FitSugar

New Guidelines Address Exercise and Shock Therapy For Depression

Leta Shy — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 13:30:10 PDT

We all know that unhealthy living or having an illness can make you feel down, but a new report from the Centers for Disease Control says these issues lead to clinical depression in a large number of Americans. The organization underscored chronic conditions like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes as well as unhealthy lifestyle choices like smoking, physical inactivity, or binge drinking as causes of depressive disorder, which it says currently affects almost 10 percent of Americans. In addition, the CDC reported that about three percent of Americans experience major depression, meaning that for more than half the time they met eight criteria for depression, including "feeling down, depressed, or hopeless" or having "little interest or pleasure in doing things." With the incidence of depression increasing, it is not surprising that the American Psychiatric Association on Friday released the first update to its physician guidelines on treating major depression in a decade. Some of its recommendations are pretty unexpected. To see some highlights on how to treat depression, including the organization's beliefs on exercise and shock therapy,

Shock therapy by passing electric current through the brain can be very effective for extreme cases of depression. The organization also offered magnetic therapy on nerves in the brain as a potential option for those with recurring major episodes.
Maintenance treatment by staying on antidepressants "indefinitely" can benefit those who have recurring episodes of depression.
Exercise such as aerobics or resistance training can provide modest improvements in mood.
Talking therapy works best for those with mild or moderate depression, but in serious cases may not be as effective as medication.
Depression during pregnancy can lead to preterm delivery, so pregnant patients should discuss whether or not to remain on medication or whether to use talking therapy with their doctors.

The APA said the report was based on published research and reviewed by an independent panel for any industry bias.

Put That Can Down! 5 Reasons to Give Up Soda

FitSugar — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 12:30:00 PDT

If you rely on sodas to get you through the day, it's time to reconsider your options. Coke may get your motor running, but the cons of sipping one easily outweigh the pros. Before you reach for another carbonated beverage, check out a few good reasons you should stopping swigging soda.

Bone loss: While scientists debate the exact reason, most agree that drinking soda is bad for our bones and deters us from having something healthier like a glass of milk or water. Still, some believe the phosphoric acid in sodas may lead to osteoporosis.
Hypertension: Keep the doctor away by not drinking a soda a day. Studies show that people who consume sugary and carbonated sodas increase their risk of type 2 diabetes, among other diseases.
Dental decay: It doesn't take a brain surgeon to realize that sodas aren't the best drinks for the teeth. The acidic drinks can erode tooth enamel and cause decay. If you must, drink it through a straw.

To see the rest of the list,

Sugar, sugar, sugar: If you want to overdose on your sugar allowance for the day, go ahead and drink a soda. The nondiet beverages are typically chock-full of it, which consequently puts you on a sugar high and eventually a sugar low. And diet sodas won't get you off the hook either.
The antithirst: Thirsty? Don't reach for a soda. The carbonated drinks may taste good going down, but they often leave you thirstier than before.

Chances are, a glass of water, milk, tea, or juice could serve your purposes in a much healthier manner. What are some reasons you don't drink sodas?

Speak Up: What Unhealthy Habits Are You Trying to Break?

FitSugar — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 07:00:20 PDT

It's Summer, and lately it's been so unbearably hot and humid that all I can think about is how to stay cool. I could be healthy and go swimming, but no - I choose ice cream. My little habit started as a weekly trip to the local ice cream shop, but lately, I've been keeping pints in my freezer and enjoying spoonfuls after dinner every night. It's so hard to resist that cold, creamy sweetness, but I need to curb this habit ASAP before my pants begin to rebel.

Staying on the healthy path all the time is hard work, so tell me, what unhealthy habit are you trying to put an end to? You never know, another reader might have some good advice to help you kick your habit.

Avoid These Common Unhealthy Eating Habits

FitSugar — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 04:30:02 PDT

I'm all about sharing tips on how to pick up healthy habits such as ways to eat more fiber, tips on getting more zzzs, and how to fit in more exercise. You may not realize though that some common everyday choices you make could be contributing to weight gain or poor health, so here are some eating habits you want to avoid.

A bad breakfast: You know you're not supposed to skip breakfast, but did you know that what you eat in the morning sets the tone for your meals throughout the day? Skip the pastries, energy bars, and sugary juices and enjoy a breakfast that's full of protein, fiber, and healthy carbs such as fruit or whole grain bread.
Eating on the run: With your busy lifestyle, sometimes you need to grab food when you can. But mindlessly gobbling down food makes our brains feel gypped and unsatisfied, so we end up reaching for more food. Make a point to sit down and enjoy your meals.
Using a dinner-sized plate for dinner. Traditionally bigger plates are used for dinner entrees, but we tend to feel the need to see our plates full in order to feel like we're getting enough food. In order to eat an appropriate portion for supper, use a smaller salad or dessert plate instead.

Find out what other common unhealthy habits you might be making when you

Three meals a day: Studies have shown that eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than the standard three a day may prevent overeating and keep your metabolism steady.
Eating in front of the TV: It seems like every commercial I see displays decadent and calorie-laden foods, so no wonder you're tempted to run to the kitchen for some nibbles. If watching TV triggers you to nosh, grab some cut up fruit instead of chips, or use commercials as a time to hit the floor and do some push-ups, crunches, or stretches.
Weekend splurges: You've maintained a balanced diet all week. The weekend is the time to reward yourself, right? Not so fast. Many people end up consuming an extra 300 calories a day on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, causing a weight gain of a few pounds a year. The biggest source of those extra calories is breakfast, since people often trade in their usual bowl of cereal for eggs, bacon, and pancakes. Alcohol is another culprit, so try to stick to one drink a day for your health and your waistline.

Would You See an Unhealthy Doctor?

FitSugar — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 03:47:00 PDT

Whenever I go to the hospital I see a group of doctors and nurses huddled together on the sidewalk smoking. A co-worker recently told me how she was given diet advice from a physician who was visibly overweight. In college I worked at a deli and I can still remember the lunch order of a doctor who came in four times a week - french fries, a Coke, and a pastrami Reuben.

It seems logical that a doctor should be a model of health, but the message some physicians are sending is, "Do as I say, not as I do."

Doctors often work long hours in stressful environments. Top that off with being surrounded by vending machines full of junk food and bad coffee, and you have the beginnings of an unhealthy recipe.

Should doctors be forgiven, then, for picking up a few bad habits? Is it what's "up there" that counts the most? Would you feel comfortable taking advice from a doctor who seems unhealthy?

Your Top Five Tips for Kicking the Soda Habit

FitSugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 03:30:00 PDT

Recently a user asked for advice on kicking the soda habit and you came through with some fabulous tips and advice, especially since many of us have had to kick our own Coke guzzling practices to the curb. Your top tips are:

Switch to seltzer water or sparkling water. You'll get the fizz, but not the sugar. If you miss the flavor try the flavored varieties. If possible find those flavored without high fructose corn syrup.
Find a healthier drink to be addicted to. Suggestions include iced tea, milk, and Kombucha tea.
Drink water. Lots and lots of water. If you can't stomach the plain water, try flavored. Think about adding your own flavors like a splash of 100 percent fruit juice or Crystal Light.
Cut down. Don't deny yourself your pleasure, that could only make you want it more. Slowly eliminate it from your diet.
If all else fails, go cold turkey. Sounds hard, but many of you guys think that stopping drinking soda completely is the only way to ultimately quit.

To see all the great advice, check out the comments here.

Source

Five Lifestyle Habits to Break

FitSugar — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 03:00:00 PDT

Some bad habits are worse than others; in fact, some bad habits could shorten your life. In an effort to live a healthy long time, you may want to make a few changes to your lifestyle. Researchers looked at death risk and lifestyle factors, and here are the top five habits that could shorten your life:

Cigarette smoking
Being overweight
Low physical activity
Excessive alcohol use
Low-quality diet

Do you have or do any of the above? Well it's time for a change, especially since researchers found that having all five of the risk factors increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease times eight; the risk of dying from cancer was three times higher and the risk of dying from any cause was four times greater.

Source

9 Things You Shouldn't Do in the Loo

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 12:17:00 PDT

There are plenty of healthy things you can do in the bathroom like stretch in the shower, lube up on sunscreen while naked to protect every inch of your skin, and floss to prevent gingivitis. There are also plenty of things you shouldn't do in the ladies room:

Drink water from the shower head: Not only have studies found that shower heads are breeding grounds for disease-causing bacteria, but the hot water itself is also not safe to drink.The hot water heater is also a place where bacteria thrives.
Keep the shower curtain closed: Mildew and mold love dark, wet surfaces, and breathing them in can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms. Aside from letting the curtain air out, you can prevent mold and mildew by running a fan or opening a window, allowing air to circulate.
Flush with the lid up: Germs and other particles can become airborne when you flush, so limit the amount misting into the air by lowering the lid before flushing.
Store your toothbrush on the counter: Although toothbrush holders look neat and tidy next to the sink, it's healthier to put your toothbrushes away in the medicine cabinet or vanity drawer. Why? Every time you flush the toilet, your toothbrush gets sprayed with bacteria. Even if you put the lid down as suggested above, microorganisms can still be ejected into the air and land on your toothbrush. So gross. Keep your mouth protected by drying off the bristles after each use and putting your toothbrush away.
Use Q-tips inside your ears: The label clearly states, "Do not insert swab into ear canal. Entering the ear canal could cause injury." Along with potentially rupturing the membrane, the swab is likely to push wax deeper into the ear canal, where it will need to be professionally removed. Using cotton swabs isn't even necessary since earwax naturally moves toward the opening of the ear canal and is sloughed off during daily routines and showers.

Keep on reading to find out what other unhealthy habits you should avoid in the bathroom.

How to Avoid Gaining Weight While Dating

FitSugar — Fri, 04 May 2012 17:41:52 PDT

Being in a relationship is so exciting that spending so much time together can cause your healthy lifestyle to fly out the window. You may even adopt some of your partner's unhealthy habits. That can add up to some extra pounds on the scale, so here are some tips to prevent weight gain while dating.

Remember that eating an extra 500 calories a day will make you gain a pound in one week, so be conscious of how much you're eating. Just because your guy has three slices of pizza, that doesn't mean you should too. Guys need more calories, so remember to eat appropriate sized portions, even when dining together.
You don't have to eat just because your partner is. Guys tend to inhale their meal, and then an hour later they're eating again. It can be tempting to join in if food is in front of you, but don't nosh unless you're truly hungry.

Keep up with your regular exercise schedule. When you're in a relationship, you don't want to sacrifice the things that are important to your own well-being, so make time for your 20 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. Get up early before work or steal away during lunchtime so you don't feel like it's taking away from time spent with your loved one.
Or better yet, exercise together. Meet at the gym after work, play tennis or racquetball, take salsa dance lessons or a Vinyasa yoga class, or join a dodgeball team.
Spend more time being active together instead of sitting on the couch. You don't have to be really athletic, but you can tour a museum, take a walk in the park, hike in the woods, or go for a bike ride.
Sign up for a healthy cooking class together so you can both learn new ways to make delicious dishes that are full of nutrients but not full of saturated fat, cholesterol, and empty calories.

13 Health Gimmicks You Can Stop Wasting Money On

Business Insider — Tue, 01 May 2012 00:15:21 PDT

Consumers have a tendency of falling for the next big health gimmick. Save your money on health duds with these Business Insider tips.

No matter how many times we're told otherwise, Americans' obsession with get-healthy-quick schemes will likely never die. Too bad most of these fads aren't worth their weight in salt - or your hard-earned dollars. We've put together a list of some of the worst budget-sucking health trends that still persist today.

Coconut Water

Coconut water may be nature's version of Gatorade but some brands have already caught fire for over-hyping its nutrient content. Vita Coco agreed to settle a $10 million class action lawsuit over an independent study that showed the drinks didn't pack near as many electrolytes as advertisements implied. Some coconut waters are also loaded with added sugar, which will do nothing to help your waistline.

Alternative: Pick up your own young green coconuts on the cheap from an Asian produce market. Just crack them open with a cleaver and pop in a straw.

"All-Natural" Foods

30 percent of Americans bought more natural foods in 2011, according to a Rodale study. But what are we really paying more for? There's no clear cut regulation on what makes food "natural," which means just about any company can slap that label on its packages, add a fancy green theme and jack up the price.

Says Andrew Schrage of MoneyCrashers: "Before buying any food that is touted as being 'all natural,' take a look at the ingredient list before you check out. Keep in mind that butter and salt are indeed natural ingredients. So stocking up on natural foods may not achieve anything other than increasing your grocery bill."

Read on for more.