FitSugar

Ride the Wake: Wakeboarding

FitSugar — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Wakeboarding is like snowboarding on water. If you have experience with surfing, water skiing, snowboarding, or skateboarding, you'll have to try wakeboarding. It's one of those sports that you can really get into if you like to work on cool tricks. Why is it called "wakeboarding?" The wake is the wave that the motorboat's engine kicks up behind the boat as the boat moves forward. It's a little rockier than still lake water, and that's what makes it fun to ride.

Basically it's a lot like water skiing, where a rider gets towed behind a motorboat, but instead of facing forward, the rider is sideways. This is a little bit obvious because of its name, but another major difference is you ride on a board not a pair of skis. This makes doing flips and spins easier since both your feet are attached to the board (instead of being separated on 2 skis). People don't really do tricks on water skis unless they're using trick skis that are shorter and have no fins.

All you need is a big open lake, a motorboat, a life jacket, a tow line (the rope you hold onto), a wakeboard, a driver, and someone else in the boat to watch the rider. This person's job is very important - they let the driver know if the rider has let go of the tow line, and point out where they are floating in the water (sometimes it's tough to see the bobbing person).

You don't have to have any water skiing experience in order to wakeboard, just like you don't have to ski before you snowboard. I definitely recommend taking a lesson so you can learn some basic skills, like getting up since this can be the hardest part. Like with everything, practice is the key.

You've got to check out this video of a woman using a trampoline to practice her wakeboard tricks, so

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NightCove: Sleep Don't Come Cheap

FitSugar — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 02:00:00 -0800

I want a good night's sleep just as much as anyone, so when I saw this clock designed by French company Zyken - I was all ears.

It's called the NightCove. It's a clock which promises to promote healthful sleeping with ambient lighting - it's scientifically proven to increase energy levels and lucidity in the morning and result in a better night's sleep overall.

The clock uses LEDs to control the wavelengths, intensity, and variations of light, which affect the brain's production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles.

With programmable modes for falling asleep, napping and waking, the NightCove uses colors to mimic dawn and dusk guiding users in and out of wakefulness.

Other features include connectivity options for integrating the light-clock with other components like mp3 players, computers, lighting and the ability to synchronize with another NightCove clock (they encourage you to buy two - one for you, and one for your honey).

They don't come cheap though. At $2300 a pop, I can think of a ton of other, cheaper ways to catch my zzzzzs.

Wake the Sleepwalker?

FitSugar — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 08:45:00 -0700

We have all heard tales involving sleepwalking; some are spooky and some are silly. We are fascinated by stories of sleepwalking because they are so out of the ordinary, like fodder for a bizarre plot twist in a soap opera.

Although most cases of sleepwalking occur in children younger than 15, sleepwalking afflicts adults too. It has been used as a line of defense in modern murder cases.

There are many factors that can contribute to sleepwalking, like keeping a chaotic sleep schedule and alcohol consumption. Genetics also plays a role in a person's likelihood to sleepwalk, as well as stress. Stress of course can also contribute to sleep problems, and so can sleep deprivation.

To see if it is dangerous to wake a sleepwalker read more.

The majority of us learned that waking a sleepwalker is dangerous and can cause the walker a heart attack or a psychotic break, but this is a myth. Since sleepwalking occurs during the deepest stage of sleep it may be difficult to wake the walker and they may become confused or disoriented. While it is best to lead the sleepwalker back to their bed, waking them is much less dangerous than letting them wander around in their sleep.

Do you sleepwalk? My youngest daughter does and it always freaks me out a little. Tell me about your sleepwalking incidents in the comments section below.

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Trouble Waking Up? Try Sleeptracker Pro

FitSugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:00:00 -0700

Some of you may have a difficult time falling or staying asleep, but others are the opposite. You hit snoozeland as soon as your head hits the pillow and you could end up sleeping until lunch. If that's the case, you probably have a really tough time waking up, and this little device called the Sleeptracker Pro ($179) may interest you. Just as its name states, it tracks the series of sleep cycles your body experiences throughout the night. Most people will go through four to five full rounds of these 90 to 110 minute cycles, which are comprised of five stages. In Stages 1 and 2, you're lightly sleeping, and Stages 3 and 4, known as Delta Sleep, are when you're in the heaviest sleep. This is when your body has the chance to rebuild itself. Stage 5 is known as REM sleep is when we dream.

As your body undergoes these cycles, the Sleeptracker Pro's sensors can figure out what points during the night you are "almost awake." You set the alarm for a certain window of time, say 6:15 to 6:30 a.m., and the watch gently wakes you at the most optimal moment when you're most alert. This device may be great if you tend to be coma-like each morning. The only downside is that wearing a bulky wrist watch like this may be annoying and it'll keep you up all night. If you're a deep sleeper though, you probably won't even notice it. What do you think of the Sleeptacker Pro? Is this a helpful gadget or a waste of money?

Apparently Dr. Phil is a huge fan. To hear what he had to say read more.

You Asked: Is Morning the Best Time to Do Yoga?

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:30:21 -0800

Dear Fit,
The holidays are fast approaching, and I wish I loved this time of year but I'm already stressed out about hosting Thanksgiving dinner, what to get for my picky in-laws, and dealing with traveling. I've heard yoga can help people relax, so I wanted to give it a try. A friend of mine says that she does a short session in the morning every day, including sun salutations (whatever those are), and a sequence of standing and seated yoga poses. I'm really not a morning person, but if practicing in the a.m. will help me calm down after realizing a flight to my parents house for X-mas is going to cost over $1,000, then I'm ready to set my alarm early. What do you think, is morning yoga more beneficial?
-Aspiring Yogi

I'm really excited for you to try out yoga because personally it's helped me find inner balance, and I always feel calmer and more grounded after my practice. Although yoga can help relieve stress and tension, it's no free ride to tranquility town. What it can do is help clear your mind, so you're better equipped to handle the frustrations the holidays tend to throw our way. To find out if there's a perfect time to get on your mat read more.

Many people believe that yoga must be practiced in the morning, but really whatever time works for you is when you should practice. You should not eat for two hours before doing yoga, so that's why many people choose morning yoga before they've had breakfast. They may also like how it gives them some alone time before their busy day begins, and getting it done first thing ensures that they'll have the energy and time to practice. On the other hand, some people may be too hungry or stiff in the morning, or they may not be able to wake up early enough to fit in a complete practice. They may prefer practicing in the evening because it helps relieve stress from their day, and helps them relax before bed.

So the decision is up to you, and the bottom line isn't what time you practice, it's that you practice period. If you have flexibility (no pun intended) in your schedule, try out a class at different times of the day to discover what you prefer. Keep in mind that certain poses and types of yoga are calming and some are invigorating, so depending on the yoga you choose, you might prefer morning, noon, and night!

All you yogis out there, I'm wondering what time of day do you prefer practicing yoga? Visit the Yoga Stretch and Tell group and share.

Start! Moving: A New Exercise Program Offered by the American Heart Association

FitSugar — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 10:45:00 -0800

Did you know that, according the the American Heart Association, adults may gain as much as two hours of life expectancy for each hour of regular, vigorous exercise, even if they don’t begin exercising until middle age?

To get Americans up and moving, the American Heart Association is launching Start! – a new movement to help Americans improve their health by walking. Start! encourages corporations and the workforce to promote physical fitness and break down the obstacles that keep Americans from being physically active. The movement focuses on walking as an activity because it’s accessible, free and has the lowest dropout rate of any type of exercise. With the online fitness and nutrition tracker, participants can enter what they eat each day and how much they are exercising, then get a summary of calories in and calories out.

Celebrities such as Jane Seymour, Vanessa Williams, Vanna White, Dave Koz, Hector Elizondo, Robin Roberts, Jared Fogle (and others) have signed on to support the Start! movement by participating in a FREE Wake-Up Call promotion. From now through Feb. 5, you can visit the Start! Web site or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 and sign up to receive recorded phone calls from celebrities encouraging you to start walking and eating better to lead a healthier, longer life.

Fit's Tip: Be one of the first 10,000 people to register now for MyStart! Online and receive a Start! shoe wallet – a perfect way to carry your keys, ID and money while on the go. Just clip it on your shoe and Start! walking!

Safety Steps: Running in the Dark

FitSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:30:53 -0800

The end of daylight saving time means that many of us will be running in the dark. For safety reasons, try going on a morning run instead. Wake up at the same time you did during DST and use that "extra" hour for an outdoor run.

If running at night is unavoidable, make sure to follow these tips to protect yourself in the dark:

Make sure others can see you. Make yourself visible to drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and other runners by wearing bright colors and reflective gear. For extra caution, wear a headlamp or attach blinking bike lights to your clothing.
Run in familiar, well-lit areas. Running a familiar route may protect you from unseen bumps or potholes. To ensure a clear running path, find an area that is lit by streetlamps or hit up an outdoor track.
Be aware. Because running at night cuts down on your line of sight, you want to make sure you can hear clearly - run without an iPod, MP3 player, or Walkman. Make eye contact to alert those around you of your presence. This is especially important to do with drivers when you're crossing the street.

For more safety tips, read more.

Carry a cell phone and ID. Keep a cell phone with you in the event of an emergency, and always carry identification in case you sustain an injury.
Run with a buddy. There's safety in numbers, so always try and run with a buddy. You'll be more visible and can rely on one another if something goes wrong. If you do run alone, make sure to tell someone the route you're running and around what time you'll be back.
Run against traffic. You have a better chance of seeing cars and drivers have a better chance of seeing you.
Change up your routine. Run a few different routes and at different times through the week. Potential attackers may catch on to routines.

Do you have any running tips to share? Join our RunningSugar community and be part of the conversation.

Irregular sleep-wake syndrome

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:52:08 -0700

Illustrations

Irregular sleep

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Irregular sleep-wake syndrome involves different and disorganized periods of sleeping and wakeful behavior.

Alternative Names

Sleep-wake syndrome - irregular

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Some people have an irregular sleep-wake pattern because of a problem with brain function, the body's internal clock (circadian pacemaker), or other reasons.

This disorder is very uncommon. It typically occurs in someone with a brain dysfunction who does not have a regular routine during the day. The amount of total sleep time is normal, but the body clock loses its normal circadian cycle.

Similar symptoms may be seen in people who have frequently changing work shifts and in travelers who often change time zones. These people have a different condition, such as shift work sleep disorder or jet lag syndrome.

Signs and tests

People with irregular sleep-wake syndrome may have either insomnia or excessive sleepiness. Patients usually have at least three abnormal sleep episodes during a 24-hour period, but their total amount of sleep time is considered normal for their age.

Calling your health care provider

Most people may occasionally have disturbances in their sleep. However, if this type of irregular sleep-wake pattern occurs regularly and without cause, you may consider consulting your health care provider.

Review Date: 4/25/2008

Reviewed By: Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Veteran Affairs, VA System, East Orange, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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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Source Doc: 1_000806

Back on Track: Wake Up Early on Sunday Morning

FitSugar — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 04:30:00 -0700

Starting the week off without getting enough sleep on Sunday night is no fun, but our sleep schedules tend to get all messed up on the weekends. While I like to sleep in on the weekends, if I sleep too late on Sunday, I have a tough time going to bed at a reasonable hour that night. Then I start the week off on the wrong and very groggy foot.

Try this solution. On Sunday morning, no matter what time you go to bed on Saturday night (well, within reason), try waking up just an hour or so later than you would on a normal workday. If you usually wake up at 7, wake up at 8 or even 8:30, but don't sleep any later than that. You'll be less tired than you'd think on Sunday, and you'll have no trouble hitting the sheets at your usual bedtime on Sunday night. You may have to sacrifice some sleep on Saturday night, but it'll be worth if for how good you feel when you wake up on Monday.

Got your own Sunday sleep strategies? Share them in the comments below.

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Do You Change Your Fitness Routine During the Fall?

FitSugar — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:00:30 -0700

Fall spells cooler weather and shorter days. As the seasons change, I notice that I change up my fitness routine quite a bit too. I stay indoors more and will opt for the rowing machine over an early morning bike ride.

What's most interesting to me is that I make the effort to wake up extra early to work out in the morning. Something about leaving work in the freezing dark dampens my fitness spirit.

What about you - do the Fall and Winter months affect your fitness routine?