FitSugar

Are You Drinking Enough Water?

FitSugar — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 16:05:00 -0800

How much water am I supposed to drink in a day? I've heard 8 glasses, 6 glasses, 10 glasses - but how do I know what's right for my own body?

Take the pee test. Sounds classy, I know. But it can be quite informative.

After you pee in the toilet, take a look. Really. I'm serious. What color do you see? Is it dark yellow, light yellow, or does it look clear?

The color of pee is caused by bile, the chemical your liver produces to break up fat. When our bodies break down bile, the pigment urochrome turns pee yellow. The lighter the color, the more it's watered down.

Here's the deal. If you are drinking enough water for your body, your urine will be as clear as water. If your pee is - then you passed the test.

Also, your water needs can change from day to day, so monitor it by checking your pee. If it's clear, you're all good. You can also check out Fit's Calculator to see how much water you should be drinking daily.

DrSugar Answers: Smelly Urine?

DrSugar — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:00:00 -0800

DrSugar is in the house and he's answering your health questions.

Dear DrSugar,
This is a little embarrassing and a little weird, but my pee doesn't smell like normal these days. It has smelled off for about a week. It smells bad and it doesn’t seem to matter what I eat. Trust me, I haven't eaten any asparagus in months. Maybe you know what causes this and am wondering if it is serious. I can't for the life of me figure it out! Any information would be helpful
-Distressed in the Loo

To see if DrSugar feels this is a symptom of something serious, read more

Smelly urine can be related to certain foods or medications, but it can also be a sign of certain diseases. The most common cause of foul smelling urine is a urinary tract infection (UTI). Sometimes the odorous urine precedes other common symptoms of a UTI such as: burning with urination, frequent urination, lower abdominal pain, and fevers. If the foul smell persists, a urinary tract infection can be easily diagnosed with a urinalysis test at your doctor’s office. A previous FitSugar post outlines some easy ways to prevent urinary tract infections, including drinking cranberry juice, wiping properly, and voiding your bladder after sex.

Other diseases can cause urine to smell abnormal. For example, sweet smelling urine can be a sign of diabetes. Other signs of diabetes include: increased frequency of urination, increased thirst, and fatigue. Severe dehydration and low carb diets are associated with an ammonia like scent in urine. Asparagus is by far the most common food-related cause of abnormal smelling urine, but you haven't been eating that so it cannot be the culprit. Other foods have been associated with abnormal urine odor, but nothing as consistent as asparagus. If the smell does not resolve soon, it would be a good idea to see your doctor for a urinalysis test, which can detect both diabetes and a urinary tract infection. Good luck.

Have a question for DrSugar? Send it by private messaging me here, and I will forward it to the good doctor.

DrSugar's posts are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Click here for more details.

Ipratropium (By breathing)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:48:02 -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

Ipratropium (i-pra-TROE-pee-um)

Prevents asthma attacks and treats other lung problems such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Brand Name(s)

Atrovent HFA, Atrovent

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 ipratropium or to other medicines like ipratropium (such as atropine, scopolamine, or hyoscyamine). This medicine is not to be used during an asthma attack.

How to Use This Medicine

Aerosol

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
You will use this medicine with a device called a metered-dose inhaler. The inhaler fits on the medicine canister and turns the medicine into a fine spray that you breathe in through your mouth and to your lungs. You may be told to use a spacer, which is a tube that is placed between the inhaler and your mouth. Your caregiver will show you how to use your inhaler and the spacer (if needed).
This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Remove the cap and look at the mouthpiece to make sure it is clean.
Shake the inhaler well just before each use. Avoid spraying this medicine into your eyes.
Test spray in the air before using for the first time or if the inhaler has not been used for a while.
To inhale this medicine, breathe out fully, trying to get as much air out of the lungs as possible. Put the mouthpiece just in front of your mouth with the canister upright.
Open your mouth and breathe in slowly and deeply (like yawning), and at the same time firmly press down on the top of the canister once.
Hold your breath for about 5 to 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly.
If you are supposed to use more than one puff, wait at least 15 seconds before inhaling the second puff. Repeat these steps for the next puff starting with shaking the inhaler. You do not need to repeat the test spray.
When you have finished all your inhalations, rinse your mouth out with water.
Carefully follow the patient instructions about cleaning and caring for your inhaler.

If a dose is missed:

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

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the canister at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze. Do not keep this medicine inside a car where it could be exposed to extreme heat or cold. Do not poke holes in the canister or throw it into a fire, even if the canister is empty.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine. 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.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are using atropine, scopolamine, or any other ipratropium product (such as an ipratropium nasal spray, an albuterol plus ipratropium liquid, Combivent®, or Duoneb®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, or any problems with urination.
This medicine will not stop an asthma attack that has already started. Your doctor may prescribe another medicine for you to use in case of an acute asthma attack.
If you use any type of corticosteroid medicine to control your asthma, keep using it as ordered by your doctor. This includes corticosteroid medicines that are taken by mouth or inhaled (such as prednisone, Azmacort®, Deltasone®, or Flovent®).
If any of your asthma medicines do not seem to be working as well as usual, call your doctor right away. Do not change your doses or stop using your medicines without asking your doctor.
Do not spray the medicine into your eyes. If this does happen, rinse your eyes with cool water for a few minutes. The medicine might make the dark part of your eye bigger for a few hours. Call your doctor if you have eye pain, blurred vision, or start seeing halos or odd colors when you look at things.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

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

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Blurred vision or eye pain.
Fast, pounding heartbeat.
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
Problems with bowel movements (stools).
Trouble urinating or pain when urinating.
Worsening asthma symptoms or breathing problems.

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

Back pain.
Dry mouth or throat, cough, sore throat, or runny or stuffy nose.
Headache.
Nervousness.
Upset stomach.

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.

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_0209

Fluticasone/salmeterol (By breathing)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:59:16 -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

Fluticasone Propionate (floo-TIK-a-sone PROE-pee-oh-nate), Salmeterol Xinafoate (sal-ME-te-role zin-a-FOE-ate)

Prevents the symptoms of asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This medicine is a combination of a steroid and a bronchodilator.

Brand Name(s)

Advair Diskus 250/50, Advair Diskus 100/50, Advair Diskus 500/50, Advair HFA, Fluticasone Propionate/Salmeterol Xinafoate, Advair Diskus

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 salmeterol, fluticasone, or milk proteins. Do not use this medicine to treat an asthma attack or a COPD flare-up.

How to Use This Medicine

Disk, Powder Under Pressure, Liquid Under Pressure

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. Using too much medicine can cause serious side effects.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one. Your doctor might ask you to sign some forms to show that you understand this information.
Advair Diskus® and Advair® HFA are used with other medicines to treat your breathing problems. Use all other medicines your doctor has prescribed as part of your combination treatment. Keep using these medicines for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
Advair Diskus® is a powder that is used with its own special inhaler device. Individually measured doses of the powder are held in a foil blister package that is placed into the Diskus®. The Diskus® pierces (pokes a hole) in each blister one at a time to load the correct dose into the chamber when you are ready to use the medicine. Do not use the Diskus® with a spacer.
If you use the Advair Diskus® form: Keep the Diskus® inhaler closed when you are not using it. Keep the inhaler dry at all times. Do not blow into it.
If you use the Advair Diskus® form: Before inhaling your dose, breathe out fully, trying to get as much air out of the lungs as possible. Hold the Diskus® level and away from your mouth.
If you use the Advair Diskus® form: Open your mouth and breathe in quickly and deeply through the Diskus®. Do not breathe in through your nose. Remove the Diskus® from your mouth. Hold your breath for about 10 seconds or as long as possible, then breathe out slowly.
Advair® HFA is a liquid. You will use this medicine with a device called a metered-dose inhaler. The inhaler fits on the medicine canister and turns the medicine into a fine spray that you breathe in through your mouth and to your lungs. You may be told to use a spacer, which is a tube that is placed between the inhaler and your mouth. Your caregiver will show you how to use your inhaler and the spacer (if needed).
If you use the Advair® HFA form: Shake the inhaler well just before each use. Avoid spraying this medicine into your eyes.
If you use the Advair® HFA form: Test spray in the air before using for the first time or if the inhaler has not been used for a while.
If you use the Advair® HFA form: To inhale this medicine, breathe out fully, trying to get as much air out of the lungs as possible. Put the mouthpiece just in front of your mouth with the canister upright.
If you use the Advair® HFA form: Open your mouth and breathe in slowly and deeply (like yawning), and at the same time firmly press down on the top of the canister once.
If you use the Advair® HFA form: Hold your breath for about 5 to 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly.
If you use the Advair® HFA form: If you are supposed to use more than one puff, wait 1 to 2 minutes before inhaling the second puff. Repeat these steps for the next puff, starting with shaking the inhaler.
When you have finished all your inhalations, rinse your mouth out with water.

If a dose is missed:

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

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Keep the medicine in the foil pouch until you are ready to use it. Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed. Throw the Advair Diskus® away 1 month after it is removed from the foil pouch or after all the blisters have been used.
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.

This medicine should not be used together with similar inhaled medicines such as arformoterol (Brovana?), budesonide/formoterol (Symbicort®), formoterol (Foradil®, Perforomist?), or salmeterol (Serevent®).
Make sure your doctor knows if you have used medicine for depression (such as amitriptyline, doxepin, nortriptyline, Elavil®, Pamelor®, Sinequan®) or an MAO inhibitor (such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®) within the past 2 weeks.
Tell your doctor if you are using medicine to treat depression (such as nefazodone, Serzone®), medicine to treat an infection (such as clarithromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, telithromycin, Biaxin®, Ketek®, Nizoral® Sporanox®), or medicine to treat HIV or AIDS (such as atazanavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, Crixivan®, Fortovase®, Invirase®, Kaletra®, Norvir®, Reyataz®, Viracept®).
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using any diuretics or "water pills" (such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide [HCTZ], torsemide, Demadex®, Lasix®) or blood pressure medicines (such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, Inderal®, Tenormin®, Toprol®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart problems, high blood pressure, or seizures. Tell your doctor if you have thyroid problems, diabetes, liver problems, herpes simplex in your eye, tuberculosis, osteoporosis, or any type of infection.
This should not be the first medicine you use for asthma. It should only be used along with other asthma medicines such as corticosteroids that are taken by mouth or inhaled (cortisone, prednisone, Azmacort®, Cortone®, Deltasone®, Flovent®, Prelone®, Pediapred®, Vanceril®).
Before you start using this medicine, tell your doctor if your breathing problems have been worse recently. Tell your doctor if you have had to use more medicine to help your breathing, or if you have been to the emergency room lately for breathing problems.
This medicine will not stop an asthma attack that has already started. You should have another medicine to use in case of an acute asthma attack or for sudden COPD flare-ups.
If any of your asthma medicines do not seem to be working as well as usual, call your doctor right away. Do not change your doses or stop using your medicines without asking your doctor.
You may get infections more easily while using this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you have been exposed to chickenpox or measles.
Patients with COPD may be more likely to have pneumonia. Call your doctor right away if you start having increased sputum production, change in sputum color, fever, chills, increased cough, or increased breathing problems.
Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments. You should have regular eye exams while using this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

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

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Chest pain.
Difficulty swallowing.
Eye pain or trouble seeing.
Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat.
Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and body aches.
Tremors, nervousness, or shaking.
Worsening of breathing problems.

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

Bone or muscle pain.
Dry mouth or white patches inside mouth.
Headache.
Hoarseness or voice changes.
Menstrual problems.
Nausea, vomiting, or upset stomach.
Pain or weakness in your muscles or joints.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_1072

Diethylpropion (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:50:25 -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

Diethylpropion (dye-eth-il-PROE-pee-on)

Used for short periods as part of a diet plan to help you lose weight.

Brand Name(s)

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 diethylpropion, other diet pills such as Fastin®, or amphetamines such as Dexedrine®. You should not use this medicine if you have problems with drug abuse, high blood pressure, heart disease, overactive thyroid, severe anxiety, or glaucoma.

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.
Take the tablet 1 hour before meals. To avoid trouble sleeping, take your last dose of the day about 4 to 6 hours before bedtime (unless your doctor tells you differently).
Swallow the extended-release tablet whole - do not break, chew, or crush. To avoid trouble sleeping, take the extended-release tablet dose in the morning (unless your doctor tells you differently).

If a dose is missed:

If you take 1 dose a day, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and just take your one tablet for that day.
If you take more than 1 dose a day, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next usual dose, wait until then to take your medicine and skip the missed dose.
You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
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.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking amantadine, amphetamines (Dexedrine®), cocaine, (Cylert®), methylphenidate (Ritalin®), other diet pills, medicine for asthma, allergies, or colds, or blood pressure medicine.
Tell your doctor if you have taken an MAO inhibitor such as Marplan® or Parnate® within the past 14 days.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine while taking this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Check with your doctor before taking this medicine if you have Tourette's syndrome, depression, epilepsy (seizures), kidney disease, diabetes, or drug or alcohol abuse problems.
Diethylpropion may be habit-forming. You may have withdrawal symptoms such as stomach pain, trembling, depressed mood, tiredness, or anxiety after you stop taking the medicine.
If you have taken this medicine for a long time, do not suddenly stop taking it. Talk to your doctor first.
If the medicine does not seem to work as well after a few weeks, talk to your doctor. You should not use more of it than your doctor prescribed.
This medicine may make you dizzy or feel "high." Be careful if you are driving a car or using machinery.
For patients with diabetes, this medicine may change the level of sugar in your blood or urine. Tell your doctor if your tests for sugar in blood or urine change.
Talk with your doctor before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking diethylpropion before having any kind of surgery.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

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

Fast or irregular heartbeat
Chest pain
Severe headache
Trouble breathing
Skin rash, severe itching or hives
Blurred vision, confusion, or hallucinations
Unexplained fever or sore throat
Uncontrolled body movements or seizures

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

Restlessness, trembling, or nervousness
Changes in sex drive
Trouble sleeping or headache
Diarrhea or constipation
Bad taste in the mouth or dry mouth
Nausea, vomiting, or stomach cramps

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_0391

Clobetasol propionate (On the skin)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:46:24 -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

Clobetasol Propionate (kloe-BAY-ta-sol PROE-pee-oh-nate)

Treats psoriasis, skin irritation, allergic reactions, and other types of skin problems. This medicine belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids.

Brand Name(s)

Clobex, Olux, Temovate, Cormax, Temovate E, Olux-E, Olux/Olux-E Complete Pack, Clobetasol Propionate, Embeline Scalp Application, Temovate Scalp Application, Cormax Scalp Application

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 clobetasol. You might not be able to use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to other corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone, triamcinolone, or betamethasone.

How to Use This Medicine

Cream, Foam, Gel/Jelly, Liquid, Lotion, Ointment, Shampoo, Spray

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
Do not cover, wrap, or wear tight fitting clothes over your treated skin areas unless directed by your doctor. Allow the liquid to dry before putting on your clothes.
You should not use the shampoo or spray on your face, armpits, or groin area unless your doctor tells you to.
Apply the shampoo form of this medicine to your dry scalp. Part your hair so that you only treat the affected areas. Apply a small amount to the area, massage gently, and leave it on for 15 minutes. Add water, lather and rinse well.
This medicine is not for long-term use.Do not use this medicine for more than 2 weeks unless directed by your doctor.
This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not use it on skin areas that have cuts or scrapes. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.
This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.Make sure your skin is clean and dry before applying this medicine.
Apply a thin layer to the affected area. Rub it in gently.
Do not inhale the spray or use it near heat, open flame, or while smoking. Do not puncture, break, or burn the aerosol can.

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. Do not freeze.
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

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have diabetes, or infection on your skin.
Do not give this medicine to children under 18 years old unless directed by your doctor.
Do not use this medicine for a skin problem that has not been checked by your doctor.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery or medical tests.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

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

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
Fever, runny nose, sore throat, or cough.
Headache or trouble seeing.
Severe skin irritation or burning on the site of application.
Skin infection, such as redness or swelling on the site of application.
Unusually round, enlarged face.

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

Acne, dry skin, or hair loss.
Mild pain, redness, or irritation on the site of application.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_0085

My Pee is Red!!!

FitSugar — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 03:30:00 -0800

Relax - Don't call 911 just yet. Think back. Have you eaten beets recently? Well, that'll do it.

When some people eat beets, it turns their pee and poop red. Only 14% of the population experience this.
Beeturia is the real name for this phenomenon, and it may be genetic. Eating beets while eating a lot of other oxalic acid containing foods such as spinach, rhubarb, or chocolate has been said to cause the red urine as well.

The majority of the time however, red pee after eating beets is a sign that your body needs a little more iron in your diet.

Fit's Tips: Other signs of an iron deficiency are heart palpitations, pale gums, and feeling tired all of the time. You can go to your doctor and get a simple test to find out for sure. Once you start adding more iron back into your diet, you'll be feeling more energetic. And when you eat beets again, you won't be scared by what you see after going to the bathroom.

What Does Your RDI Look Like: Iron

FitSugar — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 03:30:00 -0700

There's big talk about iron and making sure you get enough when it comes to nutrition. I'm sure that's one of the comments vegetarians get from their concerned parents, "If you don't eat red meat, you'll become iron-deficient!"

Iron is an important mineral the body needs to make hemoglobin which helps carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Believe it or not, iron is found in many other foods besides hamburgers and steak. Chicken, turkey and seafood such as oysters, tuna and salmon contain iron. There are also many vegetarian sources such as beans (kidney, lima, soy, pinto and black), green leafy veggies (spinach and kale, broccoli), asparagus, parsley, brussel sprouts, molasses, nuts, egg yolks, fortified cereal, enriched pasta, potatoes with the skin and dried fruits (raisins, dates and apricots).

Do you know how much iron you're supposed to get each day? To find out just read more

An adult woman should get 18 mg of iron a day. Here is a good list of some food sources that contain iron so you can get your RDI:

Food	Amount	Amount of Iron (in mg)
Fortified cereal	1 oz	4.5 - 7
Dried apricot	1/4 cup	1.5
Raisins	1/4 cup	1.1
Molasses	1 tbsp	3.3
Garbanzo beans	1/2 cup, cooked	3.4
Pinto beans	1/2 cup	2.2
Lima beans	1/2 cup	2.2
Lentils	1/2 cup	3.2
Soybeans	1/2 cup	7
Tofu	1/2 cup	6.2
Sun-dried tomatoes	1/2 cup	9
Spinach	1/2 cup, raw	2.7
Kale	1/2 cup, steamed	2
Broccoli	1/2 cup, raw	1
Asparagus	1/2 cup, steamed	1
Potatoes, with the skin	1/2 cup	3.2
Pine nuts	1/2 cup	9
Peanuts	1/2 cup	3.9
Pumpkin seeds	1/2 cup	14
Sunflower seeds	1/2 cup	6.7
Flaxseed	1/2 cup	6.2
Ground beef	1 patty	4
Steak	3 oz	4
Turkey (dark meat)	3 oz	4
Oysters	3 oz, steamed	7.4
Trout	3 oz	4
Shrimp	3 oz	4

How do you know if you are iron deficient (anemic)? Symptoms may include feeling unusually tired, pale skin, shortness of breath during exercise, cold hands and feet, brittle nails, hair falling out and headaches. A simple blood test will let you know if you need more iron in your diet.

If you are anemic, try to eat more foods with iron. You can take iron supplements, but they may cause an upset stomach, heartburn, or constipation. It's rare, but you can also get too much iron. Extra amounts of iron in the body eventually build up to dangerous levels and can cause severe damage to organs trying to store the extra iron. So be careful not to exceed your daily amount too often.

Fit's Tips: If you eat beets and it turns your pee red, it could be a sign that you are iron deficient. If this happens to you, get your iron checked by your doctor.

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It Has Arrived: Clearblue Digital Pregnancy Test

FitSugar — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 02:00:03 -0800

Is this a trailer for a new Star Wars movie or a pregnancy test?

"It's the most sophisticated piece of technology...you will ever pee on." Wow. I believe it.

A digital pregnancy test. That is pretty cool that you can find out if you're pregnant 4 days before you're supposed to get your period. And it tells you the results in words.

Clearblue Easy makes it quick and simple, whether you want a baby, or you want an answer.