FitSugar

What's the Deal With: Health and Magnets

FitSugar — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:00:56 -0700

Many of you said that when it comes to exercising, you don't like to wear jewelry. Dangly earrings can be annoying, yes, but the bracelet below looks sporty and comfortable.
Not your style? Don't worry, it's not for looks. Many athletes are wearing this type of magnetic bracelet or necklace strictly for the health benefits. Wearing magnets are said to relieve pain, remove tension from muscles, improve circulation, and combat fatigue. How? Electricity is constantly flowing throughout the body, and our cells emit positive and negative charges. If something disturbs the charges, an imbalance is created. Magnets are believed to regulate and balance the flow of energy throughout your body, which helps you relax when you're stressed and speed up recovery when you're hurt.

To find out if they really work continue reading

Get Motivated With Yoga Magnets

FitSugar — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 13:30:00 -0700

My refrigerator has a bunch of magnets to motivate my through my days -- The magnets from the gorgeous places we've traveled make me smile and my "To Do" magnet keeps my life in check. We've seen healthy food magnets but why not stick some fitness magnets on there to motivate you to get moving.

This cute little set of yoga magnets ($8.95) includes five yoga pose magnets with written instructions. Hey, maybe you'll even be inspired to reach for a tall glass of water instead of that cola. Buy them from FunkyFridge.com.

50 Healthy Foods Magnets

FitSugar — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 11:45:00 -0700

Is your fridge covered with magnets that are of no real use to you other than holding up pictures and take out menus? Then think about getting something useful to put on your fridge.

Maybe this set of 50 Healthy Foods Magnets ($12.00) is just the tool you need to stick to eating healthy in your own home. Each food magnet includes key nutrients, calories, fat, fiber, and protein information to make choosing a healthy meal easy and fun! Just snap the magnets apart and arrange them on your refrigerator. You can even match up your favorites for a tasty meal or experiment with new and different combinations. Plus, this is a great way to get kids thinking about nutrition early on. Sound like a good idea? Then buy it from SimpleMemoryArt.com.

Get in Gear: Puma Nuala Footware Collection

FitSugar — Thu, 03 May 2007 03:00:00 -0700

I have been in love with Christy Turlington and Puma's line Nuala. It's just fabulous.

However recently I've discovered the footwear side of the line and let me tell you, I want me some Nuala sandals. More specifically, I really want the sandals with embedded magnetic inserts. The reason this is so cool is because magnetic therapy is known for its holistic properties to revitalize and aid circulation. Very cool, right? There are four sandal styles with the magnets -- Keep in mind that special holistic magnetic therapy does not come cheap. Right now you can only get the Anjuana Cinder ($180.00, pictured above on left) and the Manju ($225.00, pictured above on right) directly from Nuala's site but the other styles that will soon be available are shown below. Prices are not listed yet, but I am anticipating $100 plus.

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Magnets for Pain, Not as Attractive as It Sounds

FitSugar — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 03:30:00 -0700

During a recent trip, I was browsing through the Skymall catalog on the plane and I was amazed at the large number of magnetic relief products for sale (bracelets, shoes, etc.). Almost every product claimed that the amazing magnets will increase blood flow, as well as increase the delivery of oxygen, nutrients, hormones and painkilling endorphins to the affected area.

With this in mind, I did a little studying up on whether or not magnets really can heal pain and make you feel better altogether. If so, I wanted a magnetic bracelet.

New research out of the U.K. has found that there is no definitive scientific evidence that magnets help relieve chronic pain. Furthermore, they should not be recommended as an effective treatment. So next time you're feeling pain, before reaching for the magnet, try to use an over-the-counter painkiller such as acetaminophen. Not a fan of OTC drugs? Acupuncture has been known to be a great pain reliever as well.

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Manage Your Wires While Working Out

FitSugar — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:00:23 -0800

Music is often an essential for a good workout, but managing those wiley wires from iPod to earbuds can be a pain. Many companies are brainstorming some creative solutions to manage your gadgets while you get your heart rate up.

Gracie Gear, one fitness gear innovator, recently sent me a Short Top ($36), a wicking sports bra with a pocket. The pocket is large enough for an iPhone, and it has small hole in the pocket for your iPod cord to feed through and a flap on the shoulder to manage the path of the cord. You can also use the pocket to stow your keys and a sports gel - the pocket can hold both along with your cell phone or iPod. Kind of an ingenious plan for running hands-free, but not the most supportive bra I have ever worn.

The Magneat ($15) is designed to keep your earbud wires from distracting you while you're on the move. It's made of two magnets that stick to either side of your shirt, creating a secure attraction and looking like a mini yo-yo that you wind your excess earbud wire around. The top magnets are decorated with fun images too; as you can see Magneat sent me one with a pixelated skull, but there are many other designs to choose from, including a PacMan. This little gadget is actually kind of neat and certainly kept that darn cord out of my way.

Magnetic resonance angiography

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:20:45 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Magnetic resonance angiography is an MRI exam of the blood vessels. Unlike traditional angiography that involves placing a tube (catheter) into the body, MRA is considered non-invasive.

Alternative Names

MRA; Angiography - magnetic resonance

How the test is performed

You will lie down on a narrow table, which slides into a large tunnel-like tube inside the MRI scanner. You must lie very still during the exam because movement can make the images blurry.

The MRI uses very powerful magnets and radio waves to create clear, detailed pictures of the body. Because of the strong magnets, metal objects must stay outside the room.

A complete scan may take 1 hour or more. In some cases, a dye (contrast medium) is needed to make blood vessels show up better during the MRI. The contrast medium will be given through a needle (IV) placed in your arm.

How to prepare for the test

Most places require you to wear a medical gown. You must remove all jewelry and all other metal objects, including watches, and leave them outside the exam room.

Make sure you tell the radiologist if you have any of the following:

Metal screws, pins, plates, or staples in your body
Heart pacemaker
Intrauterine device (IUD)
Any type of metal implant in the ear or eye
Bullet fragments in the body
Implanted neurostimulator
Insulin or chemotherapy port

If you are pregnant, be sure to tell your doctor and radiologist before having this test.

How the test will feel

The exam is not painful. Some people may feel some pain when the IV is placed into the arm. In addition, some people may have anxiety because the scanner is very close to the body. If you are claustrophobic, tell your health care provider. You may be given a mild sedative.

The table may be hard or cold. You may wish to ask for a blanket or pillow.

The machine produces loud thumping and humming noises. Ear plugs are usually given to reduce the noise.

Why the test is performed

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is a less-invasive alternative to traditional arteriography (angiography), which uses x-rays.

MRA is used to look at the blood vessels in all parts of the body, including the head, heart, abdomen, lungs, kidneys, and legs.

It may be used to diagnose or evaluate conditions such as:

Arterial aneurysm
Aortic coarctation
Aortic dissection
Stroke
Blood vessel diseases
Heart disorders
Atherosclerosis
Kidney disease
Renal artery stenosis (narrowing of the blood vessels in the kidneys)

Normal Values

A normal result shows normal blood vessels without any signs of narrowing or blockage.

What abnormal results mean

An abnormal exam shows a problem with one or more blood vessels. This may suggest atherosclerosis, trauma, a congenital disease, or other vascular condition.

What the risks are

MR angiography is generally safe. However, people have been harmed in MRI machines when metal was in their body or a metal object was in the room. It is very important to tell your health care provider of any metal implants and to always remove all metal from your body and clothing before the test.

References

Grainger RC, Allison D, Adam, Dixon AK. Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging. 4th ed. Orlando, Fl: Churchill Livingstone; 2001:113-114.

Vogt FM. MR angiography of the chest. Radiol Clin North Am. JAN-2003;41(1):29-41.

Walsh PC. Campbell's Urology. 8th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2002:150-151.

Review Date: 8/30/2006

Reviewed By: Jonathan Gross, M.D., Department of Radiology, Columbia University Medical Center, 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. © 1997-2010 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Winterize Your Ride: Bicycle Trainers and Rollers

FitSugar — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:00:59 -0800

Boo, it's too cold or wet to ride your bike outside, you say? So ride it inside. I'm not talking about hitting a spin class or getting the stationary bike out of your grandma's attic. You can ride the same bike you took on the road, bike path, or woodsy trails, in the comfort of your home. All you need is a bicycle trainer or roller to transform your road or mountain bike into a stationary bike.

The one pictured on the left is known as a bicycle trainer. It requires less thinking and balance than the roller, pictured on the right. To work out with the trainer, you attach your back wheel into the mount, which elevates your wheel off the floor. The front wheel is propped up with a plastic block, so you are essentially riding in space.

You'll need to decide what type of resistance you want; fan, fluid, or magnet. Fan trainers tend to be less expensive, but they're also noisier. You can find decently priced magnet trainers, which will provide a smooth, quiet ride. If you want the most lifelike ride and less heat buildup on your tires, go for fluid trainers. Know that some models require that you remove your front wheel, so if you're able to ride inside and outside this Winter, you might not want to deal with constantly removing and attaching your wheel.

Learn how the roller provides a more challenging ride when you read more.

Using a roller offers a much tougher ride because your bike isn't attached to anything forcing you to balance on your own. You just ride on top of three spinning drums, kind of like a treadmill. You really need to pay attention to steering and balancing so you don't fall off the rollers. It's the best choice if you have a road bike, but tends to be pricey.

Cycle trainers and rollers range in price from about $80 to $300, which is cheaper than buying a stationary bike or joining a gym. Plus riding your own bike is more comfortable, and allows you to continue your training if you're planning on racing in the Spring.

Gifts For the Fitness Fanatic in Your Life

FitSugar — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:00:27 -0800

If someone on your holiday gift list has found a second home in the gym, then it's safe to say you have a fitness fanatic on your giving hands. A buff bod can never get enough fitness gear, so why not enable her healthy habit with these gift ideas? I have included a couple of items to add pep to at-home strength-training and a wicking tank top for serious sweat sessions. A great gym bag and a magnetic iPod case will help the gym rat in your life schlep to the gym in both style and comfort. If you choose to make a serious investment in your fit pal's workout life, I have included my favorite fitness heart rate monitor.

Is Mayonnaise a Magnet for Salmonella?

FitSugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0700

There are bound to be barbecues a plenty this Fourth of July weekend. With this tainted tomato scare, I for one definitely have salmonella on my mind. I typically associate mayo with food poisoning, since people tend to leave this condiment, and the food it's added to, out for long periods of time.

I was relieved to read in the NY Times recently that mayo doesn't really deserve this bad rap. Since most commercialized mayo is made with vinegar or other ingredients that make it acidic, it's actually less likely to spoil. Phew! According to a study published in the Journal of Food Protection, mayo added to foods may even help to prevent food poisoning. The reason mayo may become contaminated is if it's not properly stored, if it's mixed with low-acid foods like seafood or chicken, or if the mayo is homemade.

Fit's Tips: If you plan on hitting a BBQ this weekend (or any other weekend for that matter), be sure the mayo hasn't been left out. Also, check the ingredients. Hellmann's, Best Foods, Miracle Whip, and Kraft all contain vinegar, so they're a better choice than homemade mayo when it comes to spoilage. Steer clear of pasta and potato salads containing mayonnaise that have been left out for more than two hours. If it's above 90° F, then one hour is the limit.

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