FitSugar

Top 25 Cities With LEAST Smog

FitSugar — Mon, 07 May 2007 17:15:00 -0700

OK, so last week I told you about the top 10 cities with the MOST smog. It's kind of depressing, but good to know so we can do something about it.

The good news is that smog levels across much of the country are lower than they were from 2003 to 2005, especially in the eastern U.S.

Here are the top 25 cities with the cleanest air...

Cheyenne, Wyo.
Santa Fe and Espanola, N.M.
Honolulu
Great Falls, Mont.
Farmington, N.M.
Flagstaff, Ariz.
Tucson, Ariz.
Anchorage, Alaska
Bismarck, N.D.
Albuquerque, N.M.

Want to see the rest? Then

Salinas, Calif.
Pueblo, Colo.
Fort Collins and Loveland, Colo.
Rapid City, S.D.
Redding, Calif.
Duluth, Minn.-Wis.
Phoenix, Mesa and Scottsdale, Ariz.
Pocatello, Idaho
Fargo and Wahpeton, N.D.-Minn.
Midland and Odessa, Texas
Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach, Fla.
Billings, Mont.
Colorado Springs, Colo.
San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles, Calif.
Reno, Sparks and Fernley, Nev.

Source

A Week In Review: FitSugar Round up

FitSugar — Sat, 05 May 2007 04:00:00 -0700

You have got to try this yoga pose: Extended Side Angle. Work your legs while stretching your side - it feels great.

Today, May 5th is Pilates Day. Hopefully there is a studio participating near you so you can check out the method.

If you are looking for a new suit, check out these sexy backs by Speedo.

Evangeline Lilly's beauty is not Lost on us. Read what she does to keep looking so great.

Do you eat Hot Pockets? You might want to read this nutritional breakdown of them before you nuke your next hot pocket.

Here's the skinny on some not-so-healthy health foods.

Do you know which drink has less calories, a mint julep or a margarita.

Want to see if the city you live in made it on the list of the top 10 cities with the most smog.

There are seven habits of healthy people. Hopefully your habits would make the list.

May is all about Skin Cancer Awareness. Get a free skin cancer screening.

See what a pound of muscle can do for you.

Top 10 Cities With the MOST Smog

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

Ozone pollution, more popularly known as smog, is a big problem. Smog can inflame and damage the lining of the lungs, which can lead to swelling and restricted airways. Inhaling smog is like getting a sunburn on your lungs. This inflammation can lead to shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and chest pain. It can also aggravate asthma and bring on attacks.

According to the American Heart Association, chronic exposure to air pollution has been linked to heart disease and stroke. The EPA says that exposure to smog can also affect your immune system's ability to fight off bacterial infections.

High levels of ozone, the main ingredient in smog, can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, even in the average person. Bad levels of ozone are formed when heat and sunlight warm certain pollutants from cars and smokestacks from buildings.

Since summer is coming up, it's something we really need to watch out for. If you exercise outdoors in a place that's heavily smoggy, you may notice that it's more difficult to catch your breath. So on high alert days, you may want to workout inside.

Want to see which cities have the most smog? Then read more

Los Angeles, California
Visalia-Porterville, California
Bakersfield, California
Fresno, California
Houston, Texas
Merced, California
Sacramento, California
Hanford, California
Knoxville, Tennessee
Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas

Source

Vitamin D

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:35:15 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Overview

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin found in certain foods. It is also formed in the skin as a result of direct exposure to sunlight. The liver and kidneys convert vitamin D from food sources or sunlight to an active form called calcitriol.

Vitamin D helps the body maintain healthy levels of calcium and phosphorus. The body can only absorb calcium, when vitamin D is present. Vitamin D is also needed to build and maintain healthy bones.

People who are deficient in vitamin D are at risk for rickets, a metabolic disease that causes soft, weak bones. Rickets used to be quite common, but because milk products are now fortified with vitamin D, the disease is now rare.

Uses

Getting the proper amount of vitamin D can help prevent a number of serious health conditions.

Osteoporosis

Adequate amounts of vitamin D throughout one's life (in combination with exercise, proper nutrition, calcium, and magnesium) is necessary for preventing bone loss. Low levels of vitamin D and insufficient sunlight exposure (fewer than 20 minutes per day) are associated with osteoporosis. Vitamin D is needed to properly absorb calcium. Calcium, together with vitamin D, can help heal bone fractures from osteoporosis and decrease the risk of future bone breaks.

Other Bone Disorders

Vitamin D protects against the rickets and osteomalacia (softening of the bones in adults caused by inability to properly deposit calcium). Seniors in northern climates and people who do not receive direct sunlight for at least 45 minutes per week should make sure they are getting enough vitamin D through fortified milk and dairy products, or taking a vitamin D supplement or a multivitamin containing vitamin D.

Arthritis

Low intakes of vitamin D may be linked to an increased risk of arthritis of the hip in older women and to joint changes seen on x-rays of both men and women. Clinical studies evaluating the use of vitamin D for osteoarthritis have found that it prevents the breakdown of cartilage.

Abnormalities of the Parathyroid Hormones

The four parathyroid glands are located in the neck. They produce parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH helps the body store and use calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D is often used to treat disorders of the parathyroid gland.

High Blood Pressure

Clinical studies have suggested a link between low levels of vitamin D and high blood pressure. Low levels of vitamin D may play role in the development of high blood pressure in those with kidney disease or an overactive parathyroid gland (hyperparathyroidism). One clinical study suggested that supplementation with vitamin D and calcium helped to lower blood pressure in older women with low levels of vitamin D and high levels of parathyroid hormone. Your doctor will determine if vitamin D may be helpful for preventing or treating high blood pressure.

Cancer

Laboratory studies indicate that vitamin D may have anti-cancer effects. However, no human studies have directly measured how vitamin D impacts cancer risk.

Clinical study findings on vitamin D and specific cancers such as colorectal cancer have been inconsistent. However, a review of the scientific literature shows strong evidence that vitamin D may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. It is best to obtain calcium and vitamin D from the diet. Supplements would most likely be needed to reach the suggested amounts for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer (800 IU/day of vitamin D and 1,800 mg/day of calcium). Some population-based evidence suggests that the same amount of vitamin D may improve survival rates in those with a history of breast cancer. More research is needed.

There is some evidence that a certain form of vitamin D inhibits growth of prostate cancer cells in laboratory tests. Fructose, the sugar found in fruits, stimulates the production of this type of vitamin D. Eating several servings of fruit each day is associated with lower rates of prostate cancer.

Synthetic forms of vitamin D3 show promise in the treatment of various cancers, including breast and skin. However, this research is still in the experimental stages.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

SAD is a form of depression that occurs during the winter months because of lack of sunlight. This condition is often treated with photo (light) therapy. A few clinical studies suggest that the mood of those with SAD improves when taking vitamin D supplements. Talk to your doctor about whether this is a safe and appropriate addition to your treatment regimen.

Diabetes

Research shows that supplementing infants and children with doses of 2,000 IU per day of vitamin D and higher may protect against the development of type 1 diabetes. A clinical study conducted in northern Finland (where the annual exposure to sunlight is very limited) found that infants given at least 2,000 IU of vitamin D per day (generally from cod liver oil) for the first year of life were significantly less likely to develop type 1 diabetes over a 30-year time course than infants who were fed lower amounts of vitamin D.

Interestingly, the recommended daily amount of vitamin D in Finland was as high as 4,000 - 5,000 IU in the early 1960s. In 1964, it was reduced to 2,000 IU per day, in 1975 to 1,000 IU, and 400 IU in 1992. At the same time, incidence of type 1 diabetes has been on the rise in Finland, particularly throughout the 1980s.

Tuberculosis

Low levels of vitamin D may make a person more likely to get tuberculosis. Preliminary reports suggest that vitamin D may be a worthwhile addition to the usual treatment for this infection.

Atherosclerosis

Low levels of vitamin D may increase the risk of calcium build up in the arteries, a significant component of atherosclerotic plaque. Atherosclerotic plaque build up in blood vessels can lead to a heart attack or stroke. More research is needed to understand the practical implications of this possible relationship between low vitamin D levels and atherosclerosis.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Scientists have observed that MS rates are significantly lower in areas that receive a lot of sunlight and where people eat a lot of fish. Fish is a rich source of vitamin D (see Dietary Sources). The clinical studies have suggested that vitamin D from foods and sunlight may help protect against this condition. However, this does not mean that vitamin D supplements will help prevent or treat MS in people. Further human studies are needed.

Other

Vitamin D supplementation may also be helpful for people who:

Take corticosteroids or anti-seizure drugs, as these are both known to reduce bone mass.
Follow a strict vegan diet.
Are overweight or obese. (Obesity appears to alter the body's ability to produce vitamin D in the skin and to absorb it through the intestines. As a result, obesity is associated with vitamin D insufficiency.)
Have psoriasis. People with psoriasis may have lower levels of vitamin D . More research is needed.

Dietary Sources

There are two dietary forms of vitamin D:

Cholecalciferol
Ergocalciferol

These are naturally found in foods and are added to milk. It is important to note that the milk used to make yogurt and cheese is usually not vitamin D fortified. Foods sources of vitamin D include:

Cod liver oil (best source). Cod liver oil often contains very high levels of vitamin A which can be toxic over time. Ask your health care provider.
Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines, herring
Vitamin D-fortified milk and cereal
Eggs

Available Forms

Vitamin D is manufactured by the skin when it is exposed to the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. The color of your skin has an effect on the skin's production of vitamin D. A fair-skinned person can meet their vitamin D needs by exposing the face and arms to bright sunlight for as little as 45 minutes a week, while a person with dark skin may need up to 3 hours of exposure to get the same benefit.

Clouds, smog, clothing, sunscreen, and window glass all decrease the amount of sunlight that actually reaches the skin.

In cooler, northern climates, it is difficult to get enough vitamin D from sunlight during the winter. People who live in such climates may need supplementation

Vitamin D is included in many multivitamins. It can be found alone in over-the-counter preparations in strengths from 50 - 1,000 IU as softgel capsules, tablets, and liquid. Higher-dose preparations are also available by prescription. For those who have trouble digesting fat, vitamin D injections are also available by prescription.

How to Take It

Adequate daily intakes for dietary vitamin D are listed below. Use of supplements to obtain these recommended amounts may be appropriate for the elderly and those with limited sun exposure. The elderly, in particular, may be at risk of developing vitamin D deficiency since the body's ability to manufacture vitamin D from sunlight as well as the kidneys' ability to convert vitamin D into usable form, decline with age.

Pediatric

Infants birth to 12 months: 5 mcg (200 IU)
Children 1 - 8 years: 5 mcg (200 IU)
Children 9 - 13 years: 5 mcg (200 IU)
Adolescents 14 - 18 years: 5 mcg (200 IU)

Adult

19 - 50 years: 5 mcg (200 IU)
51 - 70 years: 10 mcg (400 IU)
70 years and older: 15 mcg (600 IU)
Pregnant and breast-feeding females: 5 mcg (200 IU)

Precautions

Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, you should take dietary supplements only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.

Taking too much vitamin D (more than 1,000 IU daily) can cause a number of side effects including:

Excessive thirst
Metal taste in mouth
Poor appetite
Weight loss
Bone pain
Tiredness
Sore eyes
Itchy skin
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
A frequent need to urinate
Muscle problems

Getting too much sunlight, however, will not provide an excess of vitamin D, nor is one likely to get too much vitamin D from food sources alone. Generally, excess vitamin D is a result of taking supplements in too high a dose.

People with the following conditions should be cautious when considering taking vitamin D supplements:

High blood calcium or phosphorus levels
Heart problems
Kidney disease

Possible Interactions

If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use vitamin D supplements without first talking to your health care provider.

Vitamin D levels may be increased by the following medications:

Estrogen -- Hormone replacement therapy with estrogen appears to increase vitamin D levels in the blood; this may have a beneficial effect on calcium and bone metabolism. In addition, use of vitamin D supplements in conjunction with estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) increases bone mass more than ERT alone. However, this benefit may be lost with the addition of progesterone.

Isoniazid (INH) -- INH, a medication used to treat tuberculosis, may raise blood levels of vitamin D.

Thiazide -- Diuretics in this class (such as hydrochlorothiazide) increase the activity of vitamin D and can lead to inappropriately high calcium levels in the blood.

Vitamin D levels may be decreased, or its absorption may be reduced, by the following medications:

Antacids -- Taking certain antacids for long periods of time may alter the levels, metabolism, and availability of vitamin D.

Calcium Channel Blockers (such as verapamil ) -- These medications, used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions, may decrease the production of vitamin D by the body.

Cholestyramine -- This cholesterol-lowering medication, known as a bile acid sequestrant, interferes with the absorption of vitamin D (as well as other fat-soluble vitamins).

Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, and Other Anticonvulsant Medications -- These medications may accelerate the body's use of vitamin D.

Mineral Oil -- Mineral oil also interferes with absorption.

In addition, Vitamin D may enhance the effects of doxorubicin, a medicine used to treat a variety of cancers. More research is needed.

Some doctors recommend following calcium levels closely if vitamin D is taken with digoxin, a medication used to treat irregular heart rhythms. This is because vitamin D improves absorption of calcium. Calcium, in turn, can increase the likelihood of a toxic reaction from this medication.

Weight Loss Products -- Orlistat (also known as alli), a medication used for weight loss, and olestra, a substance added to certain food products, are both intended to bind to fat and prevent the absorption of fat and the associated calories. Because of their effects on fat, orlistat and olestra may also prevent the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin D. Given this concern and possibility, the Food and Drug Administration now requires that vitamin D and other fat-soluble vitamins (namely, A, E, and K) be added to food products containing olestra. How well the body absorbs and uses vitamin D from such food products is not clear. In addition, physicians who prescribe orlistat add a multivitamin with fat soluble vitamins to the regimen.

Supporting Research

American Academy of Sciences. Dietary Reference Intakes: Calcium Phosphorus, Magnesium, Vitamin D, and Fluoride. National Academy Press; 2004.

Autier P, Gandini S. Vitamin D supplementation and total mortality: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Arch Intern Med. 2007 Sep 10;167(16):1730-7.

Braun J, Sieper J. [Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis] Orthopade. 2001;30(7):444-450. German.

Brawley OW, Parnes H. Prostate cancer prevention trials in the USA. Eur J Cancer. 2000;36(10):1312-1315.

Cashman KD. Calcium and vitamin D. Novartis Found Symp. 2007;282:123-38; discussion 138-42, 212-8.

Gallagher JC, Fowler SE, Detter JR, Sherman SS. Combination treatment with estrogen and calcitriol in the prevention of age-related bone loss. J Clin Endocrin Metabol. 2001;86(:3618-3628.

Giovannucci E. The epidemiology of vitamin D and cancer incidence and mortality: a review. Cancer Causes Control. 2005 Mar;16(2):83-95.

Grant WB, Garland CF. A critical review of studies on vitamin D in relation to colorectal cancer. Nutr Cancer. 2004;48(2):115-123.

Harris SS. Vitamin D in type 1 diabetes prevetion. J Nutr.2005 Feb;135(2):323-325.

Holick MF. Vitamin D: importance in the prevention of cancers, type 1 diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Mar;79(3):362-371.

Hypponen E, Laara E, Reunanen A, Jarvelin MR, Virtanen SM. Intake of vitamin D and risk of type 1 diabetes: a birth-cohort study. Lancet. 2001;358(9292):1500-1503.

Jänne PA, Mayer RJ. Chemoprevention of colorectal cancer. N Engl J Med. 2000;342(26):1960-1968.

Kampman E, Slattery ML, Caan B, Potter JD. Calcium, vitamin D, sunshine exposure, dairy products and colon cancer risk (United States). Cancer Causes Control. 2000:11:459-466.

Kimball SM, Ursell MR, O'connor P, Vieth R. Safety of vitamin D3 in adults with multiple sclerosis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Sep;86(3):645-51.

Li YC, Qiao G, Uskokovic M, Xiang W, Zheng W, Kong J. Vitamin D: a negative endocrine regulator of the rennin-angiotensin system and blood pressure. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2004 May;89-90(1-5):387-392.

Mordan-McCombs S, Valrance M, Zinser G, Tenniswood M, Welsh J. Calcium, vitamin D and the vitamin D receptor: impact on prostate and breast cancer in preclinical models. Nutr Rev. 2007 Aug;65(8 Pt 2):S131-3.

National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Facts About Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D. August 2001. Accessed November 1, 2005.

Nutrients and Nutritional Agents. In: Kastrup EK, Hines Burnham T, Short RM, et al, eds. Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, Mo: Facts and Comparisons; 2000.

Pfeifer M, Begerow B, Minne HW, Nachtigall D, Hansen C. Effects of a short-term vitamin D(3) and calcium supplementation on blood pressure and parathyroid hormone levels in elderly women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2001;86(4):1633-1637.

Reichrath J. Will analogs of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (calcitriol) open a new era in cancer therapy? [Review] Onkologie. 2001;24(2):128-133.

Reginster JY. Calcium and vitamin D for osteoporotic fracture risk. Lancet. 2007 Aug 25;370(9588):632-4.

Semba RD, Garrett E, Johnson BA, Guralnik JM, Fried LP. Vitamin D deficiency among older women with and without disability. Amer J Clin Nutr. 2000;72:1529-1534.

Thornquist MD, Kristal AR, Patterson RE, et al. Olestra consumption does not predict serum concentrations of carotenoids and fat-soluble vitamins in free-living humans: early results from the sentinel site of the olestra post-marketing surveillance study. J Nutr. 2000;130(7):1711-1718.

Valmadrid C, Voorhees C, Litt B, Schneyer CR. Practice patterns of neurologists regarding bone and mineral effects of antiepileptic drug therapy. Arch Neurol. 2001;58(9):1369-1374.

Wagner CL, Hulsey TC, Fanning D, Ebeling M, Hollis BW. High-dose vitamin D3 supplementation in a cohort of breastfeeding mothers and their infants: a 6-month follow-up pilot study. Breastfeed Med. 2006 Summer;1(2):59-70.

Welsh J. Vitamin D and prevention of breast cancer. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2007 Sep;28(9):1373-82.

Wilkinson RJ, Llewelyn M, Toossi Z, et al. Influence of vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D receptor polymorphisms on tuberculosis among Gujarati Asians in west London: a case-control study. Lancet. 2000;355(9204):618-621.

Wortsman J, Matsuoka LY, Chen TC, Lu Z, Holick MF. Decreased bioavailability of vitamin D in obesity. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000;72(3):690-693.

Review Date:
11/9/2007
Reviewed By:
Ernest B. Hawkins, MS, BSPharm, RPh, Health Education Resources; and Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. 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

Naphazoline (Into the eye)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:46:00 -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

Naphazoline (naf-AZ-oh-leen)

Treats eye irritation caused by colds, contact lenses, and smog or pollen.

Brand Name(s)

AK-Con, Albalon, Clear Eyes, Naphcon

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 ever had an allergic reaction to naphazoline, or if you have narrow-angle glaucoma.

How to Use This Medicine

Drop

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. This medicine is not for long-term use.
Wash your hands before and after using the medicine.
Shake the eye drops well just before each use.
Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.

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 medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of 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 taking an MAO inhibitor medicine such as Parnate® or Nardil®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or any other medical problems.
It is best not to wear contact lenses while using this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

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

Eye pain or changes in vision
Continued redness and irritation or large pupils
Weakness or headache

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

Watery eyes
Eye irritation or burning when the drops are put in

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_0061

Watery eyes

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:04:09 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Common Causes
Home Care
Call your health care provider if
What to expect at your health care provider's office

Illustrations

External and internal eye anatomy

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Watery eyes occur when there is too much tear production or poor drainage of the tear duct.

Alternative Names

Epiphora; Tearing - increased

Common Causes

Tears are necessary for the normal lubrication of the eye and to wash away particles and foreign bodies.

Causes of watery eyes include:

Allergy to mold, dander, dust
Blepharitis
Blockage of the tear duct
Conjunctivitis
Environmental irritants (smog or chemicals in the air, wind, strong light, blowing dust)
Eyelid turning inward or outward
Foreign bodies and abrasions
Infection
Inward-growing eyelashes
Irritation

Increased tearing sometimes accompanies:

Eyestrain
Laughing
Vomiting
Yawning

Oddly enough, one of the most common causes of excess tearing is dry eyes. Drying causes the eyes to become uncomfortable, which stimulates the body to produce too many tears. One of the main tests for tearing is to check whether the eyes are too dry.

Home Care

Consider the cause of the tearing. If the eyes feel dry and burn and then begin to tear, consider using artificial tears before tearing occurs. This prevents the reflex tearing.

If the eyes are itchy and uncomfortable, consider allergy as a cause. Over-the-counter antihistamines can be useful. A mucous discharge from the eyes or red eyes may indicate a blocked tear duct or eyelid problem.

Call your health care provider if

Tearing is not an emergency, but it can be very annoying and usually can be treated.

Contact your health care provider if you have:

Prolonged unexplained tearing
Red eyes, excess discharge
Tearing associated with pain in the eye
Tearing associated with tenderness around the nose or sinuses

What to expect at your health care provider's office

The doctor will take a medical history and examine your eyes.

Medical history questions documenting increased tearing may include:

Time pattern
- When did it begin?
- Is this the first occurrence?
- Does it occur all the time or off and on?
- Is there a pattern to the occurrences?
Quality
- Is your vision affected?
- Do you wear or need corrective lenses?
- Is the increased tearing related to emotional responses?
- Is the tearing accompanied by pain? Stinging? Itching?
- Is the fluid clear?
- Are your eyes red or swollen?
- Is drainage or crusting present when you wake up?
Location
- Does increased tearing affect both eyes?
- If so, are they affected equally?
Aggravating factors
- What seems to cause or increase the tearing?
- What medications are you taking?
- Do you have allergies?
- Are you often exposed to wind, dust, chemicals, sun, or light?
- Have you had any recent injuries to the eyes?
Relieving factors
- What seems to help reduce the tearing?
- Have you tried eye solutions?
Other
- What other symptoms do you have?
- Is there any loss of vision?
- Have there been changes in vision?
- Do you have a headache?
- Do you have nasal congestion or a runny nose?
- Do you have joint aches or muscle aches?
- Has anyone else had similar symptoms recently?

The physical examination may include a detailed eye examination.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed are:

Culture and sensitivity testing of tear specimen
Schirmer's test

Intervention:

Once the symptoms are explained, the cause is usually clear. Treatment can include:

Antibiotics
Artificial tears
Surgery
Topical antihistamines

If you might have a blockage of the tear system, your doctor may use a probe to test the tear drainage system. This is painless. If you have a blockage, you may have surgery to correct the problem. Minor surgery can fix improper eyelid position.

Review Date: 11/13/2007

Reviewed By: Manju Subramanian, M.D., Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Boston University Eye Associates, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_003036

Eye burning - itching and discharge

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:04:06 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Considerations
Common Causes
Home Care
Call your health care provider if
What to expect at your health care provider's office

Illustrations

External and internal eye anatomy

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Eye burning with discharge is burning, itching, or drainage from the eye of any substance other than tears.

Alternative Names

Itching - burning eyes; Burning eyes

Considerations

Sometimes burning and itching eyes are due to environmental pollutants. If secondhand cigarette smoke is annoying, say so. If an industrial plant in the area is polluting, contact the EPA for solutions.

Common Causes

Allergies, including seasonal allergies or hayfever
Bacterial infections
Chemical irritants (such as chlorine in a swimming pool or makeup)
Conjunctivitis or pink eye
Irritants in the air (cigarette smoke or smog)

Home Care

Apply cool compresses to soothe itching.

If the eyelids have crusts, gently soften them with warm compresses. Gently washing the eyelids with baby shampoo on a cotton applicator can help remove crusts.

Artificial tears used 4-6 times a day can also relieve symptoms. Avoid over-the-counter eyedrops other than artificial tears because they will eventually make symptoms worse.

Itching and burning due to allergy or chemicals can be very uncomfortable. Attempt to determine the cause of the allergy, such as a pet, seasonal pollen, or irritating cosmetics.

Refrigerated artificial tears can be very soothing. Antihistamine drops, available from your health care provider, can be helpful.

Pink eye or viral conjunctivitis causes a red or bloodshot eye and excessive tearing. If you suspect pink eye, remember to wash your hands often, and avoid touching the unaffected eye. The infection will run its course in about 10 days.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is not common, but if you have eye discharge that is white, yellow, or greenish, contact your health care provider.

Call your health care provider if

Contact your health care provider if:

The discharge is thick, greenish, or resembles pus
You have excessive eye pain or sensitivity to light
Your vision is decreased

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your health care provider will get a medical history and will perform a physical examination.

Medical history questions may include:

What does the eye drainage look like?
- Is it thick?
- Is it yellow?
- Does it look like pus?
- Is it green?
- Is it bloody?
- Is it clear?
Other questions
- What other symptoms do you have?
- Do you have decreased vision?
- Do you have eye pain?
- Do you have light sensitivity (photophobia)?

The physical examination may include a check of your:

Eyelids
Eye motion
Reaction of your pupils to light
Vision

Treatment:

Your doctor may prescribe antihistamines in the form of eye drops or ointments. Cortisone-like eye ointments are not often prescribed. These medications will reduce many types of inflammation, but can worsen certain infections, such as herpes.

After seeing your health care provider:

If your symptoms do not improve or they worsen in 1-2 weeks, contact your health care professional. You might need additional treatments.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_003034

Osteomalacia

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:49:16 -0700

Overview

Definition
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Symptoms
Signs and tests
Treatment
Expectations (prognosis)
Complications
Calling your health care provider
Prevention

Illustrations

Diseased hip

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Osteomalacia is softening of the bones, caused by not having enough vitamin D, or by problems with the metabolism (breakdown and use) of this vitamin. These softer bones have a normal amount of collagen that gives the bones its structure, but they are lacking in calcium.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

There are numerous causes of osteomalacia. In children, the condition is called rickets and is usually caused by a deficiency of vitamin D.

Conditions that may lead to osteomalacia include:

Not enough vitamin D in the diet
Not enough exposure to sunlight, which produces vitamin D in the body
Malabsorption of vitamin D by the intestines

Other conditions that may cause osteomalacia include:

Hereditary or acquired disorders of vitamin D metabolism
Kidney failure and acidosis
Phosphate depletion associated with not enough phosphates in the diet
Cancer
Side effects of medications used to treat seizures
Liver disease

Use of very strong sunscreen, limited exposure of the body to sunlight, short days of sunlight, and smog are factors that reduce formation of vitamin D in the body.

Risk factors for osteomalacia are related to the causes. In the elderly, there is an increased risk among people who tend to remain indoors and those who avoid milk because of lactose intolerance.

Symptoms

Diffuse (not pinpointed to one location) bone pain, especially in the hips
Muscle weakness
Bone fractures that happen with very little trauma

Symptoms associated with low calcium including:

Numbness around the mouth
Numbness of extremities
Spasms of hands or feet
Abnormal heart rhythms

Signs and tests

Bone biopsy shows osteomalacia.
Serum vitamin D level may be low.
Serum calcium levels vary with the cause of the disorder.
Serum phosphate levels vary with the cause of the disorder.
Bone x-ray may show features of osteomalacia (such as bowing of the legs or “pseudofractures").
Bone mineral density scan (DEXA) may show reduced bone density, a sign of weaker bones.

Other tests may be done to determine if there is a renal problem or any other underlying disorder. These tests include:

Treatment

Oral supplements of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus may be given depending on the underlying cause of the disorder. Larger doses of vitamin D and calcium may be needed for people with intestinal malabsorption.

Monitoring the blood levels of phosphorus and calcium may be needed for people with certain underlying conditions.

Expectations (prognosis)

Improvement in the condition of the bones, shown by bone X-rays, can be seen within a few weeks in some people with vitamin deficiency disorders. Complete healing with treatment takes place in 6 months.

Complications

Return of symptoms is a possible complication.

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of osteomalacia, or if you think that you may be at risk for this disorder.

Prevention

Adults can prevent osteomalacia resulting from vitamin D deficiency by eating enough dairy products that have extra vitamin D, and getting enough sunlight.

Review Date: 8/8/2006

Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_000376

US Cyclists Wearing Masks?

FitSugar — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 10:00:00 -0700

When four US cyclists arrived in Beijing, they were wearing black masks over their mouths and noses. The United States Olympic Committee's (USOC) lead exercise physiologist advised athletes to wear masks on the plane and as soon as they set foot in the airport in Beijing. It all has to do with pollution and how the air quality is much poorer there as compared to the US. The athletes thought it wasn't that big a deal, until they heard that photographs of them in their masks were all over TV and the Internet.

Cyclist Mike Friedman said,

"Why we wore the masks is simple: pollution. When you train your whole life for something, dot all your i’s and cross all your t’s, why wouldn’t you be better safe than sorry? They have pollution in Los Angeles, and if the Olympics were in Los Angeles, we would probably wear these masks, too.”

Unfortunately, some USOC officials didn't agree with the mask idea and were not pleased with the cyclists' decision because they felt it may embarrass or offend China. Beijing is one the most polluted cities in the world, and it has taken measures to prepare for the 2008 Summer Olympics by shutting down or moving factories. Even cars were advised to be on the road on alternate days. For my take on the situation, and to watch a video about Beijing's air pollution, read more.

Unfortunately, you can't fix the problem of pollution in a short amount of time, and since the sky still seemed thick with gray smog, the athletes made the decision to wear the masks. When athletes came to Beijing earlier for Olympic test events last year, some athletes developed sore throats, chest infections, and allergic reactions. They just didn't want to take that chance again.

What do you think about athletes wearing masks to protect themselves from pollution? Is it a slap in Beijing's face, or do you agree that they should be able to wear these masks freely? Do you even think the masks help? For more info, check out this video, and then share your thoughts in the comment section below.

These Crowded (and Polluted) Streets

FitSugar — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 16:30:00 -0800

Does your morning jog take you straight through Times Square, down the Pacific Coast Highway, on the Miracle Mile or along A1A (beach front avenue)?

For those of us who choose to exercise outdoors in major cities, you should know that air pollution can irritate your lungs, making it harder to breathe while working out outside.

The three main components of air pollution are fine particulate matter, ozone and carbon monoxide. For those of us exercising, the overexposure to carbon monoxide can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, headaches and dangerously high body temperatures. Ozone, which is the main reason we have smog in cities, adversely affects breathing patterns and decreases the size of airways, making the lungs more resistant to oxygen.

What's more? Turns out that living on a major street is pretty bad for your lungs too. Great.

Fit's Tip: Work out in the early morning or later in the evening, when the traffic is not as congested. If you experience difficulty breathing while exercising, you should see a doctor.