Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/148907
C O N N E C T // 3 health + beauty for fabulous fingernails Adopt healthy habits, moisturize and take it easy on the manicures. P ink and supple, tipped with a half-moon or straight-cut nail, healthy fingertips can be beautiful without any extra adornment. Still, who hasn't been tempted to try out cherry-red claws or presson acrylic tips with a favorite sports team's logo… just once? Whether you favor bare or bling, be sure to give your nails the TLC they deserve. • Avoid trimming or picking at your cuticles, which keep bacteria out of the nail bed. • Use fewer products, and let your nails rest. Nail hardeners, rough emery boards and some harsh chemicals used in professional manicures have been shown to damage nails. • Treat your nails gently. Moisturize them with your favorite body oil, and protect them by wearing rubber gloves when you clean or handle chemicals. • When you go for a professional manicure, reduce your risk of infection by bringing your own nailcare instruments. To make sure your nails are in good hands, follow these tips: Check if your nail salon displays a license, uses clean towels and soaks your fingernails before working on them. Need a dermatologist? Call TriStar MedLine® at 800-242-5662, or visit us at TriStarHealth.com. Tip o the Iceberg f Eyes may be the windows of the soul, but your nails can give physicians a view of your health. Clues may be found in the appearance of your nails. • Blue nails may signify pulmonary problems such as asthma, emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. • Brittle nails, or splitting, can indicate a malfunctioning thyroid gland. • Darkening of the cuticle may indicate melanoma. • Ridges and a thin, curved appearance are associated with iron deficiency, or anemia. • Thin reddish or brown lines, actually lines of blood under the nail, may indicate heart valve infection. • Yellow nails may signify diabetes. Nip the Habit While bitten fingernails do not necessarily suggest health problems, if you gnaw your nails a lot, you may be suffering from stress or insecurity. To get a handle on the habit, try: • Making your nails too beautiful to bite with a fresh coat of nail polish or a set of press-ons • Painting your nails with a bitter-tasting deterrent product • Substituting another "worry" activity, such as squeezing a rubber ball or rubbing a smooth stone When stress becomes too great, the problem is more than just your nails. Look for other solutions to manage anxiety, such as meditation, exercise or a consultation with a trained professional. F I N D A D O C // TriStar MedLine® // 800-242-5662 // 615-342-1919 Are Gel Nails Safe? Longer-lasting than nail polish, gel manicures offer a practical alternative. However, the gel coating must be hardened using ultraviolet light, a known carcinogen, or LED light, which is safer. Researchers have connected some cases of skin cancer with gel manicures, although no definite cause and effect relationship has been established. Applying sunscreen, wearing drying gloves and asking questions before making an appointment is recommended.