Health/Fitness « Weekly Gravy

Quitting smoking is one of the hardest things to do, but studies have found that one strategy in particular can help many people: Start anti-smoking medication well before your intended quit date. Under traditional prescribing guidelines, people who plan to quit smoking with the help of a medication begin taking their anti-smoking drug about one week before their set quit date. But about 75 percent of people who try to quit go back to smoking within a year. So what’s the solution? Research done at the University at Buffalo, in New York, showed that simply starting the drugs four weeks in advance can increase the success rate. One study was done on bupropion, known by the brand name Zyban, and similar research has involved both nicotine replacement therapy and varenicline (Chantix). The idea of taking quit-smoking medication earlier in advance of your quit date stemmed in part from reports of people who were taking these medications for other reasons — bupropion, for instance, is well-known as an antidepressant — and found that they gave up smoking without even trying to quit. Four weeks also provides a good timeframe to mentally prepare to quit smoking. In fact, many study participants started smoking less before their quit date and without experiencing strong cravings or withdrawal symptoms. And their cravings tended to decrease. As for results, over 50… read on >

Over the past few decades, the amount of food Americans eat away from home has increased from 18 percent to 33 percent. At the same time, restaurant meals with oversized portions have become a major contributor to the nation’s obesity epidemic. While much of the blame has been aimed at fast-food places, these aren’t the only restaurants to supersize portions. A study done at Tufts University found that meals from non-chain restaurants averaged 1,200 calories, about the same as offerings from the large chains. And meals from three of the most popular cuisines — American, Italian and Chinese — tallied even higher, close to 1,500 calories. With 92 percent of restaurant meals delivering more calories than needed in one sitting, it’s pretty easy to gain weight. Half of all U.S. restaurants are individual establishments or part of a chain small enough to be exempt from having to provide nutritional information — such as calorie counts — so you’re on your own for making careful choices. Here are steps you can take. First, watch out for the freebies, such as any tasty bites from the chef presented as you sit down, as well as a bottomless bread basket. Dipping bread in olive oil rather than spreading on butter cuts out saturated fat, but not calories, so skip it if you want to spend those calories elsewhere.… read on >

If you pledged to hit the gym this year, take some steps to prevent skin infections, an expert says. “While skin infections are not a reason to cancel your gym membership, it’s important to follow a few simple steps to avoid germs while you’re at the gym,” said Dr. Brian Burke Adams, professor and chair of dermatology at the University of Cincinnati. “The bacteria, viruses and fungi that cause skin infections to develop thrive in warm, moist places like sweaty exercise equipment and locker room showers. If you’re not careful, you could end up with an infection like ringworm, plantar warts or impetigo,” he said in an American Academy of Dermatology news release. Here’s what Adams recommends: At the gym, wear loose-fitting, moisture-wicking clothes that will help keep your skin dry and prevent germs from growing. Wash your gym clothes after a workout. Always wear shoes, especially around pools, and in locker rooms and showers. Keep shower shoes, flip-flops or sandals in your gym bag. If you have cuts, keep them clean and covered. Don’t use saunas, steam rooms or hot tubs until the wound is healed, Adams said. Wash or sanitize your hands immediately after working out, and shower as soon as possible. After showering, put on clean clothes, including clean socks and underwear. Never share towels, razors or other personal items. Use disinfectant… read on >

Skiing, snowboarding, skating and sledding are great ways to have winter fun, but be sure to take steps to reduce your risk of injuries, experts say. In 2017, U.S. emergency departments, doctors’ offices and clinics treated: 68,809 people for skiing-related injuries, 54,349 people for snowboard-related injuries, 52,308 people for ice skating-related injuries, and 4,499 people for toboggan-related injuries, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. “Overexerting yourself on the slopes can lead to injuries ending your run for the season,” said Dr. Lori Reed, a spokesperson for American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). “Individuals are at an increased risk of injuries such as sprains, strains, dislocations and fractures due to exhaustion,” Reed said in an academy news release. “You can prevent these by staying in good physical condition year-round and listening to your body. Don’t push your body when you are in pain or too tired.” Here are winter sports safety tips from the AAOS: Stay in shape and condition muscles before starting winter sports. Warm up thoroughly before an activity. Cold muscles, tendons and ligaments are at increased risk for injury. Drink plenty of water before, during and after activities. Wear several layers of light, loose and water- and wind-resistant clothing. Layering allows you to adapt to your body’s changing temperature. Wear footwear that keeps your feet warm and dry, and has good… read on >

(HealthDay News) — Some 13 million workers in the United States may be exposed to hazardous chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin, the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) says. This type of exposure may lead to contact dermatitis (eczema), skin cancer and skin infection or injury, the agency warns. Workers at risk include those in food service, cosmetology, health care, agriculture, cleaning, painting, construction and printing, NIOSH adds. The skin is the body’s largest organ, accounting for more than 10 percent of a person’s body mass. Traditionally, workplace exposure has focused on preventing inhalation of chemicals, rather than skin exposure, the agency says. It notes that this accounts for why preventive measures against skin exposure are much more limited.

(HealthDay News) — An ingrown hair occurs when a strand of hair grows back into the skin, usually after shaving, waxing or tweezing. Symptoms of ingrown hair, according to the Cleveland Clinic, include: Skin irritation Small bumps with hairs in the middle on the face and neck Pain Itching In a condition called pseudofolliculitis barbae (razor bumps), hair that has re-entered the skin triggers small bumps to appear on the face and neck.

After suffering through a cold, many people still have a persistent cough — but why? According to Dr. Jonathan Parsons, director of the Asthma Center at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, here are some reasons for a continuing cough: Coughing is protective. It removes irritants from the lungs and protects the airway. The cough might be due to an upper respiratory tract infection. Even after the infection is gone, you may still have some inflammation in the lungs. Coughing can be worse at night. “For some patients, their cough is so severe that it disrupts their sleep to the point where they aren’t getting any sleep at all, which impacts their ability to function during the day. In that situation, you might consider taking a cough suppressant with codeine to blunt the cough reflex and assist with sleep,” Parsons said in a center news release. A cough that lasts more than three weeks may be a chronic condition. If you’re still coughing and feeling sick after three weeks, then you should see a doctor. Causes of a chronic cough include: Uncontrolled allergies, Uncontrolled asthma, Side effects of medicine, Acid reflux. Persistent cough might be a symptom of a serious illness. “If you’re coughing up blood, spiking fevers or have significant shortness of breath associated with the cough, you need to be evaluated quickly. You… read on >

(HealthDay News) — A change in your nails may be no cause for concern, but certain changes should be taken seriously, the American Academy of Dermatology says. The academy suggests visiting a dermatologist at the first sign of: A dark streak. This could be a sign of melanoma skin cancer. A nail lifting up. This could be a sign of a fungal infection, psoriasis, injury from an aggressive manicure or injury from cleaning under your nails. Redness and swelling around a nail. You probably have an infection. Greenish black color. You probably have an infection. Pitting nails. These may be triggered by psoriasis, atopic dermatitis or alopecia. Yellow nails. These could be a sign of lung disease or rheumatoid arthritis. Deep grooves or gaps. These could be triggered by chemotherapy, an injury or major stress. Curved nails. These can be hereditary or a sign of lung, heart, liver or stomach disease.

One of your New Year’s resolutions should be to be good to your skin, and dermatologists have 10 ways to help. “All the stresses and excesses of the holidays can leave your skin in bad shape, which makes you feel low, too,” said Dr. Megan Rogge, an assistant professor of dermatology the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. “At the start of a new year, we all want to look great,” she added in a university news release. “The good news is that with a little extra time and effort, or sometimes just breaking bad habits, you can change your skin condition for the better.” Here’s how: Chill out: Stress can cause many skin problems and make some worse. So try to relax. “Acne, psoriasis, eczema, and certain types of hair loss all get worse when you’re feeling stressed. Unfortunately, these are the four most common complaints of my patients,” Rogge said. Yoga or meditation can help you decompress, but even simple breathing exercises can make a difference, she said.” Give your diet a makeover: A healthy diet not only helps control weight, it also will make your skin look better. Dr. Rajani Katta, a clinical professor of dermatology at UT, urges her patients “to eat more foods rich in antioxidants, especially fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices, since they’ve been shown to help… read on >