Showering
Good hygiene is important, but your daily shower could be bad for your skin if you have the water very hot and use washing products that contain lots of chemicals.
These can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and cracks, and may increase your risk of infection.
You can protect your skin by turning down the temperature of the water, and if you’re prone to dry skin, use a soap-free product like aqueous cream (available from chemists) in place of soap.
Rinsing after brushing your teeth
Rinsing your mouth out with water after giving your teeth a good going-over is a habit for many of us. But in fact, it may be bad for your teeth because it washes away the protective fluoride coating left by your toothpaste. This coating can add hours of protection if left in place.
As well as not rinsing, some dentists recommend not drinking any fluids for at least half an hour after brushing, and not wetting the toothbrush while you’re brushing as this can dilute the effect of the toothpaste.**
Sitting on the toilet**
An Israeli study has found that it’s better to squat to go to the toilet, rather than sitting on a porcelain perch. That’s because squatting is a more natural position and it means you don’t strain as much. This in turn reduces the risk of bowel problems like piles and diverticular disease.
Experts advise people having trouble with their bowel movements to put a footrest at least 15cm high under their feet and to lean forward, as this simulates the squatting position and can prevent straining.
Cleaning
Housework can be bad for your health, according to international research.
A Spanish study has found using cleaning sprays as little as once a week could contribute to as many as one in every seven cases of adult asthma. And US researchers have found that people who take on most of the responsibility for household chores in their home had significantly higher blood pressure than those who left it to their partner.
The findings suggest it’s not doing the actual work that causes blood pressure to soar, but worrying about getting all the tasks done.
Health watch
If your man is stressed, take him to an art gallery, museum or the theatre. A new study has found men who enjoy cultural pursuits have better health, are less likely to be anxious or depressed and feel more satisfied with life than those who don’t like to look at art or watch plays.
If you’re trying to get pregnant, you may want to forego your daily cup of coffee. Research in animals suggest that caffeine reduces the activity of muscles in the Fallopian tubes, making it difficult for eggs to get down the tubes from the ovaries to the womb to be fertilised.