A "hard beer belly" is even more harmful to men, as is "razor bumps" from shaving too frequently.
**A "hard beer belly" is more harmful to men.**
Whenever Mr. Zheng gets together with friends, he always compares their "beer bellies." However, the observant Mr. Zheng soon noticed a significant difference between his and his friends'. Mr. Zheng's beer belly was always taut and hard, while his friends' felt soft to the touch. Why are some people's beer bellies so hard while others are soft?
Mr. Zheng suspected he had a growth in his abdomen, so he went to the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery at the Affiliated Harrison International Peace Hospital of Hebei Medical University for treatment. Chief Physician Professor Xing Hongli explained that many men wonder why their beer bellies vary in hardness and softness; this may seem like individual differences, but it's actually due to variations in the severity of the beer belly.
Excessive calorie intake leads to fat accumulation in the abdomen, resulting in a thick layer of subcutaneous fat and a firmer "beer belly." Therefore, a hard beer belly indicates significant fat accumulation and poses a greater risk to health than a soft, protruding belly.
Professor Xing Hongli's clinical research over many years has revealed that men with hard, protruding "beer bellies" are four times more likely to develop hypertension, three times more likely to develop diabetes, and twice as likely to develop coronary heart disease compared to those with soft, protruding bellies. Cerebral hemorrhage and cerebral infarction are also common in men with "hard beer bellies." In contrast, men with soft bellies have a relatively lower risk.
Therefore, Professor Xing Hongli suggests that men with a beer belly who are not overweight should, in addition to reducing their intake of beer and high-calorie foods, participate in some physical exercise (referring to aerobic exercise, such as running and skipping rope; anaerobic exercise, such as weightlifting, is not very effective for weight loss). Jogging is one of the effective methods. If you insist on jogging for at least 40 minutes every day, you can not only maintain a balanced figure, but also effectively improve your cardiopulmonary function and strengthen your physical fitness.
For men whose beer bellies have started to harden, in addition to maintaining a reasonable diet and increasing exercise, they must also have regular check-ups at the hospital to prevent the development of chronic diseases.
Author: Wang Liang, Special Correspondent for Health Times
Supporting Expert: Xing Hongli, Chief Physician of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Harrison International Peace Hospital Affiliated to Hebei Medical University
**Shaving too frequently can cause "razor bumps"**
Most men feel that a smooth shave is a sign of refinement. However, Dr. Liu Xiangnong, deputy chief physician of the Department of Dermatology at the Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Region, believes that shaving should follow a set steps and routine. If you shave too frequently or use the wrong method, fine hairs may penetrate the skin before leaving the hair follicle or enter the adjacent skin after leaving the follicle, causing irritation and resulting in very painful lumps, also known as "razor bumps."
Generally, using a manual razor may result in a cleaner shave, but this has a drawback: the stubble left is too short, which can easily cause razor bumps. Electric razors are more time-saving, less labor-intensive, and safer, as they are less likely to cause ingrown hairs or stubble.
In addition, many people are used to applying aftershave after shaving to shrink pores and feel refreshed and moisturized. However, from a medical point of view, aftershave is not necessary, because the skin is more sensitive after shaving, and some of the chemical ingredients in aftershave may irritate the skin.
Shaving foam and shaving cream are essential. Shaving foam not only provides a smooth feel but also helps remove fine stubble, preventing skin damage. Furthermore, shaving every two to three days is sufficient; don't strive for an excessively smooth finish to avoid razor bumps.
Moisturizing lotion is a great skincare choice, helping to retain moisture and prevent it from evaporating after shaving. For dry skin, choose a moisturizing lotion with good hydrating properties. If you have combination or oily skin, choose a lighter one. For skin prone to small bumps or rashes after shaving, a soothing lotion is best.
Author: Wu Zhi, Special Correspondent for Health Times
Supporting Expert: Liu Xiangnong, Deputy Chief Physician of Dermatology, Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Region