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Cabinet members - items men should have in their medicine chest

Men's Fitness, Nov, 1998 by Jonathan M. Berkowitz

Time to re-stock you medicine chest? Here's everything the active man needs.

1 If you didn't get occasional cuts and scrapes, you wouldn't be a guy. Studies have shown that antibiotic ointment helps minor wounds heal faster; these bandages with germ-killers built in will save you the mess.

2 Swimmers and outdoor guys need these innovative water- and dirt-resistant bandages, which are sort of like Gore-Tex for your cut.

3 If you're in pain, you can't go wrong with the old favorites: aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen. (Follow all package instructions; if the pain persists, see a doctor.) Ibuprofen is the drug of choice for athletes because of its anti-inflammatory action, perfect for overworked muscles, joints and tendons. Always take it on a full stomach to ward off irritation and internal bleeding.

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4 A good night's sleep can work wonders when you have a cold, so keep a product that combines a sedating decongestant with acetaminophen (which can also help lower a fever). Various products affect people differently; try to find one that makes you feel sleepy but not jittery.

5 Many people get by fine with a daytime "non-drowsy" cold formula, which may not dry up your runny nose as well but will keep you from working or driving under the influence.

6 Antacid tablets work great for occasional minor heartburn. Take one with calcium, which can double as a supplement if you don't get enough in your diet.

7 Sunscreen is critical, especially for guys who spend a lot of time outdoors. The best ones these days are water- and sweat-proof, non-comedogenic (meaning they're less likely to clog pores), offer both UVA and UVB protection and have an SPF of at least 30. (But using one doesn't mean you can fry all day - clothes, hats, good sunglasses and limiting your time in the sun are equally important.)

8 If you do get a minor sunburn, cold creams can help reduce friction and speed healing. Products like Noxzema also contain ingredients that cool your skin and dull the pain.

9 Alpha-hydroxy acid creams and cleansers have been shown to help reduce wrinkles - a little, anyway - by promoting new skin turnover and drawing water into skin cells. They can also cause irritation, so start out with a lower-strength product.

10 Lip balms work by holding in the moisture your lips already have and protecting them against the elements. Using one with UVA and UVB sunscreen offers extra protection, especially since licking your lips or eating can wash away sunscreen.

11 Mosquito bites and other minor itches can be relieved with cortisone. The "10" refers to a 1 percent solution, double the strength that could be sold over the counter just a few years ago. Get a brand with menthol or aloe as an extra soothing ingredient (but never cover a menthol-containing product with a bandage).

12 Yes, adults can still get acne. For occasional use, benzoyl peroxide is still the active ingredient to look for (although products containing pore-clearing chemicals - salicylic acid, azelaic acid or adapalene - can also help).

13 It may seem nutty, but scraping the back of your tongue with a plastic device really does help extinguish demon breath. That's because the grooves and canyons of your tongue are a favorite hiding place for bacteria.

14 Perhaps the most significant recent toothpaste advance is triclosan. This antibacterial ingredient may keep killing germs that cause bad breath and tooth decay even after you've brushed.

15 You have to floss every day for good dental health, but don't worry about unnecessary extras like fluoride, wax or cinnamon flavoring. If you have a problem with the floss shredding or breaking in your teeth, try an extra-strong variety.

16 Mouthwashes work by rinsing out germs and masking any unpleasant odors with what you hope will be a better one. What you don't want in a mouthwash is alcohol; that can actually make your mouth more prone to developing bacteria.

17 Shaving technology just keeps on getting better - and more expensive. Gillette's new Mach 3, which uses three blades per cartridge, gives you a great shave and looks really cool. But be prepared to pay about a third more than for double-edge razors.

18 The more lubricant you have on your skin, the smoother shave you're likely to get. That's why you can't go wrong with gels, which tend to go on denser than creams.

19 Most red eyes are caused by irritation, so you can often find relief with a simple tear replacement. (It's also useful if you work on a computer, which causes you to blink less frequently.) Look for a brand without preservatives, which can worsen the problem.

20 The point of using aftershave is to soothe your skin and help tiny nicks heal, not to overpower your co-workers with cheap scent. Go for a brand that makes your skin feel better - and stay away from products containing alcohol.

21 Nothing can cure a cold sore, but this inexpensive Wisconsin-made balm can help heal your pain. It's also one of the best remedies available for chapped lips.

22 Some athletes find this salve, made with the anti-inflammatory ingredient Arnica montana, helps relieve post-workout pain.

Cabinet members - items men should have in their medicine chest

Men's Fitness, Nov, 1998 by Jonathan M. Berkowitz

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