One way to cut down on the stress in your life: Stop worrying so much. Easier said than done, right? Some things we simply must worry about -- the safety of our kids in this scary world, for example. But here are nine things we can strike from our worry lists, starting today.

Toilets
Yes, it's possible to contract an infection from potty seats -- see this previous post -- but it's not as likely as you might think. In fact, as long as you wash your hands after a trip to the bathroom, you'll likely never get one. You see, bacteria can't pass through intact skin so in order to catch something, you'd have to not wash your hands and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes. As for STDs -- they are acquired only by having sex.

Doorknobs
Wash your hands in public restrooms, open doors with your elbows or use a paper towel to turn the knob and you'll fare just fine in the germ department.

Source

Only if you eat about ten thousand of them! Yucky, yuck, yuck! I can't tell you how many people have asked me this strange question throughout my 18 years in the fitness industry. Too many to count. So! To anyone else who may be concerned about the belly bulging effects of fingernail chewing, here is my answer.

I'm not exactly sure how many calories are in each nail per se, but since they are made of keratin, a sturdy fibrous protein....it couldn't be much.They'd probably just run right through you. In fact, I think you'd have to chew through the hands and feet of everyone you know to even equal a moderately satisfying snack. Hmmmmmm. Yummy!

Source

The same way your hair has a major impact on how your face looks, your nails have a major impact on how your hands look. It seems like some poeple are naturally blessed with beautiful fingers and fingernails, while the rest of us struggle with brittle, peeling, cracking nails that break easily.

So what sets some people apart from others when it comes to long sleek nails versus short breaking ones? According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, some common causes are over-using nail products (nail polish, polish removers, hardeners, or other nail products and applications), low zinc or iron levels, or even thyroid problems.

And sadly, sometimes brittle nails are just a normal side-effect of the aging process.

Oh yay.

Source

Personally, I hate feet. They're ugly, they usually smell bad, and they're highly prone to fungal infections. And unfortunately, since (in my opinion) feet and toenails are already ugly it can be difficult to recognize the signs of a fungal infection.

Here are the major things to look for, according to the American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine: yellow or discolored toenails, extra thick toenails that are hard to cut, crumbling toenails, or (I would hope this problem is obvious!) nails that have separated from the nail bed.

Happy examining!

Source

Going to the salon to get a manicure, pedicure, or your hair colored is a luxurious experience that most people love. Having somebody wait on you hand and foot (literally!) is something that rarely, if ever, happens for us in our regular day to day lives. But we've also all heard horror stories about infections and health hazards, and here are some answers to the most commonly expressed health concerns when visiting the salon:

• Can I get an infection from a manicure or pedicure? Although it rarely happens, being aware of the possibility of getting an infection -- particularly HIV or Hepatitis -- is essential anytime instruments capable of breaking the skin are involved, as they are when doing nail care. Make sure your technician follows the appropriate guidelines and the risk will be minimal.
• Can hair dye increase my risk for cancer? Many studies have been done on this topic in relation to the risk of developing blood cancers and breast cancer, but all have been inconclusive.
• What services should I avoid when I'm pregnant? Pregnancy is such a complicated and delicate state that the best thing to do is consult your physician before receiving any salon services that involve chemicals, herbs, or other remedies -- even if they're "all natural." And some other services, like certain massages, can post risks during different stages of pregnancy and should also be avoided.

Click here for a more in-depth look at some of these concerns, plus a few others!

Source