FitSugar

Experimental HIV Vaccine Works!

FitSugar — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:30:42 -0700

Every day 7,500 new people worldwide are infected with HIV, and right now 33 million people have the virus. In the year 2007 alone, two million died from from AIDS related disease. These grim statistics are why the news that experimental HIV vaccine has worked in preventing the risk of infection is just amazing. For the past 20 years, scientist have produced many vaccines that failed making this breakthrough huge.

Before your hopes are raised too high, know that the vaccine only decreased risk by about 31 percent, but with this little bit of success, a completely effective HIV vaccine could become reality in the not-too-distant future.

To hear more about the vaccine and how it was tested read more.

This new HIV vaccine actually involves two different vaccines that when tested previously on their own, didn't work. Scientists gave 8,000 18 to 30 year old men and women in Thailand a combination of both vaccines. Another 8,000 were given placebo vaccines. After three years, the rate of infection was a third lower in the group that received the vaccine: 51 of the vaccinated people who were infected, while 74 people who received the placebo were. The vaccine works by introducing an antigen into the body, which triggers the immune system to produce antibodies to protect against infection.

Although the vaccine was only partially effective, this is still seen as a huge step forward in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Scientists still have many more questions. Will the protection last, or will patients need regular booster shots? And will the vaccine prevent HIV regardless of it's transmitted ? Hopefully continued research can answer these questions, and help develop a vaccine that can protect us from this deadly virus.

VMA Fandemonium: A Concert to Benefit LIFEBEAT

FitSugar — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 08:49:34 -0700

Over here, all the Sugar girls are gearing up for the VMAs next weekend! Next Saturday, September 8th, MTV will help LIFEbeat celebrate with VMA Fandemonium: A Concert to Benefit LIFEbeat at House of Blues in Las Vegas.

The annual MTV concert to benefit LIFEbeat will feature performances by VMA nominated artists Maroon 5 and Robin Thicke. LIFEbeat is a national non-profit organization dedicated to reaching America's youth with the message of HIV/AIDS prevention. LIFEbeat mobilizes the talents and resources of the music industry to raise awareness and to provide support to the AIDS community. Good music for a good cause, now that is something I can support. You may still be able to get tickets, last I checked a few were still available at TicketMaster.

You know the Sugar Network is going to be all over the VMAs next Sunday (September 9th), so be sure to visit all the sites for our live coverage and stop in the live chat on TeamSugar during the show.

STIs Explained: HIV and AIDS

FitSugar — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 02:30:00 -0700

Since today, June 27, is National HIV Testing Day, I thought I could dispel some myths and lay out the facts about HIV and AIDS. It is a serious issue so let's get down to business.

HIV - the human immunodeficiency virus - is a virus that kills your body’s "CD4 cells," (also called T-helper cells), that help your body fight off infection and disease.

HIV can be passed when an infected person's bodily fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluid, or breast milk) come in contact with an uninfected person's mucous membranes. The HIV virus can be passed during any type of sexual contact - including oral and anal sex. Sharing needles can also transmit HIV from one user to another. HIV-positive mothers can also pass it onto their babies when they are pregnant, when they deliver, or if they breastfeed.

AIDS - the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome - is a disease you get when the HIV virus destroys your body’s immune system. That means that viruses, parasites, fungi and bacteria that usually don't cause any problems can make you very sick since your immune system is damaged.

To prevent HIV and other STIs in the first place abstaining from sexual contact is your best bet, but the likelihood that happening is rare. So always use a latex or polyurethane condom when having sex. Or better yet, have you and your partner get tested before you get intimate.

Fit's Tips: Many people who have HIV do not show symptoms for many years, so the best thing to do is get tested just to make sure.

Want to know more about HIV and AIDS? Then read more

STI	Symptoms	How do you test for it?	Treatment
HIV and AIDS	rapid weight loss dry cough extreme fatigue swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck diarrhea that lasts more than a week white spots or unusual blemishes on the tongue, in the mouth, or in the throat red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids memory loss, depression, and other neurological disorders pneumonia	Anonymous HIV testing is available in many places and it's usually free You can have a blood test, or a simple oral test that checks for HIV antibodies. People who have HIV antibodies are called HIV-positive.	There are treatments to help HIV symptoms, but there is no known cure yet

STI

Symptoms

How do you test for it?

Treatment

HIV and AIDS

rapid weight loss
dry cough
extreme fatigue
swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck
diarrhea that lasts more than a week
white spots or unusual blemishes on the tongue, in the mouth, or in the throat
red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids
memory loss, depression, and other neurological disorders
pneumonia

Anonymous HIV testing is available in many places and it's usually free

You can have a blood test, or a simple oral test that checks for HIV antibodies.

People who have HIV antibodies are called HIV-positive.

There are treatments to help HIV symptoms, but there is no known cure yet

Source and Source

Off the Mat, Into the World

FitSugar — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 02:00:00 -0800

When AIDS was first detected in 1984, there were 41 reported cases in th U.S. And now, 23 years later, more than 40 million people are infected worldwide.

There is no vaccine - no cure. But thankfully, there is an organization called YouthAids. It is an HIV/AIDS education and prevention program that targets youths between the ages of 15-24 with positive, upbeat messages of abstinence, and consistent and correct condom use.

Seane Corn, a well-known yoga instructor, believes in Karma Yoga - the practice of serving others.

Ashley Judd, a well-known actress, who was diagnosed bipolar, found that yoga benefits her mind more than any prescription pills.

Together, with their love of yoga, they began the "Off the Mat, Into the World," campaign to benefit YouthAIDS. They created organic cotton "Off the Mat, Into the World" t-shirts. You can order them for $32 with 100% of the sales going towards YouthAids.

It's a great way to activate our heartfelt intentions beyond the yoga room and extend them to the world outside. All the feelings of love, compassion, strength, mindfulness, and gratitude - they can be used as fuel for spiritual activism.

Fit's Tips: Want to do more? Here are some other ways to help with the fight against AIDS.

Source

National Condom Week - Yep, That's Right

FitSugar — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 10:15:00 -0800

Love is in the air; after all it is Valentine's Day. Funny enough, today kicks off National Condom Week as well. Interesting coincidence, if you ask me. Some calendars say the week started on the 11th, some say the 14th. Regardless of those pesky details, today is for certain National Condom Day.

Here is why we want to celebrate condoms - each year in the U.S. there are approximately 19 million new cases of sexually transmitted infections (STI). That seems like an awful lot, and the sad thing is that most folks don't know that they have an STI and that they can be infecting their partners. So use a condom and get tested for STIs if you are at all worried that you have one. Be responsible and have FUN!!!!

Here are some great tips about using condoms from the Pharmacists Planning Service.

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

Healthy To-Do: Update Your First Aid Kit

FitSugar — Sun, 17 May 2009 03:30:00 -0700

I recently cut myself pretty badly while chopping veggies and when I went to my first aid kit to get some Neosporin, I realized I was all out.

So learn from my mistake and take some time this weekend to update your first aid kit and medicine cabinet. Throw out expired products and make sure you're stocked up on the necessities. I made a little checklist of some things you may need in case you get sick or hurt so read more.

Antiseptic solution or towelettes
Cotton balls
Antibiotic cream such as Neosporin
Bandages including band-aids and gauze
Adhesive tape
Latex gloves
Instant ice packs
Tweezers and a sterile needle
Sterile eyewash, such as a saline solution
Thermometer
Anti-diarrhea medication such as Pepto-Bismol
Anti-inflammatory such as Ibuprofen
Pain reliever such as Tylenol
Hydrocortisone cream

Fittingly Mad: A Band-Aid in the Shower at the Gym

FitSugar — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 02:30:00 -0700

One reason I picked the gym I go to is because I felt it was clean. Cleanliness, when it comes to the gym, especially in the locker room, is pretty important to me. Well, I think that I may have been duped by my gym. Here's why:

At the gym I use the same shower each time because it has the best water pressure, weird that I know that, but I do. In the past month or so I have noticed that there is a used band-aid wedged into the corner of the shower and it's always there.

Two things about this annoy me. First of all, who doesn't have the common courtesy to throw their used band-aid out rather than sticking it in the cracks of the shower? Who does that? Second of all, why has my gym not removed the band-aid yet? I feel bad because I've been tracking it, rather than being the bigger person and actually doing something about it myself. I know I could pick it up on my own, but I am so grossed out by it that I don't think I could physically do it without throwing up. Here's the thing - I'm going to tell someone at some point, but I was just waiting to see how long it would go. Plus, I am thinking about using it as evidence for when I call them out on not cleaning the locker rooms thoroughly.

All I ask is a clean place to clean myself, is that too much? People (aka, me) pay good money to use that gym and a clean shower is something that I think we can all expect.

So I'm torn, but most of all, I am annoyed. What would you guys do about the gross band-aid that's been in the gym shower for at least a month? Pick it up? Tell someone? Take time lapsed pictures? Quit the gym? Please help!

Source

Do you travel with a first aid kit?

FitSugar — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 03:00:00 -0700

Recent natural disasters have persuaded me to have a first aid kit in my car. Not only is a kit great to have around in any emergency (major or minor), my first aid kit provides a peace of mind knowing that I will be prepared if something were to happen. Most often used element of my kit: antiseptic wipes and band aids!

So, I want to know...

Source

"ACT"ivism: AIDS Walk

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 03:00:00 -0700

If you're interested in walking to benefit AIDS and HIV programs and organizations, why not sign up for the AIDS walk nearest you?

You can register online on each city's website:

Ft. Lauderdale: April 27, 2007 (better sign up for this one soon since it's coming up)

New York: May 20, 2007 (this one is right around the corner too)

San Francisco: July 15, 2007

Los Angeles: October 15, 2007

The walk is 10 km (6.2 miles), and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. You can become a walker and raise money, but if you don't want to actually walk, you can also sponsor a walker, volunteer to help out with the walk, or donate money.

It's a great way to get a lot of people together to bring awareness towards this horrible epidemic, and to raise money to help the people living with it. Plus, it's also great exercise.

Fits Tips: Get a bunch of your friends and/or co-workers together and make a team. You can motivate each other and have a little competition amongst yourselves to see who can raise the most money. There is no minimum amount of money you are required to raise, but if you set a fundraising goal, you can encourage one another to meet it together.