http://www.fitsugar.com/ Healthy, happy you. en http://www.fitsugar.com/1875570 <p>Yesterday <a href="http://teamsugar.com/user/drsugar" >DrSugar</a> answered the <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1875556" >health related</a> portion of this question.</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/34_2008/tired-runner.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" height="380" width="225"></span>Dear DrSugar,<br /> I have a problem that might seem a little odd, but I am not dieting and I am losing too much weight. I am training for a marathon, and exercise daily about 2 hours Monday through Friday (running outside mixed with swimming, spin class, body pump, and running on Treadmill). My Saturday workout is always a long run, and my Sunday workout is a short run. I know I am not pregnant, but my last period was 5 months ago. Is this due to too much exercise? Other than the missing period, I feel strong and fine. And I eat healthy meals every 2 to 3 hours. Is this something that I need to worry about?<br /> <i>Running Rita</i></p> <p>The sweet doctor and I decided to tackle this question in two parts, since there are so many aspects to this important question. To see what DrSugar had to say about the missing periods read <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1875556" >his answer here</a>. For my input on nutrition and rest days </p> <p><a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1875570">read more</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1875570#comment fitness health maintain weight Running weight loss you asked Wed, 20 Aug 2008 05:30:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1875570 http://www.fitsugar.com/1877352 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1877352"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1877352',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1877352');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/6066/34_2008/stk66283cor.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left image preview" height="300" width="300"></span>I was at a friend's house the other day and noticed that she had three different types of toothpaste. I gave her a hard time about it, and she explained that she has an everyday toothpaste, which she sometimes combines with a sensitivity toothpaste or a whitening toothpaste. I started to wonder how common this is. How many types of toothpaste do you use on a regular basis?</p> <p><a href="http://gettyimages.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <br clear=all /></p><p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1877352" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>How Many Types of Toothpaste Do You Use?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> One. Why would I need more?</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Two. I like to mix and match.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> Three. I'm a high-maintenance tooth brusher.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> More than three. Don't even get me started!</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="4" class="form-radio" /> Other — I'll explain below.</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1877352" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></p></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.fitsugar.com/1877352#comment dental health health poll toothpaste Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:30:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1877352 http://www.fitsugar.com/1872048 <p>Some food combinations create nutritional synergy, like <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1850952" >plums</a> increasing iron absorption. On the other side of the spectrum are food pairings that block absorption of vitamins and minerals. <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/33_2008/all-bran.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left image preview" height="250" width="250"></span>Calcium, a vital mineral for bone health, can be negatively affected by seemingly innocent foods. Two types of chemicals, oxalates and phytates, bind to the calcium and block your bodies ability to absorb the mineral. </p> <p><a href="http://nutrition.about.com/od/askyournutritionist/f/oxalates.htm" target="_blank">Oxalates</a> are found in spinach and rhubarb and <a href="http://www.askdrsears.com/html/4/T040600.asp" target="_blank">phytates</a> are found in bran and beans. Cheese sprinkled on a spinach salad should not be factored into your daily total of calcium consumption. Same goes for milk you eat over your bran cereal.</p> <p>Since <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/377264" >eating calcium</a> is better absorbed by your body than a calcium supplement, make sure you're not undermining your efforts by combining the mineral with an unwanted chemical. </p> <p><a href="http://gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a> </p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1872048#comment calcium chemicals interfere with absorption food health Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1872048 http://www.fitsugar.com/1875556 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/21_2008/small-doc.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" height="332" width="250"></span><a href="http://teamsugar.com/user/drsugar" >DrSugar</a> is in the house and answering your questions. </p> <p>Dear DrSugar,<br /> I have a problem that might seem a little odd, but I am not dieting and I am losing too much weight. I am training for a marathon, and exercise daily about 2 hours Monday through Friday (running outside mixed with swimming, spin class, body pump, and running on Treadmill). My Saturday workout is always a long run, and my Sunday workout is a short run. I know I am not pregnant, but my last period was 5 months ago. Is this due to too much exercise? Other than the missing period, I feel strong and fine. And I eat healthy meals every 2 to 3 hours. Is this something that I need to worry about?<br /> <i>Running Rita</i></p> <p>This is an interesting multi-faceted question. DrSugar and I decided we should both tackle this one. To read what DrSugar has to say about this, just </p> <p><a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1875556">read more</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1875556#comment drsugar fitness health maintain weight period Running weight loss Women's health Tue, 19 Aug 2008 05:30:00 -0700 DrSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1875556 http://www.fitsugar.com/1875149 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1875149"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1875149',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1875149');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p>Somewhere between leaving home after high school and graduating college, I toyed with the idea of giving up <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/tags/gluten" rel="nofollow">gluten</a>, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. So many people I knew were living gluten free lives and claimed to feel so much better for giving it up. In fact, gluten free living seems to be on the rise.<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/34_2008/tgf_logo_tm_230-new.gif" alt="" title="" class="center image preview" height="102" width="230"></span><br /> Doctors estimate that one percent of the US population has <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/75215" rel="nofollow">Celiac disease</a>, an extreme intolerance to gluten, but according to <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/painter/2008-08-17-gluten_N.htm?csp=34" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">food marketers</a> upwards of 15 to 25 percent of food consumers (that's you and me) want gluten free foods. Many see eating gluten free as a new fad diet. You all remember that <a href="http://thyroid.about.com/b/2008/05/22/oprah-winfreys-21-day-cleanse-diet-will-it-help-her-shed-her-thyroid-related-weight.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oprah Winfrey</a> 21 day cleanse included giving up gluten.</p> <p>I am curious about you . . .</p> <p><a href="http://www.celiac.org/awareness/teamglutenfree.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <br clear=all /></p><p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1875149" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Have You Ever Tried a Gluten Free Diet?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes and I still avoid gluten.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Yes and it did nothing for me.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> Nope. I have never tried to give up gluten.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Other — tell me more in the comments section below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1875149" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></p></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.fitsugar.com/1875149#comment food gluten free diet health poll Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:30:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1875149 http://www.fitsugar.com/1872060 <p>When you feel like you're burning the candle at both ends, you might want to light some incense. Long associated with religious ceremonies and ashrams, researchers at <a href="http://optimumhealthinstitute.blogspot.com/2008/05/new-class-of-antidepressants.html" target="_blank">Johns Hopkins University</a> and the Hebrew University in Jerusalem found that incense lowers anxiety and can create antidepressive-like behavior.</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/34_2008/incense.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left image preview" height="245" width="250"></span> Although the study was performed on mice, researchers believe the effects of incense translates to humans and activates the poorly-understood and under-researched ion channels of the brain to alleviate both anxiety and depression. </p> <p>Since the research focused on burning the Biblical frankincense, your best bet for inhaling a little antianxiety smoke is to pick up a package of that type of incense. You can find it in traditional incense sticks or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Frankincense-Myrrh-Resin-One-Pound/dp/B000VV1X36/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;s=hpc&amp;qid=1219081381&amp;sr=1-2" target="_blank">chunk of the resin</a>.</p> <p><b>Fit's Tip</b>: Incense is not for everyone though. The smoke can aggravate asthma and some folks just don't like the scent. </p> <p>How about you? Do you like incense? Tell me in the comments section below. </p> <p><a href="http://gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a> </p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1872060#comment anxiety health incense relax already Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:00:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1872060 http://www.fitsugar.com/slideshow/1869964 <a href="/slideshow/1869964?page=0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/27/276592/33_2008/200305516-001.xlarge.jpg" alt="The Real Price of Obesity " title="The Real Price of Obesity " class="image xlarge inline left" width="320" height="213" /></a>Obesity is not only bad for your health, but it could be doing a number on your wallet too. <a href="http://www.newsweek.com">Newsweek</a> recently outlined the the top <a href="http://www.newsweek.com/id/153309">five costs associated with obesity</a> and it's interesting to see what more than a third of our country's population could be spending (or losing) money on. I've outlined some <a href="http://www.newsweek.com/id/153309">highlights</a> in the following slideshow. <br> <a href="http://www.gettyimages.com">Source</a> <div id='pager' style='margin:25px auto;text-align:center;margin:8px; '><a href="/slideshow/1869964?page=0">Start Slideshow</a></div> http://www.fitsugar.com/slideshow/1869964#comment health obesity price of obesity Mon, 18 Aug 2008 09:00:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1869964 http://www.fitsugar.com/1868389 <p>If you've ever <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1513696" >had a migraine</a> — or even if you haven't — you know that they are to be avoided at all costs. These mindbendingly bad headaches can be debilitating, often causing nausea and sensitivity to light. Though <a href="http://www.medicinenet.com/migraine_headache/article.htm#tocb" target="_blank">more than 20 million people suffer from migraines</a>, they are more common in females. As many as 17 percent of women get migraines, versus just 6 percent of men. Here are five things you need to know about migraine headaches.</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/6066/33_2008/stk24468med.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="373" width="550"></span></p> <ul> <li>Different people have different <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1077783" >migraine triggers</a>. Common catalysts include lack of sleep, not getting enough to eat, stress, and <a href="http://www.medicinenet.com/migraine_headache/page5.htm#toco" target="_blank">certain foods</a>, such as red wine and anything containing tyramine (found in cheese, wine, beer, and sausage) or MSG.</li> <li>Many women get migraines before or during their menstrual cycles, since the headaches are often caused by hormone fluctuations.</li> </ul> <p>For three more things about migraines, </p> <p><a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1868389">read more</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1868389#comment 5 Things headache health migraine migraine headache pain Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:30:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1868389 http://www.fitsugar.com/1868208 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/6066/33_2008/stk72768cor.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" height="300" width="300"></span>I love asparagus, and it's <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1110269" >incredibly good for you</a> — full of vitamin K, plus A and C and folate. But if you've ever eaten a lot of it, you might have noticed a rather odd side effect. There's really no delicate way to say this, so I'll just come right out with it: Eating asparagus can make your pee smell funny. </p> <p>It doesn't happen to everyone, but if it happens to you, don't worry: The effect is totally harmless. The odor is merely a byproduct of digesting the veggie. According to <a href="http://www.webmd.com/content/article/43/1671_51089" target="_blank">WebMD</a>, a compound called mercaptan, present in the green stalks, causes the ammonia- or sulfur-like smell to be released.</p> <p>It is estimated that <a href="http://www.wisegeek.com/why-does-asparagus-make-some-peoples-urine-smell-funny.htm" target="_blank">40 to 50 percent of people</a> experience this effect from asparagus; it's all a matter of genetics. If you've never noticed it, you may be immune, or you may simply be unable to smell it. The odor could appear the next day or in a matter of minutes. But aside from the obvious unpleasantness, the aroma of asparagus is nothing to be concerned about. Now aren't you glad we had this little chat?</p> <p><a href="http://gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a> </p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1868208#comment asparagus asparagus aroma food health urine what's the deal with Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:00:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1868208 http://www.fitsugar.com/1865097 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/33_2008/booze.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" height="413" width="300"></span>This might be the understatement of the year, but hard drinking is just not good for your health. While <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1850388" >Americans may be drinking less beer</a> and more wine, some cities still party on by drinking more of everything. Binge drinking is a public health problem leading to injuries from drunk driving a well as violent assaults, not to mention the damage it can do to the liver. </p> <p><a href="http://www.forbes.com" target="_blank">Forbes</a> compiled a list of <a href="http://www.forbes.com/2008/08/07/alcohol-drinking-cities-forbeslife-drink08-cx_de_avb_0807hard.html" target="_blank">America's hard-drinking cities</a>. Based on a 2007 survey by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Forbes ranked the cities according to how their residents answer these three questions: whether they had at least one drink of alcohol within the past 30 days; whether men had more than two drinks per day or women one drink per day; and whether they had five or more drinks on one occasion — this is the question that indicates binge drinking. The cities were ranked on the percentage of their population responding affirmatively to all the questions. </p> <p>To see the list, </p> <p><a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1865097">read more</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1865097#comment alcohol health top 10 cities Thu, 14 Aug 2008 03:00:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1865097 http://www.fitsugar.com/1863259 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/21_2008/small-doc.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" height="332" width="250"></span><a href="http://teamsugar.com/user/drsugar" >DrSugar</a> is in the house and answering your questions. </p> <p>Hey DrSugar,<br /> I am a very healthy person. I eat healthy, I am of normal weight, no health conditions and I exercise regularly; however, recently, I've been waking myself up with a snort — I guess like sleep apnea. Why is this happening and should I be concerned?<br /> <i>Sleepless Sugar</i></p> <p>Does this happen to you too? To hear what DrSugar has to say, </p> <p><a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1863259">read more</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1863259#comment drsugar health sleep sleep apnea Wed, 13 Aug 2008 08:00:00 -0700 DrSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1863259 http://www.fitsugar.com/1841469 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1841469"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1841469',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1841469');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/33_2008/arm.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left image preview" height="300" width="300"></span>I'll admit that I'm a huge fan of doctor shows like <a href="http://buzzsugar.com/tag/Grey%27s+Anatomy" rel="nofollow">Grey's Anatomy</a> and <a href="http://buzzsugar.com/1720589" rel="nofollow">House</a> — not that I think they're entirely accurate. I am intrigued by the diseases and entertained that the doctors can perform miraculous operations to make people healthy in just 60 minutes. Luckily, I haven't had to spend much time in hospitals, and the only surgery I've had was pretty minor. What about you . . .</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <br clear=all /></p><p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1841469" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Have You Ever Had Surgery?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes I have.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> No I haven't.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> I'm actually scheduled for surgery.</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1841469" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></p></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.fitsugar.com/1841469#comment health hospital poll surgery Wed, 13 Aug 2008 04:30:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1841469 http://www.fitsugar.com/1858793 <p>You feel fine all day, but something happens when you lie down. You end up with this irritating tickle in your throat or a nagging cough that only happens at night. It's been like this for weeks so what gives? According to <a href="http://www.shape.com/" target="_blank">Shape</a>, here are five reasons you may be coughing:</p> <ul> <li><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/33_2008/cough.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" height="256" width="300"></span><b>Asthma:</b> I know when most people think of asthma, they think of someone gasping for air. Although this can definitely be a symptom, most people with asthma more commonly experience a dry cough, so you may want to see your doctor to get tested, just to make sure.</li> <li style="width:550px;"><b>Sinusitis:</b> If it's not asthma, a chronic stuffy nose could be the culprit. When your sinuses are clogged with mucus, it can drip down the back of your throat (<a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1138707" >post nasal drip</a>), and cause that annoying tickle. <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1133454" >Allergies</a> may be causing your sinusitis, so your doc may prescribe allergy meds or a nasal spray to help clear the way.</li> </ul> <p>To see the other causes </p> <p><a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1858793">read more</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1858793#comment 5 Things acid reflux asthma health iron deficiency nighttime cough sinusitis Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:00:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1858793 http://www.fitsugar.com/1859339 <p>During a discussion about cancer, my friend recently said, "There's nothing you can do to stop yourself from getting cancer, so everyone should just enjoy their lives."<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/27/276592/33_2008/skd238543sdc.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="center image preview" height="369" width="550"></span><br /> True, some cancers are inevitable, but many of them are preventable. In fact, <a href="http://women.webmd.com/" target="_blank">WebMD</a> has outlined a few simple things you can do in your own life to keep cancer at bay. The tips may not be the end all be all, but they're certainly not going to do any harm either. <a href="http://women.webmd.com/guide/health-myths-know-truth" target="_blank">They are</a>:</p> <ul> <li>Not using cigarettes or other tobacco products</li> <li>Avoiding second-hand smoke</li> <li>Not drinking too much alcohol</li> <li>Avoiding weight gain and maintaining a healthy weight</li> </ul> <p>There are many more simple tips so </p> <p><a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1859339">read more</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1859339#comment cancer cancer prevention health Tue, 12 Aug 2008 03:00:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1859339 http://www.fitsugar.com/1848131 <p>The day following a sleepless night can be pretty brutal. The tossing and turning is frustrating, and your lack of sleep the next day can make your daily routine feel monumental. Here are a few tips for making it through the day and ensuring that sleep does not elude you two nights in a row.<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/32_2008/sleep.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" height="203" width="200"></span> <ul> <li>Don't drink any extra caffeine. You might be tempted to wake yourself up with a second cup of joe or some black tea, but don't give into the temptation. Caffeine has a half life and can remain in your system, preventing sleep later than you expect.</li> <li>Do eat. Missing meals will further drain your energy, but do eat healthy and nutritious foods. Choose nuts and fruits as a snack over a cookie. </li> <li style="width:550px;">Do not nap. Upon returning home from work the sofa will probably look inviting, but napping now could interfere with your ability to sleep well tonight. And that is something you really want to avoid.</li> </ul> <p>For some more ideas, just </p> <p><a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1848131">read more</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1848131#comment dealing with insomnia health sleeping Mon, 11 Aug 2008 03:00:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1848131 http://www.fitsugar.com/1766236 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1766236"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1766236',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1766236');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/32_2008/toilet.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left image preview" height="261" width="300"></span>There are many health topics that aren't exactly considered "polite" conversation — things like <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1817225" rel="nofollow">spitting</a> and <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1809592" rel="nofollow">sweating</a>. One subject, not often discussed but a health indicator nonetheless, is regularity. If there is enough fiber in your diet, this might be a non-issue for you, but if your digestive health is at all funky this is something you pay attention to. With <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1807205" rel="nofollow">IBS</a> and <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1747301" rel="nofollow">abdominal bloating</a>, being popular topics here at FitSugar, I thought I would just cut to the chase and ask a basic question . . .</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <br clear=all /></p><p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1766236" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Are You &quot;Regular&quot;?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, it's like clockwork with my body.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Most of the time, unless I get stressed or eat something weird.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No way, I'm always constipated.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> I don't like to talk about this. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1766236" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></p></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.fitsugar.com/1766236#comment constipation digestion health poll Sat, 09 Aug 2008 03:30:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1766236 http://www.fitsugar.com/1850388 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1850388"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1850388',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1850388');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p>In a recent study conducted over a 50-year span, scientists discovered that people's drinking habits have changed in the US. <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/32_2008/wine.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" height="329" width="300"></span>According to the new <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080806081449.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">study</a> published in the <b>American Journal of Medicine</b>, Americans drink less beer and more wine. I guess they've realized that beer isn't chock full of beneficial antioxidants like wine. It was also reported that hard liquor use hasn't really changed, but more people said they don't drink at all. Overall, the study found that people born later in the 20th century are drinking more moderately than people born earlier. </p> <p>People are beginning to see that there are horrible health issues associated with heavy alcohol consumption (such as <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/662627" rel="nofollow">breast cancer</a>), and since drinking a little alcohol has actually been shown to improve cardiovascular health and may <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1585662" rel="nofollow">fight aging</a>, people are adopting healthier drinking habits. </p> <p>I'm ready to conduct a little study of my own now. When it comes to alcohol consumption . . .</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <br clear=all /></p><p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1850388" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Americans Are Drinking Less Beer — How About You?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> I'm usually a beer drinker.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Wine is fine.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> I'm into cocktails and hard liquor is my choice.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> I like to mix it up between beer, wine, and liquor.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="4" class="form-radio" /> I rarely drink.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="5" class="form-radio" /> I don't drink at all.</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1850388" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></p></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.fitsugar.com/1850388#comment alcohol beer health liquor wine Fri, 08 Aug 2008 14:30:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1850388 http://www.fitsugar.com/1850972 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/27/276592/32_2008/75287667.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left image preview" width="250"></span>Early last year I told you about <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/185588" >the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act</a>. And unfortunately, it has not been approved so we're not yet allowed to pay for our health club dues, physical fitness programs, certain exercise equipment, and children’s sports league fees with pretax dollars.</p> <p>Now <a href="http://www.votervoice.net/Core.aspx?AID=469&amp;APP=GAC&amp;IssueID=8029&amp;SiteID=1" target="_blank">HealthClubs.com</a> has made the process of bringing this act to the attention of US senators and representatives very, very easy. There's a prewritten letter that you can copy and paste (or write your own letter). The site will then send out your correspondence to your state's officials. </p> <p>I don't know about you, but I'd love to be able to use $1,000 pretax dollars a year towards my fitness and health. If nothing else it shows that my country, the one where some are worried about having a <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1841561" >president that is too fit</a>, is truly as concerned about my health as all the reports claim. </p> <p>I just sent a letter to my congresswomen and representative, did you? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1850972#comment health PHIT Act The Personal Health Investment Today Act Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:00:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1850972 http://www.fitsugar.com/1839260 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/32_2008/diet.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" height="346" width="300"></span>We learn a lot about relationships from our immediate family. Not only do we learn how to relate to other people, but also things like money and food. If fact, researchers have found that <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1078034" > sitting down to regular family meals can help prevent eating disorders</a>. Ahhh . . . but the home front isn't always so sweet and homey, and negative lessons can be learned in there as well. I think of the painful mother-daughter relationship in <a href="http://buzzsugar.com/movie/Spanglish" >Spanglish</a>, where the character played by Tea Leoni buys clothes many sizes too small for her daughter. </p> <p>How was the family dynamic around food and body image in your house while growing up? Did anyone pressure you to lose weight? If you're a parent, how do you talk about your weight in front of your kids? How do you talk to them about their food choices? For being one of our basic needs, food can be quite an emotionally-loaded subject. Share your stories in the comment section below.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1839260#comment diet family health speak up thin weight issues Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:30:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1839260 http://www.fitsugar.com/1845331 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/32_2008/shoulders.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" height="376" width="250"></span>August is the month when I feel the need to squeeze in a last-minute vacation. And while getting away might be relaxing, sometimes the planning and details are not. Stress for me goes straight to my neck and shoulders, making them stiff and sore. Staring at a computer all day certainly doesn't help. To help relieve some of my last Summer stress, I like to give myself a little shoulder massage. I have a little routine I like to do help release this area, and to learn it, just </p> <p><a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1845331">read more</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1845331#comment health neck release relax already shoulder release tense shoulders Thu, 07 Aug 2008 10:00:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1845331 http://www.fitsugar.com/1847262 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/32_2008/mask.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" height="184" width="132"></span>When four US cyclists arrived in Beijing, they were wearing black masks over their mouths and noses. The United States Olympic Committee's (USOC) lead exercise physiologist advised athletes to <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/06/sports/olympics/06masks.html?_r=1&amp;ref=health&amp;oref=slogin" target="_blank">wear masks</a> on the plane and as soon as they set foot in the airport in Beijing. It all has to do with pollution and how the air quality is much poorer there as compared to the US. The athletes thought it wasn't that big a deal, until they heard that photographs of them in their masks were all over TV and the Internet. </p> <p>Cyclist Mike Friedman said, </p> <blockquote><p>"Why we wore the masks is simple: pollution. When you train your whole life for something, dot all your i’s and cross all your t’s, why wouldn’t you be better safe than sorry? They have pollution in Los Angeles, and if the Olympics were in Los Angeles, we would probably wear these masks, too.”</p></blockquote> <p>Unfortunately, some USOC officials didn't agree with the mask idea and were not pleased with the cyclists' decision because they felt it may <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1801463" >embarrass or offend China</a>. Beijing is one the most polluted cities in the world, and it has taken measures to prepare for the 2008 Summer Olympics by shutting down or moving factories. Even cars were advised to be on the road on alternate days. For my take on the situation, and to watch a video about Beijing's air pollution, </p> <p><a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1847262">read more</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1847262#comment 2008 Olympics cyclists health pollution Wed, 06 Aug 2008 10:00:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1847262 http://www.fitsugar.com/1826420 <p>Let's face it: most of us are more sedentary than we want to be. We're desk-bound at the office, and sitting during our commutes. All this sitting is not exactly the best for your body. Not moving around translates to fewer calories burned throughout the day, which can lead to unhealthy weight gain. Sitting for more than eight hours a day can also cause back pain, a tense neck and shoulders, and leg cramps. <a href="http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/07/04/25/how_to_sit_at_a_desk_all_day_and_still_be_healthy.htm" target="_blank">Sixwise</a> offers some tips on keeping your body and mind healthy while on the job. </p> <ul><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/32_2008/desk.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" height="216" width="300"></span> <li><a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1669975" >Check your posture and your desk set-up</a>. Your thighs should be parallel to the floor, and if you type at a keyboard, your hands, wrists, and forearms should also be parallel to the floor. Make sure your chair is padded yet firm, so the natural curve in your spine is supported and you're not sinking into your seat.</li> <li style="width:550px;"><a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1101295" >Carpal tunnel syndrome</a> is a big office buzz word, so you want to work on preventing this and other injuries by avoiding repetitive motions. If you use a mouse, purchase a new one that places your hand and wrist in a different position (like a vertical mouse). Try to rearrange the things on your desk often, like your coffee cup or your pens, so you have to reach for them with a different hand.</li> <li>Just because you sit at a desk all day doesn't mean you're glued to your seat. Be sure to stand up and move around every 20 minutes or so, for at least 30 seconds. Do some <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/tags/Work+it+Girl" >desk stretches</a>, take a walk to visit your co-worker, or go to the kitchen to refill your glass of water. Not only will this circulate blood to your muscles, but it'll also prevent boredom.</li> </ul> <p>For more desk tips, </p> <p><a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1826420">read more</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1826420#comment desk health health sitting at a desk Work it Girl Wed, 06 Aug 2008 03:00:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1826420 http://www.fitsugar.com/1842274 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/32_2008/cabinet.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left image preview" width="250"></span>In a perfect world, we could heal all our wounds with ingredients found in our kitchen cabinets. In reality, there are some foods that help the healing process, and some that hinder it. Do you know which is which? Take this quiz and see. </p> <p><a href="http://gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1842274">read more</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1842274#comment food health home remedies quiz Tue, 05 Aug 2008 09:00:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1842274 http://www.fitsugar.com/1839101 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/32_2008/christina.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" height="550" width="249"></span>Who would have thought that the ditsy and carefree character Kelly Bundy in the hit TV show <b>Married . . . With Children</b> would ever receive such shocking news. The actress, <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25994209/" target="_blank">Christina Applegate</a>, known also for her roles in <a href="http://buzzsugar.com/movie/Don't_Tell_Mom_the_Babysitter's_Dead" >Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead</a> and <a href="http://buzzsugar.com/movie/Anchorman:_The_Legend_of_Ron_Burgundy" >Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy</a>, is undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Thankfully, it was <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/04/arts/04arts-CHRISTINAAPP_BRF.html?ref=arts" target="_blank">caught early</a> enough through an MRI her doctor ordered, so the cancer isn't life-threatening and a full recovery is expected. </p> <p>Christina is appearing on a one-hour TV special called “Stand Up To Cancer” to talk about her experience with breast cancer. It's airing on Sept. 5 to help raise funds for cancer research, and to increase awareness about this disease. Hopefully they'll talk about the importance of early detection and how necessary it is to have a doctor check you out if breast cancer is in your family, or if you've <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1835806" >felt something</a> you're concerned about. </p> <p><a href="http://www.wireimage.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1839101#comment breast cancer Celebrity christina applegate health stand up to cancer Tue, 05 Aug 2008 03:30:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1839101 http://www.fitsugar.com/1835806 <p>A few weeks ago a study stated that <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1794239" >self-breast exams didn't save lives</a>, but I am not buying it. Many women I know have caught their breast cancer early because they did monthly exams. So if you're still a believer and continue to check yourself monthly, you should be reassured to know that most lumps you find aren't cancerous. Here's what you may feel according to <a href="http://living.health.com/2008/07/25/if-you-find-lump-in-breast/" target="_blank">Living.Health.com</a>:</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/31_2008/1_2.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" height="403" width="286"></span><b>A soft lump:</b> It's smooth and round (like a grape), and it moves a little when you press on it. This lump may be painful to the touch, and it can range in size from small to large. It could be a cyst or sacs filled with natural fluid, but you should get an ultrasound just to be sure. If it is a cyst, your doctor may recommend that you go on the Pill to lower your chance of developing cysts.</p> <p><b>A hard lump:</b> This will feel like a clearly defined smooth, hard, rubbery, round lump. It could be small like a pea, or up to five inches wide. If you can move it around under your skin and it doesn't hurt, then it sounds like it's a <a href="http://www.health.com/health/library/mdp/0,,stf124046_stf124046-sec,00.html" target="_blank">fibroadenoma</a>, which is a noncancerous tumor. They're not as common as cysts, but not uncommon for women in their 20s and 30s since they're caused by hormonal changes. Of course, it's best to have your doctor take a look and perform some tests just to make sure. </p> <p>To find out what else you may feel and what it means </p> <p><a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1835806">read more</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1835806#comment breast cancer cancer health lump self breast exam Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:00:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1835806 http://www.fitsugar.com/1816003 <p>There are a lot of <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/178844" >B vitamins</a>, and B12 is an important one. If you're deficient in this vitamin you can wind up feeling fatigued. Vitamin B12 helps maintain a healthy nervous system and your healthy red blood cells. It is involved in the process of making DNA as well as metabolizing protein. B12 helps make white blood cells, which are important for your immune system, and are necessary for <a href="http://dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov/factsheets/vitaminb12.asp#h5" target="_blank">pregnant women</a> since they help with an embryo's neurological development. That's a lot for one little subset of a vitamin, but your body doesn't need much — only <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-B12/NS_patient-vitaminb12" target="_blank">2.4 micrograms (mcg) of B12 a day</a> (2.8 mcg if you're pregnant), <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/31_2008/fish.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" height="294" width="300"></span>and since your body can store several years' worth of this vitamin, a deficiency is rare unless you're not getting it in your diet. Vitamin B12 is mostly found in meat, fish, and dairy products. Check out the highest <a href="http://dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov/factsheets/vitaminb12.asp" target="_blank">sources</a> to make sure you're consuming your fill:</p> <ol> <li>3 oz. of shellfish: 84 mcg (holy B12!)</li> <li>3/4 cup fortified breakfast cereal: 6 mcg</li> <li>3 oz. of rainbow trout: 5.4 mcg</li> <li>1 tbsp <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/180833" >Red Star Nutritional Yeast</a>: 4 mcg (great for vegetarians and vegans)</li> <li> 3 oz. beef: 2.4 mcg</li> </ol> <p><b>Fit's Tips:</b> To see other sources of vitamin B12, check out this <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/640618" >chart</a>. If you're not obtaining enough form your diet, then you'll want to consider taking a B12 supplement.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1816003#comment 5 Things B12 food health vegan nutrition vegetarian nutrition vitamin b12 Mon, 04 Aug 2008 10:00:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1816003 http://www.fitsugar.com/1830600 <p>We have become a nation of <i>texters</i>. A few of you even <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1826000" >text while at the gym</a>. Texting on a treadmill is considerably safer than texting while crossing the street, and that is why the <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/phones/2008-07-30-oblivious-texters-danger_N.htm?csp=34" target="_blank">American College of Emergency Doctors</a> issued a warning against texting while on the move.<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/31_2008/200290180-001.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="center image preview" width="375"></span><br /> It may seem simple to keep our thumbs busy on your BlackBerry while walking, but it can lead to minor accidents like twisted ankles and head wounds from streetlights, as well as unfortunate fatalities from stepping distractedly into oncoming traffic. <a href="http://www.geeksugar.com/1824004" >Illinois is considering a law banning text-walking</a> hoping to help its citizens avoid these tragic accidents.</p> <p>The warning issued by ER docs isn't limited to text-waking. They think that texting and most activities just don't mix. Emergency rooms have treated patients who sustained injuries while mixing text messaging with horseback riding and cooking. My advice is to put the phone down and focus on the task at hand, even if it is as simple as walking down the sidewalk.</p> <p>I am curious if any of you have hurt yourself while texting? Share the gory details in the comment section below. </p> <p><a href="http://gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1830600#comment health text-walking texting Fri, 01 Aug 2008 10:00:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1830600 http://www.fitsugar.com/1830297 <p>You're asking and I'm answering . . . </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/27/276592/31_2008/stk66778cor-1.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" width="275"></span>"Hey Fit. I've noticed that mosquitoes are really attracted to me. If I go hiking with my friends, they'll walk out of the woods itch free and I'll wind up with at least 10 mosquito bites. I just assumed I had sweet blood, but there's got to be something more. Any ideas?"<br /> —<i>Sweet Sara</i></p> <p>I feel your pain, or rather itch. The same thing happens to me, almost to the point that bug spray doesn't even seem to detract the pesky bites. I did a little research on <a href="http://www.webmd.com/" target="_blank">WebMD</a> so </p> <p><a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1830297">read more</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1830297#comment bug bites health mosquitoes Outdoors you asked Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:00:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1830297 http://www.fitsugar.com/1815430 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/31_2008/9.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" height="414" width="300"></span>I have waxed poetic on the benefits of <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1555745" >omega-3s</a>, the fat you should love that is found in cold water fish and flaxseeds. I have even mentioned <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1517965" >omega-6s</a>, which can be found in eggs, nuts, chicken, and vegetable oils. There is another omega fat, and that would be the <a href="http://www.womentowomen.com/nutritionandweightloss/differencebetweenomega369.aspx" target="_blank">omega-9s</a>. These monounsaturated fats aren't technically considered an essential fatty acid because our smart bodies can manufacture a limited amount of omega-9s from the unsaturated fat in our bodies. Even though omega-9s aren't essential, they're still beneficial in promoting good overall health. Olive oil is a great <a href="http://www.webvitamins.com/nutrient.aspx?ID=2117" target="_blank">source</a> of omega-9s because it's high in oleic acid, but other sources include Canola, peanut, safflower, and sunflower oils. Avocados, peanut butter, a variety of nuts, and seeds are also good sources of omega-9s. These fats are important because they've been found to lower cholesterol, improve immune function, and reduce inflammation. </p> <p>Another thing that's neat about these fats is this: if your diet is lacking in omega-3s or 6s, your body can use omega-9s as a substitute. As cool as that is, 9s aren't a perfect replacement for 3s and 6s because the body will eventually suffer from this over time, so be sure to get the right balance of omega-3s and 6s. A healthy ratio is <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1517965" >one omega-3 to four omega-6s</a>. </p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1815430#comment fatty acids health oleic acid omega-9 Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:30:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1815430 http://www.fitsugar.com/1827631 <p>We may be once again putting <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1691507" >tomatoes</a> on our plates, but the source of the salmonella outbreak has remained a mystery. The FDA just announced that a possible source of the salmonella outbreak – water. They found strains of salmonella in both <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25935332/" target="_blank">irrigation water and serrano peppers</a> at a Mexican farm in Nuevo Leon.</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/31_2008/Pepper.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" height="418" width="199"></span>Since the tomato industry has lost over $300 million because so much produce had to be thrown out due to the government's warnings, the FDA has been hammered with questions, of course the most pressing one being, "Why did the investigation originally focus on tomatoes?" Officials said in the early part of the investigation, there was definitely a link to tomatoes, and that this red fruit still shouldn't be ruled out entirely. They also said it's possible that the salmonella outbreak was connected to several different kinds of produce. Well that would make sense if irrigation was the culprit.</p> <p>As for now, two farms in Mexico are still under investigation: The Tamaulipas farm and the Nuevo Leon farm. People are still being advised to <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/07/30/fda.salmonella/" target="_blank">avoid raw jalapeño or serrano peppers from Mexico</a>. I don't know about you, but something tells me this issue isn't a closed book. The Mexican government strongly disagrees with the FDA findings. First it was <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1722312" >tomatoes</a>, then it was <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1772746" >hot peppers</a>, and now the water. What element could possibly be implicated next? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1827631#comment health irrigation jalapeños salmonella salmonella outbreak serrano peppers Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:10:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1827631 http://www.fitsugar.com/1826723 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/31_2008/200366230-001.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" width="200" ></span>If you're planning to squeeze one last road trip out of Summer, you might want to read up on car sickness. Motion sickness is actually quite common; about one third of the population<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motion_sickness" target="_blank"> experiences symptoms</a> in relatively mild circumstances, like being on a boat in calm water. In fact, the word <i>nausea</i> means seasick in Greek. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/07/15/car.sick/index.html" target="_blank">Motion sickness</a> is basically a disagreement between your eyes and your inner ear. The inner ear recognizes motion, but the eyes don't, or vice versa, jumbling the brain and nausea ensues. No fun for any passenger to endure.</p> <p>For some tips for fending off car sickness, </p> <p><a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1826723">read more</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1826723#comment car sickness health motion sickness Thu, 31 Jul 2008 08:00:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1826723 http://www.fitsugar.com/slideshow/1826044 <a href="/slideshow/1826044?page=0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/31_2008/tired.xlarge.jpg" alt="Energy-Draining Foods " title="Energy-Draining Foods " class="image xlarge inline left" width="320" height="318" /></a><br> How we fuel our bodies will certainly affect our energy levels. If you are what you eat, there are some energy-draining foods you should avoid. <br> <br> <a href="http://gettyimages.com">Source</a> <div id='pager' style='margin:25px auto;text-align:center;margin:8px; '><a href="/slideshow/1826044?page=0">Start Slideshow</a></div> http://www.fitsugar.com/slideshow/1826044#comment energy draining food health Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:00:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1826044 http://www.fitsugar.com/1816028 <p>I made the switch to all-natural shampoo and conditioner a few years back. Not only do I like the fact that they're made with "a perfectly balanced blend of botanicals," as the bottle states, but I also like that they're made without animal testing. As I was washing my hair the other day, I went to pour some <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/186317" >Nature's Gate</a> Herbal Conditioner in my palm, and I saw Quaternium-87 in the list of ingredients. To me that sounds more like a show on the SciFi channel canceled after one episode than a "botanical" ingredient to me.</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/31_2008/herb.jpg" alt="" title="" class="center image preview" height="330" width="426"></span></p> <p>To find out what it is, </p> <p><a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1816028">read more</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1816028#comment beauty product health ingredient Nature's Gate Quaternium-87 Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:00:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1816028 http://www.fitsugar.com/1822740 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/27/276592/31_2008/dv1317106.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" width="275"></span>How we protect our skin is one of the biggest ways to keep from getting skin cancer, but something we don't have much control over is a contributing factor too: Where you live. Not only do latitude and longitude play a role, but cultural norms do as well. For example, it's still quite acceptable (and coveted) to want to be tan in the United States whereas many folks in Asia actually associate a tan with the lower class. <a href="http://www.forbes.com" target="_blank">Forbes</a> did the research and figured out the worst places to live (or be from) in terms of skin cancer incidence. <a href="http://www.forbes.com/2008/07/28/skin-cancer-hotspots-forbeslife-cx_avd_0728health.html" target="_blank">Here are</a> the top five regions with the greatest per-capita skin cancer ratios: </p> <ol> <li>North America, Cuba</li> <li>Eastern Europe</li> <li>Europe</li> <li>Australia, Asia Pacific and East Asia</li> <li>Eastern Europe and Central Asia</li> </ol> <p>Where does your country fall on the list?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1822740#comment 5 Things health regions with high rates of skin cancer skin cancer Wed, 30 Jul 2008 03:30:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1822740 http://www.fitsugar.com/1822760 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/31_2008/water%20bottle.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left image preview" width="200"></span>Water is considered essential for all areas of life, and staying hydrated when exercising is important especially in this Summer heat. How much do you know about the water you drink? Take this quiz and see. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1822760">read more</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1822760#comment food health quiz Water Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:00:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1822760 http://www.fitsugar.com/1819474 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/6066/31_2008/hungry.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left image preview" height="350" width="350"></span>You're asking, and I'm answering.</p> <p>Dear Fit,</p> <p>I've noticed that on a day after a night of heavy drinking, whether I'm hungover or not, I tend to be ravenously hungry. I know that people joke about <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/94803" >"hangover foods,"</a> but for me, it's not just craving greasy treats. I actually just feel insatiably hungry. Why is this? </p> <p><i> — Hungry and Hungover</i></p> <p>To see the answer, </p> <p><a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1819474">read more</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1819474#comment alcohol blood sugar drinking food hangover health hunger you asked Tue, 29 Jul 2008 04:30:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1819474 http://www.fitsugar.com/1704229 <p>So you went hiking last weekend and you accidentally tromped through a patch of <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1664394" >poison ivy</a>. You've got a nasty, blistery rash all over your feet and you want it to go away pronto. I've only tried a few of these <a href="http://www.poison-ivy.org/html/faq.htm" target="_blank">home remedies</a>, so I can't vouch for all of them, but anything's worth one try when you're itching like crazy.</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/30_2008/tea.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" height="450" width="255"></span> <ul> <li><a href="http://landscaping.about.com/cs/weedsdiseases/a/poison_ivy_2.htm" target="_blank">Jewelweed</a>, a common weed found in damp areas, is often used to help treat the rash. Mash the weed and apply to your itchy skin.</li> <li>For 20 minutes, take a bath in salt water, or swim in a chlorinated pool to dry out the rash.</li> <li>Bathe in tomato juice.</li> <li>To <a href="http://poisonivy.aesir.com/view/regimen.html" target="_blank">relieve the itch</a>, cut a mango in half and smear the juice over the rashy area for 10 minutes.</li> <li>Spray the rash with a deodorant containing aluminum.</li> <li>Apply tea tree oil to the affected area to help dry it out and clear up the rash faster.</li> </ul> <p><b>Fit's Tip:</b> Of course, if you have a really aggressive case, I'd talk to your doctor about what over-the-counter or prescription meds he would recommend. </p> <p>If you have any other home remedies for poison ivy, please share them in the comment section below.</p> <p><a href="http://www.thebodyshop.com/bodyshop/browse/product_detail.jsp?productId=prod170278" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1704229#comment cure it at home health home remedies poison ivy rash Tue, 29 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1704229 http://www.fitsugar.com/1817233 <p>It looks like <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25853307/" target="_blank">California</a> has just bought a ticket for the trans-fat-free boat. Just like <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1746776" >New York City</a>, the Golden State is banning trans fat from their restaurants and other retail food places. This includes prohibiting the use of any oil, margarine, or shortening that contains trans fat.</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/31_2008/fries.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" height="300" width="300"></span>This unhealthy fat is worse than saturated fat because it reduces your good cholesterol levels and has been linked to heart disease. Although New York City, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Montgomery County, MD, have ordinances that ban trans fats, California is the first state to adopt this as a <i>law</i>. Signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, this law will take effect on January 1, 2010 for oil, shortening, and margarine used in spreads or for frying. When it comes to deep frying though, the law will be in effect a year later, Jan. 1, 2011. Violations could cost restaurant owners between $25 and $1,000.</p> <p>I hope we can soon see other states adopting such laws banning trans fat. Do you think you'll eat out more often if you know that restaurant food is free of trans fat? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1817233#comment ban california health Trans Fat Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:30:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1817233 http://www.fitsugar.com/1814273 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1814273"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1814273',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1814273');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p>I'm always surprised when I read the labels on my prescription medications that they can often interact with seemingly innocent over-the-counter drugs. So I'm very careful to read the texts that come with my prescriptions, to make sure that they don't create a harmful combination with something else. Do you pay attention to the interactions spelled out on your drug labels?</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/6066/30_2008/MD001959.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="center image preview" height="350" width="350"></span></p> <p><a href="http://gettyimages.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <br clear=all /></p><p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1814273" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Do You Pay Attention to Drug Interactions?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, I always read all of the drug information very carefully.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Sometimes, if I remember or happen to look.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, I never think about it.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Other (tell us below)</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1814273" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></p></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.fitsugar.com/1814273#comment drug interactions health medicine poll prescription drugs Mon, 28 Jul 2008 12:00:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1814273 http://www.fitsugar.com/1810779 <p>I'm sure you've all heard about how the live active cultures in <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1122382" >yogurt</a> are excellent for your digestive tract. If you have a hard time fitting in a cup of yogurt into your diets everyday or if you just don't eat dairy products, then <a href="http://www.pearlslife.com/go/Pearls/productDetail.aspx?alias=Pearls&amp;tabalias=productDetail&amp;partcode=04293" target="_blank">Acidophilus Pearls</a>, a type of probiotic supplement, were made for you then. It offers the benefits of acidophilus without the calories, cholesterol, sugars, or lactose found in yogurt. If you have tummy troubles, taking one capsule a day can help alleviate occasional gas and constipation plus symptoms of lactose intolerance. Plus these Pearls don't need to be refrigerated like other probiotic pills — and they even made the list of the <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/190224" >best probiotics for your money</a>.<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/30_2008/pearl.jpg" alt="" title="" class="center image preview" height="451" width="400"></span></p> <p>Want to know what else probiotics are good for? Then </p> <p><a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1810779">read more</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1810779#comment acidophilus digestion health pearls probiotic supplement Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:00:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1810779 http://www.fitsugar.com/1811167 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/30_2008/PILLS.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="131" width="550"></span></p> <p>Where you live affects many elements of your daily life, like how often you <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1802017" >walk</a> to your destination as opposed to drive. Based on a new <a href="http://www.forbes.com/forbeslife/health/2008/07/23/most-medicated-states-forbeslife-cx_avd_0723health.html?feed=rss_forbeslife_health" target="_blank">study</a> by Kaiser Family Foundation, which side of the Mason-Dixon line you live on could affect how medicated you are. </p> <p>According to numbers compiled by the <a href="http://www.statehealthfacts.org/" target="_blank">Kaiser Family Foundation</a> the top ten medicated states, based on the number of retail prescriptions filled per capita annually, were in the South. Many states were considerably higher than the national average of 11.1 prescriptions filled annually. Here are the top 10 medicated states. </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/30_2008/medication.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline center image preview" height="264" width="318"></span><br /> Public health experts believe the high prescription drug usage is related to obesity rates, which are also <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/tags/fattest+states" >higher in the South</a>. Obesity is a risk factor in many chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and hypertension. </p> <p>To see the least medicated states, </p> <p><a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1811167">read more</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1811167#comment health most medicated states prescription drugs Fri, 25 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1811167 http://www.fitsugar.com/1803015 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/30_2008/EYE.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left image preview" height="225" width="300"></span>When my eye twitches, I feel a little crazy and it amazes me that such a minute movement can cause such a jarring sensation. The <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/eye-twitch/AN00880" target="_blank">cause of these twitches</a> remains unknown, but fatigue, stress, and caffeine have all been fingered as suspects. Oddly enough, those three culprits all seem to occur simultaneously in my life.</p> <p>Gently massaging the affected eyelid, from the inner to outer lid for about a minute, can help decrease the sensation. Although the vast majority of eye twitches are harmless, they can be symptoms of a larger problem involving nerves and muscles. But in those cases, they are accompanied by other symptoms as well. So is that little twitch telling you something. Yes, it is telling you to chill out, slow down, and get some sleep.</p> <p><a href="http://gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1803015#comment Eye Twitch health Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:00:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1803015 http://www.fitsugar.com/1807205 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/21_2008/small-doc.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" height="332" width="250"></span><a href="http://teamsugar.com/user/drsugar" >DrSugar</a> is in the house and answering your questions. </p> <p>Dear DrSugar,<br /> I'm pretty positive I have Irritable Bowl Syndrome. Are there any things you can do to treat it without going to see a doctor? I don't have insurance and would like to avoid a costly office visit. Any advice you could give would be helpful.<br /> Thanks,<br /> – <i>IBS Betty</i></p> <p>To see what DrSugar has to say, </p> <p><a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1807205">read more</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1807205#comment digestion problems drsugar health IBS Thu, 24 Jul 2008 05:30:00 -0700 DrSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1807205 http://www.fitsugar.com/1799326 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/30_2008/cigar.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" height="467" width="300"></span>We all know that using <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1675561" >tobacco products</a> is a sure way to be on the road to <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/tags/asthma" >asthma</a>, emphysema, and lung cancer. New research, putting a kind of reverse engineering twist to that carcinogenic scenario, is using tobacco <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25787654/" target="_blank">to fight cancer</a>. Scientists at Stanford University are manipulating the tobacco plant to make as a vaccine to fight a type of lymphatic cancer. Once injected, the personalized vaccine prompts the body's immune system to attack cancer cells. So far the technique has been used on <a href="http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/labnotes/archive/2008/07/21/tapping-tobacco-to-cure-cancer.aspx" target="_blank">16 cancer patients</a>. Not only was it safe, but 70 percent of the patients' immune systems responded to this tobacco vaccine. </p> <p>It's pretty ironic to use tobacco to fight cancer, but apparently vaccines made from plants are far less expensive than those made using animal cells. Let's hope this is a breakthrough in the fight against cancer.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1799326#comment cancer health tobacco vaccine Wed, 23 Jul 2008 03:30:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1799326 http://www.fitsugar.com/1591035 <p>I guess it is not too shocking that I would be promoting the benefits of exercise, but it really is the closest thing we have to the magic cure-all pill. I am sure <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1796461" >Charlize Theron</a> agrees with me.<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/28_2008/pill_0.jpg" alt="" title="" class="center image preview" height="233" width="400"></span><br /> Getting your heart rate up and strengthening your muscles not only helps you look and feel good, it lowers the risk of many dangerous health conditions. Check out this <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/29/health/29brod.html?_r=1&amp;adxnnl=1&amp;oref=slogin&amp;partner=rssnyt&amp;emc=rss&amp;adxnnlx=1215623298-JvQf4OTaFWAv8N8l6cHSyQ" target="_blank">long list of health problems</a> regular exercise can help protect us from developing: </p> <ul> <li>heart attack</li> <li>stroke</li> <li>hypertension</li> <li>type 2 diabetes</li> <li>obesity</li> <li>depression</li> <li>dementia</li> </ul> <p>Oh the list goes on, and to see the rest just </p> <p><a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1591035">read more</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1591035#comment benefits of exercise fitness health Wed, 23 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1591035 http://www.fitsugar.com/1802717 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/30_2008/arms.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left image preview" height="300" width="200"></span>They are for hugging and lugging things about, but how much do you know about your arms? Take this little quiz and see.</p> <p><a href="http://gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1802717">read more</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1802717#comment arm health quiz Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:00:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1802717 http://www.fitsugar.com/1796795 <p>Stress builds throughout the day, especially on a Monday. Around 3 p.m. I can feel my to-do list buzzing around my brain. The mental noise can certainly interfere with my ability to concentrate. I found this acupressure move helps to quiet my mind.<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/29_2008/eyepoint.jpg" alt="" title="" class="center image preview" height="190" width="537"></span><br /> I press the pads of my thumbs on the <a href="http://www.acupressureonline.org/YinTang.htm" target="_blank">spot right between my eyebrows</a>, just above the bridge of my nose. I hold the position, pressing gently, for 30 seconds to a minute while breathing smoothly. It clears my mind and helps me focus. Try it right now and see if it helps you, too. </p> <p><a href="http://gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1796795#comment acupressure point health relax already Stress Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:30:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1796795 http://www.fitsugar.com/1791489 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1791489"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1791489',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1791489');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/27/276592/29_2008/73106347.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="366" width="550"></span><br /> The other day I was talking with <a href="http://teamsugar.com/user/nancita" rel="nofollow">nancita</a> about how we tend to follow similar health patterns as our moms and sisters — especially when it comes to weight, pregnancy, and health issues big and small. My older sister is always telling my what's going on with her health because she knows it could be a concern for me later in life. I'm curious about you guys on this one. Do you find that your health tends to mimic that of your family members?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <br clear=all /></p><p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1791489" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Do You Have the Same Health Patterns as Your Family?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, always.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Yes, but just with some things.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, we all have our own unrelated issues.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Other — share below.</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1791489" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></p></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.fitsugar.com/1791489#comment family health health patterns poll Mon, 21 Jul 2008 04:30:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1791489 http://www.fitsugar.com/1795322 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/29_2008/miss.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" height="217" width="300"></span>The results of a 2007 government survey given by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are in and it's not looking good for <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25722208/" target="_blank">Mississippi</a>. It seems this state has had the highest obesity rate every year since 2004, and they're still in the lead now. Alabama, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Louisiana are not far from the top of that list though, with more than 30 percent of the adults living there fitting into the obese category. The South has a larger concentration of rural residents and black women, two groups of people who tend to have higher rates of obesity. The typical Southern diet that's high in fat and rich with fried foods may be partly to blame. </p> <p>So which state is the leanest? To find out </p> <p><a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1795322">read more</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1795322#comment fattest states health obesity Mon, 21 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1795322 http://www.fitsugar.com/1790513 <p>I am a firm believer in healthy snacking, and just like with meals, it pays to <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1101870" >plan ahead</a> with snacks too.<span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/29_2008/nuts.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left image preview" height="218" width="302"></span> Nuts and <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/64894" >trail mix</a> make up the solid portion of most of my snacks, I pre-pack small Tupperware containers with a couple of handfuls of nuts and dried fruit. I just stack them in a corner of my kitchen counter, so they are easy to grab on the go. Since I am nuts for nuts, and <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/711752" >different nuts provide</a> different types of important nutrients, I mix it up: walnuts with dried cranberries, almonds with dried cherries, and peanuts with raisins and dried apricots. I also like to make sure that I have enough cheese sticks on hand to make it through the week. </p> <p>What do you pack as your snacks? Can you pack it ahead of time?</p> <p><a href="http://gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.fitsugar.com/1790513#comment back on track health pack snacks Sun, 20 Jul 2008 03:30:00 -0700 FitSugar http://www.fitsugar.com/1790513