FitSugar

Fact or Myth? Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever

FitSugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:00:07 -0800

"Starve a fever, but feed a cold." This saying plagues me every time I take the temperature of one of my girls. I always wondered if the catchy saying holds any truth.

The saying, which dates back to the late 16th century, is unfortunately wrong. Whether you're sick with or without a fever, it's best not to stress out your immune system by eating too much or too little. When your temp is above 98.6° F, the way to get healthy quicker isn't to fast, but rather to stay hydrated with plenty of fluids and eat in moderation. You probably won't feel like eating much anyway, so don't force yourself, but if you do have an appetite, here's a list of some foods and beverages that could make you feel better and speed up your recovery time.

8 Habits of the Super Healthy

FitSugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:00:10 -0800

If you are looking to keep colds and flu bugs at arm's length, I researched habits of healthy women. Here are eight habits that will help keep you well over the following months.

First, start by upping your vitamin C intake. While the vitamin won't prevent you from catching a cold, it will boost your immune system. And if you do happen to catch a cold, vitamin C will decrease the duration of runny nose time. Try to eat foods naturally high in the vitamin, like citrus fruits and red bell peppers.

To see the other seven habits, just start the slideshow.
Source: Getty

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Nothing to Sneeze At

FitSugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:30:20 -0700

Runny noses abound these days, and sneezes often accompany these dripping sniffers. Here are five things I felt compelled to share with you about the simple act of the sneeze.

A sneeze is your body forcefully expelling irritants and bacteria. Don't suppress your sneezes; let your body do its thing.
Sneeze into the crook of your elbow if you find yourself without a tissue. Remember this catchy phrase: "Sneeze into your sleeve."
A conservative estimate on the speed of a sneeze is 100 miles per hour.
A sneeze can send water droplets up to three feet.
Your heart does not stop when you sneeze, but the change of pressure in your chest can alter the rhythm of your heartbeat, making it feel like it's skipped a beat.
About one in four people experience a photic sneezing reflex, meaning bright light induces a sneeze. The sensation is also known as sun sneezing.

Came Down With a Cold? Eat These Foods

FitSugar — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:00:57 -0700

A balanced diet can boost your immune system and prevent you from getting sick, but if you happen to catch a cold or worse, the flu, a healthy diet is essential in helping you recover faster. Here are some foods you should eat when you're sick.

Source: Getty

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Soap vs. Hand Sanitizer

FitSugar — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 05:50:13 -0700

It's a germy world out there, and keeping those germs off your hands is considered the best way to fight catching a cold or flu this season. We recently learned that washing your hands with cold water is just as effective as hot. We also know that anti-bacterial soaps are no more effective than regular soaps. But what about hand sanitizers? Here's a quick sketch of how soap and alcohol-based hand sanitizer compare.

Hand washing is recommended by the CDC over hand sanitizer, but if no sink is available hand sanitizer is considered second best. When hand washing, it is recommended that you work the soap into a full lather and wash for 20 seconds, which can seem like an awfully long time to scrub at the sink - many people don't wash for the recommended time. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer kills most most types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in a few seconds, with the recommended rubbing time being 15 seconds. In terms of time, hand sanitizer kills more bacteria in less time.

To see how soap trumps sanitizer, read more.

But here's the rub (pun intended): although hand sanitizers have been shown to reduce gastrointestinal illnesses when used in households and reduce student absences when used in school, they do not kill norovirus, which can cause acute gastroenteritis, or E. coli. Nor does hand sanitizer remove feces, blood, or dirt. This means old-fashioned hand washing is best in restrooms and kitchens, but after a sneeze, a quick wipe-down with hand sanitizer will work.

Look for hand sanitizer with 60 percent ethanol (aka ethyl alcohol) like Purell or Web MD-recommended EO Lavender Hand Sanitizer. Do you keep hand sanitizer in your purse?

Have You Had a Cold or the Flu This Fall?

FitSugar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 03:47:45 -0700

Since the H1N1 virus was going strong all Summer, I am not sure if and when cold and flu season officially began or if it is just ongoing these days. Even though we are only a little over a month into the Fall season, I know many people who have come down with various bugs - children, mine included, as well as adults. I am wondering about you . . .

How to Avoid Germs at the Gym

FitSugar — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:00:00 -0700

The cold temps are moving in and it's that time of year for colds and the flu. To prevent getting the sniffles, sore throat, and achiness, you've got to avoid the germs. It's not enough to watch out for germy places in your home. You've also got to beware of places that are shared by tons of people, and for FitSugar readers, that means the gym. Yours may seem neat and clean, but that doesn't mean it's germ-free. So here are some ways to avoid the invisible creepy crawlies that can make you sick.

Spray down all equipment before you use it with disinfectant spray. It may be a rule at your gym that you have to clean equipment after you use it, but who knows if the person before you remembered, or how thorough they were. Wipe down everything you touch including handles on weight machines and dumbbells, yoga balls, and buttons on the displays.
Purchase your own mat for yoga, Pilates, or strength training. They're sweat on by many, and rarely get washed.
If you're a major germaphobe, pack along other equipment like weights and resistance bands.
Bring your own towel from home to wipe off your sweat or to use after you shower. The gym towels are supposedly clean, but you never know.

For more tips on avoiding gym germs read more.

Refrain from touching your mouth, nose or eyes while working out.
Wash your hands often, or use hand sanitizer.
Keep a towel between you and the seat in the sauna.
Fill up a reusable water bottle at home, and bring it to the gym. Germs can pass easily from a person's mouth, to their water bottle, then to the fountain tap and back to another bottle, and to another person's mouth, if people hold their bottles against the tap when filling them. Gross.
Shower immediately after working out to get rid of germs. If you can't, be sure to wash your hands and face, place your sweaty clothes in a plastic bag, and put on a clean outfit.
Wear flip-flops in the shower to avoid picking up athlete's foot.

Cold Water Works Just as Well

FitSugar — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 03:47:13 -0700

Germs are everywhere. Swine flu, regular flu, our homes, the gym - there's no escaping the little buggers. One of the best ways to protect yourself is still the easiest: wash those hands! If you're like me, you probably believe that the hotter the water, the better. Not so, says a recent study.

Conducted by scientists with the Joint Bank Group/Fund Health Services Department, the study looked at the bacteria levels of participants after they washed their hands in different water temperatures. The results showed no difference in levels between participants who washed their hands in hot water versus those who washed in cold. The scientists went on to say that tepid water is a better choice for hand washing because it's gentler on the skin and it's better for the environment.

I think it'll take me a little while to adjust to this change - something about washing my hands in hot water just feels safer. When you do wash up, though, make sure you always use soap and lather up for at least 30 seconds.

The Germiest Places at Home

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:50:43 -0700

I know that I've been a little obsessed about germs lately, but it's flu season and I'm trying to get through this one unharmed. I'm washing my hands constantly, not touching my face - I'm even making my own hand sanitizer. The Hygiene Council just released this year's findings of its annual home hygiene study, and the results have me motivated to do some serious Fall cleaning. Here are some of the germiest places found in the home, in case you want to get your cleaners out too.

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How to Avoid Catching the Swine Flu

FitSugar — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:00:00 -0700

We're pretty familiar with how to prevent catching a regular cold or the flu, but the swine flu seems like a whole new ball of wax (or phlegm, in this case). Since swine flu seems to be spreading quickly, you want to do whatever you can to keep from catching the H1N1 virus. Here are some precautions you can take.

Wash your hands often with soap and hot water (don't just rinse with water). Lather up for at least 20 seconds, or long enough to sing your ABC's.
Avoid touching common things that others come in contact with such as doorknobs, railings, handles on the subway, elevator buttons, magazines in the doctor's office, public phones, pens at the bank, etc. If you can't help it, refrain from touching your nose, mouth, or eyes until you can get to a bathroom to wash your hands.
When you're at the gym, disinfect all equipment before you use it in case the person before you forgot. Bring your own towel, use your own yoga mat, and wash your hands before leaving the gym.

To see how else you can protect yourself, read more.

Keep hand sanitizers in your purse, car, and at work so you can kill germs when you can't get to a sink.
If swine flu cases have turned up in your area, consider avoiding public places. Those infected with swine flu can be contagious before showing symptoms.
If you're really paranoid, wearing a high quality respiratory mask can offer some protection.
Get plenty of rest, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly. All these things will strengthen your immune system.
Children, the elderly, pregnant women, those who work with children, and those who work in the medical field are at a higher risk for catching swine flu. So if you're in this group, think about getting vaccinated against the swine flu.
If you start feeling flu-like symptoms such as a sore throat, stuffy nose, chills, or body aches, don't go to work. Stay at home and get better. If your symptoms worsen, call your doctor. If you test positive for swine flu, they can prescribe Tamiflu.