FitSugar

Health Headlines: Sex, Marriage and Tears

FitSugar — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 03:00:00 -0700

There are some health headlines that are worth sharing. Often the stories behind the headlines live up to their tag lines. Check out these three stories, on marriage and gender differences, all caught my eye and I had to share.

Sex lessons for 'cranky' miners – The BBC
To increase productivity, miners are given "tool box talks" on how to spice up their sex lives with their menopausal wives. Company bosses say giving their predominantly male employees lessons on menopause and foreplay gives them a healthy sex life, which in turn makes them happy, productive workers. Maybe folks will start saying, "Let's play miner."

Holy matrimony! That's a lot of pounds – Canada.com
Relationships often lead to weight gain – living together (or "living in sin" as granny likes to say) and marriage both seem to cause weight gain. If the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, this can't really come as much of a surprise, right?

The crying game: male vs. female tears – Yahoo News
Ellen's tearful plea sparked a controversy on crying in public. Seems that as a culture we think it is OK for men to cry but not women. The crying men are perceived as sensitive while crying women are seen as out of control. Now that makes me want to cry.

5 Things About Crying

FitSugar — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 14:30:00 -0700

Crying is an emotional release and if you feel the need to cry you should let it out. Here are a few facts about the act of crying. I thought they were interesting, so of course I wanted to share.

Emotional tears have a different chemical composition than tears caused by irritants, such as onions.
Crying in public was considered normal until the Industrial Revolution, when diligent unemotional workers were needed to operate machinery.
Men’s tear ducts are smaller than women’s tear ducts.
One major stress hormone released from the body via tears, prolactin, is found in much higher concentration in women's bodies than in men's. (This makes sense when you consider that the hormone is also implicated in the synthesis of breast milk).
In Japan, crying for emotional release is all the rage, or so reports the Independent. The Japanese call it the "crying boom" - everyone wants a bit of sadness in their lives. Instead of going to a karaoke bar after work to wind down, businesspeople watch weepy films (called "tear films") at these crying clubs. There is also a huge demand for sad TV dramas and books, each graded by its ability to induce tears.

Source

Hypromellose (Into the eye)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:11:07 -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

Hypromellose (hye-PROE-me-lose)

Relieves dryness, irritation, or discomfort in your eyes.

Brand Name(s)

Genteal, Goniosoft, Gonak, Tearisol, Goniovisc, Isopto Tears, GenTeal, Genteal Mild, Tears Again Mc, Nature's Tears, The Medicine Shoppe Artificial Tears

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 had an allergic reaction to hypromellose or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

How to Use This Medicine

Liquid, Drop

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using this medicine. After 15 minutes, you may put the lenses in your eyes.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this 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.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from 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.

If you use other eye medicines, do not put two of them in your eye together. Use this medicine first, and then wait 5 minutes before you put a second medicine in your eye.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

This medicine should be a clear liquid. Make sure you do not use this medicine if it is discolored or cloudy.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
If you hurt your eye, develop an eye infection, or need to have eye surgery, talk with your doctor right away. You may need to change your medicine or stop using it.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

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

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Changes in vision.
Eye pain, redness, or irritation.

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

Stinging or burning.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

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: 45_5410

Eye lubricant (Into the eye)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:09:43 -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

Treats dry, irritated, or uncomfortable eyes.

Brand Name(s)

Refresh, Genteal, Refresh Plus, Refresh Liquigel, Tears Naturale Free, Refresh PM, Tears Naturale, Refresh Endura, Theratears, Lacri-Lube S.O.P., Bion Tears, Refresh Tears, FreshKote, Murocel, Enuclene

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

Do not use if you have had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients listed on the label of the product you are using.

How to Use This Medicine

Liquid, Ointment, Gel/Jelly, 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.
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine. Remove contact lenses before using this medicine. When using eye drops, shake the bottle 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.If using a single-dose unit, throw it away after use. Do not save any of the liquid to use later.
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.
To use the ointment: Hold the tip of the tube close to your eye with the other hand. Avoid touching the tip of the tube to your eye or finger. Squeeze a ribbon of ointment into the pocket between your lower lid and eyeball. Close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Wipe the tip with a clean tissue and close the tube tightly. Keep the tube tightly closed 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 in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you have had an allergic reaction to any eye medicine or product in the past.
Do not use the medicine if it becomes discolored. Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has become cloudy.
See a doctor right away if you have an open wound in or near your eye, if your eye was burned with a chemical, or if you have a foreign object in your eye that you cannot rinse out.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

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

Changes in vision.
Eye pain, redness, or irritation that is not relieved by using this product.

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

Eye dryness that lasts longer than 72 hours.
New or worsening eye symptoms.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5308

Carboxymethylcellulose (Into the eye)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:01:24 -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

Carboxymethylcellulose (kar-box-ee-meth-il-SEL-yoo-lose)

Treats and prevents irritation caused by dry eyes.

Brand Name(s)

Refresh Plus, Refresh Liquigel, Theratears, Refresh Celluvisc, Refresh Tears, Tears Again, Tears Again Night & Day

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 had an allergic reaction to carboxymethylcellulose.

How to Use This Medicine

Liquid, Gel/Jelly, 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.
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
Wash your hands before and after using the medicine.
If the medicine has changed color or looks cloudy, do not use it.
Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Do not let the tip of the dropper touch your eye. 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. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.
If you are using the single-use container, open a new container for each dose of this medicine. Open the container by completely twisting off the tab. Do not pull the tab off. After using the medicine, dispose of the container and any medicine left in it. Do not keep any leftover medicine to use later.

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.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from 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.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If your symptoms do not get better within 3 days or if they get worse, call your doctor.
You may have blurred vision for a short time after using a dose of Celluvisc®. This is normal. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you cannot see well.
If you hurt your eye, develop an eye infection, or need to have eye surgery, talk with your doctor right away. You may need to change your medicine or stop using it.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

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

Changes in your vision
Pain in your eye

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_1226

Torn Rotator Cuff = Painful Shoulder

FitSugar — Thu, 17 May 2007 10:15:00 -0700

About a year ago, I was taking the same yoga class I had been taking for years. I should have been paying attention to what was happening in the present moment, but my mind was focused on a fight I had with a friend earlier that day. When I pressed my hands into the mat and lifted my lower body up off the ground to jump back to Chaturunga (4-Limbed Staff), I felt a pinching pain in the top of my left shoulder. A fellow yogi (who also happened to be a massage therapist) said it might be a torn rotator cuff. Just what I needed.

Your rotator cuff is made up of 4 muscles and their tendons. These combine to form a "cuff" over the head of the humerus bone, and help to stabilize, support and allow your arm to move up and down, as well as rotate. When the muscles get strained or pulled, they can tear, and Bingo! - you've got yourself a torn rotator cuff.

Swimmers, pitchers, and tennis players are prone to rotator cuff tears. You can also tear your rotator cuff lifting something too heavy, by repetitive activities, or if you've injured your shoulder previously in an accident or dislocation.

So how do you know if you have a torn rotator cuff? To find out read more

For me, when I raised my arm above my head, I would feel a piercing pain in the front of my shoulder that radiated down my arm. Some people feel pain when they're not moving it at all, or when they lie on it at night. A torn rotator cuff may also cause stiffness or loss of movement in your shoulder.

If you suspect you have a torn rotator cuff, you should definitely have it examined by a doctor. They'll measure your range of motion (or lack of - ouch!!!) in different directions, and test the strength in your arm. You may need X-rays, and possibly an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) so your doctor can better visualize the rotator cuff tendon. In some circumstances, an Arthrogram may be helpful, in which local anesthetic and dye is injected into the joint.

If you do have a rotator cuff tear, an orthopedic surgeon will recommend the most effective treatment. In many instances, non-surgical treatments can provide pain relief and can improve the function of your shoulder.

Treatments include:

Overall rest, and limited use of that arm (that's what I did)
Use of a sling
Anti-inflammatory medication
Steroid injection
Strengthening exercises, and physical therapy (did this too)

Unfortunately, if these don't work and you're in a severe amount of pain, surgery may be necessary.

You Asked: Jackie Warner's New Project

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:50:18 -0800

After reading our review of Jackie Warner's fitness DVD Workout One-on-One Training, many of you expressed curiosity over the future of her hit Bravo series, Work Out. After making a call to Sky Sport Spa - Warner's gym - today, I was told the unfortunate news that the show won't be returning for a fourth season.

I was a bit bummed to hear this but then I remembered Warner has a new show in the works, Thintervention With Jackie Warner. Not only that, Bravo is still looking for real folks struggling with weight loss to cast in the series. Thintervention will feature Warner working with individuals in their day-to-day environments to give them a complete lifestyle overhaul.

Learn the details of this new weight-loss reality show when you read more.
A press release from Bravo breaks down the show's formula:

Each episode of the one hour series will feature a grueling workout with Warner pushing her clients to their emotional and physical limits, a therapy session to get to the root of their weight issues, and a life lesson in nutrition such as grocery shopping or surprise raids of their home kitchens.

Thintervention seems to be banking on the success of The Biggest Loser formula, and given Warner's no-BS attitude, I'm sure we'll see more than a few tears shed as the season goes on. What we won't see is all the drama in Warner's personal life and the lives of her trainers. Personally, I think the drama is what helped make Work Out such a hit among, viewers so it'll be interesting to see how her new show fares.

Are you excited about Thintervention, or do you want Work Out to come back?

Elizabeth Hurley: Unlikely Organic Farmer

FitSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:00:59 -0800

Off the top of my head I can't remember the last time I've seen British bombshell Elizabeth Hurley on screen, but for good reason - she's packed everything up Green Acres style. The former actress has left the high life of London to live on a 400-acre organic farm in Gloucestershire where she shares space with cattle, poultry, sheep, and pigs.

She's not stopping there either. This week Hurley launched an organic snacks line in conjunction with Harrods using ingredients straight from her farm. All the organic snacks are low-calorie (100 or less), low-fat and include beef jerky, oat bars, and fruit snacks.

The 44 year old married mother of one couldn't be happier trudging through the mud in a pair of Wellingtons and says that leaving London was the only way to give her son a healthy upbringing free from paparazzi "I would be bursting into tears and just be so angry. There is something about motherhood that makes you very protective of anyone coming too near your child, and the paparazzi did things like take pictures of him nude on the beach and put them online. It was disgusting, disgraceful."

Hurley says that the inspiration for her organic line came from her own experiences with fad diets. “It’s compulsory portion control. I’ve never been able to chop a Jaffa Cake in half and just eat one piece,” she said.

You Asked: Why Do I Shake During Hard Exercises?

FitSugar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:50:00 -0800

Dear Fit,
I tried out a new strength training class at my gym, and it was awesome. It uses dumbbells, resistance bands, gym balls, and mat exercises to tone your whole body. There were definitely a lot of new moves I'd never done before, and during one of the exercises, where you're balancing on your bum in a V-position, and lowering your torso and legs toward the floor, I was shaking uncontrollably. It was kind of embarrassing. This happened during some other really challenging moves, and I'm wondering why this happens, if it's bad for me, and if it'll ever go away.
-Trembling and Shaking

There are two things you should know about your body shaking. One, it's completely normal, so it's nothing to be embarrassed about and I bet if you had looked around you would see your classmates trembling along with you. Learn the second bit of info about shaking when you read more.

Your body shaking during strength training isn't a bad thing. It just means that your muscles are working hard and are not used to the demands you're placing on them. Meaning they're just not strong enough yet. The trembling is caused by your muscles grabbing and releasing one another as they lengthen and shorten. Once your muscles become accustomed to doing these new exercises, that action will become smoother and your trembling will stop.

Since quivering means that your muscles are hard at work, you just want to be careful not to overdo it, since you can end up tearing a muscle. Gradually work your way up to challenging exercises. Either do modifications, less reps, or hold difficult positions for less time. Keep up with the class, and as your body becomes stronger, you'll be able to say sayonara to the shaking.

Any other shakers out there? Tell me the move that gets ya!

How Bob Harper Almost Made Alison Sweeney Cry

FitSugar — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:30:36 -0700

If you've ever wondered what it might be like to train with The Biggest Loser trainer Bob Harper, check out this clip of Alison Sweeney's appearance on the Bonnie Hunt Show. Sweeney, host of The Biggest Loser and soap opera actress, says Harper pushed her farther than she's ever gone before - almost to the point of tears!

Do you push yourself when working out? When's the last time you've done sprints in your cardio routine?