Flu: Best Home Remedies and Natural Treatments to Relieve Symptoms
Too Hot? How To NOT Trigger Your Asthma
As the weather begins to warm, and we spend more time outside, people with asthma may find their symptoms unexpectedly flaring up. Though some may attribute this increase in shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing to pollen in the air, heat itself may be a culprit. Hot and humid weather is a common asthma trigger that many people forget about. Here is how to be ready for this change of season so that you can enjoy your time outdoors.
How Heat Affects Us AllOver the last few years, extreme weather and heatwaves have signaled just what a dramatic impact climate change is making. As global temperatures have continued to rise, warmer weather traps greenhouse gases in our atmosphere and contributes to worsening ground-level ozone levels. This is a problem not just for people with asthma, but all of us.
Ozone (also called smog) aggressively irritates lung tissue by reacting chemically with it, so ground-level ozone pollution can trigger respiratory and cardiovascular harm at any severity or exposure. Immediate problems include shortness of breath, coughing, asthma episodes, increased risk of lung infections and inflammation. High levels of ozone or long-term exposure can increase the seriousness of symptoms, especially for those with asthma or other chronic lung diseases and may require emergency attention. Heart attacks, stroke and premature death are uncommon.
Ozone is not the only lung irritant caused by heat and humidity. In general, extreme weather can strain the respiratory system, making breathing harder for individuals, especially those at higher risk. For people with asthma, breathing in hot air, whether dry or filled with moisture, can trigger symptoms because it causes the airways to tighten and narrow.
In contrast, stifling heat can cause the air to become stagnant, which traps pollens, dust, mold and other pollutants that may trigger an asthma flare-up. Also, allergic reactions to the wildfires or the blossoming outdoors can affect your nose, lungs, throat, sinuses, ears, lining of the stomach or skin.
6 Steps to Prevent Flare-Ups in Extreme HeatAfter a long winter indoors, we all want to enjoy the warmer weather without worry. If you experience asthma symptoms during this time of year, there are a number of things you can do to prevent a flare-up.
Learn more at Asthma Basics. Watch this short video on Extreme Heat in Cities.
'Slapped Cheek Disease' Is Raging Through NJ Schools Right Now
My son stayed home from school yesterday, and a quick trip to his pediatrician confirmed he had a classic case of Fifth Disease. Also known as Slapped-Cheek Disease, it is known for causing a bright red rash on the face and body, in addition to low-grade fever and flu-like symptoms.
Fifth Disease, also known as Slapped-Cheek Disease, is known for causing a bright red rash on the face and body. (Dan Zarrow, Townsquare Media)
Fifth Disease, also known as Slapped-Cheek Disease, is known for causing a bright red rash on the face and body. (Dan Zarrow, Townsquare Media)Until recently, I had not heard of Fifth Disease — even though it is very common in school-age children, and highly contagious. It has been rolling through our local school system and our network of friends for several weeks now. So I wanted to share what I've learned about the virus, and why there is only minor reason for concern.
(Note: I am a concerned parent and a scientist, but not a doctor or medical professional.)
What is Fifth Disease?Fifth Disease is more technically known as Erythema infectiosum and Parvovirus B19. Familiarly, it is called Slapped-Cheek Disease. It is a viral infection that is common among children from 5 to 15 years old. It is highly contagious.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, Fifth Disease infections most often occur in late winter, spring, and early summer. Minor outbreaks happen every few years.
Why is it called Fifth Disease?According to Cleveland Clinic, it is so named because it became the fifth viral skin rash known to infect children, in a checklist of six. In case you are curious, here is the list:1.) Measles2.) Scarlet fever3.) Rubella (German measles)4.) Dukes' disease5.) Erythema infectiosum (Fifth disease)6.) Roseola
Why is it known as Slapped-Cheek Disease?A bright red rash on the cheeks is the classic telltale sign of Fifth Disease. They look like they have been slapped. Hence, the colloquial name.
What are the classic symptoms?In addition to the face, a "lacey" rash can occur on the torso, arms, and legs. The rash usually appears within 4 to 14 days of infection, and may become itchy or irritating.
The rash is actually the last phase of the virus. Other earlier symptoms mimic those of the flu, and may include:—Low-grade fever (99 to 101 degrees Fahrenheit)—Headache—General fatigue—Joint pain and swelling—Sore throat—Runny nose
About 20% of children who contract Fifth Disease exhibit no symptoms at all, but are still contagious.
How does Fifth Disease spread?The virus is transmitted through respiratory or blood droplets, most often by coughing, sneezing, or talking.
Pregnant women can also spread the Fifth Disease virus to their unborn child.
Note: The red skin rash is not contagious.
Can adults get it?Yes, but it is rare. Most people who contract Fifth Disease as a child develop a natural immunity to it by adulthood.
Any serious complications?Healthy children and adults rarely face serious or long-term problems from the disease.
Those with blood disorders or a weakened immune system are at increased risk for low blood cell production and other complications. This includes those with cancer, HIV, anemia, and a transplanted organ.
Also, if a pregnant woman passes Fifth Disease to their unborn child, it can cause significant complications and danger.
How long does it last?Initial flu-like symptoms only last a few days. The subsequent rash usually fades after 5 to 10 days, but may last 2 to 3 weeks.
Can cats or dogs get it?No. Parvovirus B19 can not be passed from humans to other animals. It is different from the parvoviruses that affect dogs and cats.
What do I do if you suspect your child has Fifth Disease?Whenever your child exhibits flu-like symptoms, the CDC encourages common sense preventative measures:—Wash hands often with soap and water—Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing—Try not to touch eyes, nose, and mouth—Avoid close contact with sick people—Stay home when you are sick
Fifth Disease infections are usually mild, and do not generally require a doctor's visit or hospital stay.
What treatment is usually advised?Because Fifth Disease is viral, and not a bacterial infection, antibiotics will not work.
Doctors generally recommend rest and over-the-counter medicine to relieve symptoms. You might consider acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and joint pain. And lotion or other topical creams for itching.
Those who experience complications or are pregnancy with a Fifth Disease infection may require additional treatment or precautions.
When should you keep your child home from school?The Harvard Medical School recommends children stay absent from school or daycare if they have one of the "big four" sickness symptoms:1.) Fever2.) Vomiting or diarrhea (not a symptom of Fifth Disease)3.) Bad pain4.) Non-stop coughing or breathing changes (not a symptom of Fifth Disease)
Remember, once the "slapped-cheek" rash shows up, the virus is no longer contagious.
Cough, cough: NJ's favorite lost voice and sore throat remediesGallery Credit: Dan Zarrow
Dan Zarrow is Chief Meteorologist for Townsquare Media New Jersey. Check out Dan's weather blog or follow him on Facebook for your latest weather forecast updates.
10 Nasty Illnesses We See Every Year in New JerseyThese illnesses will be at their peak this winter all across New Jersey.
Gallery Credit: Megan Carter
The 20 Best-Selling Colognes For Men
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Popularity can be a double edged sword. On one hand, things are usually popular for a reason—because they're good. On the other, when something becomes too popular—or, dare we say, viral—it can be easy to roll your eyes at it. We're living in an age where rarity is the ultimate flex. But, if you ask us, popularity isn't a bad thing, especially when it comes to cologne. Sure, colognes become best-sellers because a lot of people buy and wear them. But the thing about fragrance is that it tends to react to your personal chemistry. So, even if you're wearing the same one as the person beside you, it could smell completely different.
Well, maybe not completely different, but you get the idea. Popular fragrances are known crowd-pleasers, so we like them because they're easy. We know they're going to be a hit where others may be more polarizing. Plus, if you're having a hard time deciding on a cologne to buy, a good place to start is with a best-seller because you at least know it's likely to smell great. The last thing you want is to shell out for a cologne that you don't like, right?
All of these fragrances have earned their place on the best-sellers list because they are just that damn good. Whether you're a collector or a newbie, they deserve a place in your rotation. Don't turn your nose up at popularity; instead, embrace it with one (or more) of these best-selling colognes.
Bleu de Chanel Eau de Toilette SprayThe versatility of Bleu is what makes it stand out—and what makes it so dang popular. It's like all of men's perfumery's greatest hits in a bottle: a fresh top, spices in the middle, and a base of wood and musk. It smells great on everyone, and while it's familiar and identifiable, isn't going to overpower the room. Think of anywhere you'd want to wear cologne (the answer to that is: everywhere) and Bleu is appropriate.
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Bleu de Chanel Eau de Toilette Spray
ulta.Com
$165.00
CK One Eau de Toilette SprayUntil 1995, pretty much all fragrances were marketed to either men or women—and nary the two shall meet. CK One changed all that by billing itself as the first unisex fragrance (whether that is true or not is up for debate). That was a pretty big deal in itself, but what it really did was capture the minimalist vibes of the era with its fresh, citrusy, slightly floral juice that smells clean but also alluring. It's ideal for warm weather and daytime wear and remains one of the best-selling scents to this day.
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CK One Eau de Toilette Spray
macys.Com
$89.25
Dylan BlueWhat sets Dylan Blue apart, and the secret to its popularity, is that yes, it's a citrus fragrance, but it has a dark side. Calabrian bergamot and grapefruit (plus water notes) give it its fresh "blue" quality at the top, but as it wears on your skin, it settles into deeper notes of amber, incense, musk, and patchouli. It's a mature take on a fresh cologne that's masculine, but not too aggressive to wear for pretty much every occasion.
Sauvage Eau de ToiletteSauvage may just be one of the most popular men's fragrances of all time and has had the world in a chokehold since it burst onto the market in 2015. It's instantly identifiable by its mix of a fresh top note and rich, amber wood base with a healthy dose of peppers and spice throughout the entire life of the scent. It launched a thousand copycats and changed the game in terms of what a modern masculine fragrance smells like, blending classic notes in a new and interesting way. When in doubt, you can't go wrong with Sauvage.
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Sauvage Eau de Toilette
sephora.Com
$100.00
L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme Eau de ToiletteThis zingy 1990s scent retains popularity (and sales) because of the unique mix of herbs and spices (not to mention the sweet yuzu in addition to the classic citrus notes) that turns it into something subtle and elegant. There's a light touch, which you'd expect from the iconic Japanese designer, that transcends decades and keeps buyers and wearers coming back over and over.
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L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme Eau de Toilette
bloomingdales.Com
$113.00
Light Blue Pour Homme Eau de ToiletteSo much of what we love about fragrances goes way beyond just the notes and is more about the vibes. You know, the feelings and memories they evoke. And no fragrance captures the feeling of summer better than Light Blue. The crisp, fresh citrus notes give it a bright opening, the herbaceous woodiness of juniper and rosemary evoke nature, and the smooth sexiness of rosewood in the base all work together to evoke days spent outside in the sun, preferably near a body of water. Wear it year round when you want to feel the sun on your face.
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Light Blue Pour Homme Eau de Toilette
sephora.Com
$133.00
Santal 33 Eau de ParfumOkay, these days Santal 33 has become synonymous with a certain hipster quality, mainly because hipsters were the ones that put it on the map. But the hipness isn't a bad thing. It's a damn good—we'd even venture say, amazing—fragrance, and even now that it's become insanely popular still retains a niche quality. It's identifiable but also somehow smells slightly different on everyone, which is part of how it keeps its cred in the face of ubiquity. It's still one of the best daytime wood colognes we've ever smelled.
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Santal 33 Eau de Parfum
lelabofragrances.Com
$33.00
Explorer Eau de ParfumIt's no surprise that this best-seller has mass appeal. It's one of the most versatile colognes on this list, perfectly walking the line between confident and subtle. Like many of the fragrances on this list, it opens with a fresh burst of citrus and herbs, then evolves into a cool mix of vetiver, leather, wood, and patchouli. No matter where you're wearing it, it's going to be a hit.
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Explorer Eau de Parfum
sephora.Com
$88.00
Eros Eau de ToiletteEveryone loves a party fragrance. You know the kind. It's the one you put on before going out on the town to really get the energy flowing (it's almost better than pregaming). Eros is the epitome of a party scent. It's bright and crisp, but dries down into sultry vanilla notes that are more skin-sexy than sweet. It's modern and youthful and, while we definitely recommend wearing it at night, doesn't need to be relegated to just the club.
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Eros Eau de Toilette
sephora.Com
$140.00
Terre d'Hermes Eau de ToiletteThis isn't an old-school cologne by the same measure as some of the others on this list, but there is a timeless quality that makes it stand out—and earns it its popularity. It's fresh, herbal, and woody with a dash of minerality that makes it feel (and smell) like something you could imagine your grandfather wearing, but that you actually want to wear, too. It's perfect for spring days, but really can work all year.
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Terre d'Hermes Eau de Toilette
bergdorfgoodman.Com
$135.00
The Most Wanted Eau De Parfum IntenseNaming this fragrance Most Wanted was a bit prophetic, seeing as how it went on to become a worldwide best-seller. What makes people gravitate toward it is the warm, spicy, slightly sweet vibe that's seductive and hot. It's the kind of scent you wear when you want to make a really great impression, whether you're on your first date or your thousandth.
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The Most Wanted Eau De Parfum Intense
sephora.Com
$100.00
Acqua di Gio Pour Homme Eau de ToiletteCan we even write a list about the best-selling men's colognes without including Acqua di Gio? Throw a brick into a group of guys and you'll hit one who's either wearing ADG now or has at one point in his life. It was an instant sensation when it hit counters in 1996 and has shown no signs of decline—mainly because it's the epitome of what we consider an aquatic fragrance today. Fresh citrus and floral notes mingle with oceanic minerals that are grounded in soft woods to evoke coastal vibes better than almost anything else. It's versatile, wearable, and, yes, identifiable (in a good way).
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Acqua di Gio Pour Homme Eau de Toilette
sephora.Com
$115.00
1 Million Eau de ToiletteOn one hand this is a party scent—a lively mixture of citrus, spices, and woods that's confidence in a bottle. On the other, it's surprisingly intimate and leans more into a warm, spicy-sweet territory that invites people to get closer to you (to get a better smell, of course). It's the kind of fragrance you want to wear in the winter, whether you're the life of a holiday party or hosting a more laid-back get-together.
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1 Million Eau de Toilette
sephora.Com
$160.00
Y Eau de ToiletteYou'll notice that many of the best-selling men's colognes belong to the fresh family and that's no surprise. Fresh notes like citrus, fruits, and herbs are always going to be crowd-pleasers because they add a zingy energy to fragrances. This popular scent takes it a bit farther with the addition of aldehydes to the top note, which gives it a slightly soapy, barbershop quality that's subtle and masculine at the same time. Anchored in musk and incense for added depth, this cologne stands out from the crowd in the best way possible.
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Y Eau de Toilette
sephora.Com
$125.00
Hugo Man Eau de ToiletteJust like the strong suits from Hugo Boss, this classic cologne is perfect for the office. It's has a strong, confident feel from the woody notes and balsam fir at the base that sticks to your skin for hours, but isn't the kind of thing that's going to overpower a room when you enter or linger when you leave. The sweetness of apple and clean floral lavender only add to its versatility and help give it a softer quality that's approachable yet still conveys strength.
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Hugo Man Eau de Toilette
macys.Com
$96.90
Polo Blue Eau de ToiletteAt some point in every man's life, he's encountered Polo Blue. Blue, or aquatic, fragrances will always be popular among men for the fresh, clean vibes they offer, but Polo's blend is as special as it is traditional. It begins with a crisp freshness that dries down into a masculine musky wood base, but never loses that clean vibe that we all love so much. It's a crowd-pleaser no matter what crowd you find yourself in and is appropriate for pretty much every occasion, from closing a deal at the office to an extra-special date night to just running errands on the weekend.
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Polo Blue Eau de Toilette
sephora.Com
$98.00
Uomo Born in Roma Eau de ToiletteThis one is relatively new to the best-sellers list, but it's no surprise it fast-tracked its way to the top. It draws on traditionally masculine notes like woods and vetiver with a dash of spice, but brings in a youthful quality with a top note of minerals (think salt). It's a modern take on a traditionally masculine fragrance that has vibrant vibes no matter how old you are.
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Uomo Born in Roma Eau de Toilette
sephora.Com
$145.00
AventusCreed is a cologne-lover's cologne brand and Aventus is the gateway. One of the brand's most iconic fragrances, not to mention one of the most popular men's colognes in general, this ultra-masculine juice is a little sweet (there are notes of apple, black currant, and pineapple), but also woody, musky, and rich. It walks the line between traditional and modern in a way that makes it wearable for almost every occasion. It's always appropriate and always statement-making.
Obsession for Men Eau de ToiletteIs this one of the greatest men's colognes of all time? Judging by sales, and the fact that it's still going strong since 1986, we'd venture to say yes. Unlike many of the Calvin Klein fragrances we think of today, which we think of for their freshness, this is a deeply layered scent that's warm and spicy, with notes like cinnamon, coriander, myrrh, nutmeg, and plenty of woods. It's manly, but not in an aggressive way—more like sitting next to a fire made from logs you chopped yourself.
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Obsession for Men Eau de Toilette
macys.Com
$80.75
Cool Water for Men Eau de ToiletteThere are plenty of aquatic colognes on this list and one could argue that they wouldn't be here without Cool Water—the OG aquatic heard round the world. Since its launch in 1988, it's become a bona fide icon that still enjoys best-seller status decades later. The classic watery cologne opens with a blast of freshness, but dries down to a masculine mix of musk, tobacco, and cedar at the base. We prefer it for day wear—it's very fresh, after all—but truly, it could be worn anywhere and any time.
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Cool Water for Men Eau de Toilette
macys.Com
$74.00
How We PickedNot only have our editors, including our Grooming Editor Garrett Munce and the rest of our style team, spent years testing, spritzing and wearing hundreds of colognes, but we also consulted market research, best-sellers lists, and reviews on reputable e-commerce sites that we (and you) trust.
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Why Trust UsWe're not going to say something is great unless it's actually great. Every product in Esquire's round-ups is carefully curated by our grooming and e-commerce teams.
When it comes to fragrance, one of the most important grooming items a man can have, you can rest assured that we're hand-selecting scents that we've personally tested, tried, and loved. Our grooming editor Garrett Munce, along with the rest of the style team, has spent years spritzing, spraying, wearing, and test driving hundreds (thousands!) of colognes and we are confident that these are the best.
Every pick on this list (and our other lists) comes from these years of testing. We know that no two tastes are the same, no two men are the same, and how you want to smell may vary from someone else. But if you're looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.
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