FitSugar

P.L.O.W. - Celebrate the Sun

FitSugar — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 03:30:00 -0700

In case you hadn't heard, on Wednesday the longest total solar eclipse of this century was visible from India and China. Although those of us in the US and elsewhere didn't get to witness it firsthand, you can't deny that it's a miraculous and rare event.

Even though there won't be a longer eclipse until the year 2132, now is the perfect time to celebrate our glorious sun. So this weekend, get outside for a run and enjoy these songs about our shining star. There are 30 minutes of upbeat songs to run to, and 10 minutes of calmer tunes at the end for a walking cool down.

To hear the playlist read more.

Total Time: 41:43

Did I miss any songs about the sun? Tell me about them in the comment section below.

Sun Poisoning: Even Worse Than Sunburn

FitSugar — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:03:11 -0700

Whether you skipped the sunscreen because you wanted a tan, or you actually wore it but forgot to reapply, now you're left with an awful sunburn. As you take a closer look, you notice parts of your skin appear blistery, and slightly yellowish in color. That's not just a sunburn, it's sun poisoning, and it's even more damaging to your skin. Not only does it cause a painful rash, but symptoms also include fever, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, chills, and headaches. The area may swell and the blisters can open and lead to infection.

Sun poisoning is your skin's reaction to UV rays, and just like an irritating sunburn, the rash usually results in itchy, peeling skin, but eventually goes away on its own within 10 days. That's good to hear, but there's bad news too. To hear it, read more.

The more extreme UV exposure your skin gets, the more your skin is damaged, and the bigger your risk is for developing skin cancer. So you want to prevent sunburns and sun poisoning at all costs. Make sure to avoid long hours in sunlight, especially from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Always slather yourself with broad spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF of 15 or higher whenever outside. It must be applied 30 minutes before you head out, and reapplied every two hours. If you're especially sensitive to sun, wear a hat and lightweight clothes to cover your skin, or just enjoy the shade under an umbrella.

Tell me, have you ever suffered from sun poisoning?

Photo by Kelly Sue

UVSunSense Bracelets Prevent Skin Cancer

FitSugar — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 03:30:10 -0700

Most forms of skin cancer are linked to sun exposure, so if you wear sunscreen, it's 100 percent preventable. The problem is, if you put it on before you head outside, it's hard to remember to reapply. So the UVSunSense Wristband wants to help you remember.

This recyclable plastic bracelet monitors UVA and UVB rays. All you do is put on the wristband, and then apply a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher to your skin and also to the bracelet. As your sunscreen loses its effectiveness, the bracelet changes color. When it turns tan, you know to reapply, and when it turns yellow, it's time to get out of the sun. A seven-pack costs $6, which is definitely worth it since it can prevent sunburn and sun damage that can lead to skin cancer. Skin experts want to urge you not to rely on this bracelet, and to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, even if the bracelet hasn't changed color yet.

Anything that encourages people to wear sunscreen is a plus in my book, but tell me, would you wear a UVSunSense bracelet?

Are UVA and UVB Rays Equally Harmful?

FitSugar — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:30:00 -0700

Sunscreen is a must for anyone who spends time outside. Your bottle probably mentions something about UVA and UVB rays. Since you care so much about your health, I thought I'd refresh your mind on the difference between the two.

UVA rays: These are less likely to cause sunburn than UVB rays, but they penetrate your skin more deeply. Watch out because UVA rays can go through windows, lightweight clothing, and even your car windshield. Prolonged exposure cracks and shrinks the collagen and elastin in your skin, which is why UVA rays are responsible for signs of aging including wrinkles, saggy and leathery skin, and suns spots.

UVB rays: These are responsible for tanning your skin, but they also cause sunburn. UVB rays are the main culprit when it comes to skin cancer. These rays also go through windows, and it doesn't matter if it's cloudy - you're still at risk for exposure.

Although both types are responsible for different health risks, they're equally harmful to your skin. So if you're planning on enjoying the day outdoors, lube up with a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays 20 to 30 minutes before heading out. Reapply at least every two hours.

Summer Sun Provokes Suicide?

FitSugar — Tue, 12 May 2009 03:30:00 -0700

You might think that suicide rates are highest in the dark, gloomy days of Winter, but recent studies found that too much Summer sunlight, like in the northern climes of Sweden and Greenland from April to August, can cause suicidal thoughts as well. Extended Summer days make sleeping difficult, disrupting the body's natural circadian rhythm where darkness triggers sleep. Quantity of sleep is connected to mental health, and continual sleep disturbances are linked to an increase in suicidal risk. Scientists found that in areas where the sun never sets for months, suicide rates increased dramatically, leading them to speculate that the imbalance of light and dark affects serotonin levels in the brain, the chemical linked to mood.

So as Summer approaches and the days become longer, be sure to follow your regular sleeping schedule. As you can see from this study, your physical and mental health depend on it.

Source

Tips For Exercising in the Humidity

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 04:00:00 -0700

Some people really enjoy working out in the heat under the summer sun. The weather is inspiring as are the other people outside exercising in the heat with you. There is plenty to look at too.

Warm weather is wonderful, but you've got to be careful when the temperature and humidity levels get too high. Here are some tips when exercising in the humidity:

Check the heat-index level. This is the number that takes into consideration the temperature and the humidity to determine how hot it actually feels outside. Check out the chart below - If you are exercising and the temp is 85°F and rising, and the humidity is 65% or more, you could be in danger of heatstroke.

Stay hydrated. Dehydration caused by excessive sweating can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Drink fluids before, during, and after exercise even if you don't feel thirsty. Make sure to pack a water bottle with you while you're out - I like to fill mine with tons of ice and a little water. I put some cubes in my mouth and in my sports bra, and I make sure to take sips of ice water every 5-10 minutes.

To see the other important tips read more

Avoid direct sunlight. Wear a hat, or workout in shaded areas.
Wear loose-fitting, light-colored, and lightweight clothes.
Exercise at cooler times of the day, early in the morning or late at night.
Go easy. Whether you are running, biking, or hiking, slow down your pace and take intervals of rest and recovery.
Try to use water in your workout routine. Go kayaking, swimming, windsurfing, water skiing, or wakeboarding. You'll be using your muscles and getting your heart pumping, but you won't be staying cool.

Source

Sunscreen Stats

FitSugar — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 10:15:00 -0700

Just to see if you all have been paying attention, I have a few questions about sunscreen for you. It is kind of like a "pop" quiz, but really it is a Fit quiz.

Source

Take the quiz

Get in Gear: Bolle Sport Sunglasses

FitSugar — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 02:00:00 -0700

Sunglasses are a must anytime of year, but especially in the summer when we spend so much time outdoors. If you run, hike, bike, or spend time on the water, you need a pair that will stay on your face even if you're sweaty, wearing sunscreen, or it's windy.

I found a line from Bolle called Serpent - it's a wrap around style so they fit snug against your face. They also have non-slip thermogrip material on the ends by your ears that prevents them from slipping off, and the same rubbery material on the nose pads. You can choose to have polarized lenses or not, but all the lenses are made of polycarbonate. This means they are lightweight, thin, offer UV protection, are durable and scratch-resistant.

This Serpent style comes in many different color combinations, so if you don't like the ones shown, you can choose a different variation. While I think most polarized sunglasses are overpriced, but you can get a pair of these from Bolle for under $100.

Alba: Sunscreen That Actually Smells Good

FitSugar — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Since my sunscreen from last year expired, I had to pick up another bottle. I happened to be at the health food store and saw the Alba Sunscreen on sale, so it peaked my interest. I'm not a huge fan of how sunscreen usually smells, but when I took a whiff, it actually smelled wonderful. It had a light, refreshing, floral scent, which must have been from the lavender, chamomile, and calendula I saw in the list of ingredients.

I bought some of the Green Tea SPF 30, which is part of their Hawaiian line, made from tropical botanicals, green tea antioxidants, and aloe vera. It's perfect for wearing everyday - not greasy at all, and soaked instantly into my skin, leaving it soft and smelling sweet. You can even go in the water with it on, and it'll keep protecting you for up to 40 minutes.

It worked perfectly while in the sun for 3 hours, and my skin felt soft all day. I'd definitely pick some of this up if you're looking for a new sunscreen that smells great and is also paraben and cruelty-free. Look for it in the beauty section of your health food store or you can order it online from Alternative Outfitters for $8.95.

Fit's Tips: Remember to apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before heading outside, and reapply it every 2 hours.

What's the Deal with: Polarized Sunglasses

FitSugar — Mon, 14 May 2007 03:00:00 -0700

Spending a lot of time outside is a MUST in the summer (with sunscreen, of course!), and wearing sunglasses is a great way to protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can lead to the development of cataracts.

Personally, I love to be near the water, on a boat or a beach, or poolside, and the water can make a killer bright glare when the sun reflects off of it.

If the glare bothers you (how could it not?), then you'll want to get a pair of sunglasses that have polarized lenses. These are great at getting rid of the glare, making your vision clear and crisp when you look through them. They act as a filter to absorb the light waves. Pretty cool, huh?

Here's the deal - just because sunglasses say they are "polarized" doesn't mean they protect you any better from the sun's harmful UV rays. Also, especially dark or expensive sunglasses aren't necessarily better either. Make sure they say that they provide 100% protection. Polycarbonate lenses automatically block UV rays, but others have a chemical coating on them, kind of like sunscreen. These from Revo are polarized and offer maximum protection from UV and infrared rays. They are also scratch and impact resistant - not bad for $89.97.

Fit's Tips: Just be aware - some people get headaches when they wear sunglasses with polarized lenses.