FitSugar

Do You Exercise When You Have a Cold?

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:47:46 -0800

The flu is one thing, but when I have a little cold, sometimes exercising makes me feel better. Even though I may not have the energy for a full-on sweat fest, getting moving helps warm my body up and usually helps relieve my nasal congestion. What's your take on exercising when you're sick?

Neti Pot Use Could Cause Sinus Problems?

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:15:00 -0800

Pollen and cat fur are not my friends, and when I become so stuffed up I can't smell a thing, I turn to my neti pot. It looks like a little teapot. You fill it with warm salt water, place the spout in one nostril and as the water passes through your nasal passages and comes out the other nostril; it helps get rid of irritants and mucus so you can breathe easier. I know it sounds medieval, but it really works whether I'm stuffed up from smelling flowers or if I have a cold. Last Spring I was happy to hear that science backed up the use of a neti pot to relieve congestion, but I've got some bad news for my fellow neti pot lovers. A new study shows that long-term use of the neti pot can actually cause sinus problems. The study followed 68 people who used their neti for a year, and then took a break for a year. The rate of sinusitis actually dropped by 62 percent in the year that the participants stopped using the neti pot.

Researchers believe that the mucus in your nasal passages acts as a defense against infection, and flushing it away disrupts your body's immune function. They recommend that neti pots be used every once in a while to relieve congestion, but should not be used daily for an extended period of time. If you have issues with constantly being stuffed up, see your doctor so they can help figure out the cause of your congestion and how to treat it.

If you've never heard of a neti pot and want to see how it's used, check out a how-to video when you read more.

Source: Flickr User Thirteen Of Clubs

Wash Up! Clean Hands Quiz

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:30:35 -0800

With cold and flu and swine flu season upon us, it's imperative to get into the healthy habit of washing your hands. But this everyday activity has plenty of facts and fiction tied to it. Do you know your hand-washing facts? Take my quiz and see if you clean up.

Take the quiz

Just a Spoonful of Honey

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:00:28 -0800

It's that time of year when dry coughs begin to interfere with sleep. You lie down and start coughing, and the coughing keeps you up. Never fear, there's a natural fix for the problem: honey.

The amber liquid has been found to ease nighttime coughs. It is believed that honey helps ease coughs for a variety of reasons. Not only does it soothe sore throats because it is a humectant, helping trap moisture where it is needed, but honey is also high in antioxidants and has antimicrobial effects. Try a teaspoon before bed and see if it helps.

Source: Flickr User biskuit

Fact or Myth? Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever

FitSugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:00:07 -0800

"Starve a fever, but feed a cold." This saying plagues me every time I take the temperature of one of my girls. I always wondered if the catchy saying holds any truth.

The saying, which dates back to the late 16th century, is unfortunately wrong. Whether you're sick with or without a fever, it's best not to stress out your immune system by eating too much or too little. When your temp is above 98.6° F, the way to get healthy quicker isn't to fast, but rather to stay hydrated with plenty of fluids and eat in moderation. You probably won't feel like eating much anyway, so don't force yourself, but if you do have an appetite, here's a list of some foods and beverages that could make you feel better and speed up your recovery time.

8 Habits of the Super Healthy

FitSugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:00:10 -0800

If you are looking to keep colds and flu bugs at arm's length, I researched habits of healthy women. Here are eight habits that will help keep you well over the following months.

First, start by upping your vitamin C intake. While the vitamin won't prevent you from catching a cold, it will boost your immune system. And if you do happen to catch a cold, vitamin C will decrease the duration of runny nose time. Try to eat foods naturally high in the vitamin, like citrus fruits and red bell peppers.

To see the other seven habits, just start the slideshow.
Source: Getty

View Slideshow ›

Nothing to Sneeze At

FitSugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:30:20 -0700

Runny noses abound these days, and sneezes often accompany these dripping sniffers. Here are five things I felt compelled to share with you about the simple act of the sneeze.

A sneeze is your body forcefully expelling irritants and bacteria. Don't suppress your sneezes; let your body do its thing.
Sneeze into the crook of your elbow if you find yourself without a tissue. Remember this catchy phrase: "Sneeze into your sleeve."
A conservative estimate on the speed of a sneeze is 100 miles per hour.
A sneeze can send water droplets up to three feet.
Your heart does not stop when you sneeze, but the change of pressure in your chest can alter the rhythm of your heartbeat, making it feel like it's skipped a beat.
About one in four people experience a photic sneezing reflex, meaning bright light induces a sneeze. The sensation is also known as sun sneezing.

Came Down With a Cold? Eat These Foods

FitSugar — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:00:57 -0700

A balanced diet can boost your immune system and prevent you from getting sick, but if you happen to catch a cold or worse, the flu, a healthy diet is essential in helping you recover faster. Here are some foods you should eat when you're sick.

Source: Getty

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Soap vs. Hand Sanitizer

FitSugar — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 05:50:13 -0700

It's a germy world out there, and keeping those germs off your hands is considered the best way to fight catching a cold or flu this season. We recently learned that washing your hands with cold water is just as effective as hot. We also know that anti-bacterial soaps are no more effective than regular soaps. But what about hand sanitizers? Here's a quick sketch of how soap and alcohol-based hand sanitizer compare.

Hand washing is recommended by the CDC over hand sanitizer, but if no sink is available hand sanitizer is considered second best. When hand washing, it is recommended that you work the soap into a full lather and wash for 20 seconds, which can seem like an awfully long time to scrub at the sink - many people don't wash for the recommended time. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer kills most most types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in a few seconds, with the recommended rubbing time being 15 seconds. In terms of time, hand sanitizer kills more bacteria in less time.

To see how soap trumps sanitizer, read more.

But here's the rub (pun intended): although hand sanitizers have been shown to reduce gastrointestinal illnesses when used in households and reduce student absences when used in school, they do not kill norovirus, which can cause acute gastroenteritis, or E. coli. Nor does hand sanitizer remove feces, blood, or dirt. This means old-fashioned hand washing is best in restrooms and kitchens, but after a sneeze, a quick wipe-down with hand sanitizer will work.

Look for hand sanitizer with 60 percent ethanol (aka ethyl alcohol) like Purell or Web MD-recommended EO Lavender Hand Sanitizer. Do you keep hand sanitizer in your purse?

Have You Had a Cold or the Flu This Fall?

FitSugar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 03:47:45 -0700

Since the H1N1 virus was going strong all Summer, I am not sure if and when cold and flu season officially began or if it is just ongoing these days. Even though we are only a little over a month into the Fall season, I know many people who have come down with various bugs - children, mine included, as well as adults. I am wondering about you . . .