FitSugar

5 Healthy Things You Can Do in the Shower

Jenny Sugar — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 13:20:18 PST

Taking a shower mostly entails washing your hair and shaving your legs, but here are a few more quick things you should make time for that will benefit your health.

Source: Thinkstock

Prescription Drugs' Expiration Dates, Explained

FitSugar — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:30:24 PDT

I've always wondered what exactly an expiration date means on a drug. Does it become less effective? Could it poison me? Obviously, there's a big difference in those two things, so I was glad to see this NPR story that sheds some light on drug expiration dates.

Just because a drug is past its expiration date doesn't necessarily mean you should toss it. Many states require drug labels to carry an expiration date just one year past the date of sale, but drug manufacturers often set dates two years later, based on testing.

The FDA's Ilisa Bernstein says there are no guarantees that drugs will be effective after the expiration date but that medications stored in a cool, dry place can last much longer. Does that mean we should focus on decoding drug names and drug interactions and not worry about the expiration dates?

If the drug is used to treat something commonplace, such as headaches or heartburn, you're probably safe using it past the date. But for medications your life depends on - particularly meds for severe allergic reactions such as EpiPens - you should not use them past the expiration date.

Healthy To-Do: Get Your Cholesterol Checked

FitSugar — Wed, 05 May 2010 10:00:49 PDT

Do you have high cholesterol? If your answer is "I don't know," perhaps it's time to find out.

Even if you eat healthy and exercise regularly, you may have high cholesterol and not even know it. Found in animal cells and animal-based foods, cholesterol is a nutrient both acquired through eating and produced by your liver. Eating too many saturated fats, including those found in dairy products and tropical oils, can lead to high cholesterol, as can genetics and other factors.

You've probably heard about "good" cholesterol and "bad" cholesterol; these terms refer to the lipoproteins that transport cholesterol though the blood vessels. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the good kind and helps with essential body functions; LDL (low-density) is the bad kind. My mnemonic device for keeping them straight is "H" is for healthy and "LDL" stands for "little devil" and is bad.

Less than 200 mg/dL is considered a desirable total cholesterol count, while an LDL of 100 mg/dL is an optimal goal for most people. High cholesterol can be controlled with foods and other lifestyle choices. You can determine your numbers with a simple blood test, so put "get cholesterol checked" on your to-do list.

Healthy To-Do: Call Your Doc For Test Results

FitSugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:00:32 PDT

If you listen to the news at all, then you know our healthcare system is a mess. Doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants - they're all overworked. If you recently had a medical test, be it a cholesterol screening or pap smear, you should follow up with your doc and to find out the test results. We like to think that no news is good news, but that is not always the case. A recent study found one out of 14 times medical offices failed to notify patients of abnormal test results and lab work. Do yourself a healthy favor and ring your doctor's office if you haven't heard about your latest test results.

Healthy To-Do: Volunteer For a Cause You Love

FitSugar — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:00:45 PDT

Doing community service is good for the world, but did you know it can also be good for your health? Giving your time to a worthy cause can increase your overall happiness.

Fittingly, I learned this while reading a story in Woman's Day entitled "What Doctors Wish You'd Do" - while waiting for a doctor's appointment. According to the article, volunteers who donated just 40 hours of their time per year lived longer than the average person. Plus, it gets you out and socializing with other people, which has been shown to help reduce the risk of depression and Alzheimer's.

Take a tip from Mia Hamm, shown here teaching kids about flu vaccines and soccer, and pick a cause that gets you moving. Plant a community garden, work at a local food bank, or coach a youth sports team. What healthy causes do you devote your time to?

Healthy To-Do: Get Your Eyes Checked

FitSugar — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:00:00 PDT

Suffering from dry eyes and blurry vision, major league baseball player Brain McCann, catcher for the Atlanta Braves, was recently outfitted for glasses after having his eyes checked.

While most of us don't depend on our peepers to track incoming curve balls, we all rely on our eyes for just about everything. This is why it is important to have your eyes checked regularly. The American Optometric Association recommends that adults have their eyes checked at least every two years. Early detection with vision problems means corrective action is easier to make, and the health of your eyes can be an early warning sign of diabetes. If you are one of the 81 percent of Americans who wear corrective lenses, be they glass or contacts, make an appointment to have your eyes checked. Your eyes may have changed and correcting your prescription can save you a lot of headaches, and I mean that literally.

Source

Healthy To-Do: Make a Summer Safety Kit

FitSugar — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:30:00 PDT

I recently attended my first outdoor concert of the Summer and was dismayed, after a trip to the portapotty, to find that I had no hand sanitizer in my bag. I usually make it a point to carry antibacterial wipes or spray for all of my Summer hiking, camping, walking, and concert excursions.

Inspired by my newly updated first aid kit, I decided to assemble a Summer safety kit to toss in my backpack. In addition to a small bottle of hand sanitizer, I included a few handiwipes, a small can of bug spray, a travel tube of sunscreen, and a few Band-aids to treat any potential blisters on long walks or hikes. I'll make sure to keep it stocked throughout the season, so I'll always be prepared.

Is there anything else you think I should add?

Healthy To-Do: Update Your First Aid Kit

FitSugar — Sun, 17 May 2009 03:30:00 PDT

I recently cut myself pretty badly while chopping veggies and when I went to my first aid kit to get some Neosporin, I realized I was all out.

So learn from my mistake and take some time this weekend to update your first aid kit and medicine cabinet. Throw out expired products and make sure you're stocked up on the necessities. I made a little checklist of some things you may need in case you get sick or hurt so

Antiseptic solution or towelettes
Cotton balls
Antibiotic cream such as Neosporin
Bandages including band-aids and gauze
Adhesive tape
Latex gloves
Instant ice packs
Tweezers and a sterile needle
Sterile eyewash, such as a saline solution
Thermometer
Anti-diarrhea medication such as Pepto-Bismol
Anti-inflammatory such as Ibuprofen
Pain reliever such as Tylenol
Hydrocortisone cream

Healthy To-Do: Check Your Skin

FitSugar — Mon, 04 May 2009 14:30:00 PDT

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Today, take some time out to check your skin for suspicious moles and markings, which could lead to skin cancer.

Put yourself in front of a mirror, naked, and scan your entire body, especially body parts you don't see on a regular basis, like your back. If you'd like a trained eye to examine your skin, the Skin Cancer Foundation is offering free screenings at locations around the country now through September with its Road to Healthy Skin Tour; it is veritable mobile dermatologist office. Check this calendar that has the events listed by state - it will visit more than 80 locations.

If you're not sure what you are looking for, check out these four warning signs for skin cancer, with visual representations of healthy moles versus questionable ones.

Source

Healthy To-Do: Toss Expired Food From Your Cupboards

FitSugar — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 03:30:00 PDT

Now that Spring is on its way, I'm sure you'll be enjoying all the fresh fruits and veggies in the produce section, which means you'll be eating less wintry foods. So this weekend, take some time to go through your cupboards and pantry to check the expiration dates on cans of soup, veggies, beans, and other items. It's not healthy to eat food that is past its prime, and you can make room for new food once you ditch the old stuff. If a food is almost expired, now is your chance to use it up before it expires and your money goes to waste.