LilSugar

Stats on the Health of the Union

FitSugar — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:00:29 -0700

The National Center For Health Statistics, a branch of the Centers For Disease Control, released its latest batch of numbers on the behavior of American adults, and in my opinion, the numbers don't paint a pretty picture. After surveying over 79,000 Americans age 18 or older, the center compiled some interesting stats on the state of our healthy and not-so-healthy habits.

Six out of 10 adults drink alcohol, while nearly 25 percent responded that they were lifetime abstainers. Men are more likely to list themselves as current drinkers than women.
Around 20 percent of US adults answered that they smoke, and 42 percent of them tried to quit unsuccessfully in the past year. Under 20 percent of the current smokers average 17 cigarettes a day.
Only around 30 percent of adults responded that they exercise regularly, but close to 60 percent say they engage in at least some physical activity during their leisure time.
Forty percent of adults maintain a healthy weight, but 60 percent are considered overweight or obese.

The information for this report was gathered between 2005 and 2007. Do any of the numbers surprise you?

Avoid Putting On the Pounds When Giving Up the Smokes

FitSugar — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:30:22 -0800

With all the health benefits to gain from giving up the smokes, the decision to quit is an easy one, but the follow-through can certainly be a challenge. Cravings brought on by nicotine withdrawal can be intense and one way distract yourself from the desire to light up is to eat, eat, and eat some more. That of course can lead to weight gain, so here are some tips on how to ditch the cancer sticks without busting out of your pants.

First and foremost, focus on quitting and don't worry so much about gaining weight. Smoking is much more of a risk than gaining a few extra pounds, so once you ditch the cigs for good, then worry about how you're going to lose the extra fluff.

To find out how to avoid gaining a hefty amount of weight, read more.

When you quit, you may miss having something in your mouth, which is why many people end up reaching for food to munch on instead. This is a great way to keep your hands and lips busy, just be sure to choose wisely. Crunchy carrot and celery sticks, frozen grapes, cubes of cheese, air-popped popcorn, and even gum will give your mouth something to do without packing in too many calories. You can also go for calorie-free options. Sucking on a straw or toothpick may also satiate that need to have something in your mouth.

Instead of sticking to the three-meals-a-day plan, opt for smaller more frequent meals. This will keep hunger at bay, which will make you less likely to reach for unhealthy snacks or overeat. Food choices matter too, and ones that are high in protein and fiber will keep you feeling full longer. Also try to avoid alcohol. Cocktails, beer, and wine tend to be high in calories, and for some people, they trigger the urge to light up.

Keep busy with exercise. Smoking breaks take up a lot of time, so replace them with walks around the block or short strength-training sessions including push-ups, squats, and crunches. As little as five minutes of exercise has been shown curb nicotine cravings. Exercise also helps to naturally suppress your appetite, so the more you make exercise a part of your regular schedule, the less hungry you'll feel and the more calories you'll burn.

You may also benefit from an alternative therapy when it comes to quitting. Hypnosis, acupuncture, and meditation may be effective tools that help you quit faster.

If you have any other tips on how to quit smoking without going up a jeans size, share them in the comment section below.

Smoker's Dying Wish Granted: Morbid or Heroic?

FitSugar — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:40:41 -0800

Albert "Dick" Whittamore started smoking when he was young, and before he died from battling cigarette-induced emphysema at age 85, he had one dying wish. He asked that the words "Smoking Killed Me" be placed on his grave and his hearse. This was his last-ditch effort to warn others of the dangers of cigarettes, so they could avoid the unnecessary suffering he went through from the illness that was caused by this unhealthy habit.

I was a little shocked to read about this at first, so tell me what do you think? Is Albert's request morbid or heroic?

Forget Breathing In the Fumes; Just Being Near a Smoker Is Bad

FitSugar — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:20:39 -0800

Smoking is a bad habit and a serious health risk. It's dangerous even if you're not a smoker: 3,000 nonsmokers die in the US every year due to complications arising from secondhand smoke. Things aren't looking better for us nonsmokers either. A new study suggests that this number has the potential to rise because of risks associated with "thirdhand smoke."

Thirdhand smoke is the residue left behind after a cigarette is put out. It's invisible and settles into clothes, skin, and surfaces, often leaving behind a faint scent of cigarettes. My nose is pretty adept at picking up the scent of cigarettes on clothing, in a room, or even in a car, so I'm pretty certain that I've been around thirdhand smoke before. It's not pleasant, but I never thought that it could pose a risk to my health.

To find out about the dangers associated with thirdhand smoke, read more.

Researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory were building on earlier research showing that thirdhand smoke is potentially harmful, especially to children and infants. What researchers found this time around is that when nitrous acid - a common air pollutant created by automobiles and gas appliances - is exposed to thirdhand smoke, new carcinogens are created. Researchers at the Lawrence lab found that carcinogen levels increased by 10 times after the two pollutants were exposed to one another.

With the research only in its early stages, there is no way to know how harmful exposure to thirdhand smoke is at this time. However, researchers warn that there is a definite "unappreciated health risk," especially to children. Since thirdhand smoke is a sticky residue, it's recommended that smokers do not smoke in confined spaces like homes or cars and that they wash their clothing and skin frequently. People exposed to thirdhand smoke absorb it through their skin or from breathing in dust. If you live with a smoker, it may help to invest in an air purifier.

Turn On or Turn Off? Smoking

TresSugar — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:00:22 -0800

When done right, smoking can be a turn on for some. By right, I don't mean healthy, of course. I mean using the cigarette to gesture. To inhale with thought; exhale with contentment.

And it never hurts if it's onscreen, so smell is not an issue. Smell - and cancer - is smoking's great turn off. But is it enough to make the most pensive inhale a drag?

Why McDonald's May Be Worse Than Marlboros

FitSugar — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 03:00:13 -0800

As far as vices go, smoking has always taken top honors as being the worse thing you can do to yourself. Not anymore. A new study says that obesity is becoming a bigger threat to a person's quality of life than having a cigarette habit.

The results are based on interviews conducted with 3.5 million adults in the United States from 1993-2008 - the largest ongoing health study of its kind. During the 15-year period, the proportion of smokers in the study declined by 18.5 percent, while the proportion of obese adults increased by 85 percent. The study's findings also confirm that obesity causes more illnesses than smoking and that it's a greater contributor to disease and a shorter life expectancy.

Smoking isn't off the hook, though - it's still a major health risk. The study found that there were more smoking-related deaths than those related to obesity. So while being obese will cause a host of illnesses, diseases, and a shorter life expectancy, the greater risk associated with smoking is death. Either way you look at it, it's not good.

If you find yourself in either of these high-risk categories, please use the new year as an excuse to reform your health. Here are some great tips to help you quit smoking and lose the weight and keep it off. Remember that we are totally behind you and here to help!

Teens Get the Message: Don't Do Cigarettes, Drugs Not So Bad

TresSugar — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:30:30 -0800

As a result of diligent campaigning against the dangers of cigarettes, America's youth are getting the message loud and clear. But unfortunately, it might also result in an inaccurate view of other health risks. US teens think that cigarettes pose more health risks than illicit drugs or binge drinking, according to a new government report.

The extreme nature of American health trends is no secret. We're really good at rejecting things like carbs or cigarettes (rightfully so), while completely ignoring other health risks hiding in plain sight. Another recent study revealed that any benefits gained by America's collective rejection of tobacco smoking will be wiped out by obesity. Over the last 15 years, smoking rates have dropped by 20 percent, while obesity rates have risen by 48 percent. Just like smoking, obesity can lead to a shorter life expectancy.

Applying the tactics used to dissuade teens from smoking could help open their eyes to the risks of abusing drugs, alcohol, or processed food. But it might be easier if Americans adopted a holistic view of health that favors moderation over extremism.

Source: Flcikr User quinn.anya

Do You Ask People Not to Smoke Around You?

FitSugar — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 03:47:28 -0800

I am not a fan of breathing secondhand smoke, but it's rare that I'm around smokers so it is hardly ever an issue. However, standing outside of a restaurant recently, I saw a patron tell a man who was smoking to put it out or take his smoke around the corner. I'll admit, I was shocked and overjoyed all at once. The man looked at her amazed, but ended up walking away.

Tell me . . .

New Moon Star Nikki Reed Says Relationship Keeps Her Slim

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:00:49 -0800

If Kristen Stewart needs any help kicking her nicotine habit, she can look to her New Moon costar Nikki Reed for advice. In the last few months, Reed has given herself a bit of a lifestyle makeover, thanks in large part, as she told People, to her relationship with Greek shipping heir (and Paris Hilton ex) Paris Latsis.

Reed and Latsis have officially been out as a couple since Summer, which was the perfect time for Latsis to introduce Reed to all the outdoor sports he loves. The pair spent the season hiking, windsurfing, and water skiing, and as a result, Reed says, the pounds started dropping.

Besides having tons of fun, Reed was so inspired by her boyfriend's love of the outdoors that she became motivated to get into better shape. First things first, she quit smoking. Now Reed hits the gym for two hours a day and says that being active has made her "much happier."

Last week I shared with you some ways that your relationship might be making you fat, but keep in mind that as with Reed, relationships can have positive effects on health. I personally am healthier now that I'm with a partner who likes being active as much as I do. He and I love riding bikes, climbing, and going on long hikes together. Do any of you credit your relationship for making you healthier?

Kristen Wants to Quit Smoking, Do It Too!

FitSugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:30:06 -0800

Kristen Stewart made the first step in kicking her cigarette habit - admitting to Entertainment Weekly that she's ready to give it up, saying, "I'm going to stop smoking. I'm not such a good smoker, anyway. It's not in my bones. I'm gonna drop it." More power to the gorgeous Twilight star, and here's hoping she sticks with it. Now, if you're out to ditch your own smoking habit, read on to kick-start your plan to quit.

Get Support - If you're ready to quit, whether or not you have friends that are smokers, make your decision known. Spreading the word that you're quitting will let your friends and family know that you'll need support. If you're having a tough day, reach out to friends. Instead of caving for a cigarette break, invite a friend for a long walk, a movie, or a workout class. Having the support of your loved ones who back your decision to quit will help give you a united front against your bad habit.

Don't Underestimate the Power of the Patch (or Gum) - Forms of nicotine replacement therapy have been shown to double your chances of quitting smoking, and can help you fight the urge to light up when you're facing nicotine withdrawal, reducing your feelings of depression and restlessness.

For more ways to help you quit, read more.

Find Another Way to Relieve Stress - Since smoking can often be a way to unwind, you'll have to find a healthier outlet to relieve stress. Combat stress with an alternative that's good for the body like a yoga class, soothing massage, or aromatherapy. Natural herbal supplements like lavender, valerian, and passionflower can aid with feelings of anxiousness and help ease tension. Short bouts of exercise can help relieve cravings, too.

Don't Drink - Alcohol and smoking are social activities that seem to go hand in hand. Plus, since alcohol naturally lowers our inhibitions, it can be harder to resist the temptation of a smoke when you're out drinking. So, when you're trying to quit, it's probably best to avoid the bar scene altogether.

Get Your Fill of Fruits and Veggies - Since many smokers fear gaining weight when they quit, many choose to diet while they're trying to give it up. But it's not a great idea to limit your food intake or choices, which can leave you feeling even more irritable while you're working to quit. Instead, think of quitting in a healthier way - focus on how eliminating the toxins from cigarettes will help to purify your body, and choose healthy fruits and veggies to fill you up. You might even try juicing your servings of fruit and vegetables. The nutrient-rich juice can help to curb cravings and can even help flush toxins from the body.