FitSugar

DrSugar Answers: Weather and Colds

DrSugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 05:30:00 -0700

DrSugar is in the house and answering your questions.

Dear DrSugar,
I have a friend who lives in the warm suburb of Fairfield, CA, and commutes to foggier, colder San Francisco every day. She is wondering if the daily climate switch from hot and dry weather to the foggy cold is making her sick, or at least more vulnerable to cold and flu? I am curious too. Is it a myth?
– Friend of Sniffles

To see what DrSugar has to say about the connection between abrupt and drastic changes in the weather and the common cold, read more.

It is a common misconception that cold weather can cause the common cold or flu. The common cold is caused by a virus and has never been shown to be related to exposure to cold weather or wet weather. The idea that cold weather itself leads to colds is likely related to the observation that people get viral illnesses more often in the Winter. Health officials and epidemiologists believe that viral illnesses are more common in the Winter because they are highly contagious and people are often in closer indoor contact in the Winter months. When you were young Dr. Mom always said, “Put on a sweater or you’ll catch a cold.” She would have been more correct to say, “Don’t go to school or you’ll catch a cold.” Wouldn't that have been great?

The temperature difference between the warmer, dryer climate of Fairfield and foggy Summers of San Francisco is unlikely to have anything to do with her increasing frequency of illness. However, there are a number of other factors that could contribute to her getting sick more often. If this is a new job in the city, it could be related to new exposure to large groups of people in close quarters, i.e. an office environment. Also, new jobs and long commutes can increase stress levels, which can weaken the immune system. The other possibility is that she is allergic to molds or pollens in San Francisco that are less prevalent in her home city. In summary, there could be a number of things making her sick more often, but that actual climate change is an unlikely culprit.

If you have a question for DrSugar, send me a private message here and I will forward it to the good doctor.

DrSugar's posts are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Click here for more details.

Cows and Climate Change

FitSugar — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 13:30:00 -0700

Here is yet another reason to avoid red meat. This is no joke but a reduction in livestock flatulence could possibly slow climate change. Or so says a recent study published in the medical journal The Lancet, in their special energy and health series.

Cows, goats and sheep produce methane gas when they pass gas - methane really is a gas! Experts suggest decreasing our global consumption of steaks and hamburgers by 10 percent, would cut the gases emitted by livestock that contribute to global warming. They strongly recommend limiting beef intake to an average of 3 ounces per day (that's about 90 grams) to prevent an increase in these gasses. We already know that diets high in red meat contribute to breast cancer, heart disease and obesity so now there is another reason to avoid red meat!

Next time you think about ordering a burger, or making a steak, think about your personal health and the health of the planet then change your meal plans accordingly. I don't know about you, but the concept of meatless Mondays has definitely stuck around at my house (even though it is sometimes meatless Tuesday or Wednesdays, but we have a thoroughly meatless day once a week).

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Crave Worthy: Jill Malek Yoga Mats

FitSugar — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:00:51 -0700

Sometimes I want to feel pretty when I'm sweating it out at my Pilates mat class. Since I usually keep my workout clothes pretty basic, I'm always on the lookout for a unique bag or mat. I was excited to find out that Brooklyn-based designer Jill Malek teamed up with the eco-friendly company YogaMatic for a new line of mats. Like all YogaMatic mats, the Jill Malek series is made from sustainable, recycled rubber that is 100 percent biodegradable, and a percentage of the price ($85) goes to Global Green, a nonprofit focused on preventing climate change.

This is the first time YogaMatic has teamed with an independent designer, and it's easy to see why they picked Malek. The designs are based from Malek's Frequencies wallpaper collection - nature-inspired designs with repetitive patterns. I know it sounds silly, but the designs get me excited about taking a yoga or Pilates class.

The mats measure 72-by-24 inches with a thickness of 1/4-inch and also come with a tote bag.

Landfills and Climate Change

FitSugar — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 13:30:00 -0700

I always believed I was recycling to save the trees. Which definitely helps our leafy friends, but I just learned another reason to recycle - methane.

Methane is a gas produced by landfills, where at least 50% of human garbage finds a resting place. Methane is also a major contributor to the green house gasses that are creating climate change. We all know that carbon dioxide from car emissions is a culprit in climate change, but how does it compare to the methane created by landfills?

Take the quiz and see if you know.

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Fittingly Green: Design Your Own Yoga Mat at Yogamatic

FitSugar — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:00:19 -0700

When you go to a yoga class, the sea of mats laid out on the floor is usually pretty boring. Plain blue, black, and purple aren't exactly an expression of your unique personalty, so why not design your own? At yogamatic.com, you can upload any photo or drawing and it will be made into a 100 percent biodegradable foam mat. You'll also receive a mat bag and a good feeling knowing that a percentage of the price ($85) goes to Global Green, a non-profit focused on preventing climate change. It's a great way to inspire your yoga practice while doing something that supports the Earth.

How to Stay Healthy on Your Honeymoon

FitSugar — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:00:00 -0700

Even for the most fitness-minded among us, honeymooning and exercising aren't necessarily a match made in heaven. It's hard to get motivated to exercise on vacation, especially after your wedding. But just because you're ditching your gym routine doesn't mean you can't balance your relaxation and indulgence with some sensible habits. Here are some tips for staying healthy even when you're over the moon.

Schedule active activities. Probably the most obvious tip, but not to be forgotten. When planning your itinerary, consider tourism that will get you moving, whether it's a scenic hike or a bike tour. Staying beach-bound? Bring along some props, such as a Frisbee or paddleball set, which will engage you and your new mate.
Explore on foot. If you're vacationing in a city, forgo taxis and transit for walking. As long as you make sure to stick to safe areas, walking is a calorie-burning way to feel good about your vacation indulgences, and it's a great way to see a city too.

To see five more ideas, read more.

Choose indulgences carefully. Just because it's your honeymoon doesn't mean you should throw all caution to the wind. Think about what you most want to indulge in, and allow yourself one or two a day rather than pigging out every meal. Try to keep things in balance: if you have an extra piña colada at lunch, skip dessert at dinner.
Walk it off. Even if you're not seeing a city on foot, consider taking a 45-minute walk after particularly indulgent meals. Research suggests that walking right after a high-fat meal can help reverse potential damage to your arteries.
Explore the local bounty. Whether you're staying on a tropical island or in a European city, do some shopping at the neighborhood food markets. Picking up local produce, seafood, and other fresh foods will help you snack sensibly while experiencing local flavor.
Share your suppers. It's tempting to eat everything on your plate while on vacation, since you can't take the leftovers home. So split an entrée with your newlywed to save both money and calories.
Dine al fresco. If you're vacationing in a hot climate, eating outside may help you eat less. As opposed to being in AC, dining al fresco can make you crave more liquids and less food.

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Are Base Tans Healthy?

FitSugar — Wed, 13 May 2009 08:00:00 -0700

It's a common belief that before heading to the beach or the tropics, you should take a trip to the tanning salon to get a base tan. Even though it seems like a good idea to prepare your skin for sun exposure by hitting the electric beach, according to the Mayo Clinic, there's no proof that a few sessions at the tanning salon will prevent an outdoor sunburn. Keep in mind that ultraviolet light, whether from the sun or a sunlamp, damages your skin. Any change in the color of your skin is a sign of damage from UV radiation. Repeated exposure increases the risk of premature skin aging and skin cancer.

So skip the tanning trips and once you head to warmer climates, be sure to protect your skin with a broad spectrum sunscreen, which will protect you against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply it at least 30 minutes before you head outside, and reapply it every two hours.

Today Is the International Meatout

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 03:00:00 -0700

In light of a recent UK study that found vegetarians get fewer cancers (except confusingly colorectal cancer, which is often associated with eating red meat) I will be participating in the International Meatout today, March 20.

Today I will eat no meat since a plant-based diet is better for my personal health and the health of the planet. Meatless meals can be quite satisfying, and these meals are generally higher in fruits and veggies, which many of us should be eating more of anyway. The creators of the International Meatout also sponsor meatless Mondays, a great way to focus on eating vegetarian one day a week, just like the UN council of climate change recommends. Worried about not getting enough protein? Check out these three cheap meat substitutes. Yep, forgoing meat might put some more money in your wallet too. Tell me, will you be eating vegetarian today? My buddy Yum has a bunch vegetarian recipes for you to try.

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When Is It Too Cold to Run Outdoors?

FitSugar — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 09:00:00 -0800

Winter is in full force now, and I've got to give props to those of you who don't let a little cold weather prevent you from enjoying your outdoor runs. Depending on the climate you live in, or your personal threshold for chilly temps, I'm sure there's a point where you decide it's too cold to run outside. So tell me . . .

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The Cold Weather Fat Craving Connection

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 13:00:00 -0800

Have you noticed chilly weather seems to turn many of us into something like a bear seeking fat before hibernating all Winter? I know the connection between cold weather and fatty foods isn't true for everyone, but many of you voted on this poll that you do indeed crave the fat when the temperature is low.

According to sports nutritionist Ryan Kohler temperatures below freezing can increase a person’s basic energy needs when compared to the amount of energy it takes to simply "exist" at room temperature, which is between 60 and 70 degrees F. In colder temperatures it takes more energy to keep the core temperature of the body stable. That makes sense, right?

Possibly a stronger factor in fatty-food craving is tradition and association - the mind is a powerful thing when it comes to cravings. After all, the Thanksgiving meal, which really seems to kick off the Winter season, at least mentally, is full of fatty, rich foods. Maybe it is the lack of sunlight combined with the cold that makes us crave comfort foods. Since fat, as an ingredient, tends to make food tastier and thereby more palatable. We associate fatty foods with cold weather.

I was craving fat like crazy, not that I live in a climate where temperatures get anywhere close to, let alone remain, below freezing. To combat my desire for ice cream I made sure to take my fish oil supplement daily and, anecdotally speaking, it totally helped. Do you take a fish oil supplement?

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