FitSugar

Does Cracking Your Knuckles Cause Arthritis?

FitSugar — Tue, 22 May 2007 04:00:00 -0700

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 -0700

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.

Move It at Home: Shiva Rea - Fluid Power - Vinyasa Flow Yoga

FitSugar — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 13:00:00 -0800

Looking for a yoga DVD that's actually good? Then you must check out Shiva Rea's newest program Fluid Power - Vinyasa Flow Yoga. Shiva Rea is one of the most inspirational yoga teachers out there, full of energy and kindness.
Moving with natural flow, Rea’s completely original yoga style enhances vitality, agility, and creativity while building strength and flexibility. Take it from me, you won't get bored of the DVD.

The DVD contains many sections, and her "yoga matrix" allows you to customize your practice by choosing which ones you want to do. You can also choose from one of the six pre-set practices from basic to advanced, or meditative to energetic.

Filmed at the White Sands National Park, the breathtaking scenery and the unique music make this video both beautiful and soothing. Shiva Rea's dynamic movements and flow of yoga poses make it challenging and fun.

Her flow begins by warming you up with one pose and then gradually adds poses until you are performing a fluid and graceful yoga dance. I can't recommend this DVD enough. Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

Ziconotide (Into the fluid around your spinal cord and brain)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:12:00 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use 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

Ziconotide (zi-KOE-noe-tide)

Relieves severe chronic pain.

Brand Name(s)

Prialt

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to ziconotide. You should not receive this medicine if you have a history of mental illness. Your doctor or health care giver will decide if there is any reason you should not receive this medicine.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
This medicine is given as an injection into your spine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

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

Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using antidepressants (such as amitriptyline, doxepin, nortriptyline, Celexa®, Pamelor®, Prozac®, Serzone®, Sinequan®, Zoloft®), sedatives such as diazepam, Librium®, Valium®, alprazolam, midazolam, Halcion®, Versed®, Xanax®), or antiepileptics (such as phenytoin, primidone, Dilantin®, Tegretol®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

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.
Abnormal vision.
Confusion or disorientation.
Dark-colored urine.
Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
High fever or headache.
Lightheadedness or fainting.
Muscle pain, soreness, or weakness.
Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
Seeing things that aren't there.
Seizures.
Severe vomiting.
Stiffness of your neck.
Suicidal thoughts.

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

Abnormal thinking or anxiety.
Change in your mood.
Decreased alertness.
Dizziness.
Dry skin or rash on your skin.
Headache.
Loss of appetite.
Loss of memory.
Pain, swelling, itching, or burning where the shot was given.
Problems with balance or walking.
Problems with speech.

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.

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Source Doc: 45_5481

STIs Explained: HIV and AIDS

FitSugar — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 02:30:00 -0700

Since today, June 27, is National HIV Testing Day, I thought I could dispel some myths and lay out the facts about HIV and AIDS. It is a serious issue so let's get down to business.

HIV - the human immunodeficiency virus - is a virus that kills your body’s "CD4 cells," (also called T-helper cells), that help your body fight off infection and disease.

HIV can be passed when an infected person's bodily fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluid, or breast milk) come in contact with an uninfected person's mucous membranes. The HIV virus can be passed during any type of sexual contact - including oral and anal sex. Sharing needles can also transmit HIV from one user to another. HIV-positive mothers can also pass it onto their babies when they are pregnant, when they deliver, or if they breastfeed.

AIDS - the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome - is a disease you get when the HIV virus destroys your body’s immune system. That means that viruses, parasites, fungi and bacteria that usually don't cause any problems can make you very sick since your immune system is damaged.

To prevent HIV and other STIs in the first place abstaining from sexual contact is your best bet, but the likelihood that happening is rare. So always use a latex or polyurethane condom when having sex. Or better yet, have you and your partner get tested before you get intimate.

Fit's Tips: Many people who have HIV do not show symptoms for many years, so the best thing to do is get tested just to make sure.

Want to know more about HIV and AIDS? Then read more

STI	Symptoms	How do you test for it?	Treatment
HIV and AIDS	rapid weight loss dry cough extreme fatigue swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck diarrhea that lasts more than a week white spots or unusual blemishes on the tongue, in the mouth, or in the throat red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids memory loss, depression, and other neurological disorders pneumonia	Anonymous HIV testing is available in many places and it's usually free You can have a blood test, or a simple oral test that checks for HIV antibodies. People who have HIV antibodies are called HIV-positive.	There are treatments to help HIV symptoms, but there is no known cure yet

STI

Symptoms

How do you test for it?

Treatment

HIV and AIDS

rapid weight loss
dry cough
extreme fatigue
swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck
diarrhea that lasts more than a week
white spots or unusual blemishes on the tongue, in the mouth, or in the throat
red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids
memory loss, depression, and other neurological disorders
pneumonia

Anonymous HIV testing is available in many places and it's usually free

You can have a blood test, or a simple oral test that checks for HIV antibodies.

People who have HIV antibodies are called HIV-positive.

There are treatments to help HIV symptoms, but there is no known cure yet

Source and Source

PMS: Oh, it's Real !!!

FitSugar — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 11:00:00 -0700

When I was growing up, I remember being in a bad mood and some stupid boy saying, "Oh, you must be on the rag!" That really pissed me off. Just because I'm not happy does not necessarily mean I have or am getting my period!!

Although the truth is, right before my period, I really do feel crappy and not myself. It's not just a dumb joke between guys - it's completely REAL, but why does it happen?

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) happens because your body goes through a series of hormonal changes in the 2 weeks leading up to your period. The female hormone estrogen starts to rise after menstruation and peaks around mid-cycle (ovulation). It then rapidly drops only to slowly rise and then fall again in the time before you finally get your period. These crazy changes can trigger disruptive symptoms that affect you both emotionally and physically.

PMS affects women differently, and its effects can also vary from month to month. For most women, symptoms include mood swings (1 minute you're happy, 1 minute you're mad), uncontrollable crying, feeling depressed or anxious, and feeling "out-of-control."

Want to know what else PMS causes? Then read more

You can also experience headaches or migraines, dizziness, abdominal pains, backache, constipation, fluid retention (that's my fave right there), acne, breast tenderness, weight gain, heart palpitations, painful joints, cravings for certain foods like chocolate, or fatigue. Fun stuff.

The severity of your symptoms may be hereditary, and some women experience symptoms that disrupt their ability to function. If you're concerned about your symptoms, keep a calendar and write down how you feel each day. This way, when you see your gynecologist, your doctor may have some ideas for treatments.

Fit's Tips: Going on the Pill may help to regulate your hormone levels, and because you're not ovulating, your symptoms may become greatly alleviated. Monophasic birth control, like the Nuvaring or Seasonale may be a better option since they deliver an equal amount of hormones to you each day.

Sweat May Spread Hepatitis B

FitSugar — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 14:00:00 -0800

This news isn't good. In a study of Olympic wrestlers, the hepatitis B virus was found in the sweat of infected individuals. This means that if anyone comes in contact with that sweat, and then it enters your bloodstream through broken skin or mucous membrane they could contract the virus.

The same goes for blood and other bodily fluids. Dr. S. Bereket-Yucel, from Celal Bayar University in Izmir, Turkey, tested for the hepatitis B virus in blood and sweat samples from 70 male Olympic wrestlers. 9 people already had the virus in their blood, and the tests found that the virus was found in the sweat of 8 out of those 9.

The reason this is such bad news is that once you contract Hepatitis B, it can either leave your bloodstream and you develop an immunity. Or after 6 months, if it hasn't left your system, you'll be diagnosed with chronic Hepatitis B, and you can suffer severe liver damage.

So what does this mean? You probably shouldn't be rolling around on a mat half-naked with someone who you know has hepatitis B.

Seriously though, this brings new meaning to going to gyms, sharing equipment, or borrowing a used yoga or Pilates mat. Whenever possible, wipe off machines and equipment (like free weights). Most gyms have the policy to wipe things off when you're done, but you know there are people who don't.

Fit's Tips: I keep a little bottle of Purell with me so I can kill any germs that come in contact with my hands. I try not to touch my face at all, and when I'm done working out, I immediately go to the bathroom and wash my hands and face. It's sad that we have to be hyper-careful, but you've got to do what you can to keep yourself safe and healthy. Your best bet is to get vaccinated against Hep B.

Bone Health Requires Some Specific Exercise

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:00:36 -0800

Turns out if you want to keep your bones healthy, you'd better start young and be specific about which exercise you choose. The New York Times reveals the findings of a new study which indicates that, contrary to popular belief, "any and all activity" may not benefit your bones.

In fact, as researchers investigate the effect of exercise on bone health, it has become increasingly clear that various kinds of exercise produces varying results on bone conditioning. Until recently, researchers believed that the impact of running, or any similar high-impact exercise, would transform the bone, "deforming" it just slightly. As a result of running, the bone would give slightly to the force of the physical activity, and the bone cells would stretch in response and adapt to the repeated exercise by adding cells and becoming denser. But this is not the case. In actuality, researchers have now found that the bone cells don't stretch; instead, when the bone bends, it "squeezes bone fluid" from one part of the bone "matrix" to another, and it's this extra fluid that causes the cells to add denser bone in response.

The key is that only certain types of exercise produce this kind of bone-bending, and the subsequent response to add dense bone-building. Says Alexander G. Robling, an assistant professor in the department of anatomy and cell biology at Indiana University School of Medicine, "large forces released in a relatively big burst” are crucial to building healthy bones, which is why activities like weight lifting won't help bone-bend or produce stronger, denser bones. But the exercises that will? Running, brisk walking at a fast pace, and surprisingly, repeated jumping.

Food Review: Forze GPS Shakes and Bars

FitSugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:00:46 -0800

I'm typically wary of fitness drinks with gold packaging; they remind me of the weird muscle-building brands I see at the gym. But when I read the label on Forze GPS shakes and bars, I was intrigued.

This line of snacks, including chocolate and vanilla shakes and four flavors of energy bar, is described as a "weight management tool designed specifically for athletes." They promise to activate your appetite control signals, so they can be used as a between-meal or pre- or post-workout snack. Hear what I thought about their taste and the results.

Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) collection

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:10:11 -0700

Illustrations

CSF chemistry

Lumbar vertebrae

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) collection is a test to look at the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Cerebral spinal fluid acts like a cushion, protecting the brain and spine from injury. The fluid is normally clear. The test is also used to measure pressure in the spinal fluid.

Alternative Names

Spinal tap; Ventricular puncture; Lumbar puncture; Cisternal puncture; Cerebral spinal fluid culture

How the test is performed

There are different ways to get a sample of spinal fluid. Lumbar puncture, commonly called a spinal tap, is the most common method. The test is usually performed in the following manner:

The patient must lay on his or her side, with the knees pulled up toward the chest, and the chin tucked downward. Sometimes the test is done with the person sitting up, but bent over.
After the back is cleaned, the health care provider will inject a local numbing medicine (anesthetic) into the lower spine.
A spinal needle is inserted, usually into the lower back area.
Once the needle is properly positioned, spinal fluid pressure is measured, and fluid is collected.
The needle is removed, the area is cleaned, and a bandage is placed over the needle site. The patient is often asked to lie down for a short time after the test.

Occasionally, special x-rays are used to help guide the needle into the proper position. This is called fluoroscopy.

Lumbar puncture with fluid collection may also be part of other procedures, particularly a myelogram (x-ray or CT scan after dye has been inserted into the CSF).

Alternative methods of CSF collection are rarely used, but may be necessary in the event of a back deformity or infection.

Cisternal puncture uses a needle placed below the occipital bone (back of the skull). It can be dangerous because it is so close to the brain stem.

Ventricular puncture is even more rare, but may be recommended in persons with possible brain herniation. This test is usually done in the operating room. A hole is drilled in the skull, and a needle is inserted directly into one of brain's ventricles.

How to prepare for the test

The patient (or guardian) must give the health care team permission to do the test.

How the test will feel

The position may be uncomfortable, but it is extremely important that the patient stays in the bended position to avoid moving the needle and possibly injuring the spinal cord.

The anesthetic will sting or burn when first injected. There will be a hard pressure sensation when the needle is inserted, and there is usually some brief pain when the needle goes through the tissue surrounding the spinal cord. This pain should stop in a few seconds.

Overall, discomfort is minimal to moderate. The entire procedure usually takes about 30 minutes, but it may take longer. The actual pressure measurements and fluid collection only take a few minutes.

Why the test is performed

This test is done to measure pressures within the cerebrospinal fluid and to collect a sample of the fluid for further testing. CSF can be used to diagnose certain neurologic disorders, particularly infections (such as meningitis) and brain or spinal cord damage.

Normal Values

Normal values vary from lab to lab but typically range as follows:

Pressure: 50 - 180 mm H20
Appearance: clear, colorless
CSF total protein: 15 - 45 mg/100 mL
Gamma globulin: 3 - 12% of the total protein
CSF glucose: 50 - 80 mg/100 mL (or approximately 2/3 of blood sugar level)
CSF cell count: 0 - 5 white blood cells, no red blood cells
Chloride: 110 - 125 mEq per liter

Note: mg/mL = milligrams per milliliter; mEq/L = milliequivalent per liter

What abnormal results mean

If the CSF looks cloudy, it could mean there is an infection or a build up of white blood cells or protein.

If the CSF looks bloody or red, it may be a sign of bleeding or spinal cord obstruction. If it is brown, orange, or yellow, it may be a sign of increased CSF protein or previous bleeding (more than 3 days ago).

Increased CSF pressure may be due to increased intracranial pressure (pressure within the skull). Decreased CSF pressure may be due to spinal cord tumor, shock, fainting, or diabetic coma.

Increased protein may be due to blood in the CSF, diabetes, polyneuritis, tumor, injury, or any inflammatory or infectious condition. Decreased protein is a sign of rapid CSF production.

Increased CSF gamma globulin levels may be due to diseases such as multiple sclerosis, neurosyphilis, or Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Increased CSF glucose is a sign of high blood sugar. Decreased CSF glucose may be due to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), bacterial or fungal infection (such as meningitis), tuberculosis, or certain types of meningitis.

Increased white blood cells in the CSF may be a sign of meningitis, acute infection, beginning of a chronic illness, tumor, abscess,stroke, or demyelinating disease (such as multiple sclerosis).

Red blood cells in the CSF sample may be a sign of bleeding into the spinal fluid or the result of a traumatic lumbar puncture.

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

What the risks are

Risks of lumbar puncture include:

Hypersensitivity (allergic) reaction to the anesthetic
Discomfort during the test
Headache after the test
Bleeding into the spinal canal

There is an increased risk of bleeding in persons who take blood thinners.

Brain herniation may occur if this test is done on a person with a mass in the brain (such as a tumor or abscess). This can result in brain damage or death. This test is not done if an exam or test reveals signs of a brain mass.

Damage to the nerves in the spinal cord may occur, particularly if the person moves during the test.

Cisternal puncture or ventricular puncture carry additional risks of brain damage and bleeding within the brain.

Special considerations

This test should not be performed on people who have lesions that cause increased intracranial pressure. Others who should have this test include patients with:

Blood clotting problems
Thrombocytopenia
Risk of infection

References

Nathan, BR. Cerebrospinal Fluid and Intracranial Pressure. In: Goetz, CG, ed. Textbook of Clinical Neurology, 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa:WB Saunders Company; 2003:511-524.

Review Date: 6/20/2008

Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Joseph V. Campellone, M.D., Division of Neurology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (4/30/2007).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

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