WebMD's On the Street: A Stressed Student
Our experts advise a college swimmer on her schedule, her hair, and her skin.
Cat Nap
"Try to keep a consistent bedtime, even on the weekends. You may want to sleep in by 30 to 60 minutes on Saturdays and Sundays to try to catch up on lost sleep. Consider instead a 20- to 30-minute nap during any daytime down time. (No longer than 30 minutes, or you'll feel worse than when you started.) Eliminate alcohol within three hours of lights-out to increase the quality of your sleep. Go decaf by 2 p.m. to allow all caffeine to leave your system by bedtime."
Michael J. Breus, PhD, ABSM, author of The Sleep Doctor's Diet Plan: Lose Weight Through Better Sleep
Hydrate the Skin
"Before hitting the pool, moisturize with a product that contains dimethicone, a derivative of silicone that prevents water loss from the skin by forming a hydrating barrier. It also acts as a mild water repellent while protecting skin from irritation. Two to try are Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion and NeoStrata Problem Dry Skin Cream. After your swim, rinse off in fresh water. While skin is still damp, reach for a spray bottle filled with olive oil, spritz on, and massage. Olive oil is inexpensive, readily available, and hydrates while protecting the skin."
Mohiba K. Tareen, MD, founder, Tareen Dermatology, Roseville, Minn.; clinical assistant professor of dermatology, University of Minnesota
The opinions expressed in this section are of the experts and are not the opinions of WebMD. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
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