Some guys have all the luck, Some guys have all the pain Some guys get all the breaks Some guys do nothing but complain – Rod Stewart There may be some truths in the lyrics of Rod Stewart’s hit song “Some Guys Have All The Luck”. Whether they admit it or not, guys sometimes compare themselves with other guys especially in certain settings, such as the locker room. Time in a locker room can be challenging. It is a place where you can actually separate the boys from the men, at least, in terms of their physical development. Guys are stereotyped to be tough and shouldn’t place much concern with their appearance. Vanity is a girl’s issue. But it’s natural to observe friends and classmates, and notice the different ways they’re growing and developing. And the reality is that a lot of guys do spend plenty of time surveying themselves in front of the mirror. It doesn’t matter whether they have reed thin bodies, or buffed like Clark Kent. The truth is, some guys care just as much as girls do about their appearance. But unlike girls, most guys are less likely to talk to their friends or relatives about how their bodies are developing. A guy may suddenly develop a negative self-image when he sees that all his friends have already matured physically, are taller, and more muscular. Guys who feel that they don’t measure up with their peers as far as body image is concerned may feel pressured and may resort to using steroids to speed up the development of their physique without taking into consideration its side effects. The human body produces natural steroids to fight stress and promote growth and development. However, there are some people, mostly athletes, who use steroid pills, gels, creams, or injections to improve their physique or their performance. Steroids, sometimes referred to as ‘roids, juice, hype, weight trainers, gym candy, arnolds, stackers, or pumpers, are the same as, or similar to, certain hormones in the body. Anabolic steroids are artificially produced hormones similar to androgens, the male-type sex hormones in the body. The most powerful androgen is testosterone. Testosterone is mainly a mature male hormone which promotes the masculine traits that develop during puberty, such as deepening of the voice and growth of body hair. Testosterone levels has an effect in the aggressiveness of a person. This is the reason why some athletes take anabolic steroids because of their testosterone-like effects. They stimulate muscle tissue to grow and “bulk up” in response to training by mimicking the effect of naturally produced testosterone on the body. Anabolic steroids can remain in the body anywhere from a couple of days to about a year. The popularity of this substance is due to the improved endurance, strength, and muscle mass for its users. However, there is no research study to substantiate these claims. Another group of steroids called steroidal supplements contains dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and/or androstenedione (also known as andro). They used to be found at health food stores or gyms but are now considered controlled substance and require a prescription. However, DHEA is one of the few exceptions and can still be bought over the counter. The effects of steroid supplements are not well known. They are considered weaker forms of androgen but when taken in large doses, they cause effects similar to other androgens like testosterone. However, it’s been known that companies manufacturing steroids supplements often use false claims with very little known long-term effects on the body. For this reason, the government passed laws controlling steroid distribution to protect the general public. Anabolic steroids cause many different types of problems. Some of the more serious or long-lasting side effects are: l premature balding or hair loss l dizziness l mood swings, including anger, aggression, and depression l seeing or hearing things that aren’t there (hallucinations) l extreme feelings of mistrust or fear (paranoia) l problems sleeping l nausea and vomiting l trembling l high blood pressure that can damage the heart or blood vessels over time l aching joints l greater chance of injuring muscles and tendons l jaundice or yellowing of the skin; liver damage l urinary problems l shortening of final adult height l increased risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer Specific risks for girls associated with anabolic steroids include: l increased facial hair growth l development of masculine traits, such as deepening of the voice, and loss of feminine body characteristics, such as shrinking of the breasts l enlargement of the clitoris l menstrual cycle changes Specific risks for guys include: l testicular shrinkage l pain when urinating l breast development l impotence l sterility Serious psychological side effects of steroids may result to aggressiveness or combative attitude, extreme, uncontrolled bouts of anger caused by long-term steroid use. Steroids injections can place the person at risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS, if they share needles with other users. Dirty needles pose greater risk for contracting hepatitis or bacterial endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the heart. So, do not envy other guys whose muscles are well-developed than yours. Not everyone’s body changes at the same time or even at the same pace. Working out in a gym is still the best way to pump up those muscles without the possible risks steroids may bring. Most guys will eventually catch up in terms of physique development. However, some guys will remain to be taller or well-built. It could be in the genes.
Tag-Archive for ◊ stress ◊
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.
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There mere fact that the term, “comfort food” exists is proof enough that eating certain foods is good for relieving stress. Whether it is some sort of psychopharmacological thing, something connected to mental health and memories, or an evolutionary instinct, the fact is that eating is effective stress relief. However, when one considers all the stress and anxiety that gets tossed around in modern society, it isn’t surprising to learn that the weight loss pill market is on a steady increase. Indeed, as people are put under more and more stress, with less and less time to find stress relief for it, food becomes an increasingly tempting option. Sure, stress and anxiety are not the only factors behind the increasing number of people with obesity, but it does have to take some of the flak. People look to food as a cost-effective means of stress relief, mainly because a number of modern environments simply don’t allow for a significant amount of time to relax. For example, in those high-stress corporate environments, people tend to have very little time to spare between getting to work, actually working, and their duties outside of work. To avoid allowing the stress to build and become a danger to them or the people around them, they do the one stress relief activity that they can do. A little candy bar here or some potato chips there can be enough to get a person’s mind through the stress and anxiety of a typical work day. However, when one develops a dependence on these things to relieve stress, then there is going to be an eventual need for a weight loss pill or diet plan. It isn’t just the corporate workplace and the employees within it that end up eating a little too much “comfort food,” however. As stated in a number of books, such as “Perfect Madness: Motherhood in the Age of Anxiety,” shows, mothers also have to deal with the problem. Between the stress of having to keep a handle on active children and the duties that mothers have to perform, there is plenty of room for the average mother to binge a little. This can be especially true in suburban environments, where there is often a subtle competition between housewives that puts a lot of undue stress and anxiety on mother and child alike. Children can also sometimes fall victim to over-eating “comfort foods.” With so much pressure on children to succeed on all possible levels, there’s plenty of stress and anxiety to go around. The problem lies in the fact that children nowadays are subjected by their parents to all manner of time-consuming extra-curricular activities, with even the slightest potential becoming something that could be “developed.” Parents tend to be well-meaning in cutting down on the playing time of their children, as all of these activities are designed to help them succeed. However, there comes a time when children will need to be given time to be children. Stress and anxiety are things that the mental health of a child is not fully capable of handling, such that any form of stress relief can be seen as acceptable. For most, succumbing to peer pressure or playing video games can do the trick, but a few others end up turning into binge eaters. Over-eating due to stress and anxiety is not an all-encompassing problem yet, but statistics show that it is getting there. As competition in the workplace, stress in the home, and the pressure to succeed compounds with each generation, more and more people are going to need effective, quick stress relief. Pressed for time to find ample ways to relax, food can often be the only viable option available to them.
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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.
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The Gulf Coast is relaxation defined with outdoor activities aplenty. Gulf Coast retreats provide the opportunity to catch your breath and let the stress of life melt away. Gulf Coast Retreats For Relaxation Finding retreats that are located on the Gulf Coast of the United States is easy, if you know where to look. This area of the country is full of relaxing and beautiful resorts and getaway spots. You can pick from Gulf Coast retreats located in Florida, Alabama or other states in the South, all guaranteed to create a memorable and enjoyable vacation. One of the retreats available on the Gulf Coast of Florida is the retreat at the Marriott Bay Point Resort. The Marriott Bay Point is located in Panama City Beach, Florida, and has just recently been renovated, allowing for a new, updated experience for your rejuvenation vacation. This resort has named itself the newest of the health retreat resorts available in Florida, and with 356 guest rooms, 78 golf villas, 36 holes of golf and other recreational activities, this resort is definitely a tourist destination. It offers massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and hair services, as well as rejuvenation packages. All of these wonderful delights take place in a beautiful Panama City Beach setting, overlooking St. Andrew’s Bay. Another of the Gulf Coast’s great retreats is located in Alabama. The Spa of Eden, located on Pleasure Island off of Gulf Shores, Alabama, has three locations available for your rejuvenation treatments. Spa of Eden offers many different facials, from the standard European-type facial to different specialty facials depending on your needs. Also available are different types of massage, body treatments such as mud and other wraps, and salon services. Spa of Eden offers packages too, for travelers looking for a full day of beauty and relaxation. The retreat even offers some other services, such as yoga classes on the bayou and hydrobiking classes, for people who’d like a little fitness with their pampering. When you’re looking for a vacation destination that also includes a great environment, choosing one of the Gulf Coast retreats that are available is a great idea. The Gulf Coast of both Florida and Alabama offers many different activities and family vacation standards, but it also offers something more: a great place to relax and feel rejuvenated.
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Boys will be boys. They are naturally physically active. They run a lot and get involved in brawls and fights most of the time. They are sports-minded and energetic. They always appear to be strong and mighty. But there is one vulnerable part in a man’s body that needs to be treated tenderly: the crotch. Though testicular injuries are uncommon, men must not discount the fact that such accidents could occur. Men who regularly engage in sports such as basketball, cycling, or lifting weights are aware of this fact. Some sports can expose a man’s testicles to possible injuries. Unlike other parts and organs of the body, the testicles are not protected by bones and muscles. They hang in a sac outside the body called the scrotum and, as such, make the said body part a prime target for accidents. However, because the testicles are loosely attached to the man’s body and are made of a spongy material, they are able to absorb most collisions without permanent damage. Testicles, although sensitive, can bounce back pretty quickly and minor injuries rarely have long-term effects. The good news is that sexual health functions or sperm production will most likely not be affected if you have a testicular injury. Definitely, it will cause pain if the testicles are struck or kicked, which may lead to a feeling of nausea for a short time. For minor testicular injury, pain should gradually subside in less than an hour and any other symptoms should go away. In the meantime, over-the-counter pain relief can make you feel better or you may do some simple remedies such as lying down, applying ice packs to the affected area or wearing supportive underwear. However, avoiding strenuous activity for a while and taking it easy for a few days can be of great help. Symptoms of a much more serious injury that needs to be addressed as soon as possible are the following: · Pain doesn’t subside or you experience extreme pain that lasts longer than an hour; · Swelling or bruising of the scrotum or a puncture of the scrotum or testicle; · Continued nausea and vomiting; and · Fever. Two of the most serious testicular injuries are testicular torsion and testicular rupture. Testicular torsion is not a common injury but usually affects males between 12 to 18 years old. In the case of testicular torsion, the testicle twists around, cutting off its blood supply. This can occur due to a serious trauma to the testicles, strenuous activity, or even for no apparent reason. It is very critical to see a doctor as soon as possible – within six hours of the time the pain starts. Unfortunately, after six hours, there is a much greater possibility that complications could result, including reduced sperm production or the loss of the testicle. The problem may be fixed by a doctor manually untwisting the testicle. If that doesn’t work, surgery will be necessary. On the other hand, testicular rupture is a rare type of testicular trauma. This can happen when the testicle receives a forceful direct blow or when the testicle is crushed against the pubic bone causing blood to leak into the scrotum. Testicular rupture, like testicular torsion and other serious injuries to the testicles, causes extreme pain, swelling in the scrotum, nausea and vomiting. To fix the problem, surgery is necessary to repair the ruptured testicle. Consulting a doctor will require the length of time pain is being experienced by the patient and how severe the discomfort is. To rule out a hernia or other problem as the cause of the pain, the doctor will examine the abdomen and groin. Moreover, the doctor will look at the scrotum for swelling, color, and damage to the skin and examine the testicle itself. A urine test to rule out urinary tract infection or infection of the reproductive organs may also be conducted. Being involved in sports activities and living an active lifestyle are great ways to stay fit and relieve stress. Just make sure you are wearing support and protective gear to avoid testicular injury especially when the game turns rough and reckless.