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It’s PROBLEM:
BY YELENA SAPIN
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Ear and Nose Hair
M
en often wish they had more hair. Nature gives them what they want as they get older, but not quite where they want it. Once they hit middle age, men tend to find unsightly hair sprouting on and in the ears, says Dana Barker, manager of the U.S. Highway 42 location of Fritz Salon & Spa for Men. Nose hair, which can make an appearance at any age, is less discriminating and can poke out from women’s nostrils just as often as from men’s. No matter where it strikes, however, there are some simple ways to tame the hairy beast.
PROBLEM:
Constipation
W
e may not like to think about it, and we certainly don’t like to talk about it, but maintaining a regular, comfortable bathroom routine is important to our health and well-being. Constipation and hard bowel movements can cause bloating, bleeding, and be a symptom of something else going on. While what’s normal varies greatly from person to person, any sudden change of bowel habits is a red flag that should be discussed with your primary care doctor, says Norton Healthcare gastroenterologist Dr. Rajesh Joseph.
16 todaystransitionsnow.com | Spring 2016
SOLUTION:
DIY Methods
SOLUTION:
Salon Services
Armed with good lighting, a magnifying mirror, and maybe a willing partner who can see into places you can’t, you can safely groom your ears and nostrils with one of many personal ear and nose hair trimmers available on the market. For better access and visibility into the nostrils, tilt your head up and push up on the tip of your nose. Stubborn strays can be handled with tweezers, but plucking will definitely bring tears to your eyes, Barker warns. Just stay away from scissors, since it’s easy to nick sensitive areas.
The most effective way to remove unwelcome ear and nose hair is with a professional wax. It only takes an extra 10 minutes during your salon visit, and the results last several weeks, Barker says. Waxing the outside of the ears is accomplished the same way as waxing the eyebrows; a waxing stick tipped with a special hard wax is used for getting into the nostrils and around the ear canal. The process removes the hair all in one move and isn’t nearly as painful as tweezing the hairs one by one.
SOLUTION:
SOLUTION:
Your first step is to drink more water. Stay away from sugary drinks and aim for eight to 10 glasses of water a day. Eat a well-balanced diet, get regular exercise, and increase your intake of fruits and vegetables — their naturally occurring sugars, especially in the old standbys of prunes, raisins, and prune juice, have a laxative effect. Coffee and tea can also stimulate your bowels, but too much fiber (a bulking agent) can actually worsen bloating and constipation, Joseph cautions. Work with your doctor or nutritionist to tweak your diet.
When natural remedies aren’t enough to offer relief, ask your doctor about medications that are safe for you. Common overthe-counter stool softeners can help make bathroom visits easier and more comfortable, and laxatives can expedite the process and make it more efficient. There are also some newer remedies available by prescription. To rule out any physical obstructions or more serious conditions, your doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist for a more in-depth evaluation.
Natural Remedies
Medication