DearSugar -- Just ask.

Speak Up: How Have You Been Affected by Breast Cancer?

FitSugar — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:31:00 -0700

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is coming to a close, but I know for many of you, you don't stop thinking about breast cancer when the month of October draws to an end. It's disheartening that breast cancer is so prevalent, and I'm sure every one of you knows someone who's been diagnosed, has recovered, or lost the battle against this horrible disease. Many of you have stories to share, and by letting others know it increases awareness about breast cancer and connects us in some way. For me, knowing that I'm not the only one with close friends affected by this disease makes it a little more bearable. So tell me, how have you been touched by breast cancer?

Source

All About Anxiety

DearSugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:00:00 -0700

Everyone deals with stress; it’s just part of life. But when stress overwhelms your ability to function normally, it becomes something more. Anxiety disorder affects approximately 15 million people in the US, and like depression, it comes in varying degrees and with its own set of social stigmas. Anxiety disorder can begin early or late in life, but in most cases, it's closely linked to family history as well as severe stress.

To learn about the symptoms and treatments of this challenging and common disorder,

You Asked: Can I Use My Dog to Get to My Ex?

DearSugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 06:00:00 -0700

Dear Sugar,
I realize that I am supposed to cut off all ties with my ex-boyfriend, but I've broken the rules. We didn't talk for a month and I haven't seen him since we broke up, but I just texted him about my dog, whom he had cared for a great deal. My dog just got diagnosed with cancer, and my ex about this opened the floodgates for communication. We have arranged for him to see my dog without me present. We haven't talked about ourselves or our lives, it has just about the dog, but I want more. Can I use this tragic situation to my advantage? — Pining Penny

To see DearSugar's answer,

This or That: You Gave Him an STI or He Passed One on to You?

DearSugar — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:30:00 -0700

After a few great weeks spending time together, you and your new guy have decided to take the plunge and become exclusive. Naturally, to celebrate, you get busy but just a few days later, you suddenly have something strange going on downstairs. An emergency trip to the gyno reveals it's an STI. Would it be worse if . . . This: It turns out that you must have picked this up from your last boyfriend and inadvertently passed it along to your new guy? A quick conversation with your ex reveals that he had signs of it but never mentioned it to you before. You're very upset and utterly humiliated that you have to tell your new boyfriend this news. Or . . .That: When you spill the beans to the new guy, he blushes and confesses that his last girlfriend had it, too? Apparently, he didn’t think males could be carriers. You're beyond dumbfounded by his complete lack of knowledge. Source

This or That: You Gave Him an STI or He Passed One on to You?

This — You unknowingly passed on something not so pleasant.

That — He didn't tell you that he might have something contagious.

When Is a Fever Too High?

FitSugar — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 02:30:00 -0800

With the nasty flu bug making its rounds, there's only so much eating healthy, getting enough rest, washing your hands, getting a flu shot, and avoiding germs one can do. If you're unlucky enough to get the flu, your body will hike up your body temperature to boil away all those germs. So, is there a point when your temperature can get too high?

When you get the flu, a sudden high fever is totally normal, and it can get as high as 104° F, and last for three to four days. The best thing you can do is to rest and drink plenty of fluids, since a fever can cause you to become dehydrated. Don't attempt to cool off your skin with cold packs since they'll just make you shiver, which will end up raising your body temperature. Instead you should alternate between taking Tylenol and ibuprofen every four hours to help reduce your fever. Alternating these meds will help to prevent accidental overdose, and sometimes the combination of the two will be more effective in bringing down your fever.

Fit's Tips: If your fever persists for more than five days, or it goes over 104° F, call your doctor and get some medical advice immediately.

Source

DearSugar Needs Your Help: My Father-in-Law Is a Permanent Fixture

DearSugar — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 09:00:03 -0700

DearSugar and Need Some Space Stacey need your help. Her ill father-in-law has become a permanent fixture at her house three nights a week, and she's feeling bad about being annoyed. How can she handle the situation delicately?

Dear Sugar,

I am writing for advice regarding a situation that is not in my control. I feel guilty feeling the way I do, and I don't want to come off as heartless. My father-in-law got very sick in January. For dialysis, he has to go to a hospital that's far from were he lives and close to where my husband and I live (we were recently married). His dad has made a habit of coming over to our house to stay the night three times a week due to his treatment appointments being at 5 a.m.

Initially I thought it was a great way of breaking up his drive, but now, it has become a problem. My father-in-law talks non-stop when he is here, while we are working (we think he is lonely). He also helps himself to our internet and our only television, and he makes his home on our couch. We are both incredibly busy high school teachers and coaches, and it's getting to the point where we hardly have time or space to ourselves.

I don't feel like I can say anything because it's disrespectful and insensitive, but deep inside, I wish he would stay with his other three children, who all live really close. Please give me advice! I'm desperate as to how to handle the situation.

—Need Some Space Stacey

Source

Dear Poll: Do You Self Diagnose?

DearSugar — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 13:00:00 -0700

We live in a time where all kinds of information is just a few clicks away. The Internet has provided us with a plethora of knowledge and while most of the information is helpful and informative, it can also backfire and cause more bad than good. Sites like Web MD provide answers to all kinds of medical related questions, but sometimes you can self diagnose yourself into an unnecessary frenzy. I have faked myself out over the Internet on more than one occasion, so ladies, what I want to know is, do you self diagnose? Source

Dear Poll: Do You Self Diagnose?

Yes: I am a hypochondriac and I self diagnose all the time.

No: I leave the diagnosing to the experts.

Other: Please share!

What's the Deal With: Being Ill and Working Out

FitSugar — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 16:15:00 -0800

Since cold and flu season started a lot of folks have asked me if they should work out if they're sick. Well, a good rule of thumb when figuring out the answer is the neck check. Exercise is generally considered okay if your symptoms are all above the neck - sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, congestion. Light cardio might actually help reduce these symptoms and give your immune system a little boost.

But if your symptoms are below the neck like fever, chest cough (with lots of phlegm) or nausea you should probably choose your couch over kick boxing. Exercising can make those symptoms worse.

So check in with your self and listen to what your body says. If you are just tired or in the throes of PMS a work out could really do you some good.