Heart disease is the number one killer out there. We often hear about women and heart disease but what about men? It is number one for them too.
Heart disease affects not only the heart but the entire cardiovascular system. When someone has a heart attack it is because blood couldn’t reach a certain part of the heart through the coronary arteries. There can be congenital defects that affect the heart as well as stenosis in the aorta and other blood vessels of the body.
When it comes to your heart, there is no playing around. Heart disease doesn’t develop all at once but over time. But the risk can be reduced and many risk factors may be reversed with proper care of your heart and the rest of your body.
Here are a few ways that men can improve their chances of avoiding heart disease in their life.
1. Eat a healthy variety of foods. This goes without saying. When people worked the land and stayed active from sunup to sundown, they could eat plenty of meat and potatoes to keep them going. Nowadays that is not the case. Protein doesn’t have to come from meat sources alone. Eating a variety of plant proteins as well as fish and poultry reduces the amount of saturated fats ingested. Saturated fats play a big role in the cholesterol levels in the body.
2. Manage your condition. If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart issues already, take your medicine as directed. That, along with a healthy diet can improve your condition and may result in you being able to stop the medication in the future.
3. Keep your weight within prescribed limits. Maintaining a healthy weight is important to reduce the risk of heart disease. A healthy weight also reduces your risk of metabolic conditions that contribute to diseases like diabetes.
4. Reduce stress. Increased levels of stress can lead to overeating or lack of proper nutrition, which in turn can lead to obesity and an increased risk of heart disease.
5. Avoid high fat and high calorie foods. Some of our favorite foods are high in fat, but that can lead to clogging of the arteries because of cholesterol plaques that stick to vessel walls. This is not only normal vessels throughout the body but also the coronary vessels.
6. Get physically active. Regular exercise not only helps with weight control but also cardiovascular health and stress management. Strong muscles work more efficiently.
7. Stop smoking. Smoking can reduce the elasticity in the vessels of the body, including those that feed the heart.
Heart disease is an immediate threat for men as well as women. Take steps each day to lower your risk factors.

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More and more people are turning to alternative methods to treat their medical conditions. For the condition Alzheimer’s there are several alternative treatments currently in use. However, before using any alternative treatment it is best to consult your doctor.
Alternative medicines vary in their dosages and effectiveness. There is no government agency that regulates their formulation or the effects that they may or may not have. Companies can volunteer any testimonials and information from their customers, but are not required to do so.
If you (or a loved one) are already taking medication for Alzheimer’s, introducing alternative remedies into the mix can cause problems. The effectiveness of the traditional medication can be reduced or compromised altogether.
Alternative treatments usually involve using non-invasive therapies, herbal remedies and other supplements. Many have similar results in the body to more traditional medicines, but without all of the side effects. If you are thinking about alternative methods of treatment, here are a few choices.
* Gingko Biloba – This is a common plant extract that people take for memory loss. Gingko biloba has been used in Chinese medicine as a way to improve memory. It is thought to be useful as an antioxidant, protecting the integrity of cellular membranes. There is no conclusive evidence, however, that it has any benefit for Alzheimer’s sufferers.
* Huperzine A – This is a type of moss also used in Chinese medicine. The effects of using this supplement are thought to be similar to prescribed cholinesterase inhibitors. They increase the levels of acetylcholine in the brain, which plays a role in memory function. Clinical trials are in the works to do more testing on the compound to find out if it has any significant benefits.
* Ergoloid Mesylates – These are derived from rye fungus. The remedy has been used already in Europe.  Early research has shown positive results but more testing is necessary. Ergoloid mesylates can be given in liquid or pill form.
* Omega-3 fatty acids – These can be found in cold water fish and in plant sources. These fatty acids play a role in brain health and are helpful to reduce inflammation and increase immunity. It is best to get your dose from natural sources but supplementation can give you more of what you need.
* Lemon Balm (Melisa officianalis) – Lemon balm is used as a calming agent. It helps to relieve depression, anxiety and their symptoms. Alzheimer’s patients can be prone to outbursts, anger and depression over their condition as it progresses. This can be a natural way to deal with these situations.
Alternative treatments for Alzheimer’s may offer some relief for various symptoms of the disease. It is best to see your doctor first to discuss both traditional and non-traditional ways for dealing with the treatment.

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Osteoporosis is a painful condition that results in brittle bones due to bone density loss. You can suffer a fracture from the simplest of tasks that otherwise wouldn’t cause an injury. Osteoporosis can result from a lack of proper calcium in the bones.

Calcium is a mineral that is used by the bones to keep them strong. When it is not present, the bone gets weaker. This has been seen in women in later stages of life.

Pregnancy is a new area where osteoporosis has been reported. During pregnancy, the mother’s body acts as a carrier for her unborn child. Everything that the fetus needs comes from the mother’s systems. It is important to eat properly at this time so that the baby and the mother get the nutrients that they need. For baby, these nutrients are helping their body to form.

The human body is a wonderful machine. When a woman is pregnant, her body goes through changes. Because the baby’s body is building bone, it requires more calcium, most often during the second and third trimesters. The mother’s body compensates with greater absorption of calcium.

The body also prepares for the extra weight of the baby. More estrogen is produced to help build stronger bone to carry the weight. At every turn the body is prepared for the baby’s presence.

So, why is osteoporosis showing up in pregnant women? There are a few reasons. One, the mother may have certain factors present in her life that predispose her to osteoporosis. When she becomes pregnant, the changes in her body cause the condition to manifest.

There is some suggestion that breastfeeding can lead to loss of bone. When mothers are lactating, more calcium is needed to meet the demand of the baby. Estrogen levels are lower at this time, almost like they are when a woman goes through menopause. Her bone density can be compromised at this time and this can result in osteoporotic fractures. In some studies, however, it seems that women who have more children are at a lower risk for osteoporosis than women who have never had a child.

The good news in all this is that the state of osteoporosis during pregnancy can be reversed. After delivery and also after cessation of breastfeeding, the condition seems to correct itself.

So, is it a major concern for women? It doesn’t appear to be at the moment, but scientists are watching to see if osteoporosis during pregnancy becomes a more common occurrence.

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As you age, hearing loss is a fact of life. Depending on your health, hearing loss may be more profound in some than in others. There is a name for this type of hearing loss, called presbycusis. Presybcusis has many causes including age, exposure to loud noises for many years, illness and auditory damage due to chemicals. Whatever the cause, the result is the same: you will slowly lose your hearing.

With moderate hearing loss, elderly people can learn to “fake” it. You can still hear well enough to distinguish conversations. When you can’t, such as in a crowded room or when someone is calling to you from behind, you pretend not to hear or to be distracted. That will work well for a while but is not a permanent solution.

There is a dangerous side to undisclosed hearing loss. Without treatment, a hearing problem can compromise your safety and that of others. For instance, hearing is very important while driving. Not hearing the warning blare of a car horn or an emergency vehicle can lead to an accident.

Many elderly people are afraid that they will lose their independence because of hearing loss. Children may decide to put them into nursing homes or assisted living facilities instead of letting them continue to live alone. The threat of this outcome is more than they can bear. Even with silence though, hearing loss can be mistaken for senility or some other disease process.

The elderly retreat into their own isolated world to avoid their hearing loss from being discovered. Instead of risking a social situation where they won’t be able to hear, they withdraw from friends and family saying that they are too tired to participate. Just the toll of isolation and the worry can lead to depression.

If you do suffer from hearing loss, the bets thing is to be upfront with the people who love you. Tell them of your concerns. Look for options to combat hearing loss together. One option is hearing aids. If your hearing loss is mild to moderate, a set of hearing aids may increase your decibel range.

The key is to confront a hearing problem before it gets out of hand. To avoid further hearing loss, lower your risk factors. Monitor the sound level around you at all times to preserve your remaining cells in your inner ear. It may not be necessary to give up your independence because you are losing your hearing.

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Detoxification diet

There are many reasons people may choose a juice fast diet over another type. Juice fasts can be used for losing weight, religious reasons, or to assist in weaning oneself from possible unhealthy habits. These could include overeating, caffeine addiction or smoking – to name a few. Then there are fasters who are a little more serious about their routines with juice fasting. They use it as an alternative healing technique to many conventional treatments. It may be used as a healing method for pain management, arthritis, infections resistant to antibiotics and other ailments as well.

There are certain people for whom juice diets aren’t recommended. This group of people includes pregnant or nursing women, children, diabetics, or people with anemia. Anyone with an impaired immune system, low blood pressure, terminal illness or epilepsy should also stay clear. People with any chronic illness or condition should steer clear of a juice fast unless they doing so under strict medical supervision. Never try a juice fast before or after surgery.

When considering how long your juice fast is going to last, there is an easy rule of thumb to follow. Continue with the juice fast until you have two days without any symptoms of detoxification. If you wish, you can also stick to a juice fast three or four days a week while eating a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables the other days. Along with sipping your juice during the day, it is recommended you also consume approximately six glasses of water at room temperature.

Some ingredients which can be used in juice fasts are:

Vegetables: celery, cucumber, tomato, bell pepper, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes.

Greens: parsley, beet greens, chard, kale, dandelion leaf and spinach.

Herbs: fennel, spearmint, yucca root, basil, ginger, peppermint, green onion, chili pepper.

Fruits: grapes, apples, citrus, Açai berry.

Extras : wheatgrass juice, spirulina, complete vitamin & mineral supplement, psyllium husks.

Some side effects of a juice fast need mentioning here. Some common but temporary side effects include headaches, hypoglycemia, acne, tiredness, bad breath and an increase in body odor. Others could include dizziness or fainting, low blood pressure, weight loss, hunger, heart palpitations, vomiting and kidney problems. If you experience any of these side effects or any situation worsens contact a medical professional immediately.

During a juice fast the stomach shrinks to its original size, about the size of your fist. After only three days of simply ingesting raw organic and fresh juices and water, you will lose those cravings for solid foods. Your mind might try to tell you differently; however, your body doesn’t need more at this time. While just drinking your food, your stomach is able to get some well-deserved rest, allowing your colon to shed old compacted material which could be waiting there to cause future disease.

If you are considering a diet which is more than just counting calories, this extreme detox diet could be the one for you. Using juices in this diet beneficially provides the antioxidants and vitamins required to keep you healthy for the duration.

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Health benefits of Probiotics

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are bacteria that support life. You already have bacteria in your body. These good bacteria support a healthy immune system. Ideally, you want the healthy good bacterial to outnumber the bad bacteria to fight infections.

Eating foods that are high in probiotics is a plus especially when you are taking medications. By definition antibiotics are the direct opposite of probiotics. They kill bacteria.

While they are useful for killing the bacteria that cause infections like urinary tract and vaginal yeast, the good bacteria are also decreased at the same time. Probiotics reverse this process to replenish the good bacteria in your system. That is one reason that eating yogurt helps prevent vaginal yeast infections when taking antibiotics at the same time.

Where are probiotics?

Have you seen those commercials for yogurt that can improve your digestive health? They are all over the television and magazine ads. The live bacteria cultures found in yogurt are one example of probiotics. Bacteria like lactobacillus, in its many strains, are plentiful in yogurt and provides for an increase in intestinal bacteria.

When buying yogurt, look for natural yogurt that contains no added sugars or flavoring. Plain yogurt is the best because it adds the most benefit with the least amount of added calories and sweeteners. Yogurt can be made at home instead of purchased at the grocery store.

Other probiotics can be found in fermented food. Think of pickles, sauerkraut, acidophilus milk, cheese and miso paste (a soybean paste found in Japanese foods). Bacteria are introduced to ferment foods and these bacteria are probiotics. Also try kefir (a milk drink) for increasing the probiotics in your diet.

If none of these appeal to you, try taking probiotic supplements. The exact amount of probiotics needed each day is not well known but even a small amount can protect you from intestinal troubles and prevent certain conditions like diarrhea and yeast infections. Many supplements contain billions of beneficial bacterial cultures in each pill. How many you get from food is unknown but eating probiotic foods are preferable for most people.

Incorporating probiotics into your diet

Eating a cup of yogurt each day with breakfast and as a snack provides calcium and also probiotic bacteria. Regularly eating yogurt, aged cheeses and/or probiotic milk establishes these good bacteria in your system so they are already there when needed. As long as your body tolerates these food choices it can’t hurt to give your digestive system a healthy dose of the good stuff.

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1. Adjust the temperature in your room. You may not have a separate control but the entire household can benefit from a cooler temperature for snoozing. High humidity makes it harder to fall asleep comfortably.

2. Resist the urge to do any work or watch television in bed. When you perform other tasks in the bedroom, your brain doesn’t associate your bed with sleep only. When you turn on the television, the mind revs up instead of slowing down for rest.

3. Play soothing music. Slow, instrumental tunes lull the body and the mind to sleep. It can be a nightly signal that sleep is coming and the body will begin to relax.

4. Diet and exercise can improve sleep patterns. Extra weight on your body frame can lead to leg and/or back pain. Lying down can shift the weight and make it uncomfortable to sleep in certain positions. Even losing ten percent of your body weight can lead to a more comfortable and sustained sleep.

5. Take a warm bath or shower before bed. Use soothing bath oil cleansers like lavender and chamomile to put you in the mood for relaxation and sleep. Light a few candles around the tub to enhance the effect.

6. Begin a night-time routine to induce sleep. Too many of us go right from working or doing chores to hopping in the bed. The mind is still reeling with tasks done and those still to be accomplished. At least half an hour or 45 minutes before bedtime, begin a ritual of bathing, massage, soothing music, darkening the room, meditation and other things to prepare for bed. Try the same routine each night.

7. Go to the bathroom. You don’t want to wake up from a sound sleep to urinate. Going to the bathroom before sleep leads to longer periods of rest.

8. Go to bed at an earlier time. Length of sleep time is as important as the quality. For body function, it is recommended that you sleep at least seven to nine hours each night. Better sleep leads to waking up on your own instead of hitting the snooze button.

9. Don’t drink caffeine before bed. Some people have a relaxing cup of tea, but tea contains caffeine which is a stimulant. Instead of getting sleepy you get more wide awake.

10. Don’t eat before bed. Food in the stomach can lead to heartburn (especially if you are overweight). Some say eating before bed causes bad dreams but that is an old wives’ tale.

Sleep is important for body function and cellular repair. Without enough sleep each night, you are more affected by stress and disease. Protect your body and boost your immune system with these sleep ideas.

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Eating disorders are not new and neither is their existence in the male population. The reason you may not have heard about it is the stigma attached to having a problem controlling your food. According to a Harvard study (2007), as much as 25 percent of those in the study were anorexic males and 40 percent were binge-eating males. For a condition that has been decidedly “female” these are high numbers.

The effects of eating disorders are more readily noticed among girls. Wearing tight-fitting clothing or other outfits that show their shape reveal the skin and bones that mortify parents and friends. Girls are also more likely to confide in a friend about their “new diet” than guys are.

Men and boys can hide the results of their eating disorders better than women and girls. Furthermore, changes in their body are quickly attributed to anything but an eating disorder. Parents don’t even think that an eating disorder can affect their son.

Even the males themselves are not likely to admit that they have an eating disorder. Being associated with a “girl’s disease” can be seen as unmanly or feminine. For fear of being called names, they hide their pain and their obsession with food.

Think about advertising. The female population is inundated with photo after photo of the “perfect body” according to modeling agencies and style magazines. Especially during the teenage years, the pressure to fit in and be liked by the opposite sex can lead to an unrealistic view of their bodies.

The same goes for men. Seeing rock hard abs on models and male actors has them wondering if they need to look like that to attract girls. This jaded thinking can lead to unhealthy eating and exercising habits that ruin a boy’s health and his self-image.

Men are still hesitant to come forward and reveal themselves as having a problem with eating disorders. It is still thought of by some professionals as a “female” disease and they are not diagnosing it as much in males. To help raise awareness, a few Hollywood actors have stepped forth and admitted that they suffer from eating disorders.

To heighten awareness, parents and others have to become familiar with the signs and symptoms of eating disorders not only for their daughters but also for their sons. The first step is acceptance of the disorder in men and boys to shatter the stigma that is keeping them from getting the help that they need.

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3 common golf injuries

To the casual onlooker, golf may be seen as a sport with limited movement except walking from hole to hole. The possibility of injury is slim to none – or is it? Because of the mechanics of golf, there is the potential for many injuries to take place within the body if the techniques are not performed correctly.

Let’s talk about the three most common injuries:

1. Golfer’s Elbow – This is almost like tennis elbow. Golf clubs can be heavy and awkward to use. All of the weight is in the bottom of the club so you have to compensate for that when you swing. Also, the way that you hold the club can lead to golfer’s elbow. This condition is also called medial epicondylitis.

The muscles in the forearm get a lot of work along with the tendons that hold those muscles to the elbow. Tears can develop in the tendons from overuse or poor technique. How do you know if you are suffering from golfer’s elbow? When you extend your forearm, you might experience a shooting pain down your arm towards your wrist. It may be hard to turn your forearm without pain.

2. Torn Rotator Cuff – This is a common injury because of the golf swing. The swing involves raising the club behind you, the downswing, hitting the ball and the follow through swing. All of these things work the shoulder. It is not uncommon for the shoulder to feel sore when you start out or when you have played several rounds of golf in one day.

Tearing the rotator cuff muscle can lead to decreased movement in the shoulder. It will be harder to hold the club above your head, let alone swing it. Not conditioning this muscle before and after playing golf can make it weak and more susceptible to tearing with each swing. If you notice a soreness and inflammation in your shoulder, take a break and see a doctor.

3. Low Back Pain – You might expect this to be a common injury given the stance and the swing of golf. You are bent down over your club as you prepare to swing the club. As you swing, your body twists back to lift the club and forward to hit the ball. Your feet stay planted through most of the swing which increases your chance of a low back injury.

The muscles can experience a severe strain if your swing is off balance. Back muscles work in tandem with the abdominal muscles. If you have a weakness in either muscle group, you are more prone to injury.

Have you experienced any of these common golf injuries? Prevent them with regular exercise and strength training. Take a rest at the first sign of pain.

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