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Insoluble Fiber And Weight-Loss

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 14:08:00 +0000

Many fruits and vegetables are known for numerous health benefits. Diets composed of five to nine serving of fruits and vegetables may help reduce the risk of chronic ailments and other physical difficulties. Vegetables and fruits are made of insoluble fiber can supply the body of necessary nutrients like vitamins and minerals that are vital for the development and maintenance of the human body. Many research suggests that nutrients in plants may slow the aging process, lessen the risk of cancer, prevent urinary tract infection, and help lose weight. Vegetables and fruits are low in fat in calories–these factors are essential in effective weight control and weight loss. Low-calorie diets enables are essential in achieving and maintaining one’s ideal weight. In addition to their low-calorie content, vegetables and fruits are low in sodium which means that they help reduce water gains. Sodium is a component of many processed foods, it causes the body to store water in the body. People on the average may be holding up to five pounds of additional water because of high sodium intake. Reduction in sodium intake can help lose water weight, if more vegetables and fruits are consumed, sodium intake naturally lowers. A diet composed of vegetables and fruits, coupled with exercise can promote weight loss and also reduce the risk of many medical conditions. Insoluble fiber in these food passes through the body quickly, bringing with them cancer-causing substances through the digestive system faster. In addition, insoluble fiber helps prevent constipation because these food exits the body faster. Here are other health benefits of fruits and vegetables in one’s diet: · Reduce risk for stroke and perhaps other cardiovascular diseases. · Reduce risk for type 2 diabetes. · Protect against certain cancers, such as mouth, stomach, and colon-rectum cancer. · Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. · Reduce the risk of developing kidney stones and may help to decrease bone loss. Insoluble fiber from fruits and vegetables are not “cure all” for weight control. However, a nutritious diet, coupled with exercise, and lots of water these food can help individuals lose weight. Eight glasses of water a day are recommended a day because food high in fiber get water from the intestines. By adding insoluble fiber in one’s diet, individuals may help avoid bloating and promote overall health. Buying nutritional food that is high in insoluble fiber is important in improving one’s health. When shopping for nutritional food, buyers should remember the following: · Buy fresh products twice a week. Many vegetables lose their nutrients during prolonged refrigeration. · Avoid wilted vegetables and bruised fruits. · Buy small, young vegetables. · Choose whole grain products for greater nutritional content instead of “enriched” breads. · Buy from larger stores or health food stores for whole-grain flours and hard-to-find nuts and seeds. Controlling one’s weight is easier with lots of fruits and vegetables. One ought to remember that these food will not solve all weight problems, but it is a step to which leads to the right direction. Regular consumption of fiber has many advantages that may lead to improved health and ideal weight.

Over-training and Weakened Immune Systems

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 10:46:00 +0000

A lot of people are including exercise programs in their daily lives to gain muscle mass and reduce fat. Many however, make the mistake of training for extended hours to achieve their goals. Too much training may not give the results that these people are looking for. This practice may lead to fatigue and over-training. Over-training can cause physical and mental illness because of excessive intensity of training and not having sufficient time to rest and recover. This incident is common in weight-lifters, runners, and other athletes. Studies show that about 10-20% of athletes over-train. Athletes—professional or amateur carry a higher risk of getting sick. Over the past years, doctors caring for athletes have reported a rise of respiratory infections because of over-training. Health experts say that as individuals increase their total training load, the risk of illness also rises. This phenomenon can be attributed to the rise cortisol in the body. Cortisol is a vital hormone that is often referred to as the “stress hormone”. Intense or prolonged exercise may cause large increases in cortisol levels and a decrease in the production of “T-cells,” a group of white blood cells that play a key role in the immune system. The mental stress that are encountered by athletes may also impair the body’s immune function. Expectations of coaches, family members, and other people can contribute to a drop in performance and the increase of acquiring infections. Injuries, the actual stress of competition may all aggravate psychological stress. Diminished immune systems encountered by athletes are resembles those that are experienced by people who undergo hypertension and sleep deprivation. In recent studies, highly stressed individuals had high incidences of respiratory ailments over a period of six months compared to unstressed individuals. Aside impaired immune system, men who over-train may also also experience a temporary reduction in sperm count and quality. This happens because the body literally kills itself during training and needs time to recuperate to build muscles and improve the body. Too much or too intense physical activity may reduce the level of hormones in the bloodstream and therefore affect sperm production. Sperm quality and production may return to normal after three days. Health specialists add that drinking a cup of coffee a couple of hours after training may help improve sperm quality and quantity because of the anti-oxidants it contain. People who over-train may also experience the following: .lack of energy .insomnia .headaches .dehydration .depression .decreased appetite .increased risk of injury .respiratory infection .muscle pains .high blood pressure Individuals who decide to make adjustments on their exercise routines are encouraged to consult doctors and other health professionals for workout advice. This is important because a lot of individuals tend to workout too much, improperly, and use the inappropriate equipments. Health professionals may device an appropriate workout program to complement one’s health needs. Understanding proper workout and including a healthy diet in one’s lifestyle may lead to improved health and overall well-being.

Crash Hits: Common Injuries In Car Accidents

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:31:00 +0000

Cars are the most visible signs of modernity in an otherwise ancient world. No urban environment would be complete without these four-wheeled machines. Most people see them as a convenience, enabling them to get from point A to point B without having to endure the crowds the rush hours associated with public transportation. However, as cars become more and more available, roads become more and more congested. As the congestion worsens, it is inevitable that car accidents occur and people get hurt. Statistically speaking, car accidents have been occurring with increased frequency over the past decade. The statistics also show that there are a number of injuries that have become common to most car accidents during that period. Head and neck injuries are listed as being typical to a car accident. The face, in particular, can suffer laceration and cutting from shattered glass or shrapnel generated by the impact. Dental injuries are also possible, particularly for people in the driver’s seat or were close to the point of impact. Mental health problems and head trauma are also possibilities. Concussions are not uncommon among car accident-related injuries. Some people also tend to experience anxiety for some time after the accident, though this is much rarer than physical injuries. The most common mental health concerns related to a car accident would be helping the victims overcome the stress of being involved in the accident, as well as the chance of post-traumatic stress disorder. The body, however, is much more likely to bear the brunt of the damage caused by a car accident. Injuries to the abdomen and legs can result in chronic pain for prolonged periods after an accident. In some cases, accident survivors have had to endure lower back pain for years since their bodies never fully recovered from the damage. Knee pain and damage to leg muscles like the quadriceps can also occur for those who are involved in relatively minor accidents or were not at the point of impact. Areas that have been cut or injured during the accident may also develop an infection, depending on how quickly the wound or opening was addressed by medical teams. Broken bones and torn muscles are common among car accident victims, though the likely areas to be affected vary depending on the specifics of the accident. Simple and compound fractures can both be experienced, typically requiring extensive time to repair and recover. In a number of cases, surgery may be needed to undo some of the damage done. Most often, drivers will experience trauma and damage to the legs and possibly the torso. Some injuries may not be obvious at first and can only be treated after the victim has been given a full examination. Removal of some of the shrapnel from impact may also require surgery if it enters too deeply into the body. There are some psychological disorders that can come about from being involved in a car accident. The most common to be cited is post-traumatic stress disorder, though it is not the only one. Anxiety is also a possible effect of being in a car accident, though it is not considered to be a common occurrence.

Intra-Uterine Devices: No Pain No Gain

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 18:19:00 +0000

Now that we live in a permissive world where casual sex, however unaccaptable it may be, is a commonality not only to adults but also to teenagers, an increased awareness for birth control and contraception has been raised. A lot of women are becoming more aware of their sexual health as they are at high risk of becoming pregnant, not to mention a lot of sexually transmitted diseases, if they engage in casual sex without protection. Thanks to mass media’s campaign to inform people of different birth control methods that can be used to prevent. Among the more popular methods are the birth control pills, the withdrawal method, and the barrier methods. All these are easy to use and very accessible to the general public. But the most commonly used birth control method is the intra-uterine device or the IUD. The IUD From the name alone, intra- meaning within or inside, and uterine meaning of the uterus, we may be able to determine where this device is placed. It is a small device that is inserted through the cervix and is placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It has a small string that hangs down from the device itself to the upper part of the vaginal canal. There are two basic types of IUDs being used: the copper IUD, and the hormonal IUD. The copper IUD is effective due to the toxicity of copper to sperm. The copper coating of the device makes the uterus and the fallopian tubes release sperm-killing fluid that contains white blood cells, copper ions, enzymes, and prostagrandins. The hormonal IUD, also called Mirena, works by releasing levonorgestrel. Levonorgestrel is a form of progestin. Mirena has been proven to be more effective than the copper IUD, plus it also lowers the risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease. Copper IUDs can be used for at least ten years while the hormonal IUD is effective for at least five years. Sexual health professionals advise women to undergo a check-up prior to having an IUD inserted to prevent infection of the pelvic area. If anything unusual is found, for example the presence of a sexually transmitted disease, the condition is address first before the IUD is inserted. Because of the material used for the device, a lot of women often wonder if it has an effect during sexual intercourse. The good thing is, IUDs are barely noticeable during sex. But at the same time, because is it barely noticeable, women worry that the IUD may be pushed too far in. The best way to keep track of the IUD is to feel for the string that hangs down from the device. This is done by putting a finger inside the vagina or by using a mirror, a speculum, and a flashlight. Self-checking of the IUD is usually done after every menstrual cycle. If the string had shortened, the device may have been pushed too far in. If the string is missing, it could be possible that the IUD was expelled. If that is the case, it is best to immediately consult a physician. IUD insertion is best done during a woman’s menstrual period wherein the cervix is slightly open and chances of being pregnant is less likely. However, it may be inserted at any time. The procedure usually lasts from five to fifteen minutes. Most women complain of having abdominal muscle cramps during and after the insertion. Taking an over-the-counter pain medication may help relieve the muscle cramps. IUD removal is much easier and faster than the insertion procedure. It may be done anytime the woman wishes to. If the device is removed near a woman’s ovulation period, there is a chance that the woman may get pregnant from the last sexual intercourse prior to the IUD removal. Intra-uterine devices have been proven as one of the more effective birth control methods. The fact that it is the most widely used contraceptive method is proof enough that a lot of women trust it more that any pill or latex barrier to protect them from accidental pregnancies. The fact that it doesn’t shield you from sexually transmitted diseases should be warning enough to keep the number of sexual partners to a minimum, and only to those whom you know the sexual history of. Yes it may hurt a little to have the device inserted, but what’s a little pain if it will ensure that you’re not in any risk of getting pregnant?

Bondage? Bandage?

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 04:21:00 +0000

As a subculture of BDSM, bondage involves people being bound, tied up, or restrained for pleasure. More often than not, bondage is performed as a sexual practice. The derivation of pleasure or sexual gratification by bondage is also known as vincilagnia, from the root words “vincio-” meaning to bind or fetter with chains, and “-lagneia” which means lust. Recent studies show that approximately three-quarters of all men in the United states think of the idea of bondage as erotic, and so do other women. This only goes to show that the sexual appeal of bondage appeals to both sexes regardless of sexual orientation. In terms of fashion, leather has been a staple piece for most people in the BDSM culture. This not only serves as their a statement, most accessories and equipments used for BDSM activities like whips, belts, cuffs, and restraints are often made of leather. Even though most bondage games end up in sexual activities, not all bondage role plays turn out that way. On the contrary, role plays between casually acquainted partners may just end up in masturbation, or, believe it or not, no sexual release at all. Safety is always a key issue when performing bondage as this usually requires the aid of different devices or mechanisms used to bound or suspend victims. A recent study showed that bondage is the safest fetish to engage in. But this is provided that the role play is acted out with sober, trusted individuals and with the use of sterile equipments. Being bound or tied up for a long time may cause friction on the submissive partner’s skin. This, in turn, may lead to bruising and open scrape wounds on the area where the restraints were put. Using unsterilized equipment may put you at risk of incurring infection from those open scrape wounds. In cases where the restraints are placed on the partner’s genital area, one’s sexual health may be put to risk if you take a chance on using unhygienic equipments. There are currently six major categories to which bondage can be divided into, these are: l Bondage that pulls parts of the bodies together. The use of rope, straps, and harnesses are required to bound the hands or feet together. l Bondage that spreads parts of the body apart. This requires the use of spreader bars and x-frames, this time, to spread the hands or the feet apart. l Bondage that ties the body down to another object. This type of bondage requires the use of chairs, beds, or stocks. l Bondage that suspends the body from another object. This is also called suspension bondage. This requires the aide of an elevated device to which suspension cables, or chains are connected to to have the bound partner hanging fully or partially in mid-air. l Bondage that restricts normal movement. The use of hobble skirts, handcuffs, or pony harnesses are used to stop a person from being able to move naturally. l Bondage that wraps the whole body, or part of it, in bindings such as cloth or plastic. Materials such as saran wrap or cling film may be used for mummification of the bound partner. A sleepsack, a type of sleeping bag, is also used for this type of bondage. Role players often set a fantasy setting in which they can play bondage. These settings include: l Rape fantasy. In this setting, the dominant partner supposedly abducts the consenting victim and has total control to do whatever he pleases with the victim. l Domination and slavery. The victim supposedly attends a training session in which he is rewarded for his obedience, and punished for any form of defiance against his master. Humiliation is sometimes involved in this setting. Bondage is not only helpful to a couple’s sexual health, it transcends beyond the act’s sexual connotation. The bondage roleplay’s need for openness, trust, and full understanding of each partner’s difference brings about a new bonding experienced to a couple, holding them closer together.

Bariatric Surgery: The Quick Fix to Obesity

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:35:00 +0000

Overweight and obese people are constantly on the look out for new gadgets or devices they can use to shed off their unwanted pounds. Some have success stories, some fail. Some understand the concept of healthy weight-loss, some are looking for a quick fix. Some opt to do it the natural way, some choose surgery. One of the well known weight loss surgery availed by obese people is bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery Bariatric surgery, more commonly referred to as weight loss surgery, is a combination of surgical procedures performed to treat overweight and obese people. This is best for people who’ve failed to reach their weight loss targets through dieting and exercise routines. Compared to other surgical procedures for obesity, bariatric surgery may help attain a more healthy body weight. Like any other available surgical options for obesity, bariatric surgery has it benefits. Although, of course, do not forget to consider the possible risk and side effects before choosing to undergo such a procedure. Doctors check the following criteria before endorsing s patient for surgery: · A body mass index or bmi of 40 and above. This equates to about a hundred pounds overweight for men, and eighty pounds overweight for women. · A bmi of 35 to 39.9 along with a serious obesity-related health condition like hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and obstructive sleep apnea (this occurs when breathing stops for a few seconds while sleeping). · A clear understanding of the operation and the lifestyle changes that the operation would require from you after the procedure is performed. The most common procedure is the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. Here, a small stomach pouch is created with a stapler device, and connected to the distal small intestine. The upper part of the small intestine is then reattached in a Y-shaped configuration. In the United States, an estimated 140,000 people have requested to have the said procedure, thus making it the most commonly performed operation for weight loss. Gastric bypass procedure has already been performed for almost 50 years, that’s why surgeons have become comfortable with the full understanding of the risks and benefits of the procedure. Risks Even if bariatric surgery uses a minimally invasive surgery technique, it is still considered a major operation. And like all other major operations, you will be administered general anaesthetic, and will require a few days at the hospital and a few weeks to recuperate. And like any other major operations, there will still be risks involved. General risks: · Bleeding · Infection in the incision · Potential heart and/or lung problem · Intestinal obstructions due to adhesions · Hernia through the incision; rejection of materials used for the suture · General anaesthesia related risks Post Operative Early Risks: · Gastric fluid leakage from the stomach or intestines through the sutures which may result to abdominal infection. This will require a second operation to drain the infection. · Spleen injury. Rare as this side effect may be, spleen removal may be required if the bleeding cannot be controlled. Post Operative Late Risks: · Ulcer formation on the stomach or small intestine. · Defecating. Patients may produce loose stools and/or abdominal cramps immediately after eating certain foods. · Obstruction of the opening of the stoma. This happens when a piece of food becomes lodged in the stoma. · Vitamin and/or iron deficiency. · Inaccessibility of the lower stomach and upper intestine to certain diagnostic tests. · Staple disruption may occur at any time. A second operation may be required for re-stapling. · Hair loss can be a temporary problem within the first six to twelve months after the operation. This is mostly attributed to vitamin deficiency. There is no specific remedy other than proper nutrition and multivitamin supplements. Now that the risks and benefits have been laid to you, think about it carefully before undergoing this treatment. Consult your physician and have them discuss this matter thoroughly. After all, this is your body and this is a big change. Just keep in mind that even if surgery is the fastest way to get over your obesity ordeal, the best way to lose weight is still through the natural process.

Death In The Name Of Beauty

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:42:00 +0000

The fashion world was recently saddened by the tragic demise of Brazilian model Ana Carolina Reston, only a few months after the death of Uruguayan model, Luisel Ramos. According to news reports, the 21-year-old model died of kidney malfunction and generalized infection that was caused by anorexia nervosa. In one television show where Ana Carolina’s mother was interviewed, Mrs. Macan (Macan being the real surname of Ana Carolina) reported that her daughter was pressured to refuse eating because some of her fellow models in Asia commented that she was still too fat. Thus, Ana Carolina was forced to undergo a deadly diet of only apples and tomatoes for several weeks. She was obsessed to lose weight because of her fear of not being hired for modeling engagements if she was not thin enough. After her death, the fashion industry implemented precautionary measures in response to the incident. Fashion show organizers in Madrid, London, and Milan refused to hire ultra-thin models and also required a specific body mass index among those that will be featured in the runway. According to these organizers, they want to exemplify an image of health and beauty among the viewers of the show who are mostly women, especially the young ones. In contrast to this, an article in crosswalk.com mentioned that there has been a recent proliferation of pro-anorexia websites in the Internet which can easily be accessed by users. In these sites, anorexic lifestyles and an anorexic way of losing weight are promoted as well as convincing women that being thin, even to extremes, is what is beautiful. Together with frequent images of thin celebrities and models shown on television and magazines, websites like those mentioned earlier are factors highly influential in an increased rate of eating disorders among teenage and adult women. This is because the media can affect the outlook of most people to a great extent. Unsuspecting women who easily believe what they see fail to realize the dangers they involve themselves in when refusing or avoiding to eat. They are the ones more than willing to undergo the detrimental consequences of anorexia, all in the name of beauty. Anorexia is a disorder where a person feels obsessed to be thin and is terrified of gaining weight. People with this condition always view themselves as fat and often refuse to eat. Because of not eating, nutrients in their body are reduced or diminished. The lack of nutrients that are needed by the body, therefore, makes a person prone to diseases and infections. The skin begins to look unhealthy and one will easily feel tired or fatigue even with minimal movement. Psychologically, people with anorexia may proceed to having anxiety disorders and depression. Their depressive states can make them prone to substance abuse as well. A lot of people with anorexia are said to have become alcoholics and drug-dependents, especially when compounded with conditions such as depression. At present, a lot of famous celebrities and those in the fashion industry have made an effort in promoting to people, especially women, an increased awareness about anorexia. One of those well-known fashion icons is Tyra Banks. Tyra, because of her recent weight-gain, had received numerous negative remarks from her critics. In one of her shows, she discussed the issue of anorexia among models and its effects to ordinary viewers and the female population, in general. It was in the same show that the former supermodel encouraged women to feel confident about themselves no matter what body-size they have. Furthermore, Tyra recently launched her “So what?” campaign to promote self-confidence among women despite their being fat. People like Tyra, movements like “So what?” campaign, and incidents of deaths due to anorexia should constantly serve as reminders for women before they decide to take the deadly road towards beauty.

The Danger Signs of Pneumonia

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 04:27:00 +0000

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pneumonia is the leading killer of children that causes more casualties than AIDS, malaria, and measles combined. Approximately two million pneumonia-related deaths occue each year, accounting for one out of every five child deaths. The annual incidence of pneumonia is estimated at 151 million new cases per year, of which 11–20 million cases accounting for about 7 to 13 percent of lung disease cases are severe enough to require hospitalization. Yet too little is being done to reduce lung disease-related deaths among children. A study was found that only about one-fifth of caregivers know the “danger signs” of pneumonia, including its two tell-tale symptoms of fast breathing (17%) and difficult breathing (21%). A little more than half of children sick with pneumonia receive proper care. Antibiotics, the recommended treatment was only given to 1 in 5 children with pneumonia in the early 1990s. It was found that only a small number within the population existed in the prevalence of pneumonia and in caregivers’ knowledge of pneumonia’s “ danger signs.” It is also a discouraging fact that there is an unequal care for children with pneumonia. Children from richer families and better educated mothers and those living in urban areas were more likely to receive appropriate medical treatment. Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung, usually caused by an infection. Three common causes are bacteria, viruses and fungi. Most cases of pneumonia among children occur sporadically and not in outbreaks. People most at risk are older than 65 or younger than 2 years of age, or already have health problems. Person-to-person transmission may occur by direct contact with infectious secretions. Approximately 10 to 20% of all children less than 5 years old in developing countries acquire pneumonia each year. About 1% of pneumonia cases result in bronchiectasis, which increases the risk of recurrent infections. Sometimes, a child’s only symptom is rapid breathing. When the pneumonia is in the lower part of the lungs near the abdomen, there may be no breathing problems at all. However, there may be fever and abdominal pain or vomiting. When pneumonia is caused by bacteria, an infected child usually becomes sick relatively quick. The child may also experience a sudden onset of high fever and unusually rapid breathing. When pneumonia is caused by a certain virus, symptoms tend to appear more gradually and are often less severe than in pneumonia caused by bacteria. Some types of pneumonia cause symptoms that give important clues about which germs are causing the illness. In older children and adolescents, for example, pneumonia due to Mycoplasma (also called walking pneumonia) is notorious for causing a sore throat and headache in addition to the usual symptoms of pneumonia. In general, pneumonia is not contagious, but the upper respiratory viruses that lead to it are, so it is best to keep a child away from anyone who has an upper respiratory tract infection. According to WHO, reducing child deaths from pneumonia requires implementing effective prevention programs. This include promoting breastfeeding, reducing child under-nutrition, encouraging hand washing and raising immunization rates. A pneumococcal vaccine may be available for routine use which would likely have a significant effect in reducing child deaths from pneumonia.

Phytochemicals and Good Health

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:26:00 +0000

Many vegetables and fruits are known for numerous health benefits. Diets composed of five to nine serving of fruits and vegetables may help reduce the risk of chronic disease and other health ailments. Vegetables and fruits can supply the body of necessary nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber that are vital for the development and maintenance of the human body. In addition, many vegetables contain disease-fighting phytochemicals. Phytochemicals is term that is used to describe the fiber, vitamins, sugar, and other components of plants. Many research suggests that phytochemicals and other nutrients in plants, may help slow the aging process, and lessen the risk of many ailments including cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, urinary tract infections, and many more. There are different types of phytochemicals and each works diversely in promoting improved health. Here are some types of phytochemicals and their possible health actions: · Flavonoids – Flavanoids may aid against the damage that can be done by cholesterol. Many flavanoids are found in green tea, dark chocolate, red wine, and apples. · Organosulfurs – Studies show that organosulfurs found in onions and garlic are able to reduce the formation of plaque in the arteries, therefore reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. · Isoflavones – Isoflavones are primarily found in soy and may be able to reduce menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis among women. Soy protein can also reduce blood pressure in men. · Sterols – Plant sterols are known to reduce the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol in the body. Sterols are naturally acquired from nuts, legumes, seed, and cereals. · Proanthocyanidins – Proanthocyanidins may be able to reduce the development of urinary tract infections and may improve dental health. · Allicin – Allicin is an antibacterial and anti-fungal compound that is found in garlic. This compound is not present in garlic in its natural state, but is developed when garlic is chopped or damaged. Allicin also helps fight arteriosclerosis, a disease that effects the the arteries. · Lycopene – Lycopene us a proven antioxidant that slows down the aging process by eliminating free radicals that may damage the body’s cells. Lack of fruits and vegetables deprive individuals of antioxidants and phytochemicals that are essential in promoting good health. In addition, unhealthy lifestyles and exposure to many carcinogens increases the risk of cancer and other health ailments. Smoking and excess alcohol may dehydrate the cells and cause many health ailments. Smoking exposes the body to nicotine that causes the blood vessels to develop cancer cells. Excess alcohol on the other hand dehydrates cells which may cause cancer. Air pollution and smoke from solid fuels and carcinogens in the air, may expose individuals to viruses that may cause cancer and other health difficulties. Eating a balanced diet may provide different phytochemicals that may be essential in achieving improved health and overall well-being. Individuals do not need to eat raw fruits and vegetables to accomplish the health benefits of phytochemicals. Though some of the these compounds may be lost when cooked, many still hold their health properties. It also does not matter if the vegetables are peeled, juiced, frozen, or canned. A nutritious diet composed of fruits and vegetables, coupled with exercise may promote good health and overall health.

Testicular Problems And Sexual Activity

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:35:00 +0000

The frequency of sexual activity and performance changes as men reach the latter stages of their life. This happens because the production of testosterone lessens as people get older. Testosterone is a hormone that is required for sperm production and the development of the male reproductive system. More than just a substance that stimulates sexual appetite, testosterone is a natural steroid hormone that is needed for proper immune system function, improved energy, and bone strength. The decline in the production of this substance in the body causes tiredness, depression, loss of strength, and low sex drive. Age is not the only culprit in the decrease of testosterone production. Improper lifestyles like heavy drinking, smoking, unhealthy diet, and lack of exercise may lead to testicular failure. Because the testicles are the producers of these sex hormones, such malfunction may lead to infertility, lack of sex drive or delayed sexual maturation. Testicular failure may also be caused by testicular cancer and orchitis. Testicular cancer is an uncommon condition that affects only one percent of all cancers in men. Doctors do not know the exact cause of testicular cancer, but many risk factors for the development of this disease have been identified. Men between the ages 15 and 39 are at risk of acquiring this condition. Studies show that men who have undescended testicles are at high risk of testicular cancer. Other factors include Klinefelter’s Syndrome, a genetic condition that involves abnormal development of the testicles, and having a family history that is marked by testicular cancer. Testicular cancer can be treated when detected early. Early detection of testicular cancer has improved the chances of survival by 95%. However, majority of men with testicular cancer do not seek treatment until the cancer has spread outside the testicles to other parts of the body. Symptoms of testicular cancer may include: · Pain or swelling of the testicles · Painful or sometimes painless lumps or nodules · Enlargement of the testicles · Pain in the lower abdomen, back, or groin areas · Swelling of the scrotum or collection of fluid within the scrotum Orchitis, on the other hand, is the inflammation of one or two testicles due to infection. This ailment may be caused by different types of viruses and bacteria. Unknown to many, mumps or the swelling of the salivary glands also contributes to the the development of orchitis. About 30% of patients who develop mumps experience orchitis during the course of the illness. Mumps are common in boys past puberty and are unusual in boys before the age of ten. Orchitis usually develops four to six days after mumps occur. This kind of infection may also occur as a consequence of having sexually transmitted disease. The rate of this kind of contamination is higher in men aged 19 to 35 years old. Some of the symptoms of orchitis include: · Swelling or heavy feeling of one or two testicles · Swelling of the groin area · Fever · Discharge from penis · Pain during urination · Testicular pain aggravated by bowel movement or straining · Blood in the semen Testicular ailments pose serious threat to one’s sexual life and overall health. Men are advised to take the necessary steps to monitor any swelling or unusual growth in the testicular area. Early detection and advanced medicines can help prevent and treat conditions like orchitis and testicular cancer.