FitSugar

Ana and Mia: My Eating Disorder "Friends"

FitSugar — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 15:15:00 -0800

If you're searching for information on the internet about eating disorders, you're bound to come across 2 girls' names, Ana and Mia.

I've seen it phrased, "My Life With Ana," "Me and Mia," "PRO-Ana," and sadly, "Mia hates You." No, these aren't real girls' names. Ana is short for Anorexia and Mia is short for Bulimia. These nicknames are a way to personify eating disorders, and to make it easier for people to talk openly about them.

Since it is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, I thought you should know that there are so many "PRO-Ana" videos out there that sadly promote eating disorders. I found one video of a girl who was sick of it. She recovered from eating disorders herself, and made this video to reveal the true picture of what it means to go through it.

I have a few more things to say on this subject, so read more

Anorexia and Bulimia are not only about food. Eating disorders become a mechanism to cope with serious emotional problems. They are a way to gain control over your life. People with eating disorders suffer through a constant battle with self-hatred and obsess about food, calories, grams of fat, and their weight.

Their lives become about dieting, binging, purging, and refraining from food all together. It's kind of like a self-punishment for not being perfect.

Fit's Tips: If you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, there are many people and treatment centers available who want to help. Avalon Hills is located in Utah, Fairwinds in Florida, Monte Nido in California, and Renfrew in Pennsylvania. They all offer counseling programs to help people heal their hearts and change their lives.

There are also some great PR0-RECOVERY sites out there. Check out Something Fishy, and the National Eating Disorder Association, they are both excellent resources.

Hydrocortisone/lidocaine (Rectal)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:09:05 -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

Hydrocortisone (hye-droe-KOR-ti-sone), Lidocaine (LYE-doe-kane)

Treats itching, swelling, or pain caused by hemorrhoids or other reasons. This medicine is a combination of a steroid and an anesthetic.

Brand Name(s)

AnaMantle HC, AnaMantle HC Forte, LidaZone HC, Xyralid RC, RectaGel HC

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to lidocaine or hydrocortisone. You might not be able to use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to a numbing medicine or topical steroid in the past. You should not use this medicine to treat skin problems caused by a fungal infection, tuberculosis (TB), chickenpox, herpes, or certain other infections.

How to Use This Medicine

Cream, Gel/Jelly

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
This medicine comes in a single use tube with an applicator. Use each tube and applicator once, then throw away.
This medicine is for rectal use only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, mouth, or ears. If it does get in these areas, rinse it off right away.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine applicator(s), containers, and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

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

Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using medicine to treat heart rhythm problems such as disopyramide, flecainide, procainamide, quinidine, Norpace®, Procanbid®, Rythmol®, or Tambocor®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have liver disease.
Do not use this medicine for a skin problem that has not been checked by your doctor.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.

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_5263

Lessons Learned at Yoga Journal Conference

FitSugar — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 04:30:00 -0800

A few weeks ago I was treated to two yoga classes offered at the Yoga Journal's annual conference in San Francisco. Taking the two two-hour classes back-to-back felt like a hometown mini-yoga retreat for me and I loved it. Held in a fancy downtown hotel, hundreds of ladies and a few handfuls of men chanted, meditated, and practiced serious asana for the entire weekend.

Personally, I loved the incongruity of practicing yoga in hotel ballrooms where wedding receptions and board meetings are generally held. I checked in the day prior to my classes and was presented with a reusable tote bag full of health nut goodies: arnica gel, energy bars, supplements, even seeds for planting poppies. It was fun to go through, but back to the classes and the lessons I learned.

I took two very distinct classes. One from Ana Forrest, whom I describe as the Ted Nugent of the yoga world, and the other from the well-known Rodney Yee. The Forrest yoga class, titled "Unraveling the Mysteries of the Neck, Shoulders, and Hips," was a great way to start the day. It is the only yoga technique where I have done ab work early in class, which I love. In Forrest yoga, the neck is often kept completely relaxed with the head just hanging. It is great for anyone suffering from neck pain. The most profound moment for me in this class was a small snippet Ana said as we held a Warrior 1 for what seemed like 500 years. She said, "When you think about quitting, don't . . . and see what that is like." Sounds simple, but it helps me persevere through hard poses and hard runs too.

To hear what I learned in Rodney Yee's, read more.

This Iyengar-based class explored the bones. Instead of focusing on muscles and shapes of poses, we moved from the bones. This idea made all the asanas so much easier. We stood in mountain pose while placing our weight on the front of the heel bone (calcaneus). This way of standing balances the entire skeleton and creates excellent posture. Concentrating on centering the weight in the front of the heel in other poses made them easier and oddly helped my back. Even seated poses were about balancing the bones, which made hip openers like Pigeon easy and even. Now, when in line at the grocery store or the ATM, I think about where my weight is and move it the front of my heel. Not only does this relieve the boredom of waiting, it helps me stand tall too.

I had a great experience at the Yoga Journal Conference and highly recommend it. They have two more conferences this Spring:
Lake Geneva, WI (greater Chicago area): March 26-29
New York, NY: May 15-18

Here's the contents of my goodie bag:

Topical anesthetic (On the skin)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:09:34 -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

Treats pain in a certain body area. Also used to numb (decrease feeling in) an area before a procedure.

Brand Name(s)

Lidoderm, AnaMantle HC, LidaZone HC, Emla, Lida Mantle HC, Lida Mantle Hc, Caladryl Clear, Pontocaine, Pontocaine HCl, Phenol EZ Swabs, Bactine, The Medicine Shoppe Antiseptic, Xylocaine, Ulcerease, Dobell's Solution

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

Do not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any numbing medicine in the past, such as lidocaine or benzocaine. You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the ingredients in the medicine you are using.

How to Use This Medicine

Spray, Ointment, Gel/Jelly, Cream, Liquid, Lotion, Swab, Dressing, Pad, Patch

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
The medicine may come with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Do not get this medicine in your eyes, nose, or ears. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away. Some forms of this medicine should not be used on broken skin or inside the vagina or rectum. If you are not sure of the body areas where you can use this medicine, ask your pharmacist.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine. Follow your doctor's instructions about how to clean and care for your skin before and after you use this medicine.
For the cream, lotion, or ointment: Apply a thin layer to the affected area. Rub it in gently. You may need to shake the bottle of liquid, spray, or lotion before using it.
This medicine may come with a special applicator (a tool for applying the medicine), or with a special dressing to go over the medicine. Make sure you understand how to use the applicator or dressing. If you are not sure, ask your pharmacist.

If a dose is missed:

If you are using this medicine on a regular schedule: If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, apply it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to apply the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not put in the refrigerator, and do not freeze.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

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

Topical anesthetic medicines have different ingredients, depending on the type and brand of medicine it is. The drugs or food you may need to avoid depends on the specific topical anesthetic medicine you are using. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

If you are pregnant or breast feeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
Some forms of this medicine should not be used in children under the age of 2 years old, unless a doctor says it is OK.
Do not use this medicine for more than 7 days unless your doctor or dentist tells you to.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Blurred or double vision.
Confusion, dizziness, lightheadedness, or drowsiness.
Chest pain, or an uneven heartbeat.
Skin rash.
Swelling in the area where this medicine is applied.
Trembling (shaking).

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

Skin irritation, itching, redness, or pain.
Symptoms that do not improve in 7 days, or symptoms that get worse.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5298

Get Your Butt in Gear: prAna Sugar Mini Skirt

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 12:17:27 -0700

When I go for a run or hike, nothing bothers me more than my shorts riding up into my lady business. I'm constantly having to pull fabric out of places it shouldn't be in the first place, and it's more than annoying - it's quite uncomfortable too.

Check out the Sugar Mini Skirt from prAna. Could the name be any more perfect? I want to get one for all the Sugar gals.

It's got an elastic waistband and built in spandex shorts, so they'll stay put when you run. Plus, I know I don't feel comfortable running out in public in shorty shorts or tight spandex, so the skirt part will cover your booty, but will be short enough (they've got a 3 inch inseam) so you can run freely.

They are made out of New Viana® performance fabric like many of their other prAna products. This material is awesome because you can wash it over and over again, and it looks just like the day you bought it every time. So your black skirt will stay black, and it won't pill or change shape.

The Sugar Mini Skirt fits at the hips then flares out at the bottom. It's 12 1/2 inches long and comes in black, banana, and seafoam. If you want a running skirt in other colors, then check out the SkirtSport.

Fit's Tips: You can order one from prAna directly for $45, or you can check out the fitness and gear stores around you. Many of them carry prAna products.

Liz Claiborne Owns prAna

FitSugar — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 11:30:00 -0800

The popular maker of yoga and climbing clothing, prAna, is actually owned by Liz Claiborne. Who would've thought?

The company is extremely environmentally conscious - working to lighten its impact on soils, water supplies, and other natural resources.

They are a member of the Organic Trade Association, and are increasing their use of organic cotton, other natural fibers and recycled materials.

Recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, prAna is committed to using Green Power - renewable energy resources from water, wind, and the sun.

It's great that even though prAna was bought by a big name, it still continues to create quality clothing, accessories, products, supplies, giving it that small business kind of feel. Thumbs up to prAna. Check out some of their stuff.

View 7 Photos ›

Sale Alert: 25% Off prAna.com!

FitSugar — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 13:30:00 -0800

Just in time for the holidays, prAna (in conjunction with yogatoday.com) is offering 25 percent off all online purchases through Dec. 12. All you have to do is enter the promotion code "YOGATODAY" at checkout. I am loving this Crush Sport Top ($48, before discount) - perfect for yoga and all my other fitness endeavors. Visit prAna.com now to start shopping.

Happy shopping and happy holidays!

Get Your Butt in Gear: Summer prAna Bottoms

FitSugar — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 02:00:00 -0700

Summer workouts deserve cool and comfortable clothes, made from flexible and quick-drying materials. Summer workout gear needs to be sturdy too since you know you are going to be washing those workout clothes a lot.

That's why I love prAna separates. The styles are cute and flattering, but they can also withstand many washings. I thought you might be interested in some bottoms to go with all the prAna tops I told you about recently. Here are my faves.

prAna: Rio Short	prAna: Sugar Mini Skirt
prAna: Elisa Organic Short	prAna: Gaucho Capri
prAna: Paige Short	prAna: Paige Capri

Get Your Butt in Gear: prAna Tops

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 02:30:00 -0700

I'm always on the lookout for feminine yet supportive tops for my workouts. I don't mind spending a good chunk of change for a yoga top if it will continue to hold its shape and style after many washings. You know you are going to be washing your workout tops frequently, right?

That's why I love prAna tops. For less than $50, they are all made from amazing fabric that wicks away moisture and never pills or stretches out. Plus they have some adorable styles. Check them out:

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Healthy Dose Link Time

FitSugar — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:00:07 -0700

Front load your day with calories and lose weight - Health
What mosquito bites say about your stress level - Vitamin G
Yoga Journal iPhone app stretches old content - Social Workout
Beyonce's trainer walks the walk - FitCeleb
Obesity ages the brain 16 years - Spark People
Green up your fitness gear - Shape
Tennis star Ana Ivanovic serves up her workout - That's Fit
There are benefits to moving out of your culinary comfort zone - Fit Bottomed Girls