FitSugar

Why Feel The "Y": Core Concepts

FitSugar — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 12:30:00 -0700

Do you work your "Y"? Well you should...it is an easy way to feel connected to your "core." The "Y" connects your armpits to your belly button, and then your pelvic floor (like a kagel) pulling up toward your navel. Feeling these points connected gets your external obliques to work so your rib cage stays aligned over your pelvis. Engaging the pelvic floor stabilizes the lower part of the pelvis. All the energy meets at your navel activating your deep abs. Your upper body is now all connected.

I find this "Y" visual helpful for quickly getting into my core and stabilizing my torso while doing a bunch of different activities, from hauling toddlers around to doing free weights I use the "Y" to keep my torso still when doing bi-cep curls. It totally helps get rid of the "sway back into the heels" that often accompanies the lift. Try the "Y" when you do your next set of push-ups - keeping your torso all trussed up really helps out your arms as they push your entire body weight away from the floor.

So use your "Y" - practice it while standing in line for your morning latte.

If you have some questions about your core read this post Core Questions and hopefully it will answer yours.

Lubricant (Vaginal)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:10:49 -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

Used as a vaginal lubricant.

Brand Name(s)

Moist Again, Gentle Gel, K-Y Ultragel, Maxilube, Wondergel w/Aloe Vera, Gyne-Moistrin, K-Y Silk-E, Vagi-Gard, Therapause Personal Lubricant Comfort Foam

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 any other ingredient listed on the product label.

How to Use This Medicine

Gel/Jelly

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.
You can apply this medicine by squeezing the tube slowly from bottom to get the desired amount. Reapply this medicine as needed.

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.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

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

Avoid using douches or other vaginal products unless your doctor tells you to.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have any vaginal infection.

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.

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_5388

Antitussive/antihistamine/decongestant/expectorant (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:09:27 -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 cough and congestion.

Brand Name(s)

Donatussin, Bromhist-DM Pediatric, Genelan, Father John's Medicine Plus, Neotuss-D, Genepatuss, Amerifed DM, Tussall-ER, Y-Cof DM, Pediahist DM, Histacol DM Pediatric, Bromhist-PDX, AllanHist PDX, AccuHist PDX Syrup, Chlorodex GP

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the ingredients in the medicine you are using. You should not use this medicine if you have certain heart problems, or if you have severe high blood pressure. You should not use this medicine if you are also using an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®. You should not use this medicine if you have narrow angle glaucoma, asthma, stomach ulcers, or certain problems urinating. You should not use this medicine if you are breast feeding an infant. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 2 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

How to Use This Medicine

Liquid, Tablet, Capsule, Long Acting Tablet

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.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
This medicine is not for long-term use.

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 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.

Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are using indomethacin (Indocin®) or methyldopa (Aldomet®). Tell your doctor if you are using a beta-blocker medicine such as atenolol, metoprolol (Toprol®), or propranolol (Inderal®). Beta-blocker medicines are often used to treat migraines, heart problems, or high blood pressure.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicine to treat depression, such as amitriptyline, doxepin, or nortriptyline. Tell your doctor if you are taking phenothiazine medicine such as prochlorperazine (Compazine®), Mellaril®, Phenergan®, or Thorazine®. Phenothiazine medicine may be used to treat severe vomiting, psychiatric problems, or other conditions.
There are many other drugs that may interact with this type of medicine. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have diabetes, thyroid problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, or heart rhythm problems. Tell your doctor if you have a history of allergies, kidney problems, liver problems, Addison's disease, asthma, or serious lung disease such as emphysema (COPD). Tell your doctor if you have a brain tumor, recent head injury, or a medical condition that causes increased pressure in your head (such as hydrocephalus). Make sure your doctor knows if you have prostate problems, or a narrowing or blockage of your digestive tract or urinary tract.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have had an allergic reaction to phenylephrine, brompheniramine, dextromethorphan, chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton®), guiafenesin, or to any antihistamine, cough medicine, cold or allergy medicine, or decongestant. Tell your doctor if you cannot use medicine that contains alcohol.
This medicine may contain phenylalanine. Make sure your doctor knows if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
This medicine may hide the warning signs of certain serious medical conditions. Do not use this medicine for a chronic (long-term) cough unless your doctor tells you to.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

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.
Confusion, hallucinations (seeing things that are not there), seizures, or fainting.
Heartbeat that is pounding or uneven.
New or worsening fever.
Sudden or severe headache.
Trouble urinating, or feeling like you have a full bladder even after you urinate.
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

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

Anxiety, trouble sleeping, or other mood changes that are bothersome to you.
Lightheadedness, blurred vision, or eyes sensitive to light.
Cough that lasts more than one week, that comes back often, or that happens with a fever, rash, or headache.
Nausea that does not go away after you lie down.
Tremors (shaking) or problems with balance or coordination.
Vomiting, stomach upset, dry mouth, or constipation.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5290

Meningococcal vaccine (Injection)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:07:45 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use 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

Meningococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (me-NINJ-oh-kok-kal pol-ee-SAK-a-ride vak-SEEN)

Prevents meningitis. This is a vaccine.

Brand Name(s)

Menomune-A/C/Y/W-135

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to thimerosal. You should not get this medicine if you have an infection.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

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 using any medicines that weaken your immune system such as steroids, chemotherapy, or radiation.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have any on going disease or infection.
Not to be used in children under the age of 18 months without a doctor's approval.
Talk to your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines while you are receiving this medicine. Vaccines may not work as well, or they could make you ill while you are using this medicine.

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.

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

Pain, itching, swelling, burning or a lump under your skin where the shot is given.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5155

Ibritumomab tiuxetan (Injection)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:00:41 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use 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

Ibritumomab Tiuxetan (ib-ri-TYOO-mo-mab tye-UX-e-tan)

Treats non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. This medicine is a monoclonal antibody that is used with other medicines for radiation treatment.

Brand Name(s)

Zevalin Y-90, Zevalin In-111

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to ibritumomab or certain other radiation treatments, or to murine proteins (murine proteins are used in some medicines for hemophilia, organ or bone marrow transplants, serious blood infections, or to find or treat certain cancers). You should not receive this medicine if you are pregnant.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
The medicine is usually given in two visits about 7 to 9 days apart. During each visit, you will receive two separate injections. You may also receive medicines to help prevent nausea and vomiting or allergic reactions.
If any of this medicine gets on your skin or in your eyes, nose, or mouth, tell your doctor or nurse right away.

If a dose is missed:

This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

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 also using a blood thinner (such as warfarin or Coumadin®), clopidogrel (Plavix®), or pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil®, Aleve®, Motrin®, or Orudis®). Tell your doctor about all other cancer treatments you have had, including radiation.
Talk to your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines while you are receiving this medicine. Vaccines may not work as well, or they could make you ill while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. The medicine may also cause birth defects if the father is using it when his sexual partner becomes pregnant. If a pregnancy occurs while you are using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.
Use two forms of birth control to avoid pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 12 months after your treatment ends. This is very important whether you are a man or a woman.
Do not breastfeed while you are receiving this medicine.
This medicine lowers the number of some types of blood cells in your body. Because of this, you may bleed or get infections more easily. To help with these problems, avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Wash your hands often. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers.
This medicine may cause a serious side effect called an infusion reaction. This can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have fever, chills, trouble with breathing, chest tightness, swelling in your face or hands, lightheadedness, or if you feel like fainting within a few hours after you receive it.
If this medicine accidentally seeps out of the vein into which it is injected, it may damage some tissues and cause scarring. Tell the doctor or nurse right away if you notice redness, pain, or swelling at the place of injection.
If you experience a severe skin reaction, you should stop receiving this treatment and seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms may include blistering or loosening of skin; red, swollen, irritated, or scaly skin; skin peeling or fissures; fingernail changes; or fever or chills.
Some of the side effects with this medicine may appear up to 3 months after you have stopped using it.
This medicine contains albumin, which is derived from donated human blood. Some human blood products have transmitted certain viruses to people who have received them. The risk of getting a virus from medicines made from human blood has been greatly reduced in recent years. This is the result of required testing of human donors for certain viruses, and testing during the making of these medicines. Although the risk is low, talk with your doctor if you have concerns.
Cancer medicines can cause nausea and/or vomiting in most people, sometimes even after receiving medicines to prevent it. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control these side effects.
Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

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.
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash.
Bloody or black, tarry stools.
Change in how much or how often you urinate, or painful urination.
Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and body aches.
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
Pain, redness, itching, or swelling where the IV needle is placed.
Sudden or severe headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or walking.
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

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

Anxiety or trouble sleeping.
Back, joint, or muscle pain.
Loss of appetite.
Mild skin rash or itching.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or stomach pain.
Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_1169

Gear Review: Sports Bra for Less-Endowed Women

FitSugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:00:00 -0700

I've reviewed sports bras for the well-endowed ladies, but what about for those of us with a bit less va-va-voom?

I recently purchased the Lululemon Flow Y Bra II and I am in love with this top. This great little bra is the whole package. It provides good support, the mesh back insert provides maximum ventilation, and the racer back shape allows for full range of motion without irritation (i.e. no chafing). Not only did the bra pass the yoga test, it also passed the ultimate bounce test: running. The colors are super cute (mine is yellow with white polka dots) and it even comes with light removable padding, which keeps things discrete even when it's a tad "nippy" in the gym.

I've been wearing mine so much that I've gone back and bought a few more. At $42 it's a little steep, but a good sports bra can be hard to come by and this one is worth every single penny. Go try one on at a Lululemon store near you.

Roux-en-Y stomach surgery for weight loss

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:34:57 -0700

Back

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure involves creating a stomach pouch out of a small portion of the stomach and attaching it directly to the small intestine, bypassing a large part of the stomach and duodenum. Not only is the stomach pouch too small to hold large amounts of food, but by skipping the duodenum, fat absorption is substantially reduced.

Review Date:
5/7/2007
Reviewed By:
Harvey Simon, M.D., Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.

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

Roux-en-Y stomach surgery for weight loss

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:29:12 -0700

Back

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure involves creating a stomach pouch out of a small portion of the stomach and attaching it directly to the small intestine, bypassing a large part of the stomach and duodenum. Not only is the stomach pouch too small to hold large amounts of food, but by skipping the duodenum, fat absorption is substantially reduced.

Review Date: 2/4/2008

Reviewed By: Shimul A. Shah, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 2_19268

Must Catch Sports News

FitSugar — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:05:11 -0700

Remember watching Usain Bolt coast to the finish line and still win the gold medal in the 100 meter race in Beijing last Summer? Did you wonder how fast he really can run?

Well, he raced this weekend and answered the question. This time he didn't let off the gas until he crossed the finish line and broke the world record. Bolt, who seems so aptly named, ran the 100 meters in 9.58 seconds, breaking his previous record set at the Olympics of 9.69 seconds.

Moving from the track to the golf green, learn about Tiger Woods when you read more.

Tiger Woods is golf's superstar. Although Tiger has been 14 for 14 in the majors, he lost to Y.E. Yang yesterday at the PGA Championships. Woods was ahead going into the final round, but was one stroke behind Yang when the underdog sunk a putt on the 18th green. Waiting for Woods to putt, Yang told reporters that he was thinking, "Tiger, miss the chip-in please." And Tiger did. About Sunday's match Woods said, "Y.E. hit it great all day. It was a fun battle." Many of the sports headlines on the tournament made comments that Tiger Woods is human after all, but it's great to see that he's also a gracious loser.

Strike a Yoga Pose: Tortoise

FitSugar — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 05:50:53 -0700

Some yoga poses look more pretzel-y than others, and this one for sure makes the list. All you runners and bikers out there - this pose is a must-do because it'll increase flexibility in your tight hamstrings, and stretch the muscles in your lower back.

Sanskrit Name: Kurmasana
English Translation: Tortoise Pose
Also Called: Turtle

So hop on your mat and read more.

Begin in a Seated Straddle position, with your feet slightly wider than your shoulders.
Bend both knees and slide your arms underneath your knees. Straighten your arms behind you, and place your palms on the floor.
Now work on straightening your legs as much as you can, pressing your upper arms toward the floor with your legs.
Lengthen through your spine by reaching the crown of your head away from your pelvis. Open your chest and if you can, and rest your chin on the mat.
Stay here for five deep breaths. Then release by bending your knees and sitting up.