FitSugar

How Does Novocaine Work?

FitSugar — Fri, 11 May 2007 07:30:00 -0700

When I have a cavity filled all I can say is praise to the Novocaine. When my dad was little, his dentist didn't use local anesthetics, and my poor dad had to sit in the chair knowing he was in for a whole lot of pain. My jaw hurts just thinking about it.

I just learned that prior to the invention of Novocaine, cocaine was used as a local anesthetic. Cocaine constricts blood cells, which reduces bleeding, but as we all know it's also highly addictive.

In the early 1900's scientists created a synthetic version of cocaine, but without the nasty side effects, and christened it Procaine. We know it by its trade name Novocaine, and I have no idea why my dad's dentist didn't use it since it was definitely available to the masses when he was a boy. Since its development, stronger local anesthetics have come along like Lidocaine, Septacaine, and Mepivocaine (most dentists still call the shot "Novocaine" though, so ask what they specifically use if you're interested).

These injectable local anesthetics prevent pain in a specific area by blocking the nerves that sense or transmit pain, so the area feels numb for up to 3-4 hours.

All I can say is that even though the shot stinks and can really pinch your gum (and make your mouth really sore for days after), it's still way better than how much it would hurt with NO shot at all.

Fit's Tip: Ask your dentist to apply a topical anesthesia to your gums to numb the area before the Novocaine shot. It makes getting a cavity filled just a little bit easier to bare.

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Learn to Love: Bilateral Breathing in Freestyle

FitSugar — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 14:30:00 -0700

Swimming is one of my favorite forms of cardio, but if you are going the distance swimming laps of freestyle you're going to want to learn how to breathe to both sides. I know trying to breathe on the side you aren't used to feels extremely awkward and uncomfortable, but in the long run it is well worth conquering the skill of bilateral breathing. You know it is skill since it has such a fancy sounding name!

The benefits of breathing both ways are that it:

Balances out your stroke, so you are not working out lopsided.
Builds symmetrical musculature on your back and arms (asymmetrical strength can lead to over use injuries).
Eases neck pain from always rotating to just one side.
If you swim in open water (as you would in a triathlon), you will be able to check for landmarks, avoid splashes from other swimmers as well as waves.

So next time you are swimming laps, practice breathing on your other side - once you are in the pool you will know immediately which side that is.

Interested in a few drills you can try? Well, read more

Here are a few approaches to the learning process:

Breathe to your right side on one length and to your left on the next. That way you get the oxygen you need but still develop a symmetrical stroke.
Breathe to your weaker side on warm-ups and cool-downs.
Experiment with 3 breaths to the left, then 3 to the right.

Once you have mastered bilateral breathing, or at least become comfortable with it, you want to breathe every 3 or 5 strokes when swimming freestyle, so you are alternating sides.

Fit's Tip: I remember when I was learning this skill, it felt almost like I was drowning. Pay attention to how it feels to breathe on your usual side and try to re-create that feeling on the other side. Most days I cannot remember which one side I used to breathe on.

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Tips From the Dental Chair

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:00:43 -0800

Sitting in the dentist chair is never pleasant for me. Luckily, my daughters still enjoy the experience - they think a cleaning is like having their teeth tickled. Inspired by their enthusiasm for oral health, I compiled a list of simple tips to make the experience of dental work a little less anxiety provoking.

Keep your eyes open; the visual stimulus will distract you from discomfort or pain.
Even with all those hands in your mouth, try to focus on your breath.
Bring your iPod to block out the noise of the drill.
Come up with a hand signal to alert the dentist when you're in pain, because a sudden movement or twitch can complicate matters.
Be sure to tell the dentist if you are sensitive and/or afraid. Most will be accommodating; if not, I suggest finding a new dentist.
Take a written list of questions and concerns so you don't forget them due to the stress of the visit.

Train Like Backstroke Champ Natalie Coughlin

FitSugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:10:00 -0700

Congrats to Natalie Coughlin, the reigning Olympic queen of the 100-meter backstroke! A stroke I have learned to love.

Coughlin is the first woman to win repeat gold medals in this event, which is impressive considering her world record was broken in the semifinals by college rival, Kirsty Conventry of Zimbabwe, and that Natalie was having trouble swimming straight. I have that problem too and am so happy to know I have something in common with this Olympian.

If you are looking to improve your backstroke, Natalie suggests the one-arm drill. To see how to the drill is done just read more.

One-Arm Backstroke Drill

Perform three back strokes with your right arm, keeping your left arm down by your side.
Using both arms, do three backstrokes.
Perform three back strokes with your left arm, keeping your right arm down by your side.
Repeat three strokes with both arms then repeat the entire drill from the beginning.

Fit's Tip: Try this drill after thoroughly warming up, adding 100 yards of backstroke to the end of your warm up. I would do this drill for 100 yards then swim backstroke for 100 yards and repeat. You will definitely notice changes in your stroke.

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Healthy Dose Link Time

FitSugar — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:00:34 -0700

Attention! Army appoints first female drill sergeant - That's Fit
Find low-cal meals on the run using the Internet - Vital Juice
Squeeze more antioxidants out of your tea by adding this ingredient - Health
Photoshopped ads in France to include disclaimers - FitCeleb
Bounce, baby bounce! Trampolines are back in fitness fashion - Vitamin G
Cubicle-tested exercise by the new receptionist on The Office - Fresh Fitness Tips
The skinny on Shape-Ups, the fitness shoe by Skechers -Fit Bottomed Girls
Why do restaurants put soooo much salt in their food? - Daily Spark
Tropical oils vs. saturated fats - Nutrition Data Blog

Intracranial pressure monitoring

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:09:57 -0700

Illustrations

Intracranial pressure monitoring

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Intracranial pressure monitoring is a device, placed inside the head, which senses the pressure inside the brain cavity and sends its measurements to a recording device.

Alternative Names

ICP monitoring

How the test is performed

There are three ways to monitor pressure in the brain cavity (intracranial pressure):

A thin, flexible tube threaded into one of the two cavities, called lateral ventricles, of the brain (intraventricular catheter)
A screw or bolt placed just through the skull in the space between the arachnoid membrane and cerebral cortex (subarachnoid screw or bolt)
A sensor placed into the epidural space beneath the skull (epidural sensor)

The intraventricular catheter is thought to be the most accurate method, but if immediate access is needed, a subarachnoid bolt is typically used. If no qualified brain surgeon (neurosurgeon) is available to place a bolt, then an epidural sensor will probably be used.

To insert an intraventricular catheter, a burr hole is drilled through the skull and the catheter is inserted through the brain matter into the lateral ventricle, which normally contains liquid that protects the brain and spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid). Not only can the intracranial pressure (ICP) be monitored, but it can be lowered by draining cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) out through the catheter.

This catheter may be difficult to place with increased intracranial pressure, since the ventricles change shape under increased pressure and are often quite small because the brain expands around them from injury and swelling.

A subarachnoid screw or bolt is a hollow screw that is inserted through a hole drilled in the skull and through a hole cut in the outermost membrane protecting the brain and spinal cord (dura mater).

The epidural sensor is placed through a burr hole drilled in the skull, just over the epidural covering. Since no hole is made in the epidural lining, this procedure is less invasive than other methods, but it cannot remove excess CSF.

Lidocaine or another local anesthetic will be injected at the site where the incision will be made. You will most likely get a sedative to help you relax. First the area is shaved and cleansed with Betadine and alcohol. After the area is dry, an incision is made and the skin is pulled back until the skull is visible. A drill is then used to cut through the bone to expose the epidural tissue.

If an epidural sensor is used, it is then inserted between the skull and epidural tissue. If a bolt is used, an incision is made to expose the subarachnoid space and the bolt is screwed into the bone. This allows the sensor to record from the subdural/subarachnoid space.

If an intraventricular catheter is used, it is threaded through the brain matter into one of the lateral ventricles. This type of catheter is effective and accurate at sensing intracranial pressure measurements.

How to prepare for the test

If you need this procedure done, you will be in the hospital and most likely in an intensive care unit. If you are conscious, your health care provider will explain the procedure and the risks, and you will have to sign a consent form.

How the test will feel

If the procedure is done while you are under general anesthesia, you will feel nothing until you wake from the anesthesia. At that time you will feel the normal side effects of anesthesia, plus the discomfort of the incision made in your skull.

If the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, you will fell a prick on your scalp like a bee sting as the local anesthetic is injected. You may feel a tugging sensation as the skin is cut and pulled back to expose the bone. You will hear a drill sound as it cuts through the skull bone. The amount of time this takes will depend on the type of drill that is used. You will also feel a tugging sensation as the surgeon sutures the skin back together after the procedure.

Your health care provider may prescribe mild pain medications for relief. You will not receive strong pain medications, so that your doctor can check for brain (neurologic) signs. With increased intracranial pressure, neurologic problems are common.

Why the test is performed

This test or procedure is done to measure the intracranial pressure and to learn if you are at risk for injury from increased intracranial pressure. It also provides a sterile access for draining excess CSF.

Normal Values

Normally, the ICP ranges from 1 to 15 mm Hg.

Note: mm Hg = millimeters of mercury

What abnormal results mean

Intracranial pressure monitoring is usually done in cases of severe head injury. It also may be done after surgery to remove a tumor or repair damage to a blood vessel (vascular lesion) if the surgical team is concerned about brain swelling.

Elevated intracranial pressure can be treated by draining CSF through the catheter. It also may be treated by changing ventilator settings (for people who are in critical condition and on a respirator) or by giving certain medications through a vein (intravenous).

Intracranial pressure monitoring is crucial to identify the problem and treat it right away. Raised intracranial pressure means that both nervous system (neural) and blood vessel (vascular) tissues are being compressed. If left untreated, it can result in permanent neurologic damage. In some cases, it can be fatal.

What the risks are

Infection
Bleeding
Damage to the brain tissue with continued neurologic effects
Risks of general anesthesia
Inability to find the ventricle and accurately place catheter

Review Date: 5/3/2007

Reviewed By: Robert A. Cowles, M.D., Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, 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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Class Act: TRX Training Center

FitSugar — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 13:00:00 -0800

It is the new year and I have decided to try some new things - one being new ways to workout. My most recent experiment was a TRX class. TRX is a suspension training program designed to work every large muscle group. The training center offers three different hour-long classes: Body Blast, Basic Training, and Power Stretch. I took an early morning Basic Training class and left with my upper body already aching.

A TRX suspension strap hangs from the ceiling and is used throughout the hour, whether you're gripping it with your hands or hooking the straps on to your feet. We started with a warm-up that was just enough time to wake up my muscles and give my heart rate a boost. Then, we moved on to an intense upper body segment that targeted the biceps, triceps, shoulders, chest, and back.

Some of the moves are exclusive to TRX, some are reminiscent of exercises you might do with weights, and some are back to basics, like push-ups. All were extremely effective. Each segment is broken up with cardio drills like high knees, quick feet, and jumping jacks; there were about five of these short drills throughout the class.

We moved on to lower-body and core segments that, at the time, felt more like continued upper-body training because you're still gripping the straps for many of these exercises. My soreness the following day let me know that some of those targeted movements hit the intended parts of my body, as my inner thighs were noticeably tight. The lower body movements incorporated variations of lunges, and the core segment involved several different planks.

To see my one gripe about the class, read more.

If you have any wrist issues, they may start giving you trouble during the hour because you're gripping the majority of the time. I found it increasingly difficult to keep my form because my wrists started acting up, so next time I may try wrapping them to prevent any strain. That said, I would definitely take a TRX class again because I left sweaty and satisfied. The typical drop-in rate is $20 for one class, but they have packages that bring down the cost and offer attractive promotional deals ($20 got me three classes).

Does suspension training sound like something you might try?

Source

A Need for Speed

FitSugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 05:30:00 -0700

Running for me is the simplest exercise to fit into my schedule, and now that I have a few races under my belt I want a little more out of running. I want to run faster. One thing I know about my relationship with running, is that change takes time and it is best to have a plan. So instead of just hitting the pavement harder and hoping to go faster, here's a simple drill I am going to try.

Designed by running guru Jeff Galloway, a man dedicated to bringing running to the masses, this exercise is considered a cadence drill.

Here's how it works:

After warming up, jog or run a 30-second interval and count the number of times your left foot touches the ground.
Recover for one to two minutes with walking or jogging.
Speed up again and count the times your left touches the ground in 30 seconds but try to increase the number from your previous interval by 1 or 2.
Repeat this sequence several times and keep upping the number. You can do this drill at a track or on the road – it's pretty versatile.

I certainly hope counting my steps while watching my stopwatch isn't harder than walking and chewing gum. I do think I am up for the challenge, are you? After all this is considered a gentle speed drill.

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Get It Up, Your Heart Rate That Is: Freestyle Swim

FitSugar — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 05:30:00 -0700

Is it just me, or does Dara Torres inspire you to dive into a pool for your next workout?

Swimming is one of my favorite forms of exercise. To me nothing beats swimming laps in an outdoor pool on a hot Summer afternoon. Plus, working my arms in the pool makes me want to show off my shoulders in a cute sleeveless dress.

To see the fun workout, featuring Dara's stroke freestyle just read more.

Warm up
2 x 100 yrd Freestyle – easy
(rest* 0:20 / 100 yrd)
100 yrd kick
50 yrd pull**

Drills***
4 x 25 Freestyle breathe to left
(rest 0:10 / 25 yrd)
4 x 25 Freestyle breathe to right
(rest 0:10 / 25 yrd)

Main Event: Sprints
4 x 25yd Freestyle Swim, target time 00:30 / 25yrd
(rest 0:15 / 25 yrd)
4 x 25yd Freestyle Swim, target time 00:30 / 25yrd
(rest 0:10 / 25 yrd)

Cool Down
2 x 50 yrd Freestyle – easy
(rest 0:10 / 25 yrd)
2 x 50 yrd Backstroke – easy
(rest 0:10 / 25 yrd)
2 x 50 yrd Breastroke – easy

Stretch
Chest
Shoulders
Triceps
Lats/Back

Total Distance = 1,050 yrd

* Rest the listed amount between reps/laps
** Pull: Hold a buoy with your legs and use only your arms to swim
***Drill: This drill works on the skill of bilateral breathing

Source

Cobalt poisoning

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:57:23 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Poisonous Ingredient
Where Found
Symptoms
Home Treatment
Before Calling Emergency
Poison Control, or a local emergency number
What to expect at the emergency room
Expectations (prognosis)
References

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Cobalt is a naturally occurring element in the earth’s crust. It is a very small part of our environment and very small amounts are needed for many animals and humans to stay healthy.

Cobalt poisoning can occur when you are exposed to large amounts of cobalt. There are three basic ways that cobalt can cause poisoning. You can swallow too much of it, breathe too much into your lungs, or have it come in constant contact with your skin.

Alternative Names

Cobalt chloride; Cobalt oxide; Cobalt sulfate

Poisonous Ingredient

Cobalt

Where Found

Cobalt is a component of vitamin B12, an essential vitamin.

Cobalt may also be found in:

Chemistry/crystal sets
Magnets
Dyes and pigments (Cobalt Blue)
Alloys
Batteries
Drill bits and machine tools
Tires

Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.

Symptoms

Usually you have to be exposed to high levels of cobalt for weeks to months to have symptoms. However, it is possible to have some symptoms if you swallow a large amount of cobalt at once.

The most worrisome form of cobalt poisoning occurs when you breathe too much into your lungs. This usually will only happen in industrial settings where large amounts of drilling, polishing, or other processes release fine particles containing cobalt into the air. Breathing in this cobalt dust can cause a lot of chronic lung problems. If you breathe in this substance for long periods, you will likely develop problems breathing similar to asthma or more permanent problems, such as pulmonary fibrosis.

Cobalt poisoning that occurs from constant contact with your skin will likely cause irritation and rashes that will go away slowly.

Swallowing a large amount of absorbable cobalt at one time is very rare and likely not too dangerous. This may cause nausea and vomiting. However, if you swallow a large amount of cobalt over longer periods of time, serious health problems can occur, including:

Cardiomyopathy (a problem where your heart becomes big and floppy and has problems pumping blood)
Thyroid problems
Thickening of your blood
Possible nerve problems

Home Treatment

If you or someone you know has been exposed to cobalt, the first step is to leave the area and get fresh air. If cobalt came in contact with the skin, wash the area thoroughly.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

The patient's age, weight, and condition
The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
The time it was swallowed
The amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to expect at the emergency room

If you are brought to the emergency room, it is likely because you either swallowed a large amount of cobalt or because you are finally starting to feel sick from chronic long-term exposure.

Treatment for skin contact: Since these rashes are rarely serious, very little will be done. The area may be washed and a topical skin cream may be prescribed.

Treatment for lung involvement: Your difficulty breathing will be treated based on your symptoms. Breathing treatments, x-rays, and medications to treat swelling and inflammation in your lungs may all be used.

Treatment for swallowed cobalt: The health care team will treat your symptoms and order some routine blood tests. In the rare cases where you have large levels of cobalt in your blood, hemodialysis and some medications that work as partial antidotes may be used.

Expectations (prognosis)

Persons who become sick from being exposed to large amounts of cobalt on one single occasion usually recover and have no long-term complications.

The symptoms and problems associated with long-term cobalt poisoning are rarely reversible. Persons who have such poisoning will likely have to take medicine for the rest of their life to control the symptoms.

References

Goldfrank LR, Flomenbaum NE, Lewin NA, et al. Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies. 7th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2002.

Review Date: 5/27/2007

Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

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