Hot Date Coming Up?

Got a hot date coming up? Want to impress Mr or Miss Right with your sparkling charm, stunning wit and GSOH? You probably will, you sexy thing, but not if you’re suffering from any social-life-crushing problems.

Quick navigation: Bad breath | Clean teeth | Hygiene | Spots | Safe sex |

Does your breath smell like the Bog of Eternal Stench? Are your gums bleeding every time someone even looks at them sideways or your teeth brown from fags? Is your scalp flakier than Anna Nicole Smith, are your feet whiffy or your ears a bit blocked? Have got an annoyingly spotty face?

Panic NOT!

For we, StudentUK and the fantastically helpful and healthful NHS Direct web site have some hints and suggestions on how to ensure that you’re looking – and smelling – fab!

Remember, we’ll be adding new tips each day, so be sure to check back!

And for general health advice, don’t forget to check out the NHS Direct web site by clikcing here.


Bad breath?

Ever had a mate with bad breath? Did you tell them, or hold your breath? Too embarrassed to come clean - not mentioning it can make things worse.

It’s likely that you will notice a friend’s bad breath before they do. Chances are it’s halitosis caused by poor dental hygiene and is easily solved.

Why does it happen? Bacteria in the mouth attacks food trapped between teeth, producing a rancid smell. Use toothpicks after meals – a convenient and effective way to get rid of unwanted food.

Don’t let bad breath hinder your mate’s pulling power. Tell them!

Say Cheese!

Clean teeth and healthy gums feel good and look great, giving you the confidence to get up close and personal. We don’t all have Hollywood smiles, but tooth decay and gum problems are preventable:

• brush at least twice a day to avoid tooth decay - caused by plaque from partially dried saliva, bits of food and bacteria
• bleeding gums can be improved by brushing the problem area gently - caused by a build up of plaque where teeth and gums meet
Our top tips will help you achieve a winning smile:
• choose sugar free snacks & drinks
• chew sugar-free gum after meals and snacks
• visit the dentist at least once a year – they’re not scary honest!
• buy a new toothbrush at least every 3 months

Remember that NHS dental treatment is free while you are still in full-time education.

Don’t be a minger!

Ever got a whiff of sweaty feet, spent time brushing dandruff of your shoulders or unblocking your ears? Suffer no more - our handy tips are here to help:

Tired of being a living snow storm? Dandruff needn’t be a problem. Use medicated shampoos, especially those containing selenium, for effective treatment.

No one finds smelly feet attractive! What’s worse is that hot sweaty conditions encourage foot fungus. Fear not, although persistent it almost always responds to treatment - wash your feet every day, drying and powdering them.

Some people naturally produce more ear wax than normal. But, poking around your ears with paperclips, cotton buds, toothpicks etc. will only make you produce more wax, because skin irritation increases the amount of wax you produce.

Got other concerns? Check out the health encyclopaedia on the NHS Direct website.

Blitz those zits!

You’ve managed to get yourself a hot date for the weekend, but you’ve suddenly developed an outbreak of zits! “Why me?”

Contrary to popular myths, eating too much chocolate is not a cause of spots. Nor is dirty skin - in fact, washing too often, particularly with strong soaps, can make things much worse.

What is a spot?

Small glands in the skin produce an oily/waxy substance, which helps protect the skin. If the pores of these glands get blocked, infection can take root - pus builds up and the gland swells.

Beware! Over-use of make-up and masking creams can affect the skin by removing its protective coating of 'friendly' bacteria

- don’t use cleansers containing alcohol
- use only water-based make-up
- avoid harsh soap - keep your skin clean with fresh water

Feel the need to squeeze? Try to resist, as this may cause scarring. Simply wash well.


Safe sex

Scared of ruining the moment? Don’t be stupid - use a condom. It isn’t worth the risk.

Take the initiative and suggest using a condom. Make condoms part of your foreplay - discuss it early on before you get carried away and forget about protection.

You’re not invincible - sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can affect you at any age, whether you’re straight or gay, in a long term relationship or with a casual partner.

Been careless? Get down to an STI clinic and have a check up. Some infections show no signs - you could have an infection and not know it.

Carry a condom - being prepared doesn't mean you’re easy. It is responsible and shows you take sexual health seriously.

Want to know more about STIs? – visit the STI self-help guide on the NHS Direct Website.