Health Tips: Taking sweat out of summer

No reason to sweat about excessive perspiration

The month of May ushers in the prom and wedding season, and those who suffer from hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, may not want to risk being embarrassed or ruining formal clothing. Dr. Erin Welch, a cosmetic dermatologist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, says there are several options to address excessive sweating:

-- Botox injections, long popular as a wrinkle reducer, can block the nerve cell transmitters that stimulate sweat glands.

-- Prescription-strength antiperspirant and prescription pills can temporarily decrease sweat production, but can result in dry mouth and eyes.

-- Sympathectomy: surgery that severs the nerves that signal sweat glands.

Welch says Botox is becoming a popular treatment for brides and grooms. It takes about 15 minutes and involves several small injections under the skin in the armpits. Numbing cream is applied to the skin beforehand to make the procedure virtually painless, according to Welch.

Sweating to stay well

One of the ways to stay healthy as the temperature goes up is to remember to stay hydrated.

"Sweating is the body's way to maintain a normal temperature," explains Debra Strong, a registered dietician at University of Alabama at Birmingham. "You need plenty of fluids to produce perspiration."

-- Fluid intake is especially important during exercise. Drink about 16 ounces two hours prior to exercising, 8 ounces every 15 to 20 minutes during exercise and at least another 16 ounces after finishing.

-- In addition to drinking plenty of water, eat fruits and vegetables and drink sparkling water, non-caffeinated beverages and low-fat milk to keep the body hydrated.

No stress gardening

Gardening is relaxing, is a good work-out for various muscle groups and can even bring up the heart rate, but not paying attention to gardening body mechanics can cause painful body stress.

Paula Kramer, at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, says to avoid getting hurt in the garden:

-- Stretch before starting work. Even better, stretch for a few days before you start working.

-- Use a fat, rubberized or padded handled trowel made from one piece of metal from top to bottom. This allows for a good grip, less possibility of breakage of the tool, and less stress and strain on the arms and joints.

-- Tools such as shears or clippers with a spring-action, self-opening feature are helpful, but they should be well oiled so that they open and close easily, and avoid strain on muscles and joints.

-- Sit while working or take sitting breaks to decrease stress on the back, knees and hips. Dig a hole while sitting on a stool and using a shorter-handled shovel.

-- When lifting potted plants or bags of mulch and dirt, bend knees and lift straight up, keeping the back as straight as possible. Concentrate on using the leg muscles rather than back muscles to lift. Twisting and turning while lifting can strain the back.

Don't get tripped up by the pink flamingo

May signals the start of yard work and outside activities. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons warns that outdoor activities increase the risk of head injuries.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says 10,818 head injuries were treated in emergency rooms in 2005, caused by hoses, sprinklers, nozzles, gardening supplies, non-powered tools, lawnmowers, decorative yard equipment and wagons.

The association suggests taking the following precautions:

-- Do not wear clothing that can interfere with vision or activities.

-- Inspect and remove debris from lawns before mowing or gardening.

-- Inspect and remove debris from walkways and steps.

-- Keep hazardous materials or equipment safely out of the reach of children.

-- Store outdoor equipment properly.

-- Supervise children at all times in workshops and garages.

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(e-mail: consumerhealth@upi.com)