FitSugar

Asthma Inhalers Getting a Makeover to Save the World

FitSugar — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:30:00 PDT

If you have asthma and you use an inhaler like Albuterol, then I have some bad news for you, but some good news for Mother Earth. In case you didn't know this, most inhalers right now use chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) to propel the medicine into user's lungs. CFCs (like those used in many aerosol hairsprays and deodorants) are bad for the environment because they deplete the ozone layer.

This change, which was mandated by the federal government in 2005, is going into effect by January 2009. These new CFC-free inhalers use ozone-friendly propellants called hydrofluoroalkanes (HFAs), and they've actually been available for over 10 years. Asthma sufferers are reluctant to make the switch though because CFC inhalers are generic and HFAs are brand-name, which means they cost three times more than CFC inhalers.

Since January 2007, the FDA has received over 400 complaints about the new HFA inhalers, saying they cost too much and don't work properly. Unfortunately, patients haven't been educated about the differences between the two. HFA inhalers have a softer spray, so some people think it's not working. They don't want to risk having to rush to the ER because of an asthma attack, so they continue to use the CFC inhalers.

Some insurers only cover one out of the four available HFA inhalers, and members of Congress are urging the Bush administration to cover the new inhalers equally. If the government is forcing people to make the switch to HFA inhalers, then insurance companies should help cover the cost. Hopefully they will by the end of the year, when CFC inhalers will be banned. If you suffer from asthma, how do you feel about this? Have any of you used these new eco-friendly inhalers?

Source

6 Ways To Be Your Own Best Valentine

YourTango — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 04:00:17 PST

We're happy to present this excerpt from one of our favorite sites, YourTango.

Once again, February 14th is right around the corner. And this year, for whatever reason, you don't have a Valentine to call your own. You may be single or separated, divorced or widowed. Unfortunately, so many of us who find ourselves in this situation fall into feelings of deep inadequacy and despair. We tell ourselves: "I'm not good enough; something's wrong with me; I'll never find someone." The reasons why we're "alone" don't matter. What matters is learning how to address these feelings so that you embrace Valentine's Day 2012, feeling the fullness of love rather than the black hole of emptiness and lack.

Here are six proven ways for you to be your own best Valentine this year:

Avoid the black hole! You may be tempted to judge or blame yourself because you are alone. Don't do it! Say to yourself, as often as necessary, what your deepest wisdom knows to be true: "I am lovable and connected to everyone, forever." You don't have to believe it for this to work! Cherish the daily miracles that might easily be missed - the smile of a stranger, the movement of a child, a lovely connection with a service person.
Buy yourself the most beautiful Valentine's Day Card several days before the "big day." Then spend some time writing a heartfelt note to yourself and literally mail it to your own address. When the card arrives in your mailbox, enjoy opening it and reading it on Valentine's Day. Inhale your message, feeling its beauty in your heart. Then let that radiate to your whole body.

Get the other ideas when you finish reading the rest of the story on YourTango: 6 Ways To Be Your Own Best Valentine

Written by Dr. Lynda Klau for YourTango.

Practice Yoga Breath In Your Daily Life

Leta Shy — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:48:07 PST

Over the weekend, I took a yoga class at the Yoga Journal Conference. It was a good way to learn from the best, while getting hands-on attention to help my own yoga practice. While correcting my pose, one of the teacher's assistants reminded me to do something that I always forget: breathe deeply from my diaphragm. Focused, deep breathing is an important aspect of yoga, since it helps you maintain the flow of your practice and balance, and relax muscles to increase flexibility. But once you're out of the studio, using your yoga breath also helps in your daily life.

What makes a good breath? One that starts deep down in your diaphragm and fills your lungs with oxygen. It's the opposite of the shallow, short breathing that many of us do without realizing it. A deep breath doesn't have to be long, or noisy (as in, don't think you have to walk around making those loud throat noises), but you should make a conscious effort to pull your shoulders back, fill your lungs, and exhale slowly. Read our tips on learning how to breathe from your diaphragm here.

Learn how helpful deep breathing is in your everyday life after the break.

Smoking Pot Doesn't Harm Lung Function, Study Says

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:48:08 PST

It turns out that although smoking a doobie on your front porch may be illegal, it might not be as bad for your lungs as previously thought. A recent study on marijuana users - and the largest study on this population every conducted - found that even though pot smokers tend to inhale deeply and hold the smoke in for as long as they can handle before ~~coughing uncontrollably~~ exhaling, periodically smoking pot doesn't negatively affect lung function.

The study followed 5,100 men and women over two decades, and whether smoking one joint a day for seven years or once a week for 20 years, lung capacity didn't deteriorate. In fact, some who smoked regularly had slightly improved lung function.

This is by no means a green light to light up the green. Aside from being illegal in most places, those who blaze up suffer from mental health problems twice as much as nonusers. There's also the risk of lung cancer, plus cannabis-induced mental fogginess and impaired coordination could lead to accidents, job loss, and other social implications. Chronic bronchitis and other respiratory problems are also a major risk for marijuana smokers, as well as issues in the bedroom - men that smoked pot daily were four times more likely to have trouble reaching orgasm. Toking also increases your heart rate, which can up your risk of a heart attack.

Like alcohol, smoking pot is considered a rite of passage for many young adults. Although its addiction rate isn't as high as that of nicotine or heroine, many get hooked on the instant feeling of calm that goes along with lighting up, and aren't worried about the possible health risks. Hopefully, this study doesn't give people more reason to toke up.

Source: Flickr User cagrimmett

Tiny Yet Mighty Tips For Beginner Yogis

Heather Dale — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 02:50:16 PST

Perhaps signing up for yoga classes was one of your healthy New Year's resolutions? I have found that yoga can be practiced by anyone at any age and it does a body good . . . both inside and out. And contrary to popular belief, yoga is so much more than just stretching - it's a union of the mind, body, and spirit. Here are some tips I've learned after years of practice that should help you get started.

Inhale and exhale: Breathing is an integral part of yoga. It's easy to become so focused on achieving a particular pose that we tense up and forget to breathe. Proper breathing in yoga keeps you mindful of your practice and aware of each movement. Once connected to your breath, balance improves, muscles relax, and you're less prone to injury - hello, oxygen! The best way to breathe during yoga is deep down in your diaphragm (the large muscle right below your lungs). Slowly expand the lungs, pressing down the diaphragm, and causing your abdomen to expand as your lungs fill with air.

Keep reading for more tips.

How to Lose 5 Pounds in 5 Minutes

Self — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 04:05:05 PST

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Self here on FitSugar!

Pumpkin pie, Christmas cookies, potato latkes, mashed potatoes and gravy . . . We're all guilty of overindulging in December but getting back on track doesn't have to be as difficult as it sounds. It may take weeks to melt away those post-holiday pounds but it's easy to create the illusion you haven't gained an ounce simply by improving your posture.

"Most of us spend way too much time slumped in front of computers, slouched at steering wheels or vegging out in front of TVs," says fitness expert Liza Savage-Katz. "It collapses lung space which restricts our breath, affects our mood and cuts off proper nerve and blood supply to the brain."

To counteract these bad habits, Savage-Katz recommends a few "very simple exercises kind of like sucking in your stomach" to "carry your body as nature intended." You'll instantly look as if you've dropped five pounds. Add these three moves to your daily routine to "strengthen your abdominals, improve your posture and strengthen your back."

Get the moves after the break.

Our Favorite 5 of YouTube's Top 2011 Videos

Kelly Schwarze — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 04:21:53 PST

It's hard to go a couple days (or hours) without a friend, parent, or co-worker directing you to the "most amazing video EVER" on YouTube. Following the world's video sharing trends closely, YouTube unveiled the Top 10 YouTube videos of 2011. We'll admit we've watched videos one through 10 multiple times, but have our own list of top five favorites. While "Friday" was catchy, it didn't make our cut, which you can check out below.

Nyan Cat - Coffee break? Try a Nyan Cat break whenever a moment of zen is needed throughout the day. How many of the 56 million views made it through the whole video of the pop-tart cat, the meme that launched a thousand parodies, crafts, and costumes?
Talking Twin Babies - We may not know what they're saying, but these twin babies are in the midst of a heated discussion that'll likely go on the rest of their lives. Over 56 million views attempted to debunk their baby talk.
Cat Mom Hugs Baby Kitten - Imagine a world where everyone watched this video of a mother cat pulling her restless sleeping kitten into a hug daily. It would be rather sweet and cuddly; 39 million viewers agree.

Two more YouTube faves after the break.

The Fitness Goal You Can Accomplish Before 2012

Self — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:23:44 PST

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Self here on FitSugar!

"Make your last set the one that counts," the instructor cued us during last night's workout. And while the last things my arms wanted to do was another bicep curl, ending on a strong note not only made me feel extra accomplished, but it's that extra push towards sculpting a slim, strong bod.

So while we've only got four days left before the end of year, end on a high note by crossing a fitness goal off your to-do list. Your challenge: perfect a squat. (We know it's one of your least-favorite moves, but maybe this'll change your mind!)

"The squat is what we call a functional exercise. If you can practice doing it properly in your workout routine then when you have to do it in everyday life it becomes easier and you're less likely to get injured as you age," says NY-based fitness expert Melissa Paris. "You don't even realize but you are already squatting every day: when you go to the bathroom, when you pick something up off the floor or when you get up and down from your office chair."

Read on for tips on how to perfect the all-important squat.

6 Mistakes You're Making on Your Yoga Mat

Jenny Sugar — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:07:07 PST

Yoga is supposed to be all about serenity and bliss, but there's no way you'll feel relaxed and at peace with the world if you're making these major no-nos on the mat.

Not connecting breath with movements: For every movement in your yoga practice, there is a breath pattern that goes along with it. For example, to start a Sun Salutation, you inhale to raise your arms up, and exhale to fold forward. Connecting your breath to your movements gives your yoga practice a sense of fluidity. This not only helps create a sense of calm, but the breath keeps you mindful, focused, and aware of each movement, which can help prevent injuries and improve balance.
Keeping your belly soft: Proper breathing in yoga involves bringing your breath into your chest, feeling your ribs expand and deflate with each breath. You can do this by drawing your navel in toward your spine and keeping your abs engaged, so when you inhale, you see your chest fill up rather than your belly. Aside from helping you breathe properly (which will help you with the first no-no), keeping your belly engaged also protects your lower back, which can prevent pain or injury.
Tensing when unnecessary: Clenched toes, scrunched shoulders (as shown above), and white knuckles aren't exactly the picture of relaxation, are they? I realize some challenging poses takes every ounce of strength and attention to hold for five breaths, but make sure to constantly scan your body for unnecessary areas of tightness. Make a conscious effort to relax the muscles that don't need to be working overtime.

Continue reading to find out what else you're doing wrong on your yoga mat.

Breathe Deeply, Improve Your Running

Susi May — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 02:40:24 PST

Breathing. You're doing it right now without even thinking about it. Put a little thought into the action, and you just might find yourself soaring through your next tempo run. When you're going the distance running, swimming, cycling, and even rowing you need to power your muscles with fresh oxygen. To do this, you need to breathe deeply. Unfortunately, most of us are just breathing into our chest and not fully utilizing our lungs. Cross-training with the noncardio workouts of yoga and Pilates can help. Along with strength and flexibility, these forms of mind-body exercise help you learn to breathe deeply and effectively.

Basically, your lungs are just a bit smaller than your rib cage, but we all tend to breathe in just the top third of the lungs. One reason is that, like all muscles, the intercostals, which run between the ribs, can get tight and inflexible, limiting the expansiveness of your lungs. With a little training and some stretching, you can breathe to your full potential and increase your endurance.

Learn a supersimple breathing exercise, simply read more.