portions, and then build on the amount of food. Keep your meals simple by eating only one or two types of food at a time. Eat at least every three hours. The key to getting this amount of food is planning.

Exercise is also an import part to any weight gaining program. Increasing your caloric intake can cause you to have another problem, fat. You should exercise at least three times a week with toning exercises and do some type of aerobic exercise two to three times a week. Exercise will help to insure that the weight you gain will be quality weight. I want you to start lifting weights three times a week.

Pick one or two exercises for each body part. This is easy if you go to a gym, they’ll have almost all the equipment you need to get a good workout. If you want to workout at home, invest in a set of a set of adjustable dumbbells. Do 2 sets for each exercise. I also want you to walk or jog 3 times a week. The exercise will create a demand for more muscle, which will help you to grow.

Between the eating and the workouts you should gain some good quality weight.

 

Caught in a thunderstorm

“What do you do if you’re running and a thunderstorm comes up?”

Sally

Camden N.J.

If you get caught in a thunderstorm while exercising outside here are some tips that could help you get out of a potentially dangerous situation.

Avoid high or open places.

Don’t stand near lone trees or isolated structures.

Avoid flagpoles, metal bleachers, utilities lines, fences and metal railings.

To tell if the lightning is too close, count the number of seconds between the flash of the lightning and the sound of thunder and divide by five. This is the number of miles that the storm is away from you. If the number you get is between less than seven the storm is too close and you should try to find safe shelter.

 

Time for breakfast

“I don’t have time for breakfast. What can I eat in the morning that is quick?”

Will

Newark, Del.

Instead of coffee or skipping breakfast, make a pit stop at your blender before you leave home. Pour in a cup of orange juice and a half-cup of sliced pineapple and a few strawberries. Blend for a few seconds and pour it in a large container you can take with you for the ride. Carry a straw and you can easily sip and drive while you fuel your body with vitamins A and C, potassium and phosphorus. Fruits and fruit juices are an excellent way to wake up and energize your body.

After a small fruit meal, cereals are a great choice. Skip the cereals with fruit and nuts mixed in they don’t breakdown well in the stomach when mixed. Also, use soymilk on your cereal instead of milk. You can drink milk but it’s best to drink it alone. Choose cereals that have less than 200 milligrams of sodium per serving. Also make sure that the first ingredient is a whole grain such as 100 percent whole wheat, brown rice or corn. If you find that sugar is listed, it should be the last ingredient. You should not be fooled by companies listing sucrose, fructose or maltose, they are all sugars. Whole grain cereals are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Make sure you’re getting the right stuff, read the label.

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Beef

“All my friends give beef a bad rap. Can I eat beef without feeling guilty?”

John

Houston

If you eat beef sensibly there is no reason you cannot include it in your diet. Three ounces of cooked lean beef contains one quarter of your daily requirements for iron and is a good source for zinc and B vitamins. That same three ounces contains 24 grams of protein, which is half your daily protein requirement for most people. When you buy beef, choose lean cuts of meat. Select is the best grade of meat, next comes Choice and then Prime. By choosing Select you reduce the fat by 15 percent. Eat meat alone or with a salad. You should skip the potatoes, bread, and the pasta, these foods will slow down the digestion of meat. You can eat starchy foods later with a non-protein meal. Beef is a good food source if you know how to include it in your diet.

Before starting your fitness program, consult your physician.

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