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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Indoor Cycling Just Got Better: Schwinn Training Bike

FitSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:00:52 -0800

Winter rain and snow means it is indoor cycling season: I'm talking about spinning. Equinox has filled its Cycling Studio with new spin bikes by Schwinn. The bikes are pretty dang sweet.

I rode one during 45 minutes of Sports Cycling, and the ride was smooth and comfy with so many different hand grips available - the handlebars are tilted for ergonomic placement. The tension on the fly wheel is created by magnets too, ensuring that all the bikes in the room create the same tension across the board. Best of all the bikes have console computers, which not only work with most heart rate monitors, but also measure miles per hour, cadence, distance, and watts. The pedals have cages, if you don't have cycling shoes, and the pedals are compatible with road bike cleats as well as mountain bike cleats - very versatile.

These indoor cycling bikes will arrive at Equinox gyms starting now throughout early Winter. They are exclusively at Equinox for the time being, but these bikes can only spell upgrades for most gyms. Tell me, do you spin?

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. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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You Asked: Dealing With iPod Case Funk

FitSugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:00:14 -0700

Dear Fit,
I love my iPod Nano for running but I really hate the way the armband gets so smelly and sweaty! You can't wash your armband as frequently as your running gear because the thin plastic window gets destroyed. The best compromise I've found is to put some detergent in a bowl, let it soak in hot water, and then I rinse it out by hand and let it air dry overnight.

Do any of you have better ideas for keeping your iPod clean and non-smelly?
- spacekatgal

This question came to us from RunningSugar - FitSugar's online community dedicated to our readers who run. To hear my suggestion on getting rid of iPod funk, read more.

You're so right about iPod armbands getting sweaty and smelly. I spoke to all the runners I know and getting that nasty smell out seems to be a common problem.

Since your iPod armband has a plastic cover, handwashing is the best method to use. Like you pointed out, the plastic cover will end up coming off in your washing machine over time. You can also try washing your armband in the gentle cycle with cold water, but that might not get it clean enough. I'd suggest adding some vinegar to your soaking mix - since armbands trap bacteria, the vinegar will help kill the germs and the smell.

If you're open to a new product, I've been using the iStik for just over a year now and I love it. You put the iPod in a plastic face case, place that on your body wherever you like, and put the magnetic backing on the other side of your clothes in the same spot. I put mine on the waistband of my pants and it works like a charm.

I know it sounds a little iffy, but the magnets are extremely strong, your iPod is protected from sweat, and the case is so easy to clean. When I run, my iPod doesn't move around, and it's easy to change songs because I keep it on the belt area of my pants.

For more tips, advice, and support from fellow FitSugar runners, check out the RunningSugar group!

Gear Review: Modern Union Yoga Bag

FitSugar — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:00:03 -0700

Dealing with my yoga mat when I ride to the gym can be a pretty tricky feat. I have a bike basket that I can tie it to but it always throws me off balance. That's why I was really excited to find these messenger bags from Modern Union ($68). The bags were designed by yoga studio owners Stephanie Ofanankis and Belinda Osborne because the partners couldn't find a yoga bag that met their lifestyle needs - lucky me!

First off, I love the textiles they chose - simple, colorful, and modern. Beyond that it's a great bag to take to the gym or use on your days off. The straps on the bottom of the bag keep a yoga mat secure, and I like that there are outside pockets for a water bottle and cell phone. The inside of the bag is roomy enough to carry gym essentials or even a laptop. Inside are a bunch of smaller pockets so things don't get lost, including a key ring holder.

Most importantly these Modern Union bags make commuting on a bike so easy. There's a padded shoulder strap for comfort and a magnetic closure, which is great in case you need to get in and out of your bag quickly if you're stopped at a light. An added bonus is each bag is made out of durable cordura, meaning it won't be ripping, scuffing, or tearing on you anytime soon and it's water resistant.

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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