FitSugar -- Healthy, happy you.

Do You Still Use Q-tips to Clean Your Ears?

FitSugar — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 04:30:00 -0700

It is now official, you shouldn't clean your ears with a Q-tip. The American Academy of Otolaryngology, aka physicians who specialize in treating issues involving the ear, nose and throat (ENT), have issued clinical guidelines about cleaning your ears. To put it simply, don't stick anything in your ear that is smaller than your elbow. Earwax, although not so attractive, is important to the health of your ears. The wax is a self-cleaning agent that also has protective properties. However, if the wax buildup causes hearing loss or pain, you should see a doctor to have it removed. Do not attempt to fish out that wax on your own. The ENTs also stress that Q-tips should never be put in the ear canal. Other home remedies this physicians' group strongly recommend avoiding involve using Waterpiks to irrigate your own ear canal and ear candles. I must admit that even though I have been schooled by many a doctor friend about the hazards of Q-tips, I still occasionally use them. What about you . . .Source

Do You Still Use Q-tips to Clean Your Ears?

I still do, almost daily.

I do, but only occasionally.

I use Q-tips, but avoid sticking one into my ear canal.

I never do.

Will You Be Watching the US Open?

FitSugar — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 03:30:00 -0700

While I am loving the fashion of the US Open, it is the exciting tennis that keeps me watching — like the amazing quarterfinal battle between Venus and Serena. The women's final airs today at 8:00 p.m. EST, and the men's final will be Sunday at 4:00 p.m. EST. Both finals will air on CBS.
I want to know . . .Source

Will You Be Watching the US Open?

Yes! I have been watching all along.

Yes. I always manage to catch the finals.

Nope, but I am curious who will win.

No. Tennis is not my thing.

When It Comes to Sneakers, Are You Loyal to One Brand?

FitSugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:30:00 -0700

I used to be a New Balance girl, but recently I tried shoes by Saucony and Nike and loved them too. I've come to realize that there are a ton of great brands out there, and I shouldn't limit myself to what one company has to offer. The best fit is what's most important to me. How about you?

When It Comes to Sneakers, Are You Loyal to One Brand?

Yes, always! Tell me which brand in the comment section below.

It depends on the sport.

I like to mix it up when it comes to running shoes.

I don't wear sneakers.

Do You Wear a Helmet?

FitSugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 04:30:00 -0700

We all know that helmets save lives. In fact, a new report has found that helmet laws have cut the amount of bicycle related deaths in children by 50 percent — yet, I still see folks riding around with their noggins unprotected. This makes me wonder about you guys. Do you wear a helmet when riding your bike?Source

Do You Wear a Helmet?

Yes, always.

Yes, sometimes.

No, never.

Other — share with us below.

Do You Chew Gum While You Exercise?

FitSugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 04:30:00 -0700

I just introduced my girls to the joys of sugar-free gum, and boy, do they love it. Their excitement is infectious and I have started noticing how many people chew gum at the gym. Having had the dangers of chewing gum while running drilled into my head at various sports practices in my youth, I just can't fathom chewing gum on a treadmill. Plus I breathe through my mouth and can just imagine the gum flying across the room. How about you . . .Source

Do You Chew Gum While You Exercise?

Always

Sometimes

Never - that's dangerous.

Complete This Sentence: When I Exercise I . . .

FitSugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 04:30:00 -0700

I work out regularly for my mind as much as my body. I need the stress relief. Even when my body doesn't respond well to things like sprinting, my brain is pleased with the distraction. I for one, thank my lucky stars that I made it to the gym. How would you finish this sentence?Source

Complete This Sentence: When I Exercise I . . .

Thank my lucky stars I made it to the gym.

Watch the clock and can't wait for the time on the treadmill to be over.

Rock out to music and the time passes quickly.

Challenge myself as much as possible.

Umm . . . I don't exercise.

Something else and I will tell you below.

Do You Have Any Back-to-School Health or Fitness Goals?

FitSugar — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Truth be told, I've been out of school for a while now, but when Labor Day rolls around, I get that back-to-school mindset.
Similar to New Year's resolutions, the start of school, even if I don't attend classes, gets me thinking about setting some new health and fitness goals. I am recommitting to brown bag lunches, just like elementary school. September also makes me think about running cross country, and I want to get off the street and do some more trail running. What about you . . .Source

Do You Have Any Back-to-School Health or Fitness Goals?

Yes! The back-to-school season makes me want to be more active.

Yes! The back-to-school season means getting more organized and being less stressed.

Yes! I am going to pretend I am conditioning for a Fall sport like cross country or soccer.

Nope, it has no effect on me.

Other — please share below.

Do You Wear Running Shoes When You're Not Running?

FitSugar — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:30:00 -0700

When I was in college, running shoes with jeans was quite a popular look. But although I wear casual sneakers for everyday comfort, I reserve my running shoes for running and working out. How about you?

Source

Do You Wear Running Shoes When You're Not Running?

I pretty much live in running shoes.

Sometimes, if I need to be really comfy or if I'm walking a lot.

Yes, but only my old pair of running shoes.

No. I'll just wear casual sneakers instead.

Other (tell me below)

Have You Ever Lied About How Fast You Can Run?

FitSugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:30:00 -0700

After watching the track and field events of the Olympics, I am even more inspired to increase my speed. I've heard of people lying about how much they eat, lying about their weight, and lying about what size clothes they wear, but what about speed? Tell me . . .Source

Have You Ever Lied About How Fast You Can Run?

Yes, I have.

No way, what's the point?

I don't actually know how fast I can run.

I don't run.

Other — please share below.

How Often Do You Weigh Yourself?

FitSugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:30:00 -0700

Source

Do You Share Prescription Drugs?

FitSugar — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0700

If you pass the occasional pill to your friends, you are not alone. According to a recent study published in The Journal of Women’s Health, sharing prescription drugs is common among young adults, especially 18- to 44-year-old women. The recent survey of 25,000 people found that more than one-third of the women polled shared prescription drugs with friends or took pills from their pals. The drugs included everything from allergy meds to pain pills. I'm definitely guilty of offering the occasional Allegra to friends who also take the drug, but how about you? Source

Do You Share Prescription Drugs?

Yes, I'll admit, I do it often!

Sometimes, but only if the person takes or has taken the drug before.

Only in extreme circumstances.

No, never.

Other — Please share below.

Cool or Not: Shape Up! Alarm Clock

FitSugar — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:00:00 -0700

This hilarious Shape Up! Alarm Clock (price unavailable) has you hit the weights instead of hitting snooze. The dumbbell-shaped alarm buzzes until you've done 30 reps of bicep curls. I'm all for sneaking in strength training and morning workouts, but I don't think I'd enjoying exercising amid the incessant buzzing. What do you think?

Cool or Not: Shape Up! Alarm Clock

Cool!

Not Cool!

Other — I'll tell you below.

Maramor Dark Chocolate With Omega-3s: Try It or Pass It By?

FitSugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:30:00 -0700

Multifunctional foods are all the rage, like cholesterol-reducing milk, which is good for your heart and your bones. I just read about a new chocolate fortified with omega-3 fatty acids, the fat that is beneficial to your health but lacking in most American's daily diet. Maramor Dark Chocolate is high in antioxidants, but one square also supplies 105 milligrams blend of omega-3 fats with only 50 calories. Sold!

Then I read in Self that you should freeze the chocolate to diminish the fish taste. Mentally, I put this chocolate back on the shelf. I think I will stick with my fish-oil supplement and let my chocolate be just chocolate. If you want to Maramor-fortified chocolate, you can find this multitasking food at GNC. A box of 30 squares will cost you about $15.What about you . . .

Maramor Dark Chocolate With Omega-3s: Try It or Pass It By?

I would buy it to try it.

I would pass it by.

I have tried it and there is nothing fishy about it.

I have tried it and I didn't like it.

Other – please share below.

Are You Relieved the Olympics Are Over?

FitSugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 04:30:00 -0700

I have spent more time in front of the TV watching the Olympics than I care to admit. I even fell asleep on the couch watching women's gymnastics and tweaked my neck. The irony of injuring myself sleeping while trying to watch some of the fittest people in the world twist and tumble is not lost on me.
Although I thoroughly enjoyed watching the games, I am a little relieved they are over. Now I can channel my newfound inspiration gained from watching all the amazing athletes and go work out myself.What about you . . .Source

Are You Relieved the Olympics Are Over?

Yes, I am relieved and ready to get on with my own physical life.

No, I am sad. I really like watching and will miss the excitement.

No I am not, since I didn't get wrapped up in the games to begin with.

I am both a little relieved and a little sad.

Other — I'll explain below.

Which Athlete's Body Type Do You Think Is Best?

FitSugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:30:00 -0700

Now that track and field has been going strong in the Olympics, I am mesmerized by the speed and agility of these athletes.

But you know what else? I'm mesmerized by their toned bods too. I'm not sure if anyone caught the women's javelin competition this week, but the lovely limbs of Paraguay's Leryn Franco is enough motivation to make me want to pick up a javelin instead of hitting the gym. I guess I am not the only one keyed into this, turns out she is a model as well.So I started thinking about all the athletes and which have the best physiques — beach volleyball certainly ranks up there. Maybe because we see so much of their bodies since they play in bikinis. Which athlete's body type, if you could choose, is the best of the Summer Olympic games?Source

Do You Feel Comfortable Naked?

FitSugar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Jennifer Love Hewitt has had her share of body issues and media. However, these days she's making sure you know that she's perfectly happy with the way she looks. In fact she told Health magazine in a recent interview that now that she's nearly 30, she wishes she had been nude from the time she was 12 until 28. This got me to thinking because a lot of us have issues being nude (alone or in front of someone else) and unfortunately for many of us it's because we're not happy with our weight. It's too bad because the body truly is a beautiful thing. I love that JLH says, "I want to tell all young girls to walk around in bikinis all summer—and enjoy it. I want to tell them to never, ever feel bad about anything." Amen sister! But for some, this is much easier said than done. So I am still wondering about you guys . . . do you feel comfortable naked?

Do You Feel Comfortable Naked?

Yes!

Yes, sometimes.

No, never.

Other — share with us below.

How Many Types of Toothpaste Do You Use?

FitSugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:30:00 -0700

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?Source

How Many Types of Toothpaste Do You Use?

One. Why would I need more?

Two. I like to mix and match.

Three. I'm a high-maintenance tooth brusher.

More than three. Don't even get me started!

Other — I'll explain below.

Have You Ever Tried a Gluten Free Diet?

FitSugar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:30:00 -0700

Somewhere between leaving home after high school and graduating college, I toyed with the idea of giving up gluten, 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.

Doctors estimate that one percent of the US population has Celiac disease, an extreme intolerance to gluten, but according to food marketers 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 Oprah Winfrey 21 day cleanse included giving up gluten.I am curious about you . . .Source

Have You Ever Tried a Gluten Free Diet?

Yes and I still avoid gluten.

Yes and it did nothing for me.

Nope. I have never tried to give up gluten.

Other — tell me more in the comments section below.

What Popular Olympic Sport Would You Want to Try?

FitSugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:30:00 -0700

Though the Summer Olympics could stand to add a few more sports, there are plenty of popular events to choose from. (There are also some mighty obscure ones, but more on those later.) If you could participate in one of the more mainstream Olympic sports, what would it be?Source

Which Swimsuit Are You Most Comfortable In?

FitSugar — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 03:30:00 -0700

So it's August and I'm sure many of you have been spending a lot of time soaking in the sunshine and playing in the water. Typically, summertime can bring up a lot of anxiety for women when they think about having to put on a swimsuit. So tell me. . . Source

Which Swimsuit Are You Most Comfortable In?

A one piece.

A tankini.

A shortini (I like the added coverage on the bottom.)

Surfer shorts and a bikini top.

A sporty bikini.

A skimpy bikini.

A shirt over my bathing suit.

I refuse to wear any sort of swimsuit.

I'm never in a situation where I need to put on a bathing suit.

Finish This Sentence: Trying on Clothes in a Dressing Room . . .

FitSugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:30:00 -0700

Shopping for clothes can be a harrowing experience. Between the low quality of the lighting in many dressing rooms and the almost randomness of the sizing, it is normal for your self esteem to plummet when trying on the trendy white jeans. Fitness recently conducted a survey about the highs and lows of clothes shopping and what happens behind closed dressing room doors. The results are interesting and might feel a little familiar. Here are some highlights from the 1,0001 women poll:

64 percent said trying on clothes in public lowers their self confidence

10 percent have cried in dressing rooms about the way they look

15 percent have accidentally ripped or gotten stuck in a garment that was too small

40 percent of the women have bought something that was too small, hoping it would look good once they lost weight

14 percent of the women have refused sales help so they wouldn't have to reveal their size

41 percent have started working out after a shopping trip

Body image, health and self esteem are all tied up in one big ball. So tell me you would finish this sentence.Source

Finish This Sentence: Trying on Clothes in a Dressing Room . . .

Brings me to tears.

Makes me obsess about a body part I never really pay attention to.

Motivates me to work out.

Inspires me to flex my muscles.

Leads me to check myself out naked from all angles.

Other — share the detail below.

Which Sport Would You Like to See in the Olympics?

FitSugar — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:30:00 -0700

I love the Summer Olympics. Yet despite all the excitement, I still can't help but wonder about all the sports that are not represented in Beijing. Did you know that nine new events were added to the games this year alone? This got me to thinking . . . which events/sports would you like to see in the next Summer Olympics? Source

Do You Think the Chinese Gymnasts Are All Over 16 Years of Age?

FitSugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 10:00:00 -0700

In a close competition, every detail falls under scrutiny.

The US women's gymnastic team, older and wiser than the gold-winning Chinese team, performed well minus a couple of falls and landed in second place. The 20-year-old team captain Alicia Sacramone, who unfortunately fell during both her floor routine as well as her balance beam exercise, tried to keep a positive attitude about winning silver as did her teammate Nastia Liukin. Although the team mostly accepted their defeat with grace, the age of the much younger Chinese team was once again questioned by US coach Marta Karolyi, wife of coach Beyla Karolyi with whom she trained gold medalists Nadia Comaneci and Mary Lou Retton. A report was published just before the games alleging that at least two of the Chinese gymnasts are only 14-years-old, making them ineligible for competition. Both of the Karolyis have complained that the stadium officials disrupted Sacramone's preparation prior to competing on the balance beam.
What do you think? Do you believe the Chinese gymnasts are all 16 years old? Or do you think these accusations are poor sportsmanship?Source

Do You Think the Chinese Gymnasts Are All Over 16 Years of Age?

Yes. I think all the competitors on the Chinese team are of age.

No. I think some members of the Chinese team are under age.

I am not sure.

Other — share your thoughts on the subject in the comments section below.

Have You Ever Had Surgery?

FitSugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 04:30:00 -0700

I'll admit that I'm a huge fan of doctor shows like Grey's Anatomy and House — 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 . . .Source

Have You Ever Had Surgery?

Yes I have.

No I haven't.

I'm actually scheduled for surgery.

Do the Olympics Inspire You to Work Out?

FitSugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:30:00 -0700

I find watching the Olympic Games infectious. Watching athletes finally competing after training for four years makes me want to get out and train – run, swim, turn cartwheels, even try my hand at fencing. What about you? I am curious to know . . .Source

Do the Olympics Inspire You to Work Out?

Yes!

No.

Other — tell us below.

Special K Commercial: Ridiculous or Harmless?

FitSugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:30:00 -0700

A Special K commercial was recently brought to my attention. Many folks are upset by the woman in the ad contemplating skipping breakfast to lose a few pounds, and she is clearly not overweight. Take a look and you be the judge.

I do agree that skipping breakfast is not the answer to weight loss, but neither is showing a healthy, beautiful woman as the image of someone who needs to lose weight. To me, they have a good message, it just comes across the wrong way in this commercial. What do you think?

Special K Commercial: Ridiculous or Harmless?

Ridiculous!

Harmless.

Other - share below.

Are You "Regular"?

FitSugar — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 03:30:00 -0700

There are many health topics that aren't exactly considered "polite" conversation — things like spitting and sweating. 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 IBS and abdominal bloating, being popular topics here at FitSugar, I thought I would just cut to the chase and ask a basic question . . .Source

Are You "Regular"?

Yes, it's like clockwork with my body.

Most of the time, unless I get stressed or eat something weird.

No way, I'm always constipated.

I don't like to talk about this.

The Opening Ceremony of the Olympics Is Tonight — Will You Be Watching?

FitSugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 03:30:00 -0700

The anticipation has been building and finally the opening ceremony of the Olympics is tonight! The program is reported to be three and half hours long and quite lavish. NBC was so impressed with rehearsals that they extended their coverage of the show and the show will air 7:30 ET/PT, instead of 8:00. I am curious if you will be watching?
Source

The Opening Ceremony of the Olympics Is Tonight — Will You Be Watching?

Yes! I love the Olympics.

No. I just enjoy watching the competition.

Not sure. I might be going out on the town.

Nope. I am just not into the Olympics.

How Do You Track Your Progress?

FitSugar — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 04:30:00 -0700

One of the best things about losing weight, aside from all the amazing health benefits, is seeing progress. We all have our own ways of doing things, so I am curious about how you track your weight-loss progress.Source

How Do You Track Your Progress?

Based on how I feel

Based on how my clothes fit

Based on what the scale reads

Based on what the tape measure shows

Other — Share your ideas below

Have You Ever Kept a Food Journal?

FitSugar — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 04:30:00 -0700

I'm one of those detail-oriented people who loves making lists. I like to keep track of my mileage, X my calendar after a workout, write down how many reps I do at the gym, and even keep a food journal. It's amazing how your memory of what you ate and what you actually ate differ. Writing down what you eat every day has been proven to help people lose weight. It can also help you figure out if you're missing out on certain vitamins, nutrients, or food groups. So I'm wondering . . . Source

Have You Ever Kept a Food Journal?

Yes I have, and it was really helpful.

Yes, I'm keeping one right now.

No I haven't, but you've inspired me to start one.

No I haven't, and it doesn't interest me.