a more serious problem called sleep apnea. If you feel snoring is disrupting you or your partner’s sleep, consult a doctor.
Belching
Burping may not be the picture of politeness in American society, but in some cultures, a hearty belch shows appreciation for a good meal. In either case, burping a few times after eating is normal. It’s the body’s way of freeing the air that you’ve swallowed. Frequent burping combined with other symptoms, such as nausea or belly pain, could be a sign of a digestive disorder. Check with your doctor if the problem continues.
Gas
Perhaps no bodily function has inspired as many jokes as gas. While the sound and smell can be embarrassing, passing gas is harmless. It’s nothing more than air moving through the digestive tract or gas from the breakdown of food by bacteria in your gut coming out – well, we all know where.
Gas facts:
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- Most people pass gas 6-20 times a day.
- Beer, soda, beans, and many fruits and vegetables are all likely to gas you up.
- Foods that cause gas differ for each person.
Body Odor
Whether you’re working hard or playing hard, any strenuous activity can result in a strong body odor. The culprit isn’t sweating itself, but the bacteria that use sweaty skin as a breeding ground. You can fight the bacteria by showering regularly with soap and using antiperspirant. Also, be sure to wash workout clothes often. If body odor persists, try avoiding smelly foods like garlic and onions.
Jock Itch
You don’t have to be a pro athlete to get jock itch. This fungal infection spreads easily at your local gym — or from another part of your own body. Hands, towels, and stepping into underwear are common culprits. The symptoms include a patchy rash on the groin or inner thighs, along with the telltale itching. It’s treated with nonprescription antifungal creams. Keeping the area dry and avoiding tight clothing helps to avoid a repeat engagement.
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Athlete’s Foot
When the fungus that causes jock itch targets the feet, you have athlete’s foot. Walking barefoot in locker rooms or near pools is the most common way to pick up this infection. Symptoms include itching, burning, blisters, or cracks on the feet and toes. Athlete’s foot is treated with antifungal cream. If you have both jock itch and athlete’s foot, be sure to treat them at the same time.
Ingrown Nails
Grooming your nails may not be the highlight of your day, but it’s worth your time to get the job done right. Clumsy nail trimming is the top cause of ingrown toenails, which can cause pain, swelling, and infections. The most common mistake is trimming the nails too short. To avoid this, check your drugstore for nail “nippers” that are shaped to follow the natural curve of the nail.
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Bad Breath
You probably know that smelly foods and smoking can sabotage your breath. But the most common culprit is bacteria. When you brush your teeth, brush your tongue as well to banish the bacteria that thrive there. If good hygiene doesn’t sweeten your breath, see your dentist and your doctor. Gum disease, dry mouth, or acid reflux could be part of the problem.
Hearing Loss
Men are more likely to experience hearing loss than women, and noisy jobs may contribute. Think miners, carpenters, and soldiers are all at higher risk of developing hearing loss. But any loud or continuous noise can damage delicate ear structures, including music piped in through earbuds. On the job, use special ear protection. Keep personal music players at or below 85 decibels (dB). Most can crank up to 105 dB, louder than a motorcycle, woodshop, or snowmobile.
Sure, it can be tough to be a guy, but by focusing on living a healthy lifestyle, and checking in with your doctor regularly, you can better handle most of life’s curveballs (pun intended).
