Summer is in full swing, and while you're enjoying the hot weather, sunny days and maybe a vacation, it's important to keep yourself healthy and safe.
NBC News medical correspondent Dr. Natalie Azar shared offbeat tricks from AARP that will help you enjoy your summer a little bit more.
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Here are a few quirky health tips you may not have heard before:
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1. To cool down after a workout, chill your hands.
Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine found that people who grasped hand-cooling devices worked out longer and were better able to stick to their workouts. They discovered that cooling the palms helps to circulate blood and pull heat from the body.
Though the people in the study used giant, cold gloves, you can apply these findings to your cool-down routine. After a workout, run your hands under cold water or hold a cold water bottle to take advantage of the heat-transfer veins in your palms.
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2. Put sunscreen on first, then apply insect repellent.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should apply sunscreen first and then insect repellent directly after. Why?
The CDC claims that bug spray creates a field of repellency as they evaporate and leave the skin. Avoid products that promise to protect you from the sun and bugs — for proper protection you should use two different products.
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Also, when applying insect repellent on children, first, spray the repellent onto your hands and then apply to their face.
3. Don't shuck corn before cooking it.
A little-known fact: The husks on corn help to keep nutrients intact. So instead of peeling and then cooking the corn, steam them first and then shuck.
4. Marshmallows might help sore throat symptoms.
Azar noted that there is no hard scientific evidence to support this theory, but it's certainly a delicious remedy to try. AARP reported that the gelatin in marshmallows coat the throat, which can relieve irritation and pain.
5. To prevent regular blisters, use surgical paper tape.
In an experiment, Stanford researchers put paper tape on runners' feet and found that area was much less likely to show blisters.
6. Use tea bags to prevent shoe odor.
Sweaty feet are more common during the summer months, and a great way to reduce the stinky odor is to put tea bags in your shoes. The tea bags supposedly absorb the moisture. First, wipe down the inside of your shoes with rubbing alcohol and then place a dry, unused tea bag in each shoe and let them sit overnight.
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Though there's no real science to support this idea, it's worth trying!
