FitSugar

Fittingly Mad: Crap in the Snack Machine

FitSugar — Sat, 19 May 2007 02:30:00 -0700

Doritos, Fritos, Oreos, gummy bears, Lays potato chips, Snickers, M&Ms, Butterfingers, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, Hershey Bars, Lifesavers, Twizzlers! I know this sounds like a PMS wish list, but this is the "food" in the snack vending machine where I work. You call that crap a snack?!

I'm usually one to bring my lunch and snacks from home, and this is a major reason why - It's hard to find healthy food in a pinch. It's really becoming annoying! I mean, what kind of message is this sending to kids (and adults) when everywhere they turn is sugar, partially hydrogenated oil and trans fat!

I wish we could replace all those crappy snacks with healthy, energy-giving munchies that are made of actual food. Here's what I'd put in my healthy vending machine:

granola bars like ones made by Kashi and
Whole grain crackers like TLC crackers
Tiny tubs of real peanut butter (just peanuts - no sugar or corn syrup)
LARABARS
Packages of mixed nuts
Packages of dried fruit
Bear Naked Trail Mix
Nature's choice cereal bars
Newman's Own Organic pretzels
Gardin of Eatin' Tortilla chips (I love Pico de Gallo)
Endangered Species Chocolate bars

Fit's Tips: Until YoNaturals, the San Diego based company with the healthy vending machine idea gets its machines into the world, be your own vending machine. I always keep granola bars and ziploc baggies of trail mix in my purse and gym bag just in case.

Source

Yo!Naturals: Healthy Vending Machines

FitSugar — Thu, 17 May 2007 08:45:00 -0700

Wouldn't it be great if you could get your favorite health food from a vending machine? Well, my buddy YumSugar just told me about the San Diego based company YoNaturals, and they are bringing health food to the ultimate icon of snacking convenience - the vending machine.

YoNaturals is on the front line in the battle against junk food vending machine, and I wholeheartedly applaud their efforts. In their Yo!Zone and Yo!Thirsty machines you won't find the junk food staples of your youth. Gone are the fluorescent orange cheddar crackers filled with hydrogenated oil laden peanut butter, in their place you will find Annie's Organic Cheddar Bunnies and Pirate Booty. Instead of candy bars, you can choose from a selection of energy bars, like some of my faves - Luna, Clif and LARABARS. Soda is replaced with organic milk and organic juices. Yippee!!!

Yo!Naturals distribution is growing ever wider and you should be on the look out for their machines in hospitals, hotels, offices and schools - you know large, kind of institutional places. Just the kinds of places where you need a snack and can never find anything healthy to satisfy your hunger.

Vending Machine Killed the Health Food Nut

FitSugar — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 11:30:00 -0800

Lots of people have a hard time staying on their diet at work due to one main culprit: The vending machine. Duh, duh, dom...

It's hard to believe that one machine can wreak so much havoc on your diet (and your wallet), but it can and it does.

If you find yourself heading to the vending machine during the day, read more

The vending machine can be full of lots of unhealthy treats that are hard to ignore. Here are some tips in combating the vending machine:

Keep healthy snacks in your desk.
Drinks lots of fluids (water is a great choice) to keep your stomach from running on empty -- the fluids will decrease your need to snack.
Chew on gum. A stick of some super strong mint gum not only keeps your mouth occupied, but often the mint flavor is so strong that you won't have the taste for anything else.
Avoid the vending machine and or candy jar when you can -- I always say you won't miss what you don't see. I never crave Snickers bars unless I see someone eating one or talking about one (for example, now I want a Snickers...).
If your office does not have a vending machine but has a supply of treats in the back free for the taking, ask whoever does the ordering to have some healthy treats too.

Fit's Tip: Desperate times call for desperate measures and if you feel comfortable enough you can also ask that the vending machine be removed or at the very least filled with healthy snacks.

Medical Marijuana and Pot Vending Machines

FitSugar — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:45:00 -0800

Even though smoking pot may cause cancer, a dozen states have medical marijuana laws in place. California, home to many medical marijuana clubs - like the appropriately named Timothy Leary Medical Dispensary - now boasts a few 24-hour medical marijuana vending machines.
These pot vending machines (PVMs) are kind of like ATMs, but filled with a different kind of green. Inventor Vincent Mehdizadeh, created the PVM for easier, uncomplicated buying methods for the already complicated position of being a medical marijuana user. To see how the PVM dispenses the goods read more.

To purchase a prescription, up to an ounce a week, you need to be an approved medical marijuana user registered in Mehdizadeh's database. The machines will require fingerprint identification (how very high tech - pun intended) and a prepaid card with a magnetic strip. After the card and fingerprint are verified, a bright green envelop drops out of the slot with the prescription doled out in 1/8-ounce increments. The idea behind these machines is fairly practical. They offer convenience, lower prices, and privacy for medicinal users who suffer from chronic pain, lack of appetite, and other ailments. The machine also buys some safety for the pot dispensaries from thefts and raids. Yes, raids. The DEA and the federal government do not recognize individual states' medical marijuana laws.

Will these vending machines be sitting next to traditional ones selling Snickers bars and Doritos? Nope, PVMs will only be available at specific medical dispensary buildings. Interesting business model or bad idea? Tell me what you think in the comments section below.

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Would You See an Unhealthy Doctor?

FitSugar — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 03:47:00 -0700

Whenever I go to the hospital I see a group of doctors and nurses huddled together on the sidewalk smoking. A co-worker recently told me how she was given diet advice from a physician who was visibly overweight. In college I worked at a deli and I can still remember the lunch order of a doctor who came in four times a week - french fries, a Coke, and a pastrami Reuben.

It seems logical that a doctor should be a model of health, but the message some physicians are sending is, "Do as I say, not as I do."

Doctors often work long hours in stressful environments. Top that off with being surrounded by vending machines full of junk food and bad coffee, and you have the beginnings of an unhealthy recipe.

Should doctors be forgiven, then, for picking up a few bad habits? Is it what's "up there" that counts the most? Would you feel comfortable taking advice from a doctor who seems unhealthy?

10 Ways to Avoid Gaining Weight at Work

FitSugar — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 05:50:00 -0700

Working nine to five can wreak havoc on your waistline. The stress makes you crave junk food, and often you're too overworked to have the energy or time to exercise. When I asked FitSugar readers how they avoid gaining weight at work, here's what they said.

"Stairwell stair climbing . . . My heart is racing and my legs are burning." - YumYucky
"I just keep lots of healthy snacks around (fruit, Kashi granola bars, and crackers) and bring my own lunch to avoid temptation." - Renee3327
"I spend most of my lunch breaks walking outside (there's a park down the street) or running on the treadmill (my gym is 7 minutes from my work giving me just enough time to drive there, change, run 3 miles, change, drive back.) Also, willpower is key. Today was a birthday so there was chocolate cake, and I just think how much I'd have to exercise to burn off one piece - not worth it!" - Vanonymous
"I always pack my lunch and keep fruit at my desk or my cubby fridge." - jessy777

To see the other great tips from FitSugar readers, read more.

"I never eat out or use the vending machine. " - Niami
"I always make sure to work out first thing in the morning . . . I always take stairs instead of the elevator . . . I make sure to have a healthy protein-packed breakfast, and I'm usually not hungry until 2 p.m." - Mila_83
"I don't avoid all of the free temptations, but I limit myself to one or two small ones a week." - darc5204
"I stopped carrying loose change. Whether it was $1 or 50 cents, I don't take it to work. It stops me from buying a soda and chips and candy to get that little, worth-nothing jolt of energy to meet deadlines." - tamaradulva
"I also avoid the break room, where there's usually free food. When there are birthdays or people bring treats in, I go but don't have a slice. I'm usually not the only one who abstains, so it doesn't make me feel awkward." - deanna024
"I graze on fruits and veggies and take a walk during my lunch break instead. Eating a big meal at midday makes me tired." - Anonymous

Source

10 Healthy Snacks to Keep at Work

FitSugar — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 12:00:00 -0800

It is always a good idea to stock up on healthy snacks to keep at work. You shared your go-to satisfying snacks that prevent you from venturing to the vending machine and reaching into the candy jar. Take a page from your fellow Fit readers and mix up your snacks to keep things interesting; check out these 10 ideas for healthy snacking.

Fruit: apples, bananas, oranges, grapes . . . anything goes!
Veggies: carrot sticks, celery, edamame . . . the sky's the limit!
Larabars, Kashi TLC granola bars, Luna Bars, Nutrigrain bars
Single servings of nuts or trailmix: Save money and packaging by buying in bulk and portioning at home.
Preportioned cheese: String cheese, Laughing Cow wedges

There are five more suggestions so read more.

Crunch: Kashi TLC crackers, Soy Crisps
Peanut butter: Smear it on apples or crackers.
For the 'fridge: yogurt, cottage cheese
Popcorn: Bring air-popped corn from home.
Cereal: Go for lower-sugar options or oatmeal.

Source

Newsletter - Week 35

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:34:50 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Welcome To Week 35

Your Baby: The Final Touches

Nearing the ninth month, your baby weighs approximately 5 1/2 pounds (roughly 2495 g), and measures approximately 20 inches from head to toe. The baby will continue to grow, putting on about a half a pound per week until delivery.

Over the next few weeks, the organs (which are all present and formed), are just putting on the final touches before birth.

Your Body: Picking A Pediatrician

Now that you're in your last trimester with only a few weeks to spare, you should choose a medical caregiver for your baby-to-be (unless you go to a family physician who can provide care for your baby). If this is your first baby, you need to understand the importance of this decision. A good pediatrician is more than a person to call when your baby has a fever. It is someone who will chart your child's development, address your concerns, and answer your questions about your child's health. And it is someone you will see regularly for sick visits and for well checkups.

The best place to begin looking for a pediatrician is with your family physician, obstetrician, family, friends, and colleagues. Ask them for recommendations and start gathering a list of names. After you collect a few numbers, write up some questions and call to set up interviews. When you interview a physician, you should take into account:

Professional qualifications (the American Academy of Pediatrics - AAP -- will provide you with a list of board-certified pediatricians if you ask for it).
Health care viewpoints on various issues such as proactive/preventive medicine, nutrition etc.
Office hours (weekend appointments, evenings, emergencies).
Doctor cross-coverage (who are the other doctors covering when your doctor is unavailable?)
Location -- more than one office?
Office environment and general feel and personalities of doctors and staff.
After hours -- answering service/returned phone calls
Triage system -- who answers your calls when you have a question? Do you speak with a nurse or directly with your doctor?
Health coverage issues/ HMO/PP -- how do you pay for visits?

On a Different Note: Passing Your Child's First Test

Immediately after you deliver your baby, your baby will be given a score, called the Apgar. A nurse or doctor will rate her color, heart rate, muscle tone, respiration, and reflexes at one minute and five minutes after birth. This score will assess whether she needs extra help making the transition to life outside your womb. To learn more about the Apgar, click here.

Weekly Tip

As you near the end of your pregnancy, you should pack your hospital bag and put it by the front door so that you're ready to go when labor begins -- carefree and calm. Aside from your personal items, make room for these must-haves: a video recorder or camera, toiletries, and an outfit to wear home for you and your baby. And don't forget food and drinks for Dad (or at least small change for the vending machines)!

Review Date:
2/6/2007
Reviewed By:
Douglas A. Levine, MD, Gynecology Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. 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.

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Pregnancy Center Links

Are You a Healthy or Unhealthy Snacker?

FitSugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 04:30:00 -0700

MSNBC recently reported on a new study that found when faced with the choice of eating a healthy or unhealthy snack, most people choose the unhealthy snack. The study highlighted the gap between our intentions and actions; it's one of the biggest problems with snacking. So while you may think you are above the fray, it would be wise to avoid the unhealthy temptations altogether by not keeping them in your home, car, or office and steering clear of places where you know you'll be tempted (fast food joints, bakeries, vending machines, etc.). I know that if I had to pick between homemade cookies or an energy bar, it'd be nearly impossible to go with the healthy item. What about you? Do you find that you're a healthy or unhealthy snacker?

Source

Condoms

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:18:26 -0700

Illustrations

Male reproductive anatomy

The male condom

Condom application - series

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

A condom is a type of birth control (contraceptive) that is worn during intercourse to prevent pregnancy and the spread of some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as:

Alternative Names

Prophylactics; Rubbers; Male condoms; Female condoms

Information

Other than a vasectomy, the condom is the only available method of birth control for men.

A condom blocks sperm from coming in contact with the inside of the vagina, where it could reach an egg. (If sperm reaches an egg, pregnancy can result.) A condom also prevents disease-causing substances from spreading from one person to another.

Until recently, the condom was used only by men. A female condom is now available.

The male condom is a thin cover that fits over a man's erect penis. Condoms are made of:

Animal skin
Latex rubber
Polyurethane

For the best protection, the condom must be put on before the penis comes into contact with or enters the vagina (because pre-ejaculation fluids carry both sperm and disease). Remove the condom carefully right after ejaculation so that no semen leaks out.

The female condom fits inside the vagina. It has two rings to keep the condom in place -- one ring is placed over the woman's cervix and another one is placed over her vulva. This placement prevents the condom from being pushed up into the vagina. It also creates a protective covering over the outside of the vagina, which prevents sperm from contacting the area.

HOW WELL DOES A CONDOM WORK?

If a condom is used regularly and correctly, it should prevent pregnancy 97% of the time. The actual effectiveness among users, however, is only 80% - 90%. This is due to:

Break in condom due to manufacturing problems (rare)
Failure to use a condom during each act of intercourse
Occasional tear of a condom during intercourse
Semen spilling from a condom during withdrawal
Waiting too long to put a condom on the penis (penis comes into contact with vagina before condom is on)

How well a condom works to prevent STDs also depends on the factors mentioned above.

Only latex and polyurethane condoms, but not those made of natural animal skin, effectively prevent the spread of viral infections such as HIV.

Condoms that contain spermicides may slightly further reduce the risk of pregnancy. However, they are no more likely to reduce the risk of HIV or STDs than condoms lubricated with other substances.

CONVENIENCE

Condoms are available without a prescription.
Condoms can be bought at most drugstores, in vending machines in some restrooms, by mail order, and at certain health care clinics.
Condoms are inexpensive.
Since the condom must be put on when the penis is erect, but before contact is made between the penis and vagina, there is usually a brief interruption during foreplay. Many couples solve the problem by making the process of placing the condom on the penis part of foreplay.
Some pre-planning is needed to have a condom handy at the time of intercourse.

ADVANTAGES

Condoms may help men who have trouble keeping an erection, and may help prolong the erection.
They protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

DISADVANTAGES

A few men cannot keep an erection after putting on a condom.
Allergic reactions to latex condoms are rare, but they do occur. (Changing to condoms made of polyurethane or animal membranes may help.)
Friction of the condom may reduce stimulation of the clitorus and lubrication, making intercourse less enjoyable or even uncomfortable. (Lubricated condoms may reduce this problem.)
Intercourse also may be less pleasurable because the man must pull out his penis right after ejaculation.
The woman is not aware of warm fluid entering her body (important to some women, not to others).

HOW TO USE A MALE CONDOM

Remove the condom from its package, being careful not to tear or poke a hole in it while opening the package.
If the condom has a little tip (receptacle) on the end of it (to collect semen), place the condom against the top of the penis and carefully roll the sides down the shaft of the penis. If there is no tip, be sure to leave a little space between the condom and the end of the penis. Otherwise, the semen may push up the sides of the condom and come out at the bottom before the penis and condom are pulled out. Be sure there is not any air between the penis and the condom. This can cause the condom to break.
Some people find it helpful to unroll the condom a little before putting it on the penis. This leaves plenty of room for semen to collect and prevents the condom from being stretched too tightly over the penis.
After ejaculation remove the condom from the vagina. The best way is to grasp the condom at the base of the penis and hold it as the penis is pulled out.
Always throw out condoms after use. Flushing a condom down the toilet may clog plumbing. Instead of flushing condoms, you can wrap them in toilet tissue or put them in plastic bags before throwing them in a garbage can. Put the condom in a garbage can that is out of reach of children and pets.

IMPORTANT TIPS

Make sure condoms are available and convenient. If no condoms are handy at the time of a sexual encounter, you may be tempted to have intercourse without one.
Carefully withdraw the penis right after ejaculation so that semen cannot leak out of the condom as the erection is lost.
Use each condom only once.
Do not carry condoms in your wallet for long periods of time. Replace them every once in a while. Friction from opening and closing your wallet, and from walking (if you carry your wallet in your pocket) can lead to tiny holes in the condom. Nevertheless, it is better to use a condom that has been in your wallet for a long time than to not use one at all.
Don't use a condom that is brittle, sticky, or discolored. These are signs of age, and old condoms are more likely to break.
If a condom package is damaged, don't use the condom because it also may be damaged.
Do not use a petroleum-based substance such as Vaseline as a lubricant. These substances break down latex, the material in some condoms.
If you feel a condom break during intercourse, stop right away and put on a new one. Remember, ejaculation does not have to occur for a pregnancy to result (pre-ejaculatory fluids can contain active sperm), or for a disease to be transmitted.
If ejaculation occurs with a broken condom, insert a spermicidal foam or jelly to help reduce the risk of pregnancy or passing an STD. You can also contact your health care provider or pharmacy about emergency contraception ("morning-after pills").
Store condoms in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat.

Review Date: 2/19/2008

Reviewed By: Peter Chen, MD, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. 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

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