FitSugar

Hate Shots? Say Goodbye to the Needle

FitSugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 03:00:00 -0700

I don't know anyone who likes getting a shot, but I've got some good news to share with anyone who is needle phobic. In the future, you may not have to worry about the painful prick of vaccinations since a Japanese inventor recently created a needle-free injection. Instead of a sharp metal point, this injection method uses air pressure or gases to deliver the drugs. Aside from being fear inducing, needles are less than an optimal method because not only do they hurt; they also create a ton of medical waste. Also, needles are sometimes reused in developing countries, which increases the risk for diseases to spread.

This new injection method will be simpler to use than conventional shots, will cut down on medical waste, and prevent the spread of disease. Seems like a win, win, win situation to me. Plus it has a much nicer name - Mother's Kiss. Sounds a lot more appealing than "shot," don't you think.

How Does Novocaine Work?

FitSugar — Fri, 11 May 2007 07:30:00 -0700

When I have a cavity filled all I can say is praise to the Novocaine. When my dad was little, his dentist didn't use local anesthetics, and my poor dad had to sit in the chair knowing he was in for a whole lot of pain. My jaw hurts just thinking about it.

I just learned that prior to the invention of Novocaine, cocaine was used as a local anesthetic. Cocaine constricts blood cells, which reduces bleeding, but as we all know it's also highly addictive.

In the early 1900's scientists created a synthetic version of cocaine, but without the nasty side effects, and christened it Procaine. We know it by its trade name Novocaine, and I have no idea why my dad's dentist didn't use it since it was definitely available to the masses when he was a boy. Since its development, stronger local anesthetics have come along like Lidocaine, Septacaine, and Mepivocaine (most dentists still call the shot "Novocaine" though, so ask what they specifically use if you're interested).

These injectable local anesthetics prevent pain in a specific area by blocking the nerves that sense or transmit pain, so the area feels numb for up to 3-4 hours.

All I can say is that even though the shot stinks and can really pinch your gum (and make your mouth really sore for days after), it's still way better than how much it would hurt with NO shot at all.

Fit's Tip: Ask your dentist to apply a topical anesthesia to your gums to numb the area before the Novocaine shot. It makes getting a cavity filled just a little bit easier to bare.

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Walking Barefoot? Make Sure You've Had a Tetanus Shot

FitSugar — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:00:24 -0700

Nothing beats walking barefoot in the grass - it's the definition of Summer. Most of the time your feet make contact soft, warm, clean grass and soil, but not all the time. A cut or puncture from some sharp object can be extremely painful, but contracting Tetanus from your wound is much worse. Getting pricked by a rusty nail, as most people think, isn't the only way to get this infectious disease. It's happens when a wound becomes infected by bacterial spores that live in soil, dust, and animal waste. That means insect bites, splinters, scrapes, burns, and yes, stepping on a rusty nail are all ways you can get tetanus. The disease causes severe, uncontrollable muscle spasms. The jaw can become locked by muscle spasms, causing this disease to sometimes be called lockjaw. In severe cases, the muscles used to breathe can spasm, causing lack of oxygen to the brain, which can lead to death.

Tetanus is easily prevented though, by arming yourself with a tetanus shot. After you receive the initial series of shots when you're a kid, an adult should get a tetanus shot every 10 years. Are you protected? If you can't remember how many years it's been since you've had this shot, call your doctor.

Weight Loss in a Shot?

FitSugar — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 09:00:55 -0700

There are weight loss shakes, pills, surgeries, and diets galore, and now scientists are attempting to create a weight loss injection. The injectable drug has helped rodents decrease their weight by 25 percent in just one week. You can almost hear the voiceover for the infomercial.

Scientists have combined two natural hormones into a single drug that both suppressed the appetite and increased the metabolism in rats. This new drug is said to mimic the effects of gastric bypass surgery. Tests on humans won't happen for a few years though, so don't give up your gym membership just yet.

If this shot sounds too good to be true, it probably is. We're always looking for a quick fix when it comes to slimming down, but if permanent weight loss is your goal, eating right and exercising is the way to go. It may take a lot more time to see the results you're after, but at least you'll know you did it in a healthy way that's sure to last.

What's the Deal With Slim Shots?

FitSugar — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:30:00 -0700

I've received many questions about Slim Shots lately so I thought I'd address the topic. Slim Shots are little vanilla-flavored oil filled (each dose contains oat and palm oil) shots to be taken at breakfast that claim to trigger the body’s natural appetite control mechanism, which is supposed to satisfy shot slingers for longer periods of time. Being satisfied longer ideally means that you would then eat less during the day and lose weight. The shots come in little dairy creamer-looking packages, and you take one or two shots a day, along with a healthy diet and regular exercise program - of course.

Slim Shots, while not my cup of tea, do not seem horrible to me (it's no Pink Patch, that's for sure). The site does not promise outrageous results and there are even some clinical studies to back the product up. It's not approved by the FDA and the other downside is that the shots are not cheap. A one month's supply is $40. While I'm still not 100 percent on how the product works (the explanation is a little vague), I do know that you could basically get the same benefits from foods with other good fats likes avocados and nuts. Me, I'd rather top my salad with avocado than slurp down a shot of oil on the side.

Have you ever tried Slim Shots? Share your experience below.

Have You Had Luck Getting a Swine Flu Shot?

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:00:12 -0800

I don't have to read about the shortage of swine flu vaccine, I'm living it. Everywhere I go to get vaccinated it's the same - there are not enough shots to go around. Supplies are extremely limited, and a recent poll conducted by Harvard University School of Public Health says that 70 percent of adults and 66 percent of children who tried to get vaccinated couldn’t.

On Friday the National Center For Immunization and Respiratory Diseases said that the high demand is outweighing the supply, but that more doses would be available in the coming weeks. I've heard this every week and no matter where I go, I leave without getting a shot. I'm starting to get frustrated but I want to protect myself.

Have any of you had better luck than I have?

Which PowerShot Is Right For You?

Sponsor — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:05:49 -0800

If the photos you take reflect your personality, why shouldn't your camera? With the new Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH, now available in a palette of five brilliant colors, you can find the camera that perfectly matches and accents your own personal style. Tennis champion Maria Sharapova did, and now she has the blue one. She likes it for a couple of great reasons - it looks cool, and it takes awesome photos! But let’s say you’re more of an outdoorsy person - then maybe brown is your camera. Super chic? Well, perhaps silver is your thing. If you're a real winner, take the gold. If you're full of life and just want to have fun, go for the pink. Whatever you’re into, there’s a PowerShot Digital Camera for you.

Watch the PowerShot commercial and then click here to find the perfect PowerShot for you!

Are You Getting a Flu Shot This Year?

FitSugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:30:00 -0700

My aching right arm is evidence that I've just gotten my annual flu shot. I've been getting them for years, and I'm a strong believer in the shots but I know many folks are opposed to the vaccination. So I am curious, will you be getting a flu shot this year?

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When Did You Get Your Last Tetanus Shot?

FitSugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:30:00 -0700

Do you remember getting a tetanus shot as a kid? They were so painful. When explaining why a tetanus shot is important, people always mention stepping on a rusty nail. Apparently rusty nails aren't the only things to worry about. Tetanus is a disease caused by bacteria that live in dust, animal waste, or soil. If you get a cut, burn, splinter, puncture, insect bite, or any other break in your skin, your wound can become infected with these bacteria. When the bacterial spores multiply in your body, they create a poison that affects your muscles and causes uncontrollable spasms. It can even affect your breathing and result in death. Yikes!

As a child, you most likely were vaccinated by the time you were six years old. Every 10 years after that you should get a booster shot. Since I'm sure many of you are walking around barefoot this Summer, I was wondering . . .

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Did You Get a Flu Shot?

FitSugar — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 04:30:00 -0800

We're in the heart of Winter and about half of you have managed to remain healthy this season. Props to your immune systems for protecting you from getting sick, and hopefully you can keep up the health streak as the height of flu season approaches. Typically, flu season doesn't peak until February, so there's still time to get your flu shot if you've been putting it off.

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