In my last health column of the semester, I want to answer a few of the smaller questions I received along the way. Enjoy!
What happens when you crack your knuckles? Is it bad for you?
I too am guilty of this habit. I continuously contort my knuckles and twist my back and neck to produce the lovely sound I associate with relief. I confess — This habit, I cannot kick.
When talking to my doctor and physical therapist about this matter, I received conflicting opinions.
My doctor told me the cracking sound was harmless and merely bubble popping between my joints. However, my physical therapist advised me to stop straining my back just to crack because I was overextending my joints.
My mother always has warned me that my knuckles would eventually look ugly and swollen. Sorry, Mom, but the results of a study of 300 knuckle crackers disagree.
Raymond Brodeur’s study reveals no apparent connection between joint cracking and arthritis or knuckle deformation. However, habitual poppers did show signs of soft tissue damage and a decrease in grip strength.
Why do feet stink?
In one day, your feet can produce more than one pint of sweat. Interestingly enough, the sweat is not what causes your feet to stink. The stench is produced by bacteria on your skin. (not just YOUR skin, everyone’s skin) Once the bacteria eat the sweat, it excretes waste. This waste causes the odor. (EEWW!)
To avoid this feast on your feet, wear ventilated shoes, clean cotton socks, odor-eaters and use an antiperspirant.
Why do I get a brain freeze when I eat ice cream?
The cold mint-chocolate chip touches the roof of your mouth. The nerves send messages to your brain telling the blood vessels to swell. The swiftness of the swelling causes your brain to pound and ache.
Next time, take breaks between licks.
Is fasting ever ok?
While drinking plenty of water, a one-day fast is acceptable. However, anything longer requires professional medical involvement.
Why do I get cold after eating?
Two reasons — You drink cold drinks while eating.
Your blood concentrates toward the stomach for digestion. The reduced blood flow elsewhere causes your body temperature to decrease.