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A Day in the Life . . . of Airplane Travel

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

With all this holiday travel going on, can you navigate your way through a day of airport eating. For this quiz, you want to try and pick the food with the fewest amount of calories. Good luck!

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The 10 Most Stressful Airports in the US

FitSugar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 03:00:00 -0800

If you're traveling on Thanksgiving or the day before, you'll probably feel like those comforting mashed potatoes and silky pumpkin pie are well-deserved rewards for tolerating long security lines and over-stuffed overhead bins. According to Forbes' list of the 32 most stressful airports in the US, some of us might get out of this busy travel weekend having endured less stress than others. If you'll be traveling through one of the listed airports, try a healthier way to de-stress before digging in to the most comforting foods in your Thanksgiving feast. To see the 10 airports that are most likely to challenge your patience due to their poor records for on-time departures and arrivals, read more.

San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco, CA)
General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport (Boston, MA)
George W. Bush International Airport (Houston, TX)
Dulles International Airport (Dulles, VA)
Miami International Airport (Miami, FL)

To see the top five, read more.

LaGuardia Airport (Flushing, NY)
Newark International Airport (Newark, NJ)
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago, IL)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (Jamaica, NY)
Philadelphia International Airport (Philadelphia, PA)

I am sad to see dear, old SFO made it into the top ten. Are you traveling through any of these airports this holiday season? Tell me which one in the comments section below.

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Airport Gyms For Your Travels

FitSugar — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 10:23:27 -0800

Nothing is worse than a long layover at the airport. It is such as waste of time and I just sit there thinking about all the things I could be doing during that time.

Airport Gyms, Exercise on the Fly is a FREE listing of all airport gyms, airport exercise clubs and airport fitness centers available in and around select popular US (and Canadian) airports today. It is great because if you're an active traveler that would rather spend an hour in the gym (versus an hour in the terminal watching television), or would rather take a yoga class (versus wandering through trinket shops and fast food places), airportgyms.com can help you find a gym in, near or around common airports. Check it out AirportGyms.com before your next travels.

Fit's Tip: Not many airports have actual gyms in them, so most of the time you'll be directed to airport hotels (connected or not to the airport) with fitness centers in them. I would be sure you have a good chunk of time before heading on over as it may be a trek getting there.

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:19:39 -0700

Illustrations

Heart, section through the middle

Heart, front view

Normal heart rhythm

Conduction system of the heart

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Alternative Names

ICD; Defibrillation

Information

An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a device designed to quickly detect a life-threatening, rapid heartbeat coming from the bottom chamber of the heart. It tries to convert an abnormal rhythm back to normal by delivering an electrical shock to the heart. This action is called defibrillation.

An ICD can prevent sudden cardiac death.

An ICD is made of several parts:

A pulse generator sends the powerful shock to the heart. It runs on batteries. The generator is implanted under the skin, usually on the upper left side of the chest.
An electronic switchboard (circuit) tells the device when to "fire" the shock.
Electrodes (wires) go through the veins of the heart and connect the heart to the rest of the device. The wires sense the heart beat and carry the shock to the heart muscle.

All ICDs have a built-in pacemaker. Pacing may be necessary to support the heart in some instances, for example, after a shock, or during a very slow heart beat. The pacemaker also allows the device to correct some rapid heartbeats by pacing even faster for a short period of time. Also, all of today's bi-ventricular pacemakers can work as an ICD.

The ICD continuously monitors the heartbeats to make sure they are normal. It only delivers a shock to the heart when it senses a life-threatening rhythm.

During the implantation of a pacemaker-type ICD, electrodes are inserted through the veins into the heart. The pulse generator is surgically buried under the skin of the chest, generally below the left collarbone.

Who needs an ICD?

An ICD can help prevent sudden death in those who have ventricular fibrillation (VF) or ventricular tachycardia (VT). Both of these conditions can make the heart stop pumping blood, which can cause you to suddenly pass out (lose consciousness) or even die. VF and VT are emergency situations that require quick medical treatment. Cardioversion (external defibrillation) can be used to shock the heart rhythm back to normal.

People who may receive an ICD include those who have:

Survived a cardiac arrest due to VF
Life-threatening episodes of VT
Survived a heart attack, but whose heart remains weak
Problems with the heart muscle, including dilated cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, especially when unexplained fainting episodes have occurred
Reduced pumping function of the heart

Occasionally, an electrophysiological study (EPS) is needed to make sure you can have or need an ICD implanted.

What to expect after ICD implantation

Persons who have an ICD implanted rarely stay in the hospital longer than 1 day. Patients quickly return to their normal activity level. Full recovery occurs in about 4 to 6 weeks.

When you leave the hospital, you will be given a card to keep in your wallet. This card lists the details of your ICD and has contact information for emergencies. You should always carry this wallet card with you.

You will need to make regular visits to the doctor so the ICD can be monitored. The doctor will check to see if the device is properly sensing the heartbeat, how many shocks have been delivered, and how much power is left in the batteries. The ICD batteries are designed to last 5 to 8 years. When they are about to run down, the ICD generator must be replaced. This requires minor surgery.

The ICD generator is metal and will be detected by metal detectors such as those in airports or public places with safety checks. For air travel, public events, and admission to certain areas you will need to show your wallet card to the security personnel to prevent setting off any alarms.

People with ICDs need to follow their doctor's advice about medication, diet, and exercise.

Benefits of the ICD

Among patients considered good candidates for an ICD, the ICD has shown to prolong life by preventing sudden death. The device provides peace of mind, relieving concerns about fainting spells and risks of death. Most patients adapt to the uncertainty of the shocks. Most patients also can resume driving.

Potential risks of the ICD

Surgery is needed to implant the ICD. Risks of surgery include pain, infection, and bleeding. Additionally, ICD implantation can cause dangerous and life-threatening heart rhythms, injury to the heart and lungs, and death. These complications are very rare.

One problem with an ICD is that it sometimes delivers shocks when you do not need them. Even though a shock lasts a very short time, you can usually feel it. Every shock you feel should be notified to your doctor. The settings of the ICD may need to be adjusted or your medications may need to be changed.

ICD problems can sometimes be prevented by programming the device to sound an alert when there is a problem. This can be done by your electrophysiologist. If you hear your ICD alert, you should immediately call your doctor.

WARNING: The FDA has recalled some ICDs and biventricular pacemaker-defibrillators because of a safety defect. Ask your doctor if your device has been recalled and, if so, whether it should be removed or replaced.

References

US Food and Drug Administration. FDA Issues Nationwide Notification of Recall of Certain Guidant Implantable Defibrillators and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Defibrillators. Rockville, MD: National Press Office; June 17, 2005. Paper P05-29.

Al-Khatib SM, Anstrom KJ, Eisenstein EL, et al. Clinical and economic implications of the Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial-II. Ann Intern Med. 2005 Apr 19;142(:593-600.

Goldstein NE, Lampert R, Bradley E, Lynn J, Krumholz HM. Management of implantable cardioverter defibrillators in end-of-life care. Ann Intern Med. 2004 Dec 7;141(11):835-8.

Review Date: 7/12/2006

Reviewed By: Glenn Gandelman, MD, MPH, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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.

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Best Bites in Flight

FitSugar — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 15:30:00 -0800

One of the toughest parts about traveling is figuring out what to eat when in the airport and even while on the plane. With airlines not offering much when it comes to food these days, our choices are limited. What's even more limited? Healthy food choices. Luckily the Diet Detective has deciphered through all the food on major airlines in an effort to find the best options in flight.

Here are highlights:

United: Go for either the Rightbite or the Smartpack snack box. The Smartpack is all natural, trans-fat free, and vegetarian friendly, but it has a lot of food and can be high in calories for one person, so you would have to share it.

There's many more so read more

Continental: Both sandwich options are fine; impressive that they offer light mayo.
Jet Blue: If you’re really hungry, try the nuts; they have protein and good fat and will satisfy you. Eat them one at a time.
American: If you really want a snack, or if a meal is not offered, your best bet is the Nut Blend.
US Airways: Ask for the Snack Pack and eat only one-third of the fruit and nut mix (give the rest away or save it) and the chicken salad; skip the fruit bar and the cookies and you’re good to go.
Delta: Go with the peanuts from the snack basket for the most satisfying and nutritious of the snack choices. Among the snack box offerings, the raisins would be the only keeper.
Northwest: All flights offer a choice of Pringles or the Good Sense Snack Mix. Pick the mix - it will be significantly more satisfying and give you more energy.
Southwest: Go for the nuts and skip the pretzels. If you purchase the snack pack, eat the dried fruit and the nuts and skip the crackers and cookies.

So what's to be learned from this? Bring your own food from home, not only will you save dough, but you'll also save yourself from trying to figure out what to eat.

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Do You Bring Your Own Food When You Fly?

FitSugar — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 03:00:00 -0800

Airplane meals were notoriously bad, so I must admit I don't really miss them. Airport food is really only one step up in my book. It can be very difficult to find something decent and healthy to eat when flying, so I usually pack my own food. Plus little treats are so helpful when you need to calm down a panic stricken 2-year-old.

So what about you...

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The Biggest Loser Recap: Black Team Faces Elimination

FitSugar — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 11:04:03 -0700

Last night during The Biggest Loser I am happy to report that I did not shed a tear.

Last night the campus was closed down and the teams were forced to go to Jamaica to work out - those poor things. However, Jamaica did prove to be a challenge since there were constant temptations (booze, relaxing and not working out, etc.) so it was interesting to see the struggle as well as be assured that you can be disciplined on vacation and still have a good time. The Black Team lost the weigh in and had to face elimination. The game got dirty, as it always does, and Jim (one of the twins) was voted off. Jim looked absolutely amazing at his check-in and I can't wait to see him at the finale. To see his parting words, check out iVillage. Curious what last week's cast off is up to? Patty had lunch with Sunny from Body By Glamour.

Here's what I learned from The Biggest Loser this week:

When traveling, get your workout done first thing in the morning because this way it's done. Especially since chances are that once you get your day going, you're not going to want to hit the gym.
You don't have to use the gym at the hotel to get a workout. Use the pool, the beach, and the ocean to get in a workout that allows you to enjoy your surroundings while working out.
If you have an all inclusive package, be especially careful when choosing your food items from buffets. Also, drink alcohol in moderation or avoid it altogether.
When flying, don't get stuck being so hungry that you stop at the first fast food place in the airport. Take along some 100 calorie packs on the plane for when you get hungry.

Kim gave us a great tip for working our butts, thighs and glutes. To find out what it is, just read more

"Hips, things and glutes are common problem areas for many women. This simple combo exercise can help you tone all three at one time: First do a simple squat. Then lift one leg to the side. Nows squat again. Finally lift the same leg to the back. Alternate legs for a great butt, hip and thigh workout."

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What's the Deal with The 100-Mile Diet?

FitSugar — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 10:55:00 -0800

Another day, another diet. Or so it seems, but I actually like the idea of this new so-called diet.

The 100-Mile Diet is a meal plan that encourages you to eat only foods grown, raised or crafted within a 100-mile radius of your home. In a nut shell, even though it is called a diet, the goal is not losing weight, but I can imagine you'll end up eating way healthier because most of us will be missing a lot of highly processed foods (unless the Lay's Potato Chip factory is in your neighborhood). The mission of the diet: Local eating equals global change for a lifestyle that promotes sustainable agriculture where you live, while cutting down on the amount of energy and resources it takes to get food to the table.

I gotta say, this diet is great in theory, but it can get pretty tough and expensive. For example if you live in the Ocean State, I am pretty sure that Rhode Island's cattle market is not so booming, but boy you'll be loving life if you're into lobsters. Or what about the abundance of veggies (or lack of) during the winter in North Dakota? I know it may sound a little crazy but think about it...before highways, airports and the internet, it was a normal way of life. (Though the inequality of women was normal too and I'm not sure I want to go back there, but ah, I digress.)

Interested? Check out the 100 mile diet site to learn more and find what 100 miles means for you.

Fit's Tip: Things to think about -- Vermont maple syrup, Maine lobsters, Iowa corn, Idaho potatoes, California raisins, Wisconsin cheese...Try doing one meal first, then consider the diet.