FitSugar

Over the Counter Alli: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Thu, 17 May 2007 04:00:00 PDT

Do you guys remember me telling you about Alli the first OTC Diet pill approved by the FDA? The one that causes anal leakage? Remember?

Personally, I was hoping it would never really happen, but it has been announced the pills will go on sale on June 15th, 2007 at drugstores nationwide. I am curious if I am the only one that thinks the FDA should focus a little more on tainted foods hitting shelves in grocery stores than giving us another reason not to exercise and eat healthy. Oh wait; Alli claims that it’s only for you if you can commit to eating more sensibly and getting more physically active. Why can't we commit to doing that without anal leakage? Maybe I am a cynic, but what do you guys think about it?

Viagra Without a Prescription?

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 17:15:00 PST

A British pharmacy chain called "Boots" is celebrating Valentine's Day with a bang. They're going to begin a trial program offering men Viagra without a prescription.

The program is going to run for 6 months at 3 of their pharmacies, and after that, they'll decide whether or not to expand it to their other stores.

Men between the ages of 30 and 65 will be required to see a pharmacist, provide a medical history and have their blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels tested. It's a way for men to try it out, but if customers want a refill, they will be required to see a doctor.

Well, we should have seen it coming. Plan B is offered over-the counter, so why not Viagra?

A Breakdown of Common OTC Pain Meds

Leta Shy — Fri, 06 May 2011 01:21:27 PDT

Do you know what's in your medicine cabinet? A recent report in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine found that while over-the-counter medicine use is prevalent, many people don't know much about the active ingredients in popular painkillers like Advil and Tylenol.

When asked about the difference between common pain relief brands, most of the study's participants didn't know what was in Tylenol, Advil, or Aleve, or that overdosing on Tylenol, for example, could lead to serious liver damage.

While you may not think twice about popping a few pills the day after a particularly strenuous boot camp session, the fact is that the side effects from overdosing on painkillers can be serious. In fact, acetaminophen overdose continues to be the leading cause of liver failure in the United States.

Confused about whether you should take Tylenol or Advil for a pain, or what the correct dosage is? Read on for a chart of the most common OTC painkillers on the market after the break.

Overdid It on the Chili, Wings, and Beer? How to Get Heartburn Relief

Jenny Sugar — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 04:12:08 PST

In terms of calories consumed in one day, the Super Bowl Sunday spread is only bested by the Thanksgiving feast. Being that the game comes but once a year, many sports fans go all out, consuming a variety of spicy snacks - chili, buffalo wings, salsa - along with beer, pizza, and dips. All that food can lead to digestive disaster. If you're suffering from heartburn, here's how to get relief.

Let loose: Loosen up your clothing if it's fitted. The compression around your chest and stomach can make heartburn symptoms worse.
Put down the bottle: Stop drinking alcohol, carbonated beverages, and drinks containing caffeine like coffee and Coca-Cola ASAP. Don't reach for a cooling glass of milk either. It's a myth that milk relieves heartburn. It may feel good at first, but can actually worsen symptoms. Sip water instead.
Chuck the wings: Avoid eating any more spicy or greasy foods, foods that contain pepper, and acidic foods such as oranges, tomatoes, and vinegar. Chocolate, mint, ketchup, and mustard are also common heartburn triggers, so avoid eating these as well.
Grab a stick: Of gum, that is. Chew gum to increase saliva production, helping to neutralize stomach acid.

Keep reading for more ways to get immediate heartburn relief.

Skip the Benadryl! Natural Ways to Relieve Congestion

Michele Foley — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 03:07:46 PST

Whether it's allergies or a nasty cold, being congested sucks. It's hard to breathe, the sinus pressure is painful, and it can even affect your hearing. Blowing your nose offers some relief, but in cases where you're really stuffed up, it can be pretty futile. OTC medicines help dry out mucus but leave users feeling loopy, sleepy, and spaced out. What's left to do? The next time you're feeling all stuffed up, try one of these natural remedies - you'll be breathing free and clear!

Steam it out: Whether it's a steam room, hot shower, or a makeshift steam bath over a bowl of hot water, steam helps to loosen mucus and relieve congestion from your nose and chest. Intensify the benefits with the addition of eucalyptus oil, a natural decongestant. Whatever method you use, slowly breathe in the steam for about five minutes and then try blowing your nose and/or coughing. This is usually enough time to break up and loosen the mucus in the body. To aid with sleep, use a humidifier; it helps add moisture to the air, which will thin out mucus in your nasal passages.
Grab a neti pot: It might sound a little uncomfortable, but using a neti pot does wonders for relieving nasal congestion and pain - just ask any ear, nose, or throat doctor. Neti pots (in combination with a DIY saline solution) help end nasal congestion by thinning out mucus and built-up crusting in the nose; think of it as a form of nasal irrigation. Still not convinced? Check out these neti pot tips for beginners.

Keep reading for two more ideas after the break.

Does News About OTC Medicine Risks Keep You From Popping Pills?

Leta Shy — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 16:17:36 PDT

Whether you reach for a Tylenol to quiet a headache or throw back an Advil after a particularly hard run, those over the counter painkillers can be a fast way to getting you on the road to feeling better. But as harmless as they may seem, it also seems like more and more, we're getting warnings about the dangers of these nonprescription drugs.

A new study has found that Advil and other NSAIDs may increase your risk for developing an irregular heartbeat, which can lead to conditions like heart failure and stroke. The study followed more than 32,000 people and found that there is a link between using NSAIDs and other anti-inflammatories and developing an irregular heartbeat. While previous studies have found a link between regular use of NSAIDs and heart disease, this study found that new users of these types of drugs were at the most risk.

Advil, of course, isn't the only OTC drug that comes with precautions. Overdosing on acetaminophen (like Tylenol) can cause serious liver damage, and even just a normal dose of acetaminophen causes liver damage in people who drink heavily (Tylenol's warning label says to not take it if you drink three or more alcoholic drinks a day). And while aspirin has amazing heart-healthy benefits, doctors warn that it can cause serious stomach bleeding and increase the risk of brain hemorrhage.

With studies still sussing out the pros and cons of these drugs, do you think twice before reaching into your medicine cabinet, or do you only take OTC painkillers occasionally?

Bizarre Home Cures That Work

Prevention — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 03:13:50 PDT

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Prevention here on FitSugar!

Ease pesky health issues with vodka, duct tape — more
From the Editors of Prevention

Of course there are some health staples you should never be without - bandages or OTC pain relievers come to mind. But you can treat or cure a surprising number of minor ailments with these unexpected household objects and foods.

Home cure: Vodka
Use it for: Foot odor
If your feet smell less than swell, wipe them down with a vodka-soaked washcloth to get rid of the stench. It's the same principle as rubbing alcohol (which works equally well if you'd rather drink your Grey Goose). Vodka contains alcohol, which is antiseptic and drying, so it destroys odor-causing fungus and bacteria and dries out the moisture that lets these organisms grow.

Surprising Reasons Why You Smell

Home cure: Licorice
Use it for: Calluses and corns
"Licorice contains estrogen-like substances that soften the hard skin of calluses and corns," says Georgianna Donadio, PhD, director of the National Institute of Whole Health. Make this homemade licorice paste: grind up a few licorice sticks, mix them with 1/2 teaspoon of petroleum jelly, and rub the mixture into the rough areas of your feet.

How to Get Soft and Sexy Feet

Home cure: Baking soda
Use it for: Urinary tract infections
At the first sign of symptoms, drink a solution made with 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda mixed in eight ounces of water. Continue this once a day until you can get a culture done at a doctor's office and start antibiotics. Baking soda makes the bladder environment more alkaline, which reduces bacteria's ability to multiply, says Larrian Gillespie, MD, a retired assistant clinical professor of urology and urogynecology in Los Angeles.

Keep reading for more home cures.

DrSugar Answers: Best Medicine to Take For a Headache?

DrSugar — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 16:31:52 PDT

DrSugar is in the house! This week she gives us the skinny on OTC pain medications.

Dear DrSugar,
Do the different types of over-the-counter pain relievers work better for different problems? What should I take for a headache - is aspirin better than ibuprofen? What should I take if I have a fever or the flu? Is there one that's best for dealing with swelling for twists and sprains? What about a pulled muscle? I look in my medicine cabinet and don't know what to take for what ails me. Thanks!
- Pained and Confused

This is a great question since there are so many options for over-the-counter pain relief available, making it quite difficult to keep straight which one is good for different problems! To learn more about the different OTC pain medications and which one to use for different medical problems, keep reading!

9 Secrets to Shrinking Your Medical Bills

Emily Co — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 03:05:29 PDT

Medical bills can be very expensive - the US spends $3 trillion annually on healthcare expenses - but I recently learned from the book 101 Ways to Save Money on Health Care that there are many tricks to shaving off costs. The book is full of advice, and here are some of author Doc Cindy's recommended tips:

Have your doctor choose a medicine from your insurance formulary and bring a copy with you to every visit. Savings: $5 to $50 on a prescription co-pay.
Comparison shop between pharmacies - jeans cost more at one store than another, and so do medications. Savings: $5 to $30.
Get a flu vaccine at your local health department. Savings: $10 to $30.
Take advantage of health fair screening tests for cholesterol testing. Savings: $100.

For more tips, read on.

The (Lack of) Air Up There: Exercising in High Altitudes

Michele Foley — Wed, 18 May 2011 03:06:06 PDT

Recently I went to my first fitness retreat: the Lake Tahoe Wellness Weekend. After spending three fitness-filled days there, I left with the kind of sore body that any fitness fanatic craves. I also experienced changes in how my body performed. When a friend went for a run through the surrounding area, she noticed that she was breathing harder than she normally does and that her lungs hurt a little bit. Given the circumstances, it wasn't too surprising. We were at a much higher altitude than normal (6,200 feet), and because there's less oxygen the higher you go, the heart has to work harder, which can result in a faster heart rate and breath. While at the retreat, I picked up some helpful tips on how to deal with exercising at high altitudes.

Start slow. While the breathtaking mountain views may inspire you to immediately hit the running trail, give your body time to acclimate. If you can afford to, spend your first day doing normal day-to-day activities and wait to start your fitness regimen on day two. Once you do start exercising, start slow. Pay attention to your body and don't push yourself to run your usual six-minute mile if you notice that your lungs hurt, you're too short on breath, or your heart is beating alarmingly fast. Pushing yourself too soon may result in injury.

Learn why carbo-loading is your friend in high altitudes, and other tips, after the break!