FitSugar

Speak Up: Do You Take Medicine You Can't Live Without?

FitSugar — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 10:15:00 -0800

Depending on your health history or medical conditions, some people rely on prescription medication in order to remain healthy, active, an in some cases to live. I am thinking of medications like asthma inhalers, insulin, and heart medication. I really don't like having to rely on taking medication every day in order to breathe, but I couldn't do everything I wanted to without it; and I'm so grateful that it's available.

So I was wondering, do you take medication that you can't live without? Please share in the comment section below.

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Migraine Relief Techniques

FitSugar — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Ever had a migraine? If you answered "no" - well then you are lucky. If you answered "yes" you don't need me to tell you that migraine headaches are both unbearable and disabling. You feel severe pain on one or both sides of your head, or behind your eyes. You develop an extreme sensitivity to light and sound, and may even become nauseous from the pain. All you want to do is crawl into a dark, soundless cave, and wrap yourself in a blanket and wait until the awful nauseating pain passes.

The thing with migraines is that they can be really inconsistent, showing up with no obvious cause. Many people's migraines may be triggered by environment, sickness, or diet. Some women experience hormonal triggers, like mestruation. Stress, too much or too little sleep, alcohol, and weather changes can also cause a migraine.

Certain foods or smells can also trigger a migraine. Eating foods with MSG (monosodium glutamate) or strong smells from perfumes or chemicals like in paint can also cause a migraine.

How can you get relief? To find out, read more

Taking a cold or hot shower directed onto your head may relieve symptoms. Or you can just use a cold or hot wet washcloth. Some people find relief by taking a warm bath, or relaxing in a quiet dark room.

Drinking a cup of caffeinated coffee daily might help to prevent headaches to begin with.
My favorite tasty remedy? The ice cream technique. Some people find relief by causing a "brain freeze." Place spoonfuls of ice cream on the soft palate at the back of the mouth until they melt or become intolerable. This directly cools the hypothalamus, which is suspected to be involved with migraines.
Exercise daily. Regular exercise can reduce tension and stress, which may be causing your migraines in the first place.
Don't smoke - it can trigger headaches or make them worse.
You can also try over-the-counter migraine medications. If these don't work or you have recurring migraines, see your doctor and they may prescribe stronger migraine pain meds.
Biofeedback can help by teaching you how to avoid the physical stress that triggers the headache.

Can Grapefruit Interfere With Medications?

FitSugar — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:00:08 -0700

Orange and grapefruit juices are great sources of potassium and vitamin C, but some of you said you shy away from grapefruit - not because you don't love the taste, but because it interferes with the effectiveness of certain medications. It's true. There are chemical compounds in grapefruit known as furanocoumarins (FCs) that affect the enzymes in the intestines and liver that break down meds.

There's a list of drugs that doctors insist you avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking, because it can cause dangerously high levels of the drug in the blood, which can lead to serious side effects. Pomelos and Seville oranges, a type of bitter orange often used to make marmalade, should also be avoided.

To see a list from the Mayo Clinic of which meds may be affected by grapefruit, keep reading

Top 10 Most Medicated States

FitSugar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Where you live affects many elements of your daily life, like how often you walk to your destination as opposed to drive. Based on a new study by Kaiser Family Foundation, which side of the Mason-Dixon line you live on could affect how medicated you are.

According to numbers compiled by the Kaiser Family Foundation the top ten medicated states, based on the number of retail prescriptions filled per capita annually, were in the South. Many states were considerably higher than the national average of 11.1 prescriptions filled annually. Here are the top 10 medicated states.

Public health experts believe the high prescription drug usage is related to obesity rates, which are also higher in the South. Obesity is a risk factor in many chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

To see the least medicated states, read more.

To see how all 50 states and the District of Columbia fare, check out State Health Facts. Were you surprised where your state ranked? Tell me in the comments section below.

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Expiration Dates on Medication - Are We Being Duped?

FitSugar — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 07:30:00 -0800

OK...we've all probably done it once in our lives - taken a medication and then later realized is was way past its expiration date. But does it matter? Do medications really expire?

Some researchers don't believe the dates are a true indication as to the drug's effectiveness.

But how can this be? Those dates were put on there for one reason only - to keep us safe, right? Well, think about this - would drug companies be making as much money as they do if their medicines had a shelf life of 10 years?

Since a law was passed in 1979, drug manufacturers are required to stamp an expiration date on their products. This is the date at which the manufacturer can still guarantee the full potency and safety of the drug.

Most medical authorities agree - it IS safe to take drugs past their expiration date - no matter how "expired" they may be. The effectiveness of a drug may decrease over time, but much of the original potency still remains even a decade after the expiration date.

So, is the expiration date a marketing ploy by drug manufacturers to keep you restocking your medicine cabinet and their pockets regularly? You can look at it that way. Or you can also look at it this way: The expiration dates are very conservative to ensure you're getting a drug that's 100% effective.

Fact or Fiction: Health Myths

FitSugar — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 11:00:00 -0800

The British Medical Journal likes to have a jolly good time with their Christmas edition and they like to expose medical myths. It is their gift to help you understand the ways of your body.

For Boxing Day, I thought I would edu-tain (yep educate + entertain = edutain) with a quiz. You need to decide if the following statements are myths or facts.

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Take the quiz

FREE Sample Alert: Alavert Allergy Medication

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 02:30:00 -0700

It's FREE sample alert time again and this time it's allergy medication. I'd say it's very appropriate since this is one of the worst allergy seasons ever.

Alavert, the makers of the quick-dissolving tablets that melt in your mouth and provide non-drowsy, 24-hour allergy relief are offering FREE samples right now. They come in two flavors - Original Mint and Citrus Burst. Personally, I like to keep some form of allergy relief in my purse in case I have a run in with a cat (or blossoming tree for that matter) -- Sample sized Alavert tabs are perfect for just that, especially since water is not needed to take Alavert.

To get your free samples, just visit here and fill out the information along with answering two questions on your current allergy medication preference. It's super quick, I promise.

E-Patients Explore Online Communities

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:00:32 -0800

Researching your health problems online can be a great way to educate yourself - or scare yourself silly. A whopping 97 percent of Fit readers 'fess up to doing some Internet sleuthing before heading to the doc. There's even a word for us: e-patients.

According to a new study by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, about 20 percent of e-patients use social-networking and similar sites to chat with medical experts and other patients.

Of course, we're big fans of community around here as a place to share information and links and get a conversation going. To find out more about the online health community revolution, read more.

Says Pew's Susannah Fox:

"They are posting their first-person accounts of treatments and side effects from medications. They are recording and posting those podcasts. They're tagging content. They are part of the conversation. And that, I think, is an indicator of where we could be going in terms of the future of participatory medicine."

In addition to connecting with fellow patients suffering from the same ailments, users are posting their health records online so they can track their test results, blood pressure, and other vital stats. All they're doing all this despite the fact that doctors are behind the times, with only about 17 percent reporting the use of online medical records.

When you're suffering from an ailment, it can be very reassuring to hear from other patients who've gone through the same thing; often, it calms me down and makes me realize I'm not alone. But do you see any danger in patients posting about their medical problems in online communities?

Meanwhile, don't forget to check out our FitSugar Community and join the conversation!

Liver Damage and OTC Pain Medication

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 13:30:00 -0700

Did you start your new Spring exercise regimen with a little too much gusto? Running for 60 minutes seemed like a great idea at the time right? Now every muscle in your legs is screaming with pain so you're going to take some pain medication, but you want to avoid the one that can cause liver damage. Do you remember which one it is?

Astringent (On the skin)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:09:46 -0700

Overview

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

Relieves minor skin irritations.

Brand Name(s)

Domeboro, Dickinson's Witch Hazel Formula, Hazeletes, Tucks, Good Neighbor Medicated Wipes, Brite-Life Medicated Wipes, A.E.R, Quality Choice Pre-Moistened Medicated Wipes, Rite Aid Hemorrhoidal Medicated Pad, Health Care America Hygienic Cleansing Medicated, Derma Gran, Dickinson's Witch Hazel Astringent, Gordon's Boro-Packs, Pedi-Boro, Pedi-Boro Soak Paks

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients.

How to Use This Medicine

Liquid, Pad, Ointment, Lotion, Fizzy Tablet, Powder, Packet

This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away. Do not use this medicine inside your rectum unless your doctor tells you to. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure what body areas you can use this medicine on.
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
Dissolve the effervescent tablet or powder in water before using it. Most tablets and powders must be dissolved in at least 12 ounces (1 1/2 cups) of water. Follow the directions on the package. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.
Do not cover the treated area with a bandage unless your doctor has told you to.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, apply it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to apply the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

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

Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated skin areas.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
Do not use this medicine for a skin problem that has not been checked by your doctor.
You should not use this medicine more often or in larger amounts than your doctor ordered.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

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

New or continued redness, swelling, burning, or itching.
Skin dryness.

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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