FitSugar -- Healthy, happy you.

Would You Pay For an Allergy-Free Hotel Room?

FitSugar — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 12:00:24 -0800

Since I have allergies, traveling away from my trigger-free home can be frustrating and uncomfortable. Not only do I have to deal with cats on the plane, but new locations mean new plant pollens, dust, and mold. So what's an allergy-suffering girl to do?

Some hotels, including Marriott, are offering allergy-free hotel rooms, using a system called Pure Room. Visitors can opt for specially treated rooms with bedding, carpets, and AC systems free from contaminants. The rooms come with air purifiers to make breathing easier, and the mattresses and pillows are encased in covers to fend off dust mites. Also, the carpets and upholstery are treated with ozone shock treatment to kill mold and bacteria.

Since it's estimated that one third of people who stay in a hotel end up having an allergic reaction, this is a brilliant and much-needed improvement. The Pure Room isn't available at all Marriott Hotels, but you can call ahead to find out. Each room is only about $20 more a night, so tell me, would you pay more for an allergy-free room?

Source

Speak Up: Pets, Planes, and Allergies

FitSugar — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 12:00:00 -0800

If flying for the holidays was on your to-do list, then you may have noticed some furry passengers accompanying you on the flight. I am a huge animal lover, and I adore dogs and cats, but I'm also highly allergic, as are many people. Apparently on some airlines, a certain number of pets are allowed on a given flight, as long as they are in one of those cramped pet carriers that can fit under the seat in front of you. It's not only uncomfortable for the poor animals, but it can be a huge health risk for other passengers who are highly allergic. How odd is it that you can't pack more than 4 ounces of lotion, but you can pack a live animal!

It's awesome that the airline is being so accommodating to people who want to travel with their pets, but have they considered the well-being of passengers who suffer from allergies? For their sake, do you think there should be a rule against pets on planes?

Source

I Don't Buy It: Lifemax Sneezer Beam

FitSugar — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 03:30:00 -0800

I'm all for anything that can eliminate allergies, but don't tease me. This Lifemax Sneezer Beam claims it can vaporize your sneezing, congestion, and runny noses with light. All you do is plug your nostrils with these ~~mini light sabers~~ light beam rods and the photons supposedly inhibit the cells that release histamines, which protect the body against allergens such as dust, dander, and pollen but that the body over produces when you have an allergy. It'd be amazing if this Sneezer Beam could stop the histamine and prevent runny noses and congestion, but I don't believe it works. This device kind of reminds me of the rhino horn neti pot, but the neti post is no hoax since it actually works.

If you suffer from allergies, I'm sure you're willing to try anything at this point. Too bad the manufacturer says treatment involves three minutes of this light therapy, three times a day for a month until you start seeing results. I've never tried this Sneezer Beam but it sounds a little too cosmic for my taste. I think I'll save my $60.

5 Ways Pets Improve Your Health

FitSugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:00:00 -0800

When I come home from a long day of blogging, my dear dog Bonnie greets me at the door with blind adoration. All that love is such an ego boost. Pets are good for more than your self-esteem. Besides being great buddies, according to WebMD pets can also improve your health in these five ways:

Prevent allergies: Many new studies show that children who grow up in a household with furry animals or on a farm, have less risk for allergies, and asthma and a stronger immune system.
Friend magnets: Pets are natural conversation starters so your pet can help you meet people if you have social anxiety or chronic shyness.
Benefit the aged: For the elderly, caring for a pet can offer exercise and companionship. Studies have also shown that for Alzheimer's patients, those who have a pet have fewer anxious outbursts.
Good for the mind and soul: Those who have pets are less likely to suffer from depression, are better equipped to handle stressful situations, and they also have lower blood pressure.
Good for your heart: Pet owners who suffer from a heart attack will live longer than those who are petless. Studies have also shown that men who own pets have lower cholesterol.

Source

Does Your Nose Run When You Exercise?

FitSugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 09:00:00 -0700

If you find that your nose runs when you exercise, you're not alone. The condition is called exercise-induced rhinitis, and it's actually pretty common among athletes. I know it sounds strange, but for some people, working out can trigger congestion, sinus pain, runny nose, headaches, itchy eyes, asthma, hives, and in rare cases, even anaphylaxis. Exercise itself can be the sole trigger, but sometimes it's the combination of exercise plus another trigger such as pollen or cold weather that produces symptoms.Does this sound familiar? Tell me . . .Source

Does Your Nose Run When You Exercise?

Yes, all the time. I always keep tissues in my pocket.

Occasionally.

Only when it's cold out.

Only when there's pollen.

Never.

Ragweed Allergies Are Upon Us

FitSugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 08:00:00 -0700

It seems like I am in a never ending allergy cycle, where the hay fever of Spring blends almost seamlessly into ragweed season. My sinuses seem to be continually fighting pollen of one kind or another. The latest culprit, ragweed, starts blooming in mid-August and the pollen grains are so lightweight that they can travel up to distances of 400 miles. It doesn't take much of this tiny pollen to wreak havoc on your system. It causes classic allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny noses, swollen, itchy watery eyes so severe that it's hard to function normally.

Ragweed season runs through mid-October in most parts of the US and to see tips on how to deal with the misfortunes this tiny pollen delivers, just

Allergic to Exercise?

FitSugar — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0700

I've heard of allergies to nuts, or bees, or cats, but an allergy to exercise? Come on, that's just an excuse not to work out, right? Unfortunately there is such a thing as an allergy to exercise known as exercise-induced anaphylaxis (EIA). Although it's a pretty rare condition, it still exists for some unlucky few. A person with EIA may feel tired, itchy, or warm within the first few minutes of exercise, and then symptoms can quickly progress to swollen lips, eyes, and throat. Other symptoms can include hives, fainting, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. Sometimes symptoms don't show up for up to four hours after exercising.

Only 1,000 cases of exercise-induced anaphylaxis have been documented since the 70s, and of those cases only one resulted in death. There's also a less severe and more common exercise- triggered allergy that 10 to 20 percent of the population will experience sometime during their lives. To find out what it is,

Got Allergies? Get a Dehumidifier

FitSugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:30:00 -0700

If you suffer from year-round allergies to dust ones, Summer weather is not your friend. The air gets full of moisture, which dust mites love. Since those little buggers require 50 percent humidity in order to thrive, you want to figure out how much humidity is in your home (especially your bedroom), and make sure the humidity is under that magic number. In order to figure that out, you'll want to pick up a hygrometer ($14.99), a neat device that measures the amount of humidity in the air. If the humidity is above 50 percent, then you'll need a dehumidifier ($199). The opposite of a humidifier, these little machines pull water out of the air decreasing the humidity in the room. Drier air definitely makes allergy symptoms less severe.

Top Allergens Making Us Miserable

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:00:00 -0700

It's not always your grandmother's cat that is making you miserable. Allergens lurk everywhere and if, like me, you're a sufferer they can make for a miserable Spring, Summer, and Fall. There are a few allergens that affect more of us than others, and Everyday Health has rounded up some of the top allergens and I've picked out a few highlights for the slideshow.

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Swimmer's Issue: Allergy to Cold Water?

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:00:00 -0700

I've been swimming a lot lately and after a workout last week, one of the other ladies was asking me about where I got my bathing suit. I couldn't help but notice her skin. I said, "I'm no doctor, but I think you've broken out in hives." She just laughed and said that it always happens when she swims in cold water. I couldn't believed she was so nonchalant about it, since her body looked like a range of moguls on a Black Diamond ski trail. She said it doesn't hurt and always goes away, so she thought it wasn't a big deal.

When I went home, I couldn't get that image of her hive-covered skin out of my mind, so I decided to do a little Internet research. In the medical world, this condition is called physical urticaria. To see the risks it poses,

Got Allergies? Don't Make Your Bed

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 03:00:00 -0700

If you suffer from allergies to dust, then I hereby excuse you from your bed-making duties. It turns out that a study from London's Kingston University shows that dust mites need humidity levels above 50 percent in order to survive. This means that a neat bed traps the moisture in that those pesky mites need in order to thrive and multiply. An unmade bed, on the other hand, is too dry for those little suckers. Try to remember this little tip in the upcoming Summer months when the air is especially humid. So leave your covers alone in the morning, and you'll have less dust mites living in your bed. Who knows? Not making your bed in the morning may even save you time for breakfast.

Source

Another Reason to Exercise: It Relieves Allergies

FitSugar — Mon, 26 May 2008 03:00:00 -0700

If allergies cause congestion in your nose, sinuses and lungs, you may not want to take medication. Antihistamines can make you drowsy or out of it, and decongestants can cause cotton mouth and dry up your lady business. You also may not be into using a neti pot, because pouring water through your nose weirds you out. Well you have another option.

You know how taking a hot shower can help loosen up mucus? Well the same thing goes for getting hot while exercising. When you do some kind of cardio exercise that heats up your body such as running, biking, sports, hiking, or Ashtanga Yoga, it helps to get you sweating, which will get that fluid and congestion in your face and chest moving. Just be sure to have some tissues handy so you can blow or cough that mucus out — it'll help your body flush out the allergens.

Fit's Tips: If your allergies are aggravated by exercising outdoors, then you definitely want to keep your workouts inside. Use the machines at a gym or take classes at a studio. If your gym is air-conditioned, and you have a hard time getting hot, then slip on some extra layers.

Source

Pregnancy Stress Could Cause Allergies and Asthma For Baby

FitSugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 11:00:00 -0700

When I was growing up, my grandma always told me, "Worrying will make you sick," and according to new research, worrying can also make someone else sick. There seems to be a connection between a stressed-out mom, her growing baby, and the baby's developing immune system. It turns out that stress during pregnancy could make a fetus more susceptible to certain substances, which could potentially trigger asthma and allergies down the road.

Harvard Medical School tested this theory by taking blood samples from the umbilical cords of 373 infants. They measured the level of Immunoglobulin (IgE), a chemical found in the blood that's linked to allergies, and found higher levels of IgE in babies with stressed-out mothers. That means that those moms who were worried about money, relationships, or their jobs while pregnant could have influenced the baby's developing immune system.

Of course, more research needs to be done to test other factors besides stress that could affect a baby's risk for future asthma and allergies. It's definitely an interesting concept though and proves how important it is for a pregnant woman to be healthy and happy, both physically and emotionally.

Source

Got Allergies? These Foods Might Set You Off

FitSugar — Wed, 14 May 2008 08:00:00 -0700

If you suffer from seasonal allergies to pollen, you may be part of the one-third who also suffers from oral allergy syndrome (OAS). Symptoms include uncomfortable itchiness, tingling, or swelling in the mouth, lips, or throat when consuming certain fruits, vegetables, or nuts. The reaction occurs because the proteins in pollens are so similar to the proteins in certain types of foods. OAS causes the body to see those food proteins as an allergen, and as soon as the person eats the offending food, it triggers the sensitive immune system to release chemicals that cause cells in the mouth and throat to swell. These types of reactions are called cross reactions, and are usually mild and only last for a few minutes. Only fresh fruits, veggies, and nuts can cause OAS reactions. Eating canned, cooked, dried, or frozen versions of those same foods may be less likely to cause a reaction. Also, just so you know, OAS is different than a nut allergy. In order for a person to have OAS, they must have an allergy to pollen.

Are you curious to know which foods are connected to which allergens? Then

That Little Post Nasal Drip May Be Telling You Something

FitSugar — Tue, 13 May 2008 08:00:00 -0700

Seasonal allergies come with their fair share of fun and one of those good times is post nasal drip. Creating mucus is one of your body's lines of defense in attempts to flush allergens out of your nose, but if you're stuffed up and can't blow the mucus out, you'll experience post nasal drip. All that dreaded mucus builds up in your nose, leading to the sensation that mucus is dripping down the back of your nose and into your throat. It is not only a little bit gross, but it can also cause a chronic sore throat. The fun doesn't end there because the mucus can also drip into your lungs causing wheezing, difficulty breathing, and the need to clear your throat often.

The best means of warding off post nasal drip is to get to the root of your seasonal allergies and avoid those allergens. If you are allergic to the entire great outdoors (I exaggerate a bit, but sometimes it feels that way) you might want to try allergy medication. There are many over-the-counter antihistamines such as Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec, and Alavert. Decongestants may work for you too, such as Sudafed, but they can give you a super dry throat and unfortunate sexual side effects. Or you may benefit from getting right to the source of your nasal congestion with prescription nasal sprays such as Nasonex or Flonase. Once you deal with the mucus in your nose, then you won't have to worry about dealing with that annoying post nasal drip.

Fit's Tips: If you're not into taking medications to deal with your allergies, then pick up a neti pot and do some nasal cleansing.

Source

Fittingly Mad: Snotty Tissues on Gym Equipment

FitSugar — Sat, 10 May 2008 02:30:00 -0700

Spring is the time for allergies and I've seen so many people suffering. I'm feeling crappy too so I definitely feel for people, but I have to say I'm losing a little bit of my sympathy. While at the gym the past few weeks, I've been noticing men and women sneezing, blowing their noses, and then stuffing their snotty tissues into the cup holder on the machines. I even saw a guy blow his nose into his own towel and drape it over the handle of the treadmill. It's so thoroughly disgusting and inconsiderate. I don't understand why it doesn't occur to people that even though they're not sick, they can still pass germs and bacteria on to fellow gym goers through their snotty business. Is it so hard to stuff their used tissue into their pocket or in their shirt or waistband? Or how about this idea — they could get up and throw it away. What a concept?

Am I the only one out there witnessing this phenomenon? Let me know in the comments section below.

Tips For Exercising Outdoors During Allergy Season

FitSugar — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0700

I've been talking a lot about allergies because they seem to be hitting everyone especially bad right now and nothing can kill a good workout like a sneezing fit. Trust me, I proved this theory true on Saturday. Allergies do not need to keep you from working out all together, you just may need to tweak your plan to work around your allergies. Here are a few ideas:

Avoid morning workouts. Allergens peak from 5-10 a.m. to noon, which means if you're a morning exerciser you may want to hold off until later in the day.
If the rain rolls in, that doesn't mean you have to head to the gym. In fact, rain washes away some of the pollen, which means that one of the best times for an allergy sufferer to work out outdoors is right after it rains.
Avoid exercising in places where the pollen is at its greatest (i.e. parks, fields, trails, etc.) and stick to places that have a lower pollen counts (i.e. beaches, gyms, basketball or tennis courts, etc.).

If all else fails, hit the gym. Don't let a little pollen stop you on your quest for health!

Source

Speak Up: How Do You Deal With Your Seasonal Allergies?

FitSugar — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0700

I am so excited about the warm Spring weather and everything blooming outside, but my body isn't. Seasonal allergies are hitting me especially hard this year. I used to only get a stuffy nose, but now I'm sneezing and blowing my nose like crazy. I can't deal with feeling crappy, so I've been taking Claratin every day. It seems like I can't live without it.

What about you? Have seasonal allergies taken hold of you this year? How do you deal with your symptoms? Tell me all about it in the comments section below.

Source

Worst Cities for Allergies This Spring

FitSugar — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 08:45:00 -0700

As I have spent the past few days sneezing with watery eyes and an itchy throat, I would have sworn my home town was the worst place in the world for allergies but the folks at the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) identified “the 100 most challenging places to live with allergies” in the Spring and Fall seasons.

The rankings are based on pollen scores (airborne grass/tree/weed pollen and mold spores), number of allergy medications used per patient, as well as number of allergy specialists per patient. Think your city must fall on the list? Here are the top 25 worst allergy offenders:

Lexington, Ky.
Greensboro, N.C.
Johnson City, Tenn.
Augusta, Ga.
Jackson, Miss.

There are 20 more so

Tips on Combining Exercise and Seasonal Allergies

FitSugar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 08:45:00 -0700

Spring is in the air and unfortunately so is pollen. The warm weather inspires me to exercise outside, but it can also inspire an allergy attack. If you have seasonal allergies check out these tips when it comes to exercise.

If you've got seasonal allergies, be aware of the pollen count outside. Usually, pollen counts are highest on warm, dry, and breezy mornings and lowest on rainy, cooler days. If it's high, try exercising indoors. Avoid inhaling that irritating pollen as much as you can.
Use a neti pot before and after exercising to get rid of dust, pollen, and mucus from your nose.
Take your allergy medicine as directed. You may even benefit from using eye drops that contain antihistamine.
If your allergies have made you completely congested, do some heat-building exercise like running or Ashtanga yoga. Getting hot will help thin out the mucus making it easier to get rid of.
Pay close attention to your symptoms. If you feel them getting worse while exercising, slow down your pace, or stop altogether if you need to.

Source

Speak Up: If You Found Out You Were Allergic to Your Pet . . .

FitSugar — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:00:00 -0700

You feel miserable. You're sneezing, blowing your nose constantly, and your eyes feel so itchy that you can hardly open them. You're congested, wheezing, and having a hard time breathing. You think you're developing seasonal allergies to the flowers beginning to bloom, but when you go to your doctor, you find out you're actually allergic to the kitty you've had for five years. It's horrible news, but at least you know what's making you feel so crummy.

So, what would you do if you found out you were suddenly allergic to your pet?

Source

Singulair Linked to Suicide?

FitSugar — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 02:00:00 -0700

If you take the allergy and asthma medication Singulair (which I do, by the way), you'll want to know that the FDA is investigating its link to depression and suicidal tendencies. Used by both children and adults, possible side effects can also include tremors and anxiety. It's been reported that at least three people who were taking Singulair have committed suicide.

Neither the FDA nor Merck (the makers of this drug) recommend that you stop taking it, unless you have noticed severe mood changes or other symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

If you want to see a video with more information then

Do You Know About Dust?

FitSugar — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 10:15:00 -0700

I hate dust. Since it's everywhere, and I'm allergic, it makes me miserable. Plus if I think about how dust has little microscopic dust mites living in it, I get really creeped out.

Dust might seem like just annoyance, something you're always having to clean up, but knowing all about it will inspire you to clean. Take this quiz to see what I mean.

Source

How Much Do You Know About Sneezing?

FitSugar — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 03:30:00 -0700

Unfortunately with the green trees and pretty flowers, allergy season also brings sneezes. Lots and lots of sneezes. This morning I fell prey to a sneezing fit, so I decided to do a little research on what makes this unavoidable thing happen and why. Take this little quiz to see how much you know.

Source

What's the Deal With: Airplane Ear?

FitSugar — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 02:00:00 -0700

Have you ever been on a flight and experienced pressure or pain in your ear where your ear felt full or sounds were kind of muffled? There is a name for this condition and it is fittingly called airplane ear. More scientifically, it's known as barotrauma or barotitis media, but however you call it, the pain can be really intense and can even cause ringing or bleeding in your ear, dizziness, or temporary hearing loss.

I guess airplane ear isn't exactly the most accurate term, because it can happen while driving uphill into the mountains, or while descending down into the ocean when scuba diving. The condition occurs with rapid changes in altitude or air pressure that can cause unequal pressure between your middle ear and the air outside your ear. This makes your eardrum bulge outward or retract inward, which causes the pain, and can even cause a ruptured eardrum.

When you swallow or yawn, the Eustachian tube, which connects your middle ear to the back of your nose, opens and allows air to flow into or out of your middle ear, equalizing the pressure. Sometimes this tube can be blocked (if you have a cold, allergies, or a sinus infection), and that's what causes the muffled sound and the pain. Don't worry because this condition isn't usually serious, and the discomfort and loss of hearing should return after a few hours.

Want to know how to prevent the pain next time you fly? Then

Why Sudden Allergies in Adulthood?

FitSugar — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Many people live through childhood sleeping with their pet kitties on their pillows, rolling around on dust filled carpets, and collecting flowers and weeds to give to their moms. They do this without a sneeze or sniffle. Those same carefree kids grow up and when they hit their 20s, they suddenly develop allergies to all those things. What gives?

Allergies can develop at any age, and its prevalence in adults is rising. It's known as Adult-Onset Allergies and there are many theories as to why this happens. The most accepted reason is that nowadays babies' developing immune systems are not exposed to as many viruses, bacterium, and allergens as in the past due to wide use of antibiotics, vaccinations, cleaner food and water supply, better living conditions, and germ-a-phobe parents who don't let their kids roll around in dirt. When immune systems aren't faced with dust, pollen, and mold, they don't fully develop the ability to combat those allergens in the future. So in a way, being too careful and being protected against such allergens can actually cause children's immune systems to develop in an unbalanced way, which can make them hypersensitive to seemingly harmless substances in the future.

Allergies can also develop if you are exposed to allergens when your immune system is weakened. That's why pregnant women often develop allergies after they give birth.

Could your family history be to blame for allergies too? To find out

Allergy Symptoms vs. Cold Symptoms

FitSugar — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 07:30:00 -0700

Winter is slowly receding and in many places Spring has sprung (even though we have to wait a week for the official season change). With Spring weather comes blooming plants, trees and shrubs and with them pollen, the irritant that brings on hay fever. I for one live in denial of seasonal allergies and just like to pretend that I have a cold . . . a cold that goes on forever.

Since allergy season is upon us (or about to be depending on where you live), I thought it might be useful to compare the symptoms of the common cold with allergy symptoms.

Itchy nose: Although allergies and colds both produce a runny nose and congestion, allergies create the dreaded itchy nose. The itch generally occurs in the back of the nose and is difficult to "scratch." Folks suffering from "nasal pruritus" (the fanciest way in the world to say itchy nose) often scrunch up their faces, like a bunny, to try to alleviate the itch.
The sneeze: Sneezing frequently, and sometimes quietly, is common with allergies. Sneezes from colds tend to be loud, deep and infrequent, attempting to clear the bronchial congestion down in the lungs. Allergy sneezes, on the other hand, are an attempt to remove allergens from the nose.
Runny Eyes: While eyes might occasionally water with a cold, they will run profusely with allergies.

Unfortunately, the list of symptoms is a bit longer, so

Surviving the Spring Allergy Season

FitSugar — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 11:45:00 -0800

Allergy season is upon us and for allergy sufferers, this could mean potentially being miserable all season long. To keep your allergies at bay, and maybe enjoy the Spring for once, use these tips for surviving Spring allergy season. Source

Travel Tips for the Allergic

FitSugar — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 12:30:00 -0800

Since the holidays are coming up, I'm sure many of you will be traveling to be with friends and family. Visiting other places is great, but if you suffer from allergies you might get stuck in an uncomfortable situation. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Don't forget to pack all the allergy medicine you need and take it as recommended by your doctor. Taking it before you start sneezing, wheezing, and itching may help prevent your symptoms from getting out of control.
Keep pocket tissues in your purse or jacket just in case your nose starts to run or you have a sneezing attack.
Bring your own pillow and pillowcase. Whether you're staying at your parents, in-laws, or a hotel, it's best to sleep on a pillow that you know you're not allergic to.
If you're staying at a house, make sure your hosts don't have any pets that set off your allergies. If they do, it might be best to make arrangements to stay somewhere else. Sad, but true.
Bring a plastic neti pot and salt in your suitcase. Using it in the morning and at night will help to cleanse your nose and sinuses, getting rid of any dust or dander that could trigger allergy symptoms.
Walk outside every day. Breathing fresh air can be really helpful in preventing an allergy attack.

If you have allergies, share your travel tips in the comments section below.

Source

Are Remote-Controlled Pills in Our Future?

FitSugar — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 07:30:00 -0800

Yes they are!

Philips, the electronics company, has designed a remote-controlled pill to help solve the problem of faulty time released medications already in use. Basically, it will be a little capsule that has a reservoir inside it (see 144 in the diagram) that holds the medicine. You can control a valve in the capsule with an external remote control, so it releases the medicine when you want to. External factors such as a rise in pollen count, or a rise in a patient's blood pressure will also be able to trigger the medicine's release too. What's more? The pills will also be able to hold several kinds of medications, so you only have to take one pill a day.

Phillips plans that the remote-controlled pills will be inexpensive and disposable, so they won't need to be collected and recycled after each use.

Very cool, but is this sounding a lot like a plot from the movie Innerspace to anyone else?

Source

Good News for Allergy Sufferers: Zyrtec-D to Be OTC

FitSugar — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:30:00 -0800

For those of you who have to deal with allergies to pollen, dust, dander, and mold, sometimes taking prescriptions meds is the only way you can function. Zyrtec-D has been around since 2001, and many people love that it provides relief from many annoying symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and nose, and nasal congestion. The only problem is that you need a prescription from your doctor to buy it.

Well, not anymore. Zyretc-D will now be available without a prescription. It'll be right on the shelf next to Claritin and Benadryl, so it'll be more convenient for allergy sufferers to get.

Since this drug contains pseudoephedrine, which is sometimes used to make crystal meth, there may be restrictions on sales of Zyrtec-D. You may have to show your ID and get it from a clerk behind the counter, or you may only be allowed to buy a certain amount of the drug. I don't mind though since it's a lot easier than having to get it from your doctor.

Source and Source

How to Deal With Seasonal Allergies, Asthma and Exercise

FitSugar — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 11:45:00 -0700

Tis the season for seasonal allergies – ragweed, mold (from soggy leaves) and dust mites galore! When you suffer from itchy eyes and throat, sneezing, runny nose, or allergy induced-asthma, exercising your body is far from top on your list. Here are some tips to help allergy sufferers still get in a workout.

As beautiful as it is outside, you're better off exercising inside. When you huff and puff while doing cardio outside, you're only inhaling the allergens that are bothering you. Join a gym or use your home treadmill or elliptical to keep up with your cardio.
Take your allergy medicine as directed. Even if you're not having symptoms, when taken daily, many of those prescriptions help to prevent attacks if and when your body does come in contact with enemy allergens. Those meds can control your symptoms before they start.

Want to hear the other tips? Then

5 Things: Contact Lens Wearers Should Know

FitSugar — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 14:30:00 -0700

When I got my first pair of glasses in fourth grade, they were fun for a while, but I soon learned that glasses were pretty annoying. When you get sweaty, they slide off your face. In the winter, the lenses fog up every time you come inside.

When I reached junior high, my dad welcomed me to the wonderful world of contact lenses and I've never turned back.

Here are some things every contact lens wearer should know:

Always wash your hands before inserting or removing your lenses. Your hands are covered with germs, and touching your eye with germy fingers is a great way to get yourself a nasty cold or other illness.
If you suffer from allergies, wearing contacts can make your symptoms worse since allergens can stick to the lenses. Wear glasses if your symptoms are really bad, and if you can't part from your contacts (I don't blame you), be sure to clean them thoroughly or replace disposable lenses more often.

Want to hear the other tips? Then

5 Things: To Fight Bad Breath

FitSugar — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 08:45:00 -0700

Everyone suffers from the occasional bad breath, but it can be an embarrassing problem if you're dealing with it all the time. Of course brushing your teeth, using mouthwash and not smoking are well-known ways to prevent bad breath, but here are a few others.

Every time you eat, brush and floss your teeth. Food particles that remain in your mouth and in between your teeth collect bacteria. The bacteria emits hydrogen sulfur vapors. So keep a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss in your purse or desk so you can clean your mouth after your morning coffee, your lunch, and your mid-afternoon snack. Not only will brushing and flossing keep your mouth clean, but I know when my breath is minty fresh, I'm less likely to snack between meals.
Certain foods such as onions, garlic, and alcohol can cause bad breath. After they are consumed, they are absorbed into your bloodstream, carried to your lungs and given off in your breath until the food is eliminated from your body. Avoiding these foods can prevent this stinky problem.
If you have allergies, sinus infections, or post nasal drip, the nasal discharge in the back of your throat can cause bad breath (gross I know, but true). Try to figure out the cause of your symptoms. If you are allergic to something, like cats, try to avoid your triggers. Using a neti pot can also help to flush allergens out of your nose. If you have a sinus infection, be sure to take antibiotics to get rid of the infection.

Want to hear what else may help bad breath? Then

Health Tip: Buy New Pillows

FitSugar — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 12:30:00 -0700

I just want to remind you of a disgustingly true fact. Dust mites live off the dead skin cells that you shed. So guess where they love to lurk? In your bed. Yup, as you sleep, your skin sloughs off and works its way down into your mattresses and pillows. If the air in your room is humid (which in the warm weather it most likely is), dust mites get into your bed and your pillows and happily multiply into large colonies.Your own body creates heat as you breathe and perspire, and they love that too. There can be as many as 30,000 tiny dust mites living in just 1 oz of dust, and you are allergic to their poop.

With that said, let me ask you this - Can you remember the last time you changed your pillows? If you can't, now is the time to buy some new ones.

If you don't already have them, you can pick up dust mite pillowcases ($16.95) and encase your new pillows in them. If you recently bought new pillows, you can still use these special pillowcases, since not only do they not allow dust mites to get into your pillow, but they'll trap existing dust mites as well.

Fit's Tips: You can also pick up dust mite mattress covers ($114.95 for Queen Size). They keep dust mites trapped and won't allow in new critters.

If you need some more inspiration, like a visual of these little critters - then

Tis' The Season For Ragweeds, Ugh!

FitSugar — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 13:30:00 -0700

Usually around this time of the year I am ready for the heat to dwindle and to start wearing sweatshirts at night. Unfortunately, the one thing I don't look forward to are ragweeds, or as I like to refer to them, d*ckweeds. In a nutshell ragweeds are a highly allergenic plant that is capable of producing about a billion grains of pollen over a season. The best part? All these little suckers need to pollinate is a little wind (the bees won't even touch the stuff).

Ragweed season, which lasts from about mid-August to October in many parts of the United States, can (and does) bring misery to the estimated 36 million Americans with seasonal allergic rhinitis (aka hay fever), including me. Symptoms such as sneezing, runny noses, swollen, itchy watery eyes are so severe that it's hard to function normally.

Want to know how to reduce your own exposure to ragweed (and thus your likeliness of getting hay fever)? Then

A Few Tips on Soothing a Sore Throat

FitSugar — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 03:00:00 -0700

I always get an irritating (physically and figuratively) sore throat as the seasons change. While my sore throat is usually related to allergies, many of us get sore throats when we get colds (even if it's still warm out).

Cold season is creeping up on us now that the kids are back to school. So in a tribute to back-to-school (and my allergies), here are some tips on how to soothe a sore throat:

Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like aspirin, naproxen or ibuprofen.
Gargle a few times daily with a warm salt water solution, created with one teaspoon of salt in a glass of water.
Suck on hard candies or throat lozenges throughout the day to keep the throat moist.
Eat a frozen dessert, such as a popsicle or ice cream, to soothe the throat.
In the less humid months of winter, keep a humidifier going in the bedroom while you sleep, and in other rooms you frequent during the day.
Drink plenty of fluids.

Source

Allergies and Chronic Sinusitis

FitSugar — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 12:30:00 -0700

Many people suffer from seasonal allergies this time of year, and many people may also suffer from perennial allergies all year round, to pet dander and dust mites.

Allergy symptoms may include itchy, watery eyes, an itchy throat or mouth, or a runny nose. Other people may experience severe sinus congestion. The sinuses are air-filled cavities found in the bones of the head and face. There are 4 pairs of sinuses (8 in all), located on either side of the nose in your cheeks, behind and between the eyes, in the forehead, and at the back of the nasal cavity.

Sinus congestion can be caused by excessive amounts of mucus clogging up your sinuses, or if the mucus is thick and sticky. It can also happen if the lining of your sinuses becomes irritated by allergens. This causes swelling, which narrows down the passages, and make it harder for mucus to get out.

When this happens, mucus gets trapped in your sinuses. Similar to standing water, trapped mucus makes an excellent breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, and fungi to grow. This can cause sinusitis. Acute sinusitis happens if you've had a cold and you have symptoms for more than 2 weeks. Chronic sinusitis will be diagnosed if you're having symptoms that last more than 3 months.

Symptoms of both may include:

fever
persistent nasal congestion, and discharge that is often yellow or green
daytime cough due to post-nasal drip (may be worse at night or when you lie down)
puffy eyes or tenderness around them
headache or pain in the face or behind your eyes

What can you do if you have allergy-induced chronic sinusitis? To find out

Pillow Talk

FitSugar — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 10:15:00 -0700

Is your pillow over 2 years old? If yes, you might be sleeping with a veritable zoo of mold, bacteria and dust mites. Not exactly the kind of pillow talk you want to engage in, is it?

That fluffy bit of comfort on which you rest your head every night can be a hotbed for germs, and might contain even more germs than your bathroom. Yick! Pillows absorb germs from our skin and the air and since we rarely clean or replace our bedroom pillows, bacterias and molds are free to reproduce unhampered. This can become quite a problem if you have allergies to dust mites or mold since you are placing your head in the hot zone for 8 hours a night.

Experts suggest that you replace your pillow every 2 years. Since that can be a costly endeavor, you can try pillow protectors instead since they can prevent dust mites from breeding in your bedding.

Fit's Tip: One quick way to zap all those bacteria is to throw you pillows into the dryer for 20 minutes on high heat. Aim to do this at least once a month and at least once a week if you are experiencing severe allergy symptoms.

Sweet dreams....

Allergies and Humidity

FitSugar — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 13:30:00 -0700

Allergies are the worst. You know what I'm talking about if you suffer from itchy eyes, a runny nose, sneezing, and coughing.

Summer can be one of the worst times of the year because so many things are growing. It also gets really hot and humid, so I want to know...

Source

Interval Training and Asthma

FitSugar — Wed, 30 May 2007 11:00:00 -0700

If you have asthma, especially if it's exercise induced asthma (EIA), you definitely don't want to skip out on exercise altogether. Regularly working out, the kind that gets your heart pumping and your lungs working quickly, can actually relieve asthma symptoms. Huffing and puffing can get mucus out of your lungs, and help you take deeper breaths.

What you don't want to do is interval training. Whether you're running, hiking, biking, swimming, rollerblading, or whatever, you don't want to push yourself as hard as you can - you may end up having to stop altogether because you can't breathe.

Instead, try to stay at a consistent speed that's fast enough to be breathing heavy, but not so fast that your chest hurts because your airways are constricted. You can definitely do short spurts of working a little harder, but just be aware of your breath, and work at a pace that your lungs can keep up with.

If your asthma symptoms are triggered by seasonal allergies, you may want to exercise indoors. You can also talk to your doctor about certain allergy medications that may be geared toward helping asthma symptoms, such as Singulair. Also, if you have a rescue inhaler like Albuterol, you may find that it helps to take a puff or two about 15 minutes before you exercise outside.

Fit's Tips: Make sure you have water and your inhaler near you while working out. If you do start to feel that tightness in your chest, and are having a hard time getting air in and out, STOP what you're doing and focus on taking deep long breaths to calm your body and mind. You can often prevent an attack just by concentrating on inhaling and exhaling slowly, and taking small sips of water. If that doesn't work, definitely take your inhaler. After 5 minutes, if your symptoms go away, I'd go back to working out, but take it easy - you don't need to have another asthma attack.

Source

A Week In Review: FitSugar Roundup

FitSugar — Sat, 19 May 2007 04:00:00 -0700

Want to accessorize like Fergie-Ferg? Then check out the Terminator FuelBelt. Will you be both hydrated and cool? Well, it depends on how your are using the word "cool."

Worried about sun damaging to your skin? Well, don't let your SPF 30 turn into SPF 20.

Have you heard the term TOFI? The acronym means Thin Outside Fat Inside - read more about this condition here.

Planning a bachelorette party? Well I've got some great alternative ideas you might be interested in: private yoga class, S Factor strip exercise class, a spa or a Mehndi party.

I am so impressed with Tyra Banks' workout these days. She isn't doing crunches; she's boxing!!!

If you are feeling stressed out, you might just need a good cry.

Interested in taking your workout outdoors? Try a Boot Camp.

I want to hear what you have to say about vertical workstations - a desk set above a TreadMill.

Speaking of TreadMills - have you seen this doggie TreadMill.

Interested to know how Hilary Swank stays looking so trim? Interestingly enough, she believes in moderation.

What do you hate most about going to the gyno? Tell me here.

Plagued by seasonal allergies? I got two ideas for you: eat local honey or try hot pepper nasal spray.

Tight hips? You must try the Double Pigeon. It's a great stretch.

Here are some ways to avoid foot pain caused by running.

Source and Source

Hot Pepper Nasal Spray -- Would You Try It?

FitSugar — Tue, 15 May 2007 04:00:00 -0700

So I've been reading a lot about Capsaicin with its amazing relief for back pain, cancer prevention and even sinus problems. However, it never really occurred to me how exactly you would go about getting the sinus relief until now... Enter Sinus Buster Hot Pepper Nasal Spray. Sounds horribly painful to me. Though I have not tried it and I have no idea if it even burns, I am a little frightened to squeeze hot pepper juice up my already tender nostrils in hopes of relief from these blasted allergies. What do you think? Is the hot pepper nasal spray something you'd try?Feeling adventurous? Buy it online from CVS.com for $15.99.

Hot Pepper Nasal Spray -- Would You Try It?

I'd try it!

Definitely not.

Other. Tell us below!

Got Allergies? Don't Get Mad - Get HOT

FitSugar — Fri, 04 May 2007 12:30:00 -0700

Spring has bloomed all over and when I went to pick up my allergy medicine from the pharmacy yesterday, they were actually all out! You know that's because tons of people are suffering and reaching for drugs to deal with their symptoms.

Allergies affect people differently, so if you get a stuffy nose, congestion in your sinuses and fluid in your lungs, you could take decongestants, but they'll end up drying you up everywhere (even your lady business). Plus they can make you feel kind of spaced-out and tired.

Using a neti pot like the Rhino Horn can be really helpful at clearing your nose and sinuses, but if you're majorly plugged up, the water won't be able to flow from one nostril to the other.

You've got to get your heart pumping, girl! Doing any type of cardio consistently for at least 20 minutes (or more) will heat up your body, get you sweating, and get that fluid and congestion in your face and chest moving.

Running, biking, hiking, swimming, Ashtanga Yoga, using cardio machines, or taking cardio classes (like kickboxing) are all great choices.

Fit's Tips: Whatever you do, make sure you pack some tissues so when your nose starts to run; you can blow it (don't sniff it back in). If you've got congestion in your lungs, you'll end up coughing up some mucus too (I know that sounds gross but it's better to cough it up than have it sitting in your chest, right?). Staying hydrating will help too.

Source

Fight Allergies With the Rhino Horn

FitSugar — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 09:30:00 -0700

For a lot of people, seasonal allergies are all about congestion, sneezing, and blowing your nose every 2 minutes. You are breathing in a ton of pollen and if you're allergic, your body creates all that mucus to try and flush it out.

To get rid of the pollen and dust in your nostrils, relieve some of the pressure in your face, and release some of that fluid from you nose and sinuses, you've got to try using a neti pot. Once you try it, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Need more specific instructions? Then

Speak Up: How Do You Deal With Allergies?

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 07:30:00 -0700

I am one of those late bloomers when it comes to seasonal allergies. Only recently have I become symptomatic around certain kinds of pollen. I am certain that what is going on in my head (literally) is not a cold.

So all of you out there suffering from allergies, do you have any tips for me? How do you deal with your allergies? I am interested in home remedies too. Just tell me in the comment section below.

Allergy Medicine's Sexual Side Effects

FitSugar — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 11:45:00 -0700

Since seasonal allergies are upon us, many of you may be reaching for allergy pills to get rid of your stuffy or runny nose. These meds do an excellent job of drying up your runny nose, but that's not the only thing getting dried out. Doctors tend to leave out this little tidbit of information: Allergy medicine causes vaginal dryness. It's true and the truth truly hurts.

If you suffer from this problem, you should know allergy medicines containing decongestants are the ones to avoid. The "D" in Claritin D and Allegra D stands for decongestant, but you can buy them "D" free, which will help your dryness situation greatly.

You might also find that other allergy pills dry up your lady business as well such as Sudafed, Zyrtec and Benadryl, so you may want to switch to a nasal spray like Flonase to deal with just your allergy symptoms.

Fit's Tips: If you can't live without the allergy medicine you're taking, I completely understand, but you don't have to deal with annoying dryness either. Pick yourself up some lubricant such as Astroglide or KY personal lubricant and it will make a world of difference in the bedroom.

Mediterranean Diet and Allergies: Go Nuts

FitSugar — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 13:30:20 -0700

Are your allergies going nuts right now? Well the answer might be to eat more nuts. New findings seem to indicate that eating a Mediterranean style diet can reduce respiratory allergy symptoms like wheezing, runny nose and sneezing.

Britain's Royal Brompton Hospital and National Heart and Lung Institute conducted research on 690 children between ages 7-18 on the island of Crete. The children that ate at least 2 servings of fruit a day as well as nuts were less likely to suffer from childhood respiratory allergies and asthma compared to those children that ate the most margarine.

The local produce on Crete is mainly grapes, apples, oranges and tomatoes and these were the fresh foods the children were predominantly eating. Researchers also noticed a relationship between nuts and and a reduction of these symptoms.

"A high consumption of nuts was found to be inversely associated with wheezing, whereas margarine increased the risk of both wheeze and allergic rhinitis (sneezing and runny nose)."

While only children participated in the study I am optimistic that this diet will help adults too. I sure do hope someone will be conducting a study on this soon.

If you are as intrigued by the Mediterranean style diet as I am, you should check out the food recommendations and food pyramid to learn more about it.

Source

Antihistamines or Decongestants: Which Does What?

FitSugar — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 04:00:00 -0700

So it's officially Spring (yippee!!) and the snow is melting away. The trees and grass and flowers will begin to grow and bud, and for people with seasonal allergies, this time of year can be a nightmare.

When someone has seasonal allergies, his or her immune system sees pollen as an invader. As a defense mechanism, their body produces histamine, an inflammatory chemical that attaches to the cells in their body and irritates them. The histamines are what cause the sneezing, runny nose, watery and itchy eyes.

When you take an antihistamine (like Benadryl or Claritin), it prevents the histamine from attaching to those cells, and therefore prevents allergy symptoms. Antihistamines can also relieve itchiness caused by insect bites, stings, poison ivy, and poison oak.

This is great, but most Antihistamines have the awful side effect of making you feel really drowsy and out of it. Your head just feels really foggy, like when you have a cold.

Want to know what a decongestant does? Then

Spring Cleaning for Allergies: The Bedroom

FitSugar — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 11:00:00 -0700

Allergies happen. It is just a fact of life. Spring time is lovely with everything budding and blooming and spreading pollen everywhere. Making sniffling and sneezing part of everyday life. Now, that spring has come (well in some parts of the country it is on its way), it is time to do what you can to keep allergies in check.

Spring cleaning is a great way to welcome the change of seasons, and it is great for cleaning up allergens. Your bedroom is a great place to start your allergy proofing. Here are a few tips that should help reduce your symptoms.

Use allergy-proof covers on mattresses, box springs and pillows. Check out these dust mite proof pillow for $19.99 from National Allergy.com
Wash sheets and blankets in water heated to at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit since this will kill any of those pesky mites.
Vacuum carpets weekly with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a small-particle or HEPA filter. I love my Dyson for this reason.
Consider removing carpeting, especially where you sleep, if you're highly sensitive to dust mites. This is a difficult one since carpets and rugs decrease noise, but consider small area rugs that you can wash regularly (above 130 degrees, of course!).
Think twice about letting your pet sleep on your bed or on your couch; pollen clings to pet fur. It is hard to move "your best friend" out of your bedroom, but this can be so very helpful at reducing your symptoms.

Sure do hope these help.