FitSugar

Achoo! 5 Things You May Not Know About Sneezing

FitSugar — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 07:00:45 PST

Everybody sneezes, but some people sneeze daily while other folks just don't. The sneeze is your body's way of expelling foreign element from your nose from irritants like dust and pollen, to bacteria and viruses. This blustery act is more complicated than all that. Check out these five surprising facts about this ordinary phenomenon.

Exercise makes people sneeze. When working hard and breathing heavy, your mouth and nose dry up. Your schnoz reacts by dripping, which makes you sneeze.
Sneezes break the speed limit. Traveling at 100 miles per hour, a single sneeze blows air and mucus out of your mouth and nose, sending out 100,000 germs into the air. That's good news for you, but bad news for those around you. Remember to sneeze into your elbow!
Your sneeze reflex sleeps with you. Yep, you don't have to worry about sneezing in your sleep, because your sneezing nerves take a snooze when you do.

Learn why both the sun and sex can bring on a sneeze when you

Nothing to Sneeze At

FitSugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:30:20 PDT

Runny noses abound these days, and sneezes often accompany these dripping sniffers. Here are five things I felt compelled to share with you about the simple act of the sneeze.

A sneeze is your body forcefully expelling irritants and bacteria. Don't suppress your sneezes; let your body do its thing.
Sneeze into the crook of your elbow if you find yourself without a tissue. Remember this catchy phrase: "Sneeze into your sleeve."
A conservative estimate on the speed of a sneeze is 100 miles per hour.
A sneeze can send water droplets up to three feet.
Your heart does not stop when you sneeze, but the change of pressure in your chest can alter the rhythm of your heartbeat, making it feel like it's skipped a beat.
About one in four people experience a photic sneezing reflex, meaning bright light induces a sneeze. The sensation is also known as sun sneezing.

Achoo! I Love You!

FitSugar — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 08:00:53 PST

Mixed signals are often the fodder for romantic comedies, but could sneezing be a mixed signal in itself? According to a rare but documented phenomenon, sneezing fits can overlap with sexual arousal.

According to the BBC, a couple of doctors in the UK were inspired to research this issue after reading about a middle aged man who experienced uncontrollable bouts of sneezing fits when he thought about sex. The study isn't terribly scientific, since chat rooms were the major source of data, but it's still an interesting curiosity. The physicians believe this phenomenon is due to a mixup in brain circuitry, where signals within the nervous system are crossed, triggering sneezes. Considering that the nose contains erectile tissue and, like genitals, may become engorged during sexual arousal, it is kind of surprising that sneezing and sex don't overlap more.

Source

Power Coughing and Speedy Sneezes

FitSugar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 03:00:00 PST

There are many runny noses in my house these days. I can't count the number of times I tell my girls to cough into their elbows over the course of one day. It is important to contain those germs and here's why:

The water droplets from a cough or sneeze can travel up to three feet. Sitting across the table from a coughing preschooler can be dangerous.

Another cold fact to remember in these early days of the cold and flu season is that a cold virus can live on an inanimate object for up to three days. If someone has the sniffles in your house, it is a good idea to clean your TV remote as well as door handles.

Don't underestimate the power of a sneeze. A conservative estimate of the speed of a sneeze is 100 miles per hour. My new mommy mantra, "Cough into your elbow, sneeze into your sleeve," might just keep some germs from traveling so far and so fast.

Source

Cute Alert! Panda Has the Sneezies

GiggleSugar — Tue, 13 May 2008 13:00:00 PDT

One sneezing panda took the Internet by storm and became an overnight viral video star not too long ago. If his single sneeze resulted in 15 minutes of fame, then imagine what a record-breaking 14 sneezes (in one sitting!) will do for our panda friend below. Who said bad allergies were a curse? They just might be this guy's claim to fame . . .

How Much Do You Know About Sneezing?

FitSugar — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 03:30:00 PDT

Unfortunately with the green trees and pretty flowers, allergy season also brings sneezes. Lots and lots of sneezes. This morning I fell prey to a sneezing fit, so I decided to do a little research on what makes this unavoidable thing happen and why. Take this little quiz to see how much you know.

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Take the Quiz

The Speed of a Sneeze

FitSugar — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 11:00:00 PST

Sniffles, coughs and sneezes are becoming a part of daily life as cold and flu season approaches. Unfortunately, coughing and sneezing are both excellent ways of spreading germs and bacteria.

Do you know how powerful a sneeze is?

Source

Take the Quiz

3 Ways to Make Over Your Sleep

Leta Shy — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:12:30 PST

Are you getting the best sleep possible? If you just answered a bleary-eyed "No," chances are your sleep patterns need a makeover. Find out three ways to revamp your sleep and wake up rested.

Limit distractions: Light emanating from your TV or iPad before you go to bed, noisy neighbors, or a never-ending stream of cars outside your window can all take away from quality sleep. Make sure you keep distractions to a minimum by powering down at least 20 minutes before bedtime - otherwise you may be so wired it'll take even longer for you to fall asleep. If outside distractions are the source of your wide-eyed nights, try a white noise machine (or a white noise app like Simply Noise [$1] on your iPhone).

Read on for two more ways to make over your sleep for a better night's rest after the break.

Be Your Best at Every Workout With the Right Prep

Leta Shy — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:49:17 PST

When it comes to exercising, the more you do it, the better you get at it - as in, you become stronger, faster, or more flexible, and not only that, you are able to exercise longer (and losing inches isn't anything to sneeze at either). But no matter how long you've been committed to fitness, make sure you know how to prep to be your best at every workout.

A plan: You've suited up, stuffed your bag in your gym locker, and made your way to the floor only to think, "I wonder what I should do today?" Don't waste your time with an ineffectual workout or halfhearted commitment. Figure out an exercise plan before you start with our tips on how to build a workout routine.

A happy belly: Cramping or a grumbling stomach can make a workout a complete misery. Keep your stomach happy by fueling up with a small snack before you exercise or by giving yourself a few hours to digest a big meal before working out. Find out which foods you should be eating (and when) before you work out.

Read on for more ways to be your best at every workout.

8 Ways to Prevent Getting Sick at Work

Jenny Sugar — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:47:24 PST

If you work in an office full of people, your chances of coming in contact with germs are that much higher. Arm yourself against colds, the flu, and stomach bugs with these essential tips.

Wash hands often and keep hand sanitizer on your desk.
Once a week disinfect the things you touch regularly including your keyboard, mouse, phone, pens, stapler, scissors, and even the outside of your reusable water bottle.
Avoid touching doorknobs, handles on bathroom stalls and faucets, the water cooler, coffee maker, and other commonly used work items. If you can't help it, be sure to wash your hands afterward.

Keep reading for five more ways to prevent getting sick at your job.