Secrets to a healthy summer

Easy ways to dodge warm-weather health sappers—fast!

- BRENDA KEARNS

ELIMINATES ATHLETE’S FOOT: Castor oil dabs

It’s sandal season! Unfortunately, it’s also athlete’s foot season, since the fungi that cause this flaky rash (dermatophytes) grow rapidly when feet sweat. Luckily, massaging castor oil onto clean, dry feet once a day prevents this itchy infection. And applying it twice daily can clear up a rash faster than OTC antifungal creams, Portuguese research suggests. Credit ricinoleic acid, the oil’s powerful, natural antifungal that also reduces redness and itching, moisturizes dry patches and speeds healing of damaged skin.

FOILS BRAIN FOG: A timing trick