FitSugar

Valerian Root: Nature's Valium

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 08:45:00 -0700

Valerian Root may smell like disgustingly stinky feet, but it's great for relaxing the body and the muscles. It has been used for centuries in Europe and Asia as a sedative, and is believed to help you fall asleep faster, and improve the quality of your sleep. The Greeks also used valerian root to treat digestive problems.

It's a hardy perennial flowering plant with heads of sweetly scented pink or white flowers. It is dried and used in herbal supplements such as tablets, capsules, tinctures, teas, and liquid extracts. Many Herbalists, Naturopaths, and Chiropractors recommend taking valerian root to relieve tension headaches, insomnia, anxiety, or for muscular pain because of its ability to act as a muscle relaxer.

What else is great about this amazing herb? Although valerian root has been referred to as "nature's Valium," it is not at all addictive. It's not recommended to take more than 15g a day. Though side effects are rare, some people who use valerian root for long periods of time may develop headaches, insomnia, or feel irritable, which are similar side-effects experienced with prescription sleep-aids.

Fit's Tips: If you are taking valerian root for muscle pain, it won't knock you out and make you feel totally spacey like most prescription muscle relaxers, but it is recommended that you take it at bedtime because it'll calm you down and help you fall asleep, that is why I love Extra Sleepytime Tea - it is fortified with valerian root.

Coffee Helps Ease Muscle Pain

FitSugar — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 04:20:00 -0800

MSNBC is reporting that a recent small study from the University of Georgia found that moderate doses of caffeine, the equivalent of about two cups of coffee, can cut post-gym muscle pain.

Maybe don't request that your gym serves coffee just yet because too much caffeine can cause jitteriness, heart palpitations and sleep disturbances. Also, the results might not apply to regular coffee drinkers, who are most likely desensitized to caffeine’s effects. Furthermore, the researchers studied only women, so men could respond differently.

Still, the study shows that caffeine appears to give more relief than found with conventional pain and soreness relievers. So, if you're feeling sore post workout, why not have a cup of joe?

Capsaicin (On the skin)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:55:58 -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

Capsaicin (kap-SAY-sin)

Helps relieve muscle and joint pain caused by arthritis, sprains, and strains. Also used for nerve pain (neuralgia) that may be caused by shingles or diabetic neuropathy.

Brand Name(s)

Zostrix-HP, Trixaicin HP, Zostrix High Potency, Zostrix Sports, Rid-A-Pain-HP, Muscle Relief Cream, Rite Aid Arthritis Pain Relief, Axsain, Rid-A-Pain, Zostrix, The Medicine Shoppe Arthritis Pain Relief Rub, Theragen, Trixaicin, Capsin, Pain Enz

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 capsaicin or hot peppers..

How to Use This Medicine

Cream, Gel/Jelly, Lotion, Liquid, Stick, Pad, Ointment, Thin Sheet

Your doctor will tell you how much to use and how often. If you are using this medicine without a doctor's prescription, read and follow the instructions on the label.
Use this medicine on the skin only. Keep the medicine away from your eyes, nose, and mouth. If you do get the medicine in your eyes, rinse them with large amounts of cool water. Call your doctor if you have eye pain or redness does not go away.
Wash your hands before and after using this medicine. However, if you are using the medicine to treat arthritis pain in your hands, wait about 30 minutes after using the medicine before washing your hands. Avoid touching sensitive areas such as your eyes while the medicine is on your hands.
Shake the lotion well before using.
Apply a small amount of the cream, lotion, ointment, gel, or liquid medicine over the affected area. Rub it in until you cannot see any medicine left on your skin.
Remove the patch from its pouch and apply it to your skin over the affected area. Do not put the patch on right before you bathe or exercise.
You may feel burning or stinging when you rub in the medicine. The burning or stinging usually stops after you use the medicine for a few days. Using the medicine less often than directed may make the burning feeling last for a longer period.
Do not tightly wrap or bandage the treated area. You should not use a heating pad with the medicine.

If a dose is missed:

Use the medicine as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
Do not put on two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine at room temperature away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

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

Talk to your doctor before you use any other skin medicine on the same area as you are applying capsaicin.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
You should not use the medicine on open wounds, sores, scrapes, or irritated skin.
You may need to use the medicine for 2 weeks or more before it relieves your pain. Keep using the medicine every day. If the medicine has not helped after a month, or if your pain becomes worse after a week, talk with your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Severe skin irritation, redness, or swelling that was not there before you started using the medicine.

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

Burning or stinging

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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Source Doc: 45_0829

Dealing With DOMS

FitSugar — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 07:00:59 -0700

Let me begin with a confession. While training for my recent triathlon, I skimped on my strength training, and that's an understatement. To jump back in the thick of it, I started working with my trainer Hannah at the Equinox Fitness around the corner from my office. Proximity and weekly appointments have made my efforts excuse-proof. The problem is, I am sore. Very, very sore. While I appreciate a little post-workout pain, I am dealing with serious delayed onset muscle soreness, aka DOMS.

I thought I would take this painful lesson as a chance to review the best strategies for dealing with DOMS. For a refresher course on the subject, read more.

DOMS is defined as pain usually felt 12 to 48 hours after exercising, but can last as long as a week. It is a commonly held theory that the pain comes from microscopic tears in the muscles and the swelling associated with those tears. Sometimes you can actually see or feel the swelling.
In 2007, an Australian study found that stretching did not relieve the pain associated with DOMS. I feel, though, that stretching the muscles when sore helps to build more elasticity in the new muscle fibers.
The soreness should go away by itself, but do avoid any vigorous activity that makes the pain worse. Light aerobic exercise can help the healing process by bringing fresh blood to the sore muscles.
Some people find pain relief in massage, although this doesn't necessarily improve muscular function.Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) like ibuprofen can help relieve the pain, but like massage, this will not speed your recovery time.
A proper warmup can help reduce the symptoms associated with DOMS. Increasing blood flow to muscles with light cardio makes them more elastic, so they are more resistant to micro-tearing.
When you're experiencing DOMS, your muscles are actually weaker. Keep this in mind and avoid strenuous activities until the pain has subsided, because you are more likely to injure yourself.
Drinking tart cherry juice after a workout might help reduce the pain, but the jury is still out on this one.

To Ice or to Heat? That is The Question

FitSugar — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 10:45:00 -0800

If you have a pain or you hurt yourself, do you ice it or heat it? Good question for all of you weekend warriors.

Apply ice no longer than 20 minutes:

If you've hurt yourself in the last 48 hours (sprained your ankle or hammered your thumb instead of the nail).
If the area is swollen - ice will decrease the inflammation around the injury which will help control the pain.
After surgery to reduce swelling, bleeding, and bruising.
To chronic injuries suffered by athletes, such as overused joints like runner's knees - these areas should be iced after the activity to reduce inflamation.

Apply heat no longer than 20 minutes:

If you have chronic pain, such as sore, stiff, nagging joint or muscle pain - the heat brings new blood to the area to help loosen the tissues and help them to relax.
To chronic conditions, such as a tight hamstring before you exercise to improve elasticity.

Fit's Tips: Both heat and ice manipulate blood flow. Heat increases circulation which boosts the supply of oxygen to the area which accelerates the removal of waste products. Ice restricts blood flow which reduces inflammation and pain. If the injury hasn't improved or gets worse after 48 hours make an appointment to see your doctor.

Lifting Tip: Relax Your Shoulders

FitSugar — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 09:30:00 -0700

When you're strength training, whether you're using dumbbells, resistance bands, or machines, most of your mind is probably focused on the muscles getting worked. That's great, but you don't want to forget about proper form, and part of that means thinking about your shoulders. You want to be sure to relax them and elongate your neck.

A trick I do to help me remember to relax my shoulders is to scrunch them all the way up towards my ears on an inhale, and then I release them down on an exhale. Then while keeping my spine straight, I draw my shoulder blades ever so slightly towards one another, so I can feel an opening in my chest. Give it a try the next time you're strength training, because releasing tension in your shoulders will help to prevent neck and shoulder pain after your workout.

Source

Preventing the Hurt After the Burn

FitSugar — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:00:50 -0700

I love a little bit of post-workout soreness. I wear it like a badge of honor, since I know it means I am becoming stronger. However, there's a difference between a healthy ache and pain that makes it agonizing to brush your hair, take off your bra, laugh, or get into your car. You can prevent this post-workout pain by never getting out of shape (that's my trainer Hannah's philosophy), or you can try the following suggestions.

View Slideshow ›

Tips For Cleaning the Yard Without Breaking Your Back

FitSugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:30:53 -0800

The cool temps of Fall mean yard work for me. How about you? There are piles of fallen leaves to rake, and I also like to plant colorful flowers to brighten up the upcoming rainy Winter.

I'm sure many of you are knee-deep in yard work as well, and while it's a great way to burn some calories, you want to do it safely so you don't end up injuring your bod. Here are some tips.

Purchase a lightweight rake made out of plastic instead of metal. The plastic glides more easily on the grass compared to the metal, making less effort needed on your part.
When raking, keep your core stable and upright, and use your arms to pull the leaves toward you instead of hunching over. It'll tone your upper body and prevent pain in your back and neck.
If you have woods on your property, rake leaves into small piles that you carry away on a tarp. Don't try to pull too much at once, as that's a good way to strain a muscle. If you have to bag your leaves, bend your knees out to the sides and squat down to pick up piles instead of bending at your waist. This will work your booty and also prevent lower back pain.
If you have heavy things like tree stumps and rocks to clear off your lawn, use a wheelbarrow instead of carrying them yourself.
Bring a bottle of water outside and drink often. Even though you may not be at your gym, it's still a good workout.
Take breaks often. No need to do all three hours of lawn work at once. Do 20 minutes and then stretch for five. Also know when to call it a day. You can always do more yard work tomorrow.

Muscle pain

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:31:13 -0700

Back

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Muscle pain is most frequently related to tension, overuse, or muscle injury from exercise or physically demanding work. Muscle aches and pains are common and can involve more than one muscle at the same time. Muscle pain can also involve the soft tissues that surround muscles. These structures, which are often referred to as connective tissues, include ligaments, tendons, and fascia (thick bands of tendons).

Review Date: 5/3/2006

Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Medical Illustration Team

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 2_19676

5 Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

FitSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:50:35 -0800

We don't always feel 100 percent all the time, and it's normal to feel a little nauseous, tired, or sniffly every once in a while. These are minor symptoms though, and usually go away on their own. But there are a few red flag signals our bodies flash to warn us of serious medical conditions, and they're symptoms you shouldn't pass off as nothing. WebMD spoke to the authors of Your Body's Red Light Warning Signals, and here are some symptoms that require a doctor's visit or emergency care.

Difficulty breathing. Tightness in the chest, wheezing, shallow breathing, or constantly coughing are all symptoms of asthma. If a person has these symptoms or full-on asthma attacks, and they're left untreated, the muscles used for breathing can get tired. That means the amount of oxygen getting into the lungs will decrease, while the levels of carbon dioxide increase. This has a drowsing effect on the brain, and the person may stop breathing, which could result in death.
Blood in your urine. When you go to the bathroom, you shouldn't see blood, and if you do, it could be a sign of kidney stones, bladder infections, or cancer of the kidney, urethra, or bladder. Even if you don't feel pain, call your doctor.

To see the other red flags keep reading