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Mother or Father Terms of Endearment Quiz

LilSugar — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 07:00:34 -0700

Around the world, different words are used for mothers and fathers. Test your terminology by taking this quiz and figuring out if the word is used to describe mom or dad.

Take the quiz

The Good, The Bad and the Healthy: Cholesterol

FitSugar — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 11:05:41 -0800

It is Heart Health month, and yes I do think the American Heart Association picked February on purpose. It is hard for me to not think about my heart with every heart I cut out for the Valentines my daughters are making.

Cholesterol is a big factor in whether your heart is healthy or not. The truth is our bodies need cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D and substances to digest food. Yet, they produce enough of this waxy, fat-like substance on their own. Since cholesterol is also in the foods you eat you need to watch your intake.

There are two kinds of cholesterol: HDL and LDL. We will start with the good kind - HDL. I find this is hard to remember which is which, but just think "healthy" for HDL. Basically HDL ushers LDL cholesterol to your liver where your body processes and disposes of it.

LDL (think "little devil" to help you remember) cholesterol leads to a buildup of cholesterol in arteries - since blood is basically watery and LDL is waxy so they don't mix (like oil and water). The higher the LDL level in your blood, the greater chance you have of getting heart disease. That is why it is bad.

Folks can have high cholesterol without knowing it, so it is a good idea to have your cholesterol levels checked in your 20s and then again every decade to make sure you are staying in healthy levels. Optimally you want your cholesterol to be under 200 mg/dL and you're at risk if it is 240 mg/dL. Anything in between is considered borderline.

Taste Test: Brown Sugar Cinnamon Ritz Crackers

YumSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:15:15 -0800

With holiday parties looming on the horizon, I've had killer apps and hors d'oeuvres in the back of my mind. Since no party is complete without a meat, cheese, and crackers platter, it's only appropriate that Nabisco has come out with a new variety of Ritz cracker, Brown Sugar Cinnamon, that's sure to be popular come Christmastime. Ritz crackers were an after-school pastime for me growing up, so I couldn't wait to try the new flavor. Did it live up to its highly-regarded name? Find out when you read more.

Healthy To-Do: Call Your Doc For Test Results

FitSugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:00:32 -0700

If you listen to the news at all, then you know our healthcare system is a mess. Doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants - they're all overworked. If you recently had a medical test, be it a cholesterol screening or pap smear, you should follow up with your doc and to find out the test results. We like to think that no news is good news, but that is not always the case. A recent study found one out of 14 times medical offices failed to notify patients of abnormal test results and lab work. Do yourself a healthy favor and ring your doctor's office if you haven't heard about your latest test results.

Home Fitness Test: Step Test

FitSugar — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 04:00:00 -0800

It is good to assess your fitness level from time to time. It helps you stay well rounded in your workout life. Plus, if you test yourself every couple of months you will see how much you have improved. Or if the results are not to your liking, the fitness assessment might just motivate you. Here is a way to test your cardiovascular endurance that I found at Top End Sports. It is simple and fun to do.

Here's how it works:

Step Test
Assesses: Cardiovascular Endurance
Equipment: 12 inch step, stop watch, heart rate monitor (if you have one)

Step Test

Find a bench or step that is as close to 12 inches high as you can find.
Step onto bench with right foot and then the left foot. Step down with right foot and then the left foot.
Repeat starting with the left foot this time.
Keep a steady rhythm for three minutes.
Measure your heart rate for the next minute, by either taking your pulse for 60 seconds. Or if you have a heart rate monitor, note your heart rate after three minutes of stepping and your heart rate after one minute of standing, and average those two figures together.

To see what your numbers mean read more

Age	18-25	26-35	36-45	46-55
Excellent	below 85	below 88	below 90	below 94
Good	85-98	88-99	90-102	94-104
Above Average	99-108	100-111	102-110	104-115
Average	109-117	112-119	111-118	116-120
Below Average	118-126	120-126	119-128	121-129
Poor	127-138	127-138	129-140	130-135

So, how did you do?

Source

Skin test antigens, multiple (On the skin)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:08:07 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

A skin test to see if you have certain allergies.

Brand Name(s)

T.R.U.E. Test

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not take this test if you have a current severe skin allergy.

How to Use This Medicine

Test

A trained nurse or other trained health care professional will apply this patch to your skin.
Make sure you do not get your test patch wet. Avoid doing extreme physical activity, or do anything that will cause you to sweat while taking this test.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are using steroids such as cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, Aristocort®, Celestone®, Cortone®, Cortaid®, Decadron®, Deltasone®, or Pediapred®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
You should not have this test if you have severe allergic reactions.
Avoid exposure to sunlight when you take this test.
This test may cause itching or burning of the skin. Ask your doctor to recommend a medicine to take if you have these symptoms.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
Pain or severe discomfort at the test site.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Darkening of skin in the test area.
Dryness or white patches on your skin.
Pain, itching, burning, or swelling of your skin where the patch is placed.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5187

Testing For Allergies - No Need for the Pricks?

FitSugar — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 11:45:00 -0700

If you ever thought you had allergies, I bet you've been through the awful skin test at the Allergist's office. The test includes about 40 pricks on your back, injecting you with tiny amounts of certain allergens such as dust, cat dander, and pollen. Then they wait about 20 minutes to see how your body reacts. If your skin creates a swollen bump, much like a mosquito bite, then the doctor knows what you are allergic to. If your skin doesn't react, the doctor would proceed to give you 12 more pricks containing more potent formulas of the same allergens - 6 on each arm. These allergens are injected deeper into you arms, than the pricks on your back. OUCH!!

I can tell you from firsthand experience, that the test is NO FUN. The appointment can take upwards of 3 hours. The skin test definitely isn't ideal by any means, but for a while, it was the only test available.
There's actually another much less traumatic test that can be used. It is a blood test - 1 prick - looking for immunoglobulin E, or IgE.

I wish I knew about this when I was going through my allergy testing. Want to know why I didn't? Then read more

The reason this easier, less painful blood test is not used more could be a money issue. If an allergist performs the skin test, they get paid. If they have to send your blood away to a lab, then the lab gets paid. Allergists also feel that the lab isn't as qualified to interpret the blood test. Hopefully these issues will be resolved soon making the blood test more readily available.

This test will change the lives of all those who know they have allergies, but fear the skin test ordeal to pin point their allergies. Most people just mask their symptoms with over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines.

Fit's Tips: Since Spring is just around the corner (read tomorrow) and it is a season loaded with pollen, you might consider getting tested if you think you have allergies. Ask if your allergist provides the blood test if the dreaded skin test is all that is stopping you.

Would You Take a Pregnancy Test From the Dollar Store?

LilSugar — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 08:00:56 -0700

Last week while in the checkout line at the dollar store, I noticed pregnancy tests nestled between first aid kits and hydrocortisone cream. My first thought was "OMG! A dollar!? What if those are expired?!" but hey, a test is a test right? When I returned home I Googled the brand and found out I am not the only person wondering about it. Turns out plenty of people have tried them, most of whom found them effective (well at least the people in the forums I read). Would you trust, buy or try a pregnancy test from a dollar store?

Do You Tend to Do Well on Standardized Tests?

SavvySugar — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 06:30:37 -0700

Scores on standardized tests can make a difference in which schools accept you and can sometimes prevent you from applying at all. There are definitely some test takers who have a knack for standardized tests while others struggle. How do you tend to perform?

LH urine test (home test)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:19:02 -0700

Illustrations

Pituitary hormones

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

An LH urine test detects a rise in lutenizing hormone (LH). Such a rise, or surge, signals the ovary to release the egg. This at-home test is often used by women to help predict ovulation.

Alternative Names

Luteinizing hormone urine test (home test); Ovulation prediction test; Urinary LH immunoassays

How the test is performed

Ovulation prediction test kits usually come with five to seven sticks. You may need to test for several days to detect a surge in LH. The specific time of month that you start testing depends on the length of your menstrual cycle. For example, if your normal menstrual cycle is 28 days, you'll need to test on day 11 -- that is, the 11th day after you started your period.

You will need to urinate on the test stick, or place the stick into urine that has been collected into a sterile container. The test stick will turn a certain color or display a positive sign if a surge it detected. A positive result means you should ovulate in the next 24 to 36 hours, but this may not be the case for all women. The kit's instruction booklet will tell you how to properly read the results.

If you miss a day, you may miss your surge. You may also miss recording a surge if you have an irregular menstrual cycle.

How to prepare for the test

Do not drink large amounts of fluids before using the test.

Ask your doctor if you need to stop taking certain drugs before using this test.

Drugs that can decrease LH measurements include estrogens, progesterone and testosterone. Estrogens and progesterone may be found in birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy.

The drug clomiphene citrate (Clomid) can increase LH levels. This drug is used to help trigger ovulation. Women taking this drug should wait three days after stopping the medicine before checking their LH levels.

How the test will feel

The test involves normal urination. There is no pain or discomfort.

Why the test is performed

The test is most often done to determine when a women will ovulate. It may also be used to determine if you need to adjust doses of certain medications.

Normal Values

A positive result indicates an an "LH surge" and is a sign that ovulation may soon occur. Read your specific manufacturer's instruction booklet for complete details.

What the risks are

Rare false positive results can occur. This means the test kit may falsely predict ovulation.

Special considerations

If you are unable to detect a surge or do not become pregnant after using an ovulation prediction kit for several months, contact your doctor. You may need to see an infertility specialist.

LH urine tests are not the same as at home fertility monitors. Fertility montiors are digital handheld devices that predict ovulation based on electrolyte levels in saliva, LH levels in urine, or your basal body temperature. These devices can store ovulation information for several menstrual cycles.

References

Stenchever A. Comprehensive Gynecology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001.

Jose-Miller AB. Infertility. Am Fam Physician. 15 Mar 2007; 75(6): 849-56.

Speroff, L, Fritz, MA, eds. Clinical Gynecologic Endocrinology and Infertility. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; 2005

Review Date: 5/30/2007

Reviewed By: Melanie N. Smith, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_007062