That's Fit

Having a good relationship with your doctor is so important. During the years following college, I bounced around from place to place. I don't know why, but after a year or so in one apartment, I always felt the need to move. Moving from city to city like I did, I never kept a consistent relationship with a doctor. Now that I'm older and -- dare I say -- settled in one place, I've been seeing the same doctor for seven years. I've learned to appreciate having a physician that knows me, my son, and both of our health histories.

If you're going to a new doctor, there are some questions that are good to ask. AOL Health has a slideshow with 10 questions you should ask your doctor. Some of the questions are:

• "Do I really need that test?" Sometimes doctors prescribe a test to be cautious, but it's not truly necessary. Talk tests over with your doctor and learn the reasons he/she is recommending them.
  
• "How many surgeries do you perform each year?" It's not insulting to ask your doctor how skilled they are in the surgery you need.
  
• "If I get sick, will you see me in the hospital?" It used to be a matter of routine for physicians to make rounds at the hospital. But the number of physicians who specialize in inpatient care has risen, and many primary-care physicians no longer do rounds. Ask your doctor if he has hospital rounds.

Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answer. Our ThatsFit.com fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose two per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Dear Fitz, I know that most people are trying to lose weight, but I am trying to gain. Gain muscle, that is. I am going to the gym three to four times per week. I'm using the weight machines there, but It doesn't seem like I am gaining any muscle. Could you give me some advice? What types of healthy food should I eat? Should I be doing more reps with less weight or fewer reps with more weight? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Lea Rettig

A. Hey Lea, your question is superb, and the answer thank goodness is quite simple. Strength training should be challenging. Funny enough, my clients always seemed shocked and follow up that feeling of shock by giving me dirty looks when I pass them the dumbbell I'd like them to lift. Along with that dirty look, I receive chronic cries of, "Fitz! That's heavy!" Well, yes. Yes it is. The purpose of strength training is to get stronger, and yes ... build muscle. If I were to give them weights they could already lift comfortably ... they wouldn't be getting any stronger!

Join me as I search my soul for direction regarding my latest pursuit: A tummy tuck. Will I go through with it? Will I "Tuck It In?" Keep reading. Keep coming back. And you'll find out.

March 20, 2008

I have a lot of doctors. I have a family doctor, an OB/GYN, a dermatologist, an opthamologist, a dentist, a breast surgeon, a medical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, a physical therapist, and now a plastic surgeon -- well, almost. If I decide to make good on my tummy tuck plans, I'll have a plastic surgeon. Which means I'll have one more list of questions to carry around.

I ask a lot of questions of my lot of doctors. When an appointment with any one of them approaches, I start jotting down everything I need to know. When I'm in front of my medical guru, then, I fire away. This method works well for me as I aim to keep myself medically informed.

I'm five weeks from my potential tuck-in date and I've already started the list of questions I plan to ask during my April 1 pre-op visit. My list -- which is already pretty long -- may grow over the next two weeks. For now, though, here's what's on my mind.

• What pre-op tests will I need? Insurance won't cover cosmetic procedures like this one so I'm concerned about how much this venture will ultimately cost me.
  
  

• Should my heart be tested prior to surgery due to two chemotherapy drugs I've received that can compromise heart function?
  
  

• If complications arise and I need hospitalization -- this procedure is outpatient -- will insurance kick in?
  
  

• What are my chances of developing infections or blood clots? These are two of the major risks with tummy tuck surgery.
  
  

• What are my chances of waking during surgery?
  
  

• What is the chance that this surgery will need a re-do? I'm reading on the Make Me Heal message boards about women who go back into surgery for tummy tuck fixes.
  
  

• What type of numbness or nerve issues might I experience?
  
  

• Should I use the inflammation supplement Bromelain for swelling?
  
  

• What kind of compression garment will I need for recovery?
  
  

NOTE: Abdominoplasty is recommended for those whose skin and muscle cannot recover on their own as a result of significant weight loss, pregnancy, aging, heredity, or prior surgery. It is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program. For more information about this surgery, click here.

Heidi Klum has already extolled the virtues of the trampoline, citing it as one of the things that keeps her in supermodel shape. This week, when she appeared on Jimmy Kimmel's talk show, she showed off her trampoline jumping skills -- and dragged Jimmy with her.

In fact, she encouraged him to take off his shoe and socks, which he initially refused to do, and for good reason -- when he finally took off his socks, some of his toenails were painted (apparently by Ben Affleck).

At any rate, Heidi proved to have some good moves on the trampoline, and Jimmy did a pretty decent job of staying on. While it might not have been the most efficient way to conduct an interview (we learned that Victoria Beckham would be a celebrity judge for the Project Runway finale, but that was about it), it sure was a lot of fun to watch. It was short, but if they'd gone for much longer, I would imagine they would've been fairly out of breathe. I mean, when's the last time you were on a big trampoline? It's a workout!

And let me just say, Heidi gets more likable every time she hits a talk show. She's fun, she's goofy, and seems to get along well with everyone, and now that she jumped on a trampoline with Jimmy Kimmel, I think I have a girl crush.

Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answer. Our ThatsFit.com fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose two per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Hi Fitz. I have a question in regards to squats and lunges for working out. I am 29 years old and last year I was told that I had arthritis under my knee caps, so I should no longer do squats and lunges as part of my work outs. Is there a way to modify these exercises or something else that I can do that is just as effective? Thanks, Mindy

A. Hello Miss Mindy. Great question. Arthritis can be very frustrating, and I'm sorry you're having to deal with it! Squats and lunges are specifically stressful to a fragile knee, because they require you to place about 100% of your body weight on them while performing each exercise. Not a good idea when the knee is already sore.

The few times I have had surgical procedures performed, I've probably driven the doctor nuts with my incessant questions and detailed queries about everything from anesthesia to tools used in the process.

Do I trust my doctor? Of course -- and he should not feel insulted by an informed patient asking questions. The moment a huge ego checks into the office is the moment when I find another doctor. Anyway, I'm not the only one who thinks you should ask plenty of questions before surgery --so does Dr. Clifford Ko.

Dr. Ko recognizes that every surgical procedure faces complications risks, but he encourages patients to always be informed about what's going on before a surgery happens and what the risks can be (in ascending order, I would posit). The American College of Surgeons says that some of the most serious problems seen during surgical procedures involve anesthesia reactions, severe bleeding, blood clots, risk of infection and even accidental injury.

Are you asking enough questions?

Did you put a little too much garlic in your stirfry last night? Are you worried about bad breath? According to WebMD, brushing your tongue isn't the answer, and full-on scraping it won't help either -- drinking water and eating healthfully (as in, lots of fruits and veggies) just might do the trick though. And rinsing regularly with a special over-the-counter mouthwash will help too. Interesting.

Have another sensitive question about your, er, bodily functions that you don't want to ask? Check out this article from WebMD -- they've answered questions about excessive sweating, toe fungus, foot odor, unsightly body bumps, face grease, hand warts, female facial hair, stretch marks and much more.

Are you the kind of person who always wears a full face of make-up everyday without fail because you'd feel naked without it? Or are you somone who just applies a little here or there to enhance certain features and cover little spots and shadows? Maybe you're one of the lucky ones who has fantastic skin and only ever applies lip balm with an occasional bit of mascara and blush for special occasion?

Whatever your particular make-up style is, it's important to have an idea of what it is you're putting on your face. But for those not in the know, it may be tough to tell what all of the big, technical words mean, or which stories you hear about make-up are fact and which are fiction.

If you've ever wondered what exactly it means for a product to be perfume-free or been puzzled about the difference between cosmetic and cosmeceutical, take a look at this piece which offers information from dermatologists on some basic cosmetic-related queries.

For example, did you know that natural and non-allergenic are not the same thing? According to the article, products that contain all natural ingredients may still irritate your skin. Watch out for anything containing chamomile, lavender, rosemary and tea-tree oil as these may trigger a reaction. If you're unsure, it's a good idea to do a spot test on a small patch of skin before applying a new product all over your face. For even more info -- as well as the answers to the perfume-free and cosmetic vs cosmeceutical questions, take a look at the full piece here.

Has anyone else ever heard the rumor about the woman who died after rubbing too many perfume samples onto her skin? Turns out it is, unsurprisingly, just one of those persistent Internet hoaxes. Apparently there are a number of other cosmetic-related rumors going around, and this article sets out to debunk, or at least explain them.

To be honest, I haven't actually heard of many of the other myths listed but I can imagine they'd all be pretty troubling for those who were unsure if they were true. For instance, according to the piece, there is a rumor going around that sunscreen can cause blindness in children. I know if I were about to apply a new sunscreen to my kid's face I'd probably think twice before getting it anywhere near their eyes without getting more information first. The piece explains that, while there is no truth to this rumor, it is important to use caution when applying sunscreen to your child's face. As far as sprays or foams are concerned, it's best to put them to your hands first so you can better control how they are applied.

The piece also discusses whether there is really lead in lipstick and if there's any evidence that hair dye causes Alzheimer's, plus it offers a number of make-up tips and tricks to ensure that the products you're using aren't going to cause you any harm. Make-up can definitely be a great way to enhance your look or give you a confidence boost, but it's also important to know what to use, when to throw products out, how to keep things bacteria-free and more.

There are all sorts of definitions of what's sexy (and when I say sexy, I mean sexy -- not sleazy). Whether you're down-to-earth, funny and easy to talk to, nice but with a naughty side or super confident and flirty, your personality will likely appeal to a range or guys.

Ever wonder if you're the 'Girl Next Door', the 'Seductress' or the "Vixen on the Prowl"? I found this fun quiz from Elle that lets you know where you fit on the sexy scale. Answers to questions about an idea first date, your favored bra and undie combo, your typical bedtime wear, the TV character who is most like you and favorite celeb style, help determine which of the aforementioned categories you fit into.

I ended up with the 'Girl Next Door' label, which I think is pretty accurate considering it's a fun and simple quiz. Why not give it a try and let us know what kind of sexy you are?

Your doctor should be the last person you're embarrassed to talk to about health issues, including advice and help with losing weight, but that doesn't mean it always works that way. Some people actually find their doctor the hardest to approach about their weight, instead of the easiest. Maybe it's something about the guilt -- deep down I think we all want to get a good "grade" at our doctors visits and bringing up the fact that we're overweight feels like we're pointing out a mistake that otherwise might sneak by unnoticed (but believe me, your doctor notices, whether he/she says something or not).

So, if you feel you need to lose weight, make a goal for yourself that you'll ask at least one question of your doctor the next time you go. There are some good tips and pointers here if you need ideas, such as asking if they have any pamphlets or brochures in the office and having the doctor or one of the nurses take your measurements.

I've always found goodbyes very sad and really difficult, and parting with a boyfriend has always been the most difficult kind of goodbye. Whether you're the breaker or the breakee -- or even if the break up is totally mutual, ending a relationship is painful. Recently Brian White wrote a post regarding a study with results that showed breaking up isn't actually that hard to do. It makes me wonder who was participating in the study -- robots perhaps that weren't programed to have feelings?

I know everyone has different experiences and I suppose that for some people, breaking up isn't that big of a deal but for everyone I know it pretty much just sucks. I agree with the author of this piece who discusses how the worst part of breaking up is all of the analysis that goes on in your head in the weeks and even months after you've ended things with your partner. Questions like "Did I do the right thing?", "What if I'd done a, b or c differently?" and "If things were so great at first, what happened to change everything?" can be torturous to someone suffering from post-break up blues.

I think the only saving grace is keeping in mind that pretty much everyone you know has been where you are and made it through, and likely you've been there before too. It may be difficult in the here and now, but try to remember that in time you'll look back and wonder why you were so upset in the first place.

I don't think anyone enjoys their yearly check-up. In fact, I know some people who skip it altogether, which is, of course, a terrible idea. Sure getting a pap smear is anything but fun but neither is fighting an uphill battle against cervical cancer. While there are a number of standard tests that your doctor will perform during a yearly exam, there may be other questions that you should be asking.

This guide gives details on important stuff not to forget at you next check-up with respect to every region of your body including head, heart, chest, pelvic area, skin, blood and bones. Things not to forget include whether or not to take an aspirin daily (heart), if a sinus headache could really be a migraine (head), whether you've got dense breasts (chest), if your skin type affects your risk for skin cancer (skin), whether or not you should take the HPV vaccine (pelvis), whether you're at risk for blood clots (blood) and how much calcium you really need (bones).

Lots more questions are included and while they're not all applicable to every person, it might be a good idea to take a look and see if any apply to you before your next visit to the doctor.

If you spend time online seeking out weight loss advice (and the chances of that are pretty good considering you're reading this blog) there's good news: it turns out information on dieting and weight loss found online is correct more often than not. Weight loss and obesity are some of the most researched topics on the internet, and getting valuable info from your computer at home or work is a priceless convenience for many. Experts advise, however, that the larger online forums (more than 1000 messages per month) are generally more reliable and that specific questions about dieting medications should be directed to your doctor.

Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answer. Our ThatsFit.com fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose two per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Hey Fitz! How should one proceed if the dominant-hand side is significantly stronger than the other? I was using Nautilus-type equipment, but felt like my right side was doing all the work, so I've switched over to free weights. Dumbbells in particular. I'm worried about staying symmetrical. Thanks, Ann.

A. Hi Ann. Great question. I see this a lot, and the first thing for you to realize is that most people are a bit stronger on one side. Strangely, lots of people are stronger on their non-dominant side too. Sounds odd, but it seems a lot of people carry the groceries with their non-dominant hand, so they can perform the fine motor skills with their dominant hand. I'm a righty, so I carry my kids on the left and unlock doors with the right. That has lead to my left side becoming stronger.

First thing you should analyze is whether you have a lifestyle reason for your disparity in strength, or if you have some sort of medical issue happening. It's possible an injury has lead you to favor one side. Think about it, and if it could be medical or if the difference in strength on each side is drastic visit a doctor. You may simply be missing a medical condition.

If there isn't one and you're just mildly weaker on one side.......you're already on the right track. Stick with dumbbells. Work towards lifting the identical weight on both sides, and then always do a few extra reps on your weaker side. The extra work will help the weaker side catch up. Let me know how it goes Ann! Fitz

Yo. Fitzie! I've been running a bunch to lose weight, but can no longer bare to do so because of chafing in my upper thigh area. Any suggestions? I'm dying here. Jax

It's hard for a lot of people to ask questions when they're in with the doctor. Whether it's because you feel a little intimidated, you feel rushed, don't want to bother them, are afraid you'll sound stupid, are worried you'll get bad news, or (like me) simply forget once you're in there, it's a real shame. After all, the whole reason that doctor is there is to help you get or stay healthy and to answer your questions and concerns.

So Sarah wrote a post earlier this month on important questions women should ask their doctors, and here's something for the guys: the 5 most common questions men don't ask their doctors, and the answers that go with them.

Answers and everything, it doesn't get much better than that!