FitSugar

Fit for December: Must Haves

FitSugar — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 10:15:00 -0800

They say the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, but I must add that it generally isn't the healthiest. Here are a few things I think will help you stay happy, fit, and healthy in December.

REI Power Stretch Tights ($70)	Hands2Go: Alcohol Free Anti-bacterial Hand Sanitizer ($3.50)
Juice Beauty SPF 15 Tinted Lip Moisturizers ($15)	Peppermint	Single Leg Squats

If you want to see why these are my December must haves just read more

REI Power Stretch Tights ($70): Come winter and snow time, you want a pair of toasty pants you can wear for a variety of activities, and these Stretch Tights by REI will take you on a run through wintry streets and to the slopes as a great base layer. Made with Polartec fabric that stretches four directions to ensure ease of motion, they have a moisture-wicking velour fleece to keep you dry on the inside and a smooth nylon outer face that sheds light rain and wind. I love that they come with an unobtrusive zippered side pocket.
Hands2Go Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer ($3.50): Keep your hands germ free with this alcohol-free hand sanitizer. Not only does it kill 99 percent of bacteria, but it also moisturizes with a blend of aloe vera, chamomile, and lavender extracts.
Tinted lip balm with sunscreen: Just because it is cold outside doesn't mean the sun cannot do damage. I love this trio of lip moisturizers with mineral tint for color and SPF 15 by Juice Beauty ($15). There is a color for every occasion. I would definitely slip one if these into the zippered pocket of my REI running tights!
Peppermint: This herb is more than candy-cane flavoring; peppermint is considered by many to be the world's oldest medicine. Peppermint has been shown to help decrease symptoms of irritable bowl syndrome. It can also help relieve cold symptoms by working as a decongestant and expectorant. Warm yourself with a cup of peppermint tea.
Single-Leg Squats: Skiing season officially starts in December (here's hoping for a good snow year in the Sierras) and you need to start conditioning for the slopes now, if not yesterday! Single-leg squats are the exercise to get your thighs mountain ready. Start with six reps on each leg, for two sets.

Minutes to a Healthier You . . .

FitSugar — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:30:33 -0700

We all know the Summer sun can do serious damage, and I have been writing a lot about sunscreen lately. We all tend to remember to slather the protective lotion on our faces and shoulder, but skip many body parts that still see the sun. Next time you're heading out to play in sunshine remember to put some sunscreen on the following areas:

Ears - especially the tops
Feet - once again coat the top of your feet
Hands - the backs of your hands need sunscreen, especially when riding a bike
Low back - if you're wearing a short top that doesn't quite reach the waist of your pants
Lips - keep your sensitive lips covered with SPF lip balm
Neck - make sure to apply sunscreen to both the front and back of your neck

2009 Sunscreen Guide by Environmental Working Group

FitSugar — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 03:06:49 -0700

This time Environmental Working Group has got your back covered - literally and with sunscreen. They have just released their 2009 Sunscreen Guide.

After investigating over 1,500 sunscreens, EWG found that three out of five brand-name sunscreens didn't protect skin adequately from damaging UV rays. Many sunscreens also contained hazardous chemicals. Their list is definitive and complete including moisturizers with SPF as well as lip balms designed to block the suns damaging rays. You can sort by ranking to find the most effective and healthiest, or you can sort by brand to see how your favorite SPF ranks.

EWG is not in favor of chemical based sunscreens, like those with oxybenzone, and instead strongly favors sunblocks with titanium oxide and zinc oxide. These sun blocks do not contain chemicals absorbed by the skin and provide superior protection with better water resistant qualities. The only problem is they can leave a white tint on your skin. For everyday sun protection, mix a little base with your whitening sunblock to give the lotion some color and provide superior coverage to the delicate skin on your face. How did your sunscreen rank?

You Asked: Sunscreen Without Oxybenzone

FitSugar — Thu, 28 May 2009 08:00:00 -0700

Hi Fit,
My grandmother spent much of Memorial weekend warning me about hidden health dangers, while ironically serving me cookie after cookie. Gram's main rant was against sunscreen containing oxybenzone. She said it was unsafe, but couldn't remember why. Can you tell me why I should avoid it and recommend sweatproof waterproof sunscreen that doesn't contain oxybenzone, and preferably won't clog my pores since I'm still somewhat prone to acne? Of course I would prefer a sunscreen that doesn't break the bank either. Thanks!
- Fair-Skinned Fun in the Sun

I bet your gram makes tasty cookies, and regarding sunscreen, she might be on to something. Learn about oxybenzone when you read more.

First off, oxybenzone is an organic chemical used in sunscreens to filter UV rays and is a penetration enhancer, helping other chemicals penetrate the skin. Last Spring the CDC released a study that 97 percent of Americans had oxybenzone in their blood. This widely used ingredient has been linked to allergies, hormone disruption, and cell damage. Aside from sunscreen, this chemical is used in moisturizers, lip balms, and lip sticks.

Since oxybenzone in an ingredients in well over 600 sunscreens, it can be a challenge to find ones that don't contain it. Here are a few options:

Natural Sun SPF 25 Sunscreen for Active Lifestyles by Aubrey Organics ($8.50/4 oz.): It is a broad spectrum sunscreen and although the label doesn't say it is water- or sweatproof, it is the brand's sunscreen for water activities.
Oat Protein Sunscreen SPF 30 by Kiss My Face ($13/4 oz.): Water-resistant and broad spectrum, this sunscreen uses the mineral titanium dioxide to block the sun's rays.
SPF 30 Sunscreen by Vanicream ($15/4 oz): This sunscreen is non-comedogenic, meaning it won't block your pores or cause blackheads. It is a broad spectrum sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

It pays to read sunscreen labels and look for ones that use minerals to block the sun's rays, like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. It can be difficult to find a sunscreen that is both non-comedogenic and waterproof. It might be well worth your money to invest in a sunscreen for just your face that covers both the requirements, and use a less expensive sunblock for the rest of your body. Do wear a protective hat that wicks when you're outside and active.

Source

Preventing and Healing Chapped Lips

FitSugar — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 03:30:00 -0800

Winter weather has settled in for good, and I'm sure you've rebelled by cranking up the heat in your homes, cars, and offices. While the heat keeps us warm, it also takes moisture out of the air causing dry skin. Delicate areas are especially affected, like lips since they don't secrete any oils. The result can be tender or painful chapped or cracked lips. To prevent this uncomfortable problem, keep these tips in mind:

If your lips are dry, avoid licking them. Saliva will momentarily add moisture but it will evaporate, making your lips even drier. Also, your saliva contains some digestive enzymes, which will irritate sore lips even more.
Keep your lips moisturized with lip balm. Ones with beeswax, such as Burt's Bees Lip Balm are soothing and long lasting. If you're a fan of the great outdoors, use tinted lip balms with SPF to keep your lips protected from sun exposure, which can also dry them out.
Add moisture to the air you breathe with a humidifier. Keep it running in your bedroom while you sleep since a heated home can cause you to wake up with dry lips that will crack when you yawn. Ouch!
Make sure to drink lots of water throughout the day. We tend to forget to hydrate properly since it's cold out, but it's just as important as getting enough water in the Summer. Use Fit's Calculator to figure out how much water you should be drinking each day, and keep a water bottle with you while you work to help you remember.
Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine since these can dehydrate your skin.

If you suffer from chapped lips read more.

If your lips are cracked already, apply a topical antibiotic ointment such as Bacitracin or Neosporin ointment to prevent infection. If your lips don't heal, see your doctor since dry lips may be a symptom of an underlying problem such as a vitamin deficiency.

Source

Lip Balm Really is Addictive

FitSugar — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 08:45:00 -0700

Raise your hand if you can't go anywhere without your lip balm? (My hand is raised.) If you are one of those folks who is constantly applying lip balm, you may actually be addicted to it because your lips become so accustomed to having more moisture content than they had in the past.

Good news though: Being addicted to lip balm is really no big deal unless you develop an allergic reaction to the ingredients. Flavoring, fragrances or added preservatives may be the source of the problem if you do have problems with a lip balm. Switching to an unflavored or unscented type of lip balm may solve the problem completely.

All lip balms work by sealing in natural moisture and there isn't much difference between a 99-cent lip balm and more expensive brands, when it comes to sealing in moisture at least.

Personally, I always have a tube of the good ole' ChapStick brand stuff in my purse and gym bag. I love ChapStick Ultra because it has SPF 30. Buy it online from DrugStore.com for $2.99.

Sunscreen (On the skin)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:55:54 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

May help protect your skin from sunburn, skin cancer, and other damage caused by the sun.

Brand Name(s)

Sport Sunscreen, Rite Aid Baby Sunscreen SPF 45, Rite Aid Sunscreen SPF 30, Rite Aid Sport Sunscreen SPF 48, Rite Aid Sport Sunscreen SPF 30, Rite Aid Sunscreen SPF 45 Oil Free Essential Defense, Rite Aid Sunscreen Sheer, Ti-Screen Moisturizing Sunscreen, Chap Stick Ultra, Rite Aid Kids Sunscreen

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

Talk with your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to a sunscreen. Even if you have had an allergic reaction to one sunscreen, you still may be able to use another sunscreen that contains different ingredients.

How to Use This Medicine

Cream, Stick, Gel/Jelly, Lotion, Spray

Most sunscreens are applied about 15 to 30 minutes before you go out into the sun. Sunscreens that contain PABA should be used about 1 to 2 hours before sun exposure. There are many different kinds of sunscreens, so instructions may change with each product. Always read and follow the instructions on the package label.
Use the sunscreen on your skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not use the spray on your face. A sunscreen stick or lip balm especially made for your face is easy to use.
Apply a thick layer of sunscreen to all skin areas exposed to the sun. Reapply the sunscreen about every 2 hours, or after swimming, towel drying, or heavy sweating.
If the sunscreen contains alcohol, you should not use it near a fire or if you are smoking.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the sunscreen at room temperature away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Talk with your doctor before using a sunscreen on the same skin areas you are treating with other skin medicines.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

You should not use sunscreens on children younger than 6 months of age unless you have first talked with your child's doctor. Children younger than 6 months old may absorb sunscreen through their skin into their bodies. It is best to keep infants younger than 6 months old out of the sun. If this cannot be avoided, lightweight clothes and a hat may help protect an infant from the sun.
Sunscreens work by either absorbing or reflecting the sun's ultraviolet radiation (UVR). UVR causes skin cancer, sunburns, and premature aging of skin (wrinkles and dry, thinning skin). Clouds will filter some UVR, but not all. You will still need to use sunscreen even when it is cloudy.
UVR can reflect off of light surfaces such as sand and snow. Wear a sunscreen when are out in the snow to keep from getting a sunburn.
Sunscreens are rated by SPFs (sun protection factors). Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Children older than 6 months of age should wear a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher when outdoors. If you need more protection or have fair skin, an SPF of 20 to 30 (or higher) can be used. You can also protect your skin by wearing a hat and lightweight clothes.
To prevent skin damage, avoid being in the sun between the hours of 10 AM and 3 PM, when the sun's rays are strongest.
Sunscreens that contain PABA may permanently stain your clothing yellow.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Rash

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_0824

Sunscreen (On the skin)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:05:13 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

May help protect your skin from sunburn, skin cancer, and other damage caused by the sun.

Brand Name(s)

Esoterica Facial, Esoterica Sunscreen, Dermatone Skin Protector, Sportz Bloc, Dermatone UVA/Uvb Sunblock, Vanicream Lip Protectant, Sponix Sunscreen, Solbar Shield Sunscreen, Vanicream SPF 60, Vanicream SPF 30, NAVA-SC, Vanicream Sunscreen, Solbar Zinc SPF38, A-Fil, Rosula CLK

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Cream, Lotion, Gel/Jelly, Stick, Liquid, Ointment

Most sunscreens are applied about 15 to 30 minutes before you go out into the sun. Sunscreens that contain PABA should be used about 1 to 2 hours before sun exposure. There are many different kinds of sunscreens, so instructions may change with each product. Always read and follow the instructions on the package label.
Use the sunscreen on your skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not use the spray on your face. A sunscreen stick or lip balm especially made for your face is easy to use.
Apply a thick layer of sunscreen to all skin areas exposed to the sun. Reapply the sunscreen about every 2 hours, or after swimming, towel drying, or heavy sweating.
If the sunscreen contains alcohol, you should not use it near a fire or if you are smoking.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the sunscreen at room temperature away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Talk with your doctor before using a sunscreen on the same skin areas you are treating with other skin medicines.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

You should not use sunscreens on children younger than 6 months of age unless you have first talked with your child's doctor. Children younger than 6 months old may absorb sunscreen through their skin into their bodies. It is best to keep infants younger than 6 months old out of the sun. If this cannot be avoided, lightweight clothes and a hat may help protect an infant from the sun.
Sunscreens work by either absorbing or reflecting the sun's ultraviolet radiation (UVR). UVR causes skin cancer, sunburns, and premature aging of skin (wrinkles and dry, thinning skin). Clouds will filter some UVR, but not all. You will still need to use sunscreen even when it is cloudy.
UVR can reflect off of light surfaces such as sand and snow. Wear a sunscreen when are out in the snow to keep from getting a sunburn.
Sunscreens are rated by SPFs (sun protection factors). Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Children older than 6 months of age should wear a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher when outdoors. If you need more protection or have fair skin, an SPF of 20 to 30 (or higher) can be used. You can also protect your skin by wearing a hat and lightweight clothes.
To prevent skin damage, avoid being in the sun between the hours of 10 AM and 3 PM, when the sun's rays are strongest.
Sunscreens that contain PABA may permanently stain your clothing yellow.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Rash

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_4962

Protect Your Lips From the Sun

FitSugar — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 10:51:46 -0700

When you go outside to enjoy the warmth and sunshine, you've got to protect your lips from the sun's harmful rays. That skin can get sunburned too, and excessive exposure could cause lip cancer.

Just as you apply sunscreen to your skin, you need to apply sunscreen to your lips. Many lipsticks, lip glosses, and lip balms contain SPF, so check those labels ladies.

Here's a list of some of my favorite protective lip balms and lipsticks. Beeswax lip balm from Burt's Bees is still my all time favorite even though it doesn't contain any SPF, so I just reserve it for nighttime use if my lips feel dry after spending a day in the sun.

Kiss My Face Certified Organic Lip Balm, SPF 15	Tinted Lip Balm SPF-18, TerraTint Blaze
Neutrogena Whisper Pink Lipstick SPF 20	SPF 15 Vanilla Lip Balm by Ecco Bella
Eco Lips Organic Sport Lip Balm	Buy Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm

5 Things: Preventing Chapped Lips

FitSugar — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 12:30:00 -0800

When it's super cold out, we crank up the heat inside. This keeps us warm but can totally dry out our skin, especially lips since they don't secrete any oils. Here are some ways to prevent them from getting painfully chapped or cracked.

Avoid licking dry lips. Saliva will momentarily add moisture, but it will evaporate, leaving lips feeling drier. Plus saliva contains a little bit of digestive enzyme, which won't make sore lips feel very good.
Always keep your lips moisturized with lip balm. Ones with beeswax are soothing and long lasting. Look for tinted lip balms with SPF to keep your lips protected and looking healthy.
Sleep with a humidifier since a heated home can cause you to wake up with dry lips that'll crack when you yawn. Ow!
If you tend to be a drooler when you sleep, apply a lip balm that contains zinc oxide, which acts as a barrier preventing lips from drying out.
Make sure to drink lots of water throughout the day. We tend to forget since it's cold out, but it's just as important as getting enough water in the Summer. Use Fit's Calculator to figure out how much water you should be drinking each day, and keep a water bottle with you while you work to help you remember.

Source