Foot Funk

Funk music (e.g. James Brown or Parliament-Funkadelic) can best be recognized by its syncopated rhythms, thick bass line, and razor-sharp rhythm guitars. Foot funk on the other hand can best be recognized by its pungent aroma, pinched noses, and comments like “Put your damn shoes back on!” We think you should enjoy a little good funk music from time to time, but by all means stay away from foot funk!

Why do feet stink?

The feet are densely covered with sweat glands (approx 250,000 each) that try to keep them cool. Sweat is essentially just water and salt, which does not smell bad on its own; however, your feet are also covered with natural bacteria. These bacteria live on dead skin cells and moisture. Therefore, when your feet sweat excessively the bacteria think it’s mealtime! As they consume, they in turn produce the waste material that causes the smell. Brevibacteria, are the leading cause of foot odor, which is the same bacteria that gives some cheeses such as Limburger and Muenster their characteristic pungency; thus, the term “cheesy feet”.

Prevention

The foot of an average male can exude half a pint of sweat a day! All that moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria, molds, toenail fungus, and viral infections, leading to smelly feet, rashes, or other more serious medical issues. Here are a few tips to keep you dogs funk-free:

• Wash your feet regularly

• Wear clean socks, preferably made of cotton or other absorbent materials that absorb a lot of the sweat so the bacteria can’t feed on it

• Wear well-ventilated shoes

• Don’t wear the same shoes everyday – give a pair of shoes 24 hours or more to air out before wearing them again

• If you sweat a lot or will be doing a lot of activity, apply an antiperspirant to your feet

• Sprinkle some talcum powder, cornstarch or potato starch onto the feet before putting on your socks or buy some absorbent Odor-Eater type shoe inserts

• There are also products available that will help safeguard by protecting the skin with a layer of glycerin

One nation under a foot-funk-free groove!

Hand Care

Well-groomed hands make a great first impression.

Don’t be embarrassed to get a professional manicure once a month or so. It’s perfectly masculine and more men are doing this everyday. They know how important it is to have soft and smooth hands for that first meeting or intimate moment.

If you think you’re too manly for a MAN-icure then there are steps for doing this yourself in the privacy of your own home.

1. Start by soaking your hands in warm water to soften the nails and cuticles and lock in moisture.

2. Using a metal file, clean beneath the nail to remove the dirt from the day (or days).

3. Trim the nails starting in the middle then rounding off the sides. Leave a thin white strip of nail at the end.

4. Smooth the edges of the nail by using a file. Make sure to go in one direction and not in a sawing motion.

5. Gently push back the cuticle on each nail (if you’re not sure what this is, ask a woman) using a cuticle stick.

6. Massage in some hand cream. We recommend Jack Black’s Industrial Hand Healer. This rich, non-greasy, long-lasting formula provides intense healing benefits. Road tested by guys who work with their hands – chefs, doctors, golfers and carpenters.

Since hands have the fewest and smallest oil glands, they tend to get the driest of any part of your body. So take care them since they’ll be doing most of the &quotleg work” for you.

Click here for nail tools mentioned above.