FitSugar

Does Cracking Your Knuckles Cause Arthritis?

FitSugar — Tue, 22 May 2007 04:00:00 PDT

In order to answer this question, we first need to talk about arthritis. It's the name for a group of conditions where there is damage caused to the joints. Here are some examples:

Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are autoimmune diseases in which the body is attacking itself.
Septic arthritis is caused by joint infection.
Gouty arthritis is caused when uric acid crystals get deposited in the joints, which causes inflammation.
The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis (also known as degenerative joint disease), occurs after an injury or infection in the joint, or simply as a result of aging.

Hmm, I see that of these 4 examples, none of them are caused by popping your joints.

Now let's talk about knuckle cracking. A joint is an area where 2 or more bones meet. This area is surrounded by joint fluid that protects the bones from rubbing against each other. When you "crack" or "pop" your knuckles or other joints, you are NOT grinding your bones together. Carbon dioxide is dissolved in that joint fluid. The sound you hear is a result of the high pressure being released, when the gas comes out and forms a bubble. That release of pressure allows a temporary increase in the joint's range of motion, which is why it feels so good. The reason you can't re-crack your knuckles immediately after is because it takes a little time for the gas to get re-dissolved back into the joint fluid.

There is no evidence that cracking your joints causes arthritis, or any other permanent damage - it just offers relief.

So the next time you crack your knuckles and someone says "Stop! You're going to get arthritis!," just smile and politely explain that you're just releasing the pressure of your joint fluid.

Source

Is it an Ear Infection? Find Out With EarCheck

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 11:00:00 PDT

If you have young kids, you already know ear infections are a part of childhood. Children are susceptible to them because when they're sick, kids have a hard time getting the mucus out of their body. They're just beginning to learn the vital skill of blowing their nose. The mucus ends up draining into their ears, causing severely painful infections.

You can make many a trip to your pediatrician to have your kid's ears examined. Wouldn't it be great if you could check your children's ears at home without a doctor?

The EarCheck Middle Ear Monitor might be just the gadget you need. For $49.95, you can check your own child's ear to see if they have an infection. Just like the one at the doctor's office, this one uses sound waves to detect if there is fluid in the middle ear.

Checking your child's ear is quick and painless - if you can get them to hold still (I always find that element a problem). The EarCheck Monitor has an easy to read display and with the information you can decide if a doctor's visit is necessary.

Now that the weather is warming up, we'll be heading swimming. This monitor can also check for Swimmer's Ear. So it could be handy to have one on hand so you can spend more time enjoying the weather outside, and less time sitting in a doctor's office.

How to Keep Your Run Pain-Free

Leta Shy — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:54:30 PST

Sometimes, you start your run with the best intentions, only to be thwarted by recurring cramps and a headache that zaps all your energy. If you've experienced these nagging annoyances when you run, here are some tips for preventing pain and coping with it when it happens during your workout.

Headache: Often, a pounding headache that comes on during a run is due to inadequate water intake. Your body loses a lot of fluids while you're sweating it out on the treadmill, so before you even begin, make sure that you've had enough water throughout the day. During your run, sip water slowly, about five to 12 ounces every 20 minutes (or sip a sports drink with electrolytes if you are running for more than an hour), but don't drink so much that you feel all of it sloshing around in your stomach - that can lead to cramps or nausea.

More tips for pain-free running after the break.

8 Surprising Things That Can Swell During Pregnancy

Kate Stahl — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:41:54 PST

We've all heard of swollen feet during pregnancy - a not-so-surprising side effect considering they're supporting all that extra weight - but your feet are not the only body parts that can retain fluid while you're expecting. We've all seen a pregnant woman who looked so fluid-filled you kind of wanted to stick a pin in her to see if she'd pop (or maybe you were one of those women?), but water retention can hit less obvious places as well.

Jessica Simpson recently went to Twitter to talk about her swollen lips, saying it might be the first stage of "pregnancy face," a side effect that Bethenny Frankel dealt with by massage and putting bags of frozen veggies on her face. "I’m a swollen beast. My face exploded . . . I look like a chipmunk,” she tweeted while expecting daughter Bryn. Keep reading for 10 less talked-about body parts that can make for an often uncomfortable, and sometimes unsightly, pregnancy and postpartum experience.

Derek Lam Fall 2012

Chi Diem Chau — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 12:40:59 PST

Derek Lam's runway show today at St. John's center was worth the freezing trek through wind tunnels. For Fall, Lam mixed his ladylike style with a sportif twist melding chic separates with a menswear twist. Pretty ivory floral satin bomber jackets were paired with pencil skirts and finished off with eye-catching cap-toe ankle boots and metallic loafers. Additionally, there were sharp metallic suit sets, quirky collars, and pleated wide-leg cropped trousers made in wool, leather, and, for a glitzy touch, sequins. Lam's effortless style was also translated into a beautiful array of ivory and black languid silk gowns paired with textural cable-knit sweaters. For outerwear, the designer melded luxury and sport, creating puff jackets and vests adorned with fur collars. More details from Lam's feminine cool collection below.

Trends: Wide-leg cropped trousers, floral print, bomber jackets, side-slit details.
Colors: Maroon, black, ivory, dark mustard yellow, gray.
Key Piece: We loved the ivory cable-knit sweater layered over the fluid silk dress - gorgeous!
Accessories: Cap-toe leather booties, metallic loafers, floral booties, floral bags.
Who Would Wear It: Fashion-forward celebs like Diane Kruger and Kirsten Dunst.

Nicholas K Fall 2012

Chi Diem Chau — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:00:33 PST

Nancy Sinatra's epic "Bang Bang," set the mood for Nicholas Kunz's Fall Nicholas K collection. Inspired by the Taos artists in the '20s and '30s, Kunz imagined a line bursting with Western influence - we loved all of the cool Stetson-inspired hats - and a dash of deco. Fringe was heavily prevalent, making its way onto geometric leather jackets, sheer crochet dresses, and for a vintage touch, metallic fringed flapper dresses. For eveningwear, Kunz showed off her signature draping technique on a variety of gorgeous sexy bias-cut dresses and fluid tops. The outerwear category also shined: parka jackets came complete with inner straps (so the coat can hang just off the shoulders), structured leather jackets highlighted by luxe fur collars, and the closing look featured an undeniably slick black asymmetric leather and canvas zippered coat. More details below.

Trends: Western influence, fringe, parka jackets, crochet detailing.
Colors: Desert sand, gray, black, army green, sienna.
Key Piece: We loved the simple yet sexy sheer asymmetric and draped dresses; outerwear showed amazing structural pieces.
Accessories: Wedge platform boots, knee-high boots, leather harness vests, Western-inspired hats, turtle shell necklaces.
Who Would Wear It: Girls who like the utilitarian look with slight, modern edge.

BCBG Runway Fall 2012

Noria Morales — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:15:43 PST

An architectural aesthetic, specifically Bauhaus style, rules for BCBG's Fall 2012 collection. Structure manifested itself via colorblocking, but it was done on fluid silk chiffon shift dresses, so the effect was a pretty blend of strong forms on flowy silhouettes. The geometric shapes created by bold color combos - black and orange, merlot and blush - were intensified with textural plays like sheer insets and clever pleating that made dresses look magically fluid and sharp at the same time. To counter the collection's emphasis on lightweight materials like silk and chiffon, it also sent cozy outerwear down the runway - we have mixed emotions on the return of gorilla-armed coats, but the multicolor fur vests and canvas and leather trenches were artful choices for next season. The minimalist approach to geometric forms and bold color combinations, together with the flowy silhouettes, make for clothes that are ideal to wear to a gallery opening.

Trends: Colorblocking, fur, architectural detail, Bauhaus.
Colors: Merlot, blush, camel, cream, navy, coral, teal.
Key Piece: The canvas and leather trench coat; the super-cool pleated dresses with tulle inserts.
Accessories: Open-toe ankle-strap sandals, bags with contrasting textures like snake and suede.
Who Would Wear It: Erin Wasson was in the front row, but the structured, urbane collection seems more suited to Naomi Watts or Thandie Newton.

Runway to Reality: Spring's Sporty-Chic Trend Under $150

Brittney Stephens — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:16:36 PST

From Isabel Marant's cool, colorful layers to Alexander Wang's perennial sporty-girl swagger, the runways were rife with easy, athletic pieces in hyperchromatic hues - playing the perfect juxtaposition for Spring's otherwise sweet, feminine fare. Fluid racerback tanks and bikini tops were paired under flouro mesh tees at Rag & Bone, and there was no shortage of slick, skintight knits on Wang's runway. It's a youthful, confident look that doesn't skimp on the sex appeal - and luckily, you can achieve the sporty-chic trend for Spring without breaking the bank or a sweat. Click through the widget below to shop our under-$150 picks now.

3.1 Phillip Lim Cotton shorts - $125.00	Splendid Neon Yellow Vintage Whisper Racerback Top - $95.00
MICHAEL Michael Kors Zip Anorak - $150.00	Lisa Marie Fernandez Elisa neoprene racer-back dress - Sold Out
Deena & Ozzy Crosswire Flatform Sandal - $59.00	Zip Front Jersey Skirt - $50.00
ASOS Mini Dress With Stripe Mesh - $62.67	Mesh-Inset Hacci Top - $19.99
Dear Marlene Bikini Bottoms - $118.00	Neoprene Crossbody Bag - $70.00
Neoprene Circle Skirt by Boutique - $140.00	Cord and Chain Bangle - $38.00
Pamir Petal Combo - $129.00	Ponte Side Stripe Leggings - $36.00
Scratch Windbreak Jacket - $89.00	Viscose Blend Lightweight Color Block Tank - $115.00
Nooka Unisex ZUB-ZIRC-NG-20 Zub Zirc Neon Green PolyurethaneWatch - $130.00	Short Pippa Skirt - $44.00
Long anorak - $109.90	Sporty Suede Colorblock Wedge Ankle Boots - $130.00
BB Dakota Naple Twill Blazer - Sold Out	BDG Fitted Baseball Tee - $34.00
Splendid Sahara cotton-jersey shorts - $72.00	ASOS Runner Short in Chair Print - $44.76
VPL Insertion stretch-cotton soft-cup bra - $95.00	Forever 21 Storm Flap Windbreaker Jacket - $34.80
T By Alexander Wang Sport Mesh Long Sleeve Tee - $120.00	J. Renee Clutch - $99.00
ASOS BLACK Neoprene High Neck Shift Dress - $152.19	ASOS Shorts with sporty Detailing - $35.81
Forever 21 Colorblocked Sandals - $12.80	UO Colorblock Bustier Bikini - $42.00

5 Tips From a Pro: How to Create a Beautiful Bronzed Glow

Real Beauty — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:07:27 PST

We're happy to present this article from one of our favorite sites, Real Beauty.

When trying to create a natural, sunless tan on your body, mistakes are expected and accepted. If things go too awry, you can just opt to wear pants until the color wears off.

Bronzer or self tanner: which is right for you?

But a botched fake tan on your face? Completely out of the question. Here, five foolproof tips on how to get gorgeous bronzed skin.

What We're Sweet On: Great Lip Stuff, Weird Names

Miriam Lacey — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:05:00 PST

Nobody would ever really be keen on the idea of putting blood or tears on our lips, so Rain Cosmetics is really lucky that its new lip stain, Blood ($12), and gloss, Tears ($12), are so superlatively great. Blood is a deep pink gel-based stain that's like a thicker, less-red Benetint. The lasting power is excellent when applied on the lips, but it works well on cheeks, too - even though it's not strictly for use as rouge. And thanks to the gel texture, the product spreads on wonderfully, allowing you plenty of time to blend away splotches.

Tears, the less eccentrically named of the two, is perfect if you're tired of supershiny, goopy gloss that makes you look like you just freshened up your makeup before eighth grade science class. Tears isn't sticky, the shine is so subtle that it almost looks more like balm, and it goes over stain or lipstick beautifully. So don't judge a gloss by its slightly creepy packaging; this stuff is much better than your average bodily fluid.