Dr.Dreams A Health,Medical & Wellness Blog » house

Be Wary of Chemicals: The Safest Sunscreens on the Market

Dr Dreams — Thu, 17 May 2012 19:42:05 +0000

It’s hard enough to remember to put on sunscreen when you leave the house, but now you also need to make sure your sunscreen is safe to use. The Environmental Working Group has just released its 2012 Sunscreen Guide , and in order to make the list, a sunscreen must be free of oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate, not have an SPF above 50, and must be broad spectrum (protects against both UVA and UVB rays). What’s wrong with oxybenzone? Although it does a great job of absorbing ultraviolet rays, some studies show that it can be absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. The Environmental Working Group and toxicology experts believe this can disrupt hormones, damage cells, and potentially lead to skin cancer. Other experts disagree, like the American Academy of Dermatology, and oxybenzone has been FDA-approved since 1978 for use in children older than 6 months. Keep reading to find out what else you need to consider when buying sunscreen, and for a list of the safest sunscreens on the market.

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Be Wary of Chemicals: The Safest Sunscreens on the Market

Healthy Dose Link Time: Miranda Kerr Talks Healthy Snacks and Going Organic

Sean Duffy — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:26:39 +0000

Working out, organic baby food, and more: get the dish on Miranda Kerr – Fit Celeb A rock-climbing gym in your house? You betcha! – Houzz Learn how a little stretch can improve your life – Real Simple Mice get slimmer and sexier from eating yogurt. What about humans? – Self How Smash’s Katharine McPhee stays in Broadway-worthy shape – Fitness The lunch bell is calling! 10 sandwiches all under 300 calories – Shape 7 things to do now, which help prevent Alzheimer’s in the future – HuffPost Healthy Living

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Healthy Dose Link Time: Miranda Kerr Talks Healthy Snacks and Going Organic

A Reader’s First Half Marathon Is Full of Triumphs and a Little Bit of Embarrassment

Dr Joe — Thu, 03 May 2012 07:41:02 +0000

FitSugar reader Dhitri has an embarrassing tale about her first half marathon. She shared her story in our RunningSugar community group. Help her out by sharing your own funny or embarrassing race tales below! So you know I ran my first half and had the greatest time ever. There were a few blunders, of course (what’s a race without ‘em?). Firstly, I arrived only half an hour before the start. Leaving the house without breastfeeding my little miss didn’t feel right (and I had to lose that excess fluid from that part of my body anyway!) and it took longer than anticipated. Then of course I completely forgot about the road closures! We were stuck in traffic and I had to hop out of the cab and run to the event location to save me a few minutes. Also, in all my excitement, I forgot to put on any Vaseline or Bodyglide and even forgot to apply sunscreen. My skin was dry and full of marks from me scratching all night (I do that when nervous). My legs never looked this ugly! But here comes a big confession: I peed in my pants during the run. Okay, firstly I have to criticize the otherwise flawlessly organized race. There were simply not enough portaloos! The line before the start was just EPIC. Initially I didn’t feel like I needed to go, but then remembered that I downed a lot of water when I woke up at 5AM (2 hours before start) and even though I went a few times at home, I felt like I needed to visit the conveniences in case I needed to wee because of the cold (it was a chilly morning at 10 degrees C) or nerves. I braved the line until a couple minutes before start (and was still nowhere near my turn). Big mistake! I should have braved the bushes instead. Read on for the rest of Dhitri’s story!

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A Reader’s First Half Marathon Is Full of Triumphs and a Little Bit of Embarrassment

5 Tips to Stop Stress Eating

Sean Duffy — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 23:58:13 +0000

When you’re feeling a little down in the dumps, chowing down on a heaping helping of comfort may seem like a quick fix, but you’re only doing your body injustice. Stress eating is a real issue that affects our ability to lose weight and keep it off. Before checking out all that’s happening in your fridge or the party in your pantry, read these five tips to help you stop stress eating and start feeling fabulous. Remember, you’re in control. When you feel like you’re not in control of what you’re eating, you won’t be. You’re the only person with the power to change this problem. Recognizing your propensity to reach for solace in the pantry is the first step to taking control back. Stop snacking mindlessly as you watch TV. Coming out of a slight daze and realizing you’ve inhaled a bag of chips is not the best feeling in the world. If watching TV and snacking go hand in hand in your house, make a point to stop the cycle. If you can’t give up snack time while you’re by the tube, make it a point to snack on something clean and healthy like a piece of fruit, fresh berries, or sliced veggies. Take stock of what all you’re eating. Keeping a food journal may seem like a super-laborious task, but after just a day or two, you’ll understand its benefits. Writing down what you’re chowing down means you’re becoming responsible for what you put into your body. When you realize all the empty snacking you’ve been taking part in, you’ll be far more likely to cut down. Keep reading for two more tips to stop stress eating.

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5 Tips to Stop Stress Eating

How to Begin a New Outdoor Cardio Routine

Dr Dreams — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 23:44:31 +0000

Has the warm weather gotten you inspired to start a new outdoor cardio routine? Whether you’ve set your eyes on running, biking, or swimming, here are some things to remember before you begin. Biking Investing in a bike is exciting – once you find the perfect one for you, you’ll be inspired to explore your town, take a long weekend bike ride, maybe even commute to work! But the process of finding the right bike and cycling routine takes a bit of thought. Start your cycling routine off right with these tips: Buy the right bike: Do you want a road bike for commuting, a mountain bike for weekend trail rides, or something in between? Knowing the main purpose of your bike is the first step in buying the right kind of bike. You also will need to spend a few hours testing different brands and sizes. Read more tips for buying the right bike here . Prevent pain and injuries: Even with the right size of bike, you need to ensure that you’ve adjusted your two-wheeler correctly so your rides won’t lead to aches and pains. From saddle height to how to properly fit your helmet, here are tips on how to adjust your bike to fit your body . Plan your workout: If you’re new to biking, make sure you plan and prep your route and workout. If you’re biking to work, for example, read these tips for how to start a bike commute to work , and if you can’t wait to hit the hills this weekend, read our beginner mountain biking tips . Read on for more beginner outdoor cardio tips!

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How to Begin a New Outdoor Cardio Routine

Tell Us: What Exercises Do You Avoid Doing?

Martin Neumann — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 21:32:57 +0000

Everyone has ‘em: those dreaded exercises that you quickly run through or pass over entirely. There are those areas you know need a little extra TLC, but it can be so tough to fight the discomfort! It’s fun to commiserate, so dish which floor exercise you tend to avoid. Keep in mind, part of going to the gym is strengthening your trouble zones. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to help you overcome any excuses. Does the exercise cause you severe pain or discomfort, or does it flare up an old injury? To keep you pain-free, ask a trainer to correct your technique or ask them for an alternative exercise that works the same muscle groups. If the pain is severe, see a doctor to find out how you should best take care of yourself. Do you save the exercise for last and conveniently run out of time? It’s empowering to face your fears at the onset. Tap into your energy, and tackle the hardest moves first. You’ll feel proud of yourself for overcoming any resistance, plus it will be over with before you know it. Do you not have enough room at your gym? During a gym’s happy hour (aka from 5-7 p.m.), floor space is pretty hard to come by. Before you leave your house, complete any floor reps at home, or, as an alternative, hit the gym at a less busy hour. Tell Us: What Exercises Do You Avoid Doing? Crunches Lunges Sit-ups Squats Push-ups Other – I’ll tell you in the comments below.

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Tell Us: What Exercises Do You Avoid Doing?

Avastin Scare Greases Bill To Boost Counterfeiting Penalties

Sean Duffy — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 20:37:48 +0000

Penalties for selling fake medicines would double if a bill passed last night by the U.S. Senate becomes law. The counterfeiting bill, which has not passed the House of Representatives, would boost the maximum penalty for importing and marketing forged drugs in the U.S. from 10 years of imprisonment and a $2 million fine for individuals to $4 million and 20 years behind bars. Companies implicated in counterfeiting crimes could face steeper fines. Under current law, the penalties for trafficking bogus pharmaceuticals are the same as selling other counterfeit goods, such as electronics and clothing, according to the office of Sen. Michael Bennet, a Colorado Democrat who sponsored the legislation, putting suppliers of knockoff Versace purses on the same shelf as say, vendors of fake cancer drugs. Sen. Bennet’s press release said the recently discovered fake Avastin vials, a fraudulent version of Roche Holding AG’s cancer drug which regulators said recently reached U.S. physician practices, shows the danger of counterfeiting. Unlike a knockoff handbag — or even fakes of Pfizer’s Viagra, the erectile dysfunction treatment favored by counterfeiters of an earlier generation – the product is meant to extend life. By its nature, faking cancer drugs puts “Americans at risk,” Bennet’s press release said . Just this morning, the WSJ reported that the Canadian businessman who did bring that phony Avastin into the U.S. is, along with an associate, now under scrutiny by U.S. investigators in connection with separate crimes related to illegally importing drugs not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Subpoenas recently probed California physician offices who bought their products for documentation of their business dealings with the man’s companies. But, authorities don’t believe he knowingly sold the counterfeit drugs. Sen. Bennet’s office confirmed that the change of law would only apply to those who purposefully peddle fakes. Image: iStockphoto

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Avastin Scare Greases Bill To Boost Counterfeiting Penalties

Trail Running Treadmill Workout: Hill Repeats

Martin Neumann — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 18:25:34 +0000

Warmer weather inspired me to hit the wooded trails near my house, and the steep inclines inspired me to do hill repeats. They’re great for strengthening the legs, as well as building speed and endurance. If hilly terrain is hard to come by in your neck of the woods, try this version on a treadmill instead. This workout is moderately paced so feel free to speed up or slow down, depending on your ability and mood. Continue reading to see this 40-minute workout and find out how many calories you’ll burn.

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Trail Running Treadmill Workout: Hill Repeats

5 Rules For a Germ-Free Household

Sean Duffy — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 11:42:46 +0000

Cold and flu season may be winding to a close (and was a mild one at that), but the upcoming Spring cleaning season is a good reminder that germs can collect at home. Keep your home healthy and happy with these five rules for a germ-free household. View Slideshow ›

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5 Rules For a Germ-Free Household

How to Drop Pounds When You Don’t Live Alone

Sean Duffy — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:17:39 +0000

Living on your own often makes having the discipline to eat a healthy diet and exercise much easier since roommates or a family can present interesting challenges to your weight-loss goals. Surrounded by high-calorie foods your roomie loves or saddled with household responsibilities that prevent workouts are all obstacles in the path of healthy living. If you share your home with others, here are tips to help navigate the relationship. Do the grocery shopping: Being in charge of all the food shopping puts you in control of what foods make it into your fridge and pantry, because even when armed with a detailed list, your housemate might just pick up a pint of ice cream that tests your willpower beyond control. Take charge of the cooking: If you’re doing all the meal prep, you know that each plate is healthy, balanced, and doesn’t contain hidden calories (my hubby is notorious for adding pats of butter to everything). Being in charge of the cooking also means ordering less (unhealthy) takeout. This doesn’t mean you need to cook alone – get the house together to make meals. Have your hubby or your housemate work as your prep cook. Continue reading for more weight-loss tips for those who don’t live alone.

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How to Drop Pounds When You Don’t Live Alone