FitSugar

Stick to Healthy Eating, Even at Your Bridal Shower

FitSugar — Wed, 16 May 2007 02:30:00 -0700

Now that you're engaged you're going to be attending a lot of parties in your honor: Engagement parties, showers, bachelorette parties, etc. Nothing can kill healthy eating like a wedding shower complete with a plate full of potato salad and cake.

To make sure you don't overindulge this wedding season, here are a few tips to keep you from stressing over eating at parties:

Don't show up on an empty stomach. Have a little something healthy at home, this way you won't feel the need to stuff your face upon your first sighting of the buffet table.
Have a say. Chances are the person planning the party may ask what kinds of foods you'd like to have there. Ask for healthy options as well as typical party fare.
Make sure you eat. I know this one seems obvious, but everyone wants to talk to the bride and sometimes it's hard to get a bite in. Chances are your body is already running on low fuel as it is and the last thing you want is to get sick because you're not getting enough nutrients. Can't break away from Auntie Emily telling you about her bunions? Ask a good friend or mom to fill a plate for you with lots of healthy (and yummy) stuff.
Drinking can be your worst enemy. I'm not saying don't drink, but drink in moderation at these parties. A drunk bride can be a little unsightly, not to mention the added calories you'll be getting from that 4th vodka tonic.
Party games anyone? Parties do not have to only consist of drinking and eating. Ask the planner to plan activities that get everyone moving and burning off a little of that ganache. Pin the veil on the bride anyone?
Don't be too hard on yourself. This one is important! These parties are meant to be fun. If you splurge and have a few extra pieces of cake, it's OK...besides you didn't want to be rude, now did you? Just promise yourself you'll hit the gym for an extra 5 minutes the next day.

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Sheila Kelley's S-Factor

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 10:16:22 -0700

Have you heard all the buzz about Sheila Kelley's S Factor yet?

After seeing photos of Lindsay Lohan heading to S Factor class, hearing Oprah rave about Sheila Kelley and knowing that Kate Hudson and Teri Hatcher have expressed their love for this class, I had to see what the excitement was all about for myself. So, I bashfully made my way over to an intro class to see. Walking into the studio was terrifying, to say the least, as I saw the two shiny poles flickering in the red hue of the lights...

Want to read the rest of my experience at Sheila Kelley's S Factor? Then, read more.

Turns out, my preconceived notions that I would be doing crude things against a pole in a room full of oversexed women were totally wrong! The class has a high focus on getting warmed up, stretching the hips and chest and just getting used to moving slowly and sensually rather than jumping right into the whole 'stripper' thing. The lights are turned down low. It's dark enough that you don't feel like anyone can possibly be watching you, but light enough that you can eyeball the instructor to see what the heck she is doing. The movement is slow and controlled and you'd be surprised at how much you work your abs. The end of the class is 'pole tricks' time and by that point I was ready to swing around the pole, just to see if I had it in me... and I sure did!

I had a fabulous time at my intro. I felt that my muscles got a workout and other women who were there for the same reasons as me, not because they were sexed up vixens looking to improve their skills, surrounded me. The whole thing was a lot of fun and boy, if I didn't know how to arch my back before I sure do now. S Factor is a great, and very unique workout for anyone looking to tone the muscles, firm the body, increase flexibility, promote weight loss and elevate energy levels.

The S Factor was designed by actress Sheila Kelley to achieve specific health benefits, including physical fitness and stress reduction, as well as to cultivate sensuality, self-confidence and a positive body image. Sheila Kelley describes the movement as:

“The S Factor is about women rediscovering their own shapes and their muscles, overtly, playfully and unabashedly. We’re teaching women a body language they’ve been told not to explore.”

Once you've completed the introduction you can start your explorations in a series of classes. Classes run in eight-week-long sessions and meet once a week for two hours. There are seven levels of S Factor, each level increasing in difficulty. You'll need to complete a session to move on to the next level. Each class in a session builds on the skills learned in the last class so students are encouraged to attend the classes in order.

A Bachelorette Party that Burns Calories, Not Brain Cells

FitSugar — Mon, 14 May 2007 07:30:00 -0700

Some bachelorette parties go a little something like this: Gather. Drink. Pile into limo. Stop at bar with penis straws and sashes saying things like "Miss Bride to Be". Male stripper does a dance. Random dude at the bar buys everyone shots. Pile back into the limo. Maid of honor to be tosses her cookies out the window while crying. Blackout. Wake up feeling like crap. The end.

I don't know about you, but this is not always my idea of a good time. How about trying something different for your (or your best friend's) bachelorette party. I'm thinking Sheila Kelley's S Factor...

Led by an instructor, an S Factor Bachelorette Party is a totally creative way to celebrate a bride-to-be. The two-hour party is designed with fun in mind, yet still provides the gentle, rigorous workout that the S Factor is famous for. The first part of the party consists of a luxurious warm-up that takes students through all S Factor movements and positions learned in the regular classes. Depending on the size of the party, everyone will learn the first part of a lap dance routine and a beginning pole trick or two. The best part is, the bride-to-be will learn a full-on lap dance routine that she will perform for her friends (and later her husband-to-be). The cost for an S Factor Bachelorette Party is $550 (for up to 10 women). For more information and to book a party, go to SFactor.com.

Fit's Tip: Party hardy after you've burned off some calories -- Especially since food or drink are not allowed and, due to safety regulations, alcoholic beverages should not be consumed before or during the party.

Get the Bod: Kate Hudson

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 08:47:03 -0800

Kate Hudson went from Almost Famous to super famous and she has got a bod that speaks for itself.

To learn her secret, read more

*Us Weekly recently reported that after her breakup with ex Chris Robinson, Kate does the following to stay healthy:

Diet: "She eats smart, small portions," says a source close to the star. "She loves sushi, and eats very organic if she can, shopping at local farmers' markets."

Workout: Hudson regularly logs 45-minute runs and takes strip aerobics classes at Sheila Kelley's S-Factor in L.A. Her son, Ryder, 3, also keeps her on the go. Says the pal, "Just being a mom, she stays active."

I've always been a Kate fan and I am loving that she does not seem to be doing anything extreme post divorce and I'm even more pleased that she takes her role as a mom seriously. Go Kate!

View 4 Photos ›

[*Us Weekly, Issue 627]
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Healthy Dose Link Time

FitSugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:02:48 -0700

Lighten up your fettuccine alfredo - That's Fit
Learn a thing from Lance Armstrong's coach - Fit Bottomed Girls
Arm warmers make Fall runs cozy - Fresh Fitness Tips
Don't fear symmetry, muscular imbalances lead to injury - Marks' Daily Apple
How's your gluten? It's Celiac Disease Awareness Month - FitCeleb
Skip the online swine flu drugs', they're phony - The Daily WD
Eight powerful ladies who thrive on a vegetarian diet - Lunch Box Bunch
Heat up your workout with the sexy S factor - Shape
Algae shot for your health? - Vital Juice

US Pole Dancing Competitions

FitSugar — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:00:00 -0700

I've taken an S-Factor Pole Dancing class, so I'll be the first to say that it is quite a workout. It requires strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, stamina, and did I say strength? I know many women are into pole dancing as a workout, and even celebs like Teri Hatcher and Kate Hudson have raved about it. Kendra Wilkinson has even created her own line of sports poles for home use. I had no idea, though, that pole dancing could be taken to a competitive level. Check out footage from the 2009 Pole Dancing Championships.

I've got to admit, I am quite impressed with the courage, self-confidence, grace, and amazing strength these ladies are clearly demonstrating. After seeing all their tricks, and how they can effortlessly hold up their own body weight in so many unique positions, it inspires me to want to take another class. How about you?

Vertical Workout Video - YES, It Involves a Pole

FitSugar — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 03:00:00 -0700

I've been talking up the S Factor Workout and the free intro class, so I thought I would share this video I found. While it is not by Sheila Kelley, it is in the same vein. This is the UK version of the "S factor" (and the British accent makes it seem more classy and more naughty all at the same time). It is known as the "Vertical Dance." Now I know that the term "vertical dance" could imply standing and dancing (as opposed to the horizontal dance), but the word "vertical" stands for pole in this instance.

Check it out and watch the pole tricks...these are things you could learn taking the "S Factor" classes.

I do find it funny that "stripping" is never mentioned in this clip and I really can't think of another dance medium that uses poles. Maybe I'm being short sighted - you tell me.

Congenital protein C or S deficiency

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:50:31 -0700

Illustrations

Blood clot formation

Blood clots

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Congenital protein C or S deficiency is a condition that runs in families (inherited), which is caused by a lack of the proteins C or S in the fluid portion of blood (plasma). Proteins C and S are natural substances that prevent blood clots (anticoagulants). People with this condition are more likely to get blood clots.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Congenital protein C or S deficiency is a disorder that runs in families and causes abnormal blood clotting. Normal blood clotting involves as many as 20 different plasma proteins, called coagulation factors.

A series of complex chemical reactions using these factors takes place quickly to form a protein that doesn't dissolve, called fibrin. This protein stops bleeding by forming a clot. Other plasma proteins, such as proteins C and S, stop or reverse this process to prevent too much clotting.

When certain coagulation factors are low or missing, the chain reaction does not take place normally. This disorder causes an increased risk of clot formation, called thrombosis. Risk factors are a personal or family history of blood clots in the veins.

This disease can be carried via genes in different ways. About 1 out of every 300 people has one normal gene and one faulty gene for protein C deficiency. Protein S deficiency occurs in about 1 in 20,000 people.

Symptoms

Pain or tenderness in a limb or the affected area
Redness or swelling in the affected area

Note: Symptoms are the same as for deep venous thrombosis.

Signs and tests

Lack of protein C
Lack of protein S
Normal thrombin time
Normal prothrombin time
Normal partial thromboplastin time
Normal bleeding time

Treatment

The drugs heparin and warfarin are used to treat deep venous thrombosis. Patients who have this disorder can take warfarin to prevent another clot.

Expectations (prognosis)

The outcome is usually good with treatment, but a patient can have symptoms again.

Complications

Pulmonary embolism
Recurrent clots in the veins
More than one pregnancy loss
Childhood stroke

In rare cases, using warfarin to thin the blood and prevent clots can cause brief increased clotting and severe skin wounds. Patients are at risk if they are not treated with the blood-thinning drug, heparin before taking warfarin.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of clotting in a vein (such as swelling and redness of the leg).

Prevention

If your health care provider diagnoses you with this disorder, you should be careful to prevent clots from forming. This can occur when the blood moves slowly in the veins, such as from prolonged bed rest during an illness, surgery, or hospital stay.

References

Hoffman R, Benz E, Shattil S, Furie B, Cohen H. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone; 2004.

Lietz K, Kuehling SE, Parkhurst JB. Hemorrhagic stroke in a child with protein S and factor VII deficiencies. Pediatr Neurol. March 2005;32:208-210.

Review Date: 3/13/2007

Reviewed By: Mark Levin, MD, Hematologist and Oncologist, Newark, NJ. 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.

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_000559

Deep venous thrombosis

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:47:41 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Deep venous thrombosis is a condition in which a blood clot forms in a vein that is deep inside the body.

Alternative Names

DVT; Blood clot in the legs; Thromboembolism

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) mainly affects the veins in the lower leg and thigh. A clot (thrombus) forms in the larger veins of the area. This clot can interfere with blood flow, and it may break off and travel through the bloodstream (embolize). The traveling blood clot (embolus) can lodge in the brain, lungs, heart, or other area, severely damaging that organ.

Risks for DVT include prolonged sitting (such as on long plane or car trips) or bedrest. It also may be caused by recent surgery (especially hip, knee, or female reproductive organ surgery), fractures, childbirth within the last 6 months, and the use of medications such as estrogen and birth control pills.

Risks also include overproduction of red blood cells in bone marrow (polycythemia vera), cancerous (malignant) tumor, and having a condition in which the blood is more likely to clot (hypercoagulability).

Deep venous thrombosis is most common in adults over age 60, but it can occur in any age group.

Symptoms

Leg pain in one leg
Leg tenderness in one leg
Swelling (edema) of one leg
Increased warmth in one leg
Changes in skin color (redness) in one leg

Signs and tests

An exam may show a red, swollen, or tender leg.

The presence of deep venous thrombosis may be seen on:

X-rays to show veins (venography) in the legs
Doppler ultrasound exam of a limb
Plethysmography of the legs
D-dimer blood test

Many causes of increased clotting (hypercoagulability) can be found by these blood tests:

Antithrombin III, protein C, protein S
Factor V Leiden
Prothrombin 20210a mutation
DIC screening
Lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies

Treatment

DVT treatment helps prevent a pulmonary embolus from forming and helps prevent another DVT.

For years, the standard treatment has been a medication called heparin to stop blood clots from forming (anticoagulant). It results in quick anticoagulation, and it prevents the clot from growing.

If heparin is given continuously through a vein (IV), it requires a hospital stay. However, newer forms of heparin known as low molecular-weight heparin can sometimes be used. These forms include:

Enoxaparin(Lovenox and Clexane)
Ardeparin (Normiflo)
Tinzaparin (Innohep and Logiparin)
Certoparin (Sandoparin)
Dalteparin (Fragmin)
Reviparin (Clivarin)
Nadroparin (Fraxiparin)
Certoparin (Sandoparin)

Heparin can be given by injection once or twice a day to shorten or avoid the need for a hospital stay.

A person with DVT also may get an oral medication called warfarin with the heparin. Warfarin usually takes several days to fully work. Heparin is continued until the warfarin has been fully effective for at least 24 hours. People will take warfarin for about 6 months. Usually warfarin is started after heparin.

Warfarin causes an increase in the time it takes blood to clot, known as prothrombin time (PT). A system called the International Normalized Ratio (INR) is used to report the ability of the blood to clot properly. Doctors will adjust warfarin to keep the INR between 2 and 3.

Rarely, surgery may be performed when medications fail:

Removal of a large blood clot from the vein or injection of clot-busting medicines may be used
Placement of a screen in the body's largest vein to prevent blood clots from traveling to the lungs

Expectations (prognosis)

Many DVT's disappear without a problem, but they can recur. Some people may have chronic pain and swelling in the leg, known as post phlebitic syndrome.

A pulmonary embolus, a blood clot that breaks free in the leg and travel to the lungs is called, can occur and can be life threatening. Rapid treatment of DVT helps prevent this problem.

Complications

Pulmonary embolus
Post-phlebitic syndrome

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have DVT-like symptoms.

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have DVT and you develop chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, loss of consciousness, or other severe symptoms.

Prevention

Doctors may prescribe anticoagulants to help prevent DVT in high-risk people or those who are undergoing high-risk surgery. Wearing compression stockings on the legs also helps prevent DVT in high-risk patients.

To help prevent DVT, move your legs often during long plane trips, car trips, and other situations in which you are sitting or lying down for long periods of time.

Review Date: 4/7/2008

Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy, ELS. Previously reviewed by Rita Nanda, MD, Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (4/27/2007).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_000156

Healthy Dose Link Time!!!!!!

FitSugar — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 12:30:00 -0700

Fitness Fixation knows how to beat the "lazy day syndrome." It is a virtual "get off your duff and workout" post!

iFit&Healthy has the skinny on Ben Affleck's weight loss.

girlawhirl is gaga for Champion’s O2Cool clothing line.

Mark's Daily Apple asks the painful question, "What weighs 200,000 pounds?" Check his site for the answer!

Leslie at The Weighting Game wants to know if you have the "S" Factor. Yep Sheila Kelley is bringing the "S" Factor to the windy city!

Check out real buzz for some encouraging words on getting back to the gym.

For an emotional read, check out Back In Skinny Jeans . Stephanie knows about the break-up diet.

LIME can tell you how to recycle anything. Don't throw away those goodies! Recycle them.

About: Yoga puts a twist on the Crow pose. Work your upper body and be a bird at the same time.

diet-blog shares great tips on how to maintain your healthy diet while out on the town!

Looking for motivation? Complete Running Network says go see Runners High. It's an inspirational documentary about Oakland teens training for a marathon.

For more motivation, download "Meteoric Flash" a seriously energetic music mix from fitPod.

Elastic Waist celebrates the heirloom tomato! Yum.

Speaking of all things "yum," YumSugar has some great tips on keeping your camping food cool.

The Skinny Website has some great shots of Jennifer Lopez in a bikini.