by: Kristy Annely |
| Testosterone is a member of the steroid family of hormones called androgens. More and more, this family is derived through chemical conversion from the steroid ring-structure of cholesterol. This hormone plays a vital role in the bodies of both men and women. There are only minor differences between this hormone and others such as estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, cortisone, and androstenedione. They are small molecules, which becomes important when we look at what routes of administration are available. As commonly known, testosterone stimulates the development of the penis and testes, growth of facial and pubic hair, deepening of the voice, changes in body shape, growth of bones, and increased muscle mass and strength in males. It helps maintain sex drive and the production of sperm cells, and it may play a role in balding. Mood is also affected by testosterone, and low levels of the hormone can cause severe and prolonged depression as well as fatigue, to name a few conditions. High levels of testosterone appear to promote good health in men, for example, lowering the risks of high blood pressure and heart attacks. High testosterone levels also correlate with risky behavior, however, including increased aggressiveness and sometimes even smoking, which may cancel out these useful health benefits. Ninety-five percent of circulating testosterone is produced in the male testicles under the influence of a hormone released from the pituitary gland called luteinizing hormone (LH). Throughout the day, LH is released in spurts that stimulate the release of testosterone from the testicles. The signals are particularly strong in the early morning, which accounts for the higher testosterone levels and spontaneous morning erections and increased libido. By the late evening the levels of testosterone can fall by 50-percent, which signals the pituitary gland to increase its production of LH to restart the cycle. Related Articles |
What Exactly is Testosterone?
Dangerous Weight Loss Methods
by: Adam Waxler |
We’re all looking for that magic pill. You know - the one that we can take and lose weight without really trying! What would you give up to be skinny? How about your health? Well, some of the methods of weight loss may cost you exactly that. Before you decide that the way to lose weight is to follow one of the below regimens, take a second look. Do your research and be sure that you understand the risks. Are you considering one of these dangerous weight loss methods? *Prescription diet pills Amphetamines are available only by prescription, and most doctors are leery of handing them out these days. While they do suppress appetite, you learn nothing about healthy eating, you don’t change your eating habits, and you are likely to gain the weight back the moment you stop taking them. In addition, they can be habit forming. The side effects include high blood pressure, heart arrhythmia, sleeplessness, hallucinations and delusions. *Ephedra This all natural Asian herb is found in many herbal remedies and weight loss powders. It has a powerful appetite suppressant effect, but has been implicated in over 70 deaths. *Phentermine Fenfluramine-phentermine (fen-phen) Fen-phen was a popular weight loss supplement in the 90’s until it was implicated in deaths due to heart-valve damage. Phentermine alone is still sold in many weight loss aids. The side effects include headaches, dizziness, heart arrhythmia, high blood pressure and insomnia. *Laxatives One of the popular home remedies, used for purging. Regular use and abuse of laxatives can result in low potassium, arrhythmia, and pancreatic damage. *Artificial Sweeteners Aspartame, the most commonly used artificial sweetener, has been implicated in multiple lawsuits alleging damages that include blindness, seizures and brain damage. *Smoking Afraid you’ll gain weight if you quit smoking? The National Institute of Diabetes says that you’d have to gain 100-150 pounds to match the health risks you invoke by smoking. Instead, set up healthy strategies to help you deal with food cravings and put down the cigarettes. *Purging Like laxatives, purging by forcing oneself to vomit or taking emetics can have very damaging effects on health. Depletion of nutrients like potassium and vitamins, damage to the esophagus from stomach acids, and esophageal rupture are all possible side effects. *Diuretics Taking diuretics encourages your body to rid itself of fluids - including vital electrolytes. The depletion can lead to dehydration, and cause your body to start retaining water, starting a vicious cycle. Repeated or prolonged use of diuretics can lead to kidney damage and serious electrolyte imbalances, which may result in kidney or heart failure. *Herbal Remedies We have a tendency to equate ‘herbal’ with ‘harmless’, but say nutritionists, this isn’t always the case. Remember that many medications are derived from herbs, and because of the lack of regulation, dosages of active ingredients can vary widely from one manufacturer to another. Below is a list of some of the most common ingredients found in herbal weight loss powders, along with cautions about their effects in certain conditions. Ephedra (ma huang, ephedrine, ephedra extract, epitonin, ephdra sinica and sida cordifolia) should not be taken by people with heart, thyroid or kidney disease, or with hypertension Cascara and Senna should not be taken by people taking diuretics (both are often found in herbal weight loss teas) Selenium and Capsaicin should not be taken by people with bowel or digestive disorders Kava should be avoided by people with mood disorders who are taking mood altering medication, and people with Parkinson’s disease. Gingko biloba, licorice root, and dong quay should not be taken by people who are taking blood thinners or anti-coagulants. While weight loss is a worthwhile goal, guarding your health is an even more important one. Be sure that whatever weight loss method you choose it won’t lead to other serious medical conditions. Related Articles |
Are you being troubled by Sinusitis?
by: Lisa Hyde-Barrett |
| It is said that around 30 per cent of all people suffer from sinusitis or sinus infection at least once each year. Sinuses are little air pockets inside the skull bones. They are located to either side of the nose, behind and in between the eyes, in the forehead, and behind the head. Sinuses contain mucus that drains into the nasal passageways through pin holes in the sinuses. A sinus infection happens when the paranasal sinuses on either side of the nose get inflamed. This happens during a cold or an allergy attack, when more histamines are produced in the paranasal sinuses. The inflammation blocks the narrow passageways, making the mucus collect there. This collected mucus soon becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. That's how a sinus infection begins. The body produces histamines during allergic reactions. Histamines are neuro-transmitter chemicals. Though histamines are always present in our body, an allergy attack causes more histamines to be released at the site of the allergy attack. When a mosquito bites, for example, histamines are released at the area of the bite making the skin there turn red and itchy. When histamines are released, they cause inflammation and constriction of the muscles. The symptoms of a sinus infection begin with headache, facial pain, nasal congestion, fever, green or yellow discharge, a heavy face feeling, etc. The infection usually lasts for three weeks or more. Structural problems such as deviated septum, nasal polyps, etc. are conducive to a sinus infection. The cure for sinusitis is steam inhalation, nasal irrigation, hot fluids such as tea or chicken soup, and plenty of rest. Aspirin or paracetamol tablets and decongestants are some of the medicines commonly prescribed for sinus infections. If the symptoms continue for more than 48 hours, the pateint should be started on antibiotics or nasal steroids. If you don't treat the sinus infection pretty early, it could even cause bronchitis and pneumonia and damage the sinuses and cheekbones. You would then have to go for nasal surgery to repair the damage. When the sinus infection refuses to respond to medication, Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is the most efficient treatment. Prevention is always better than cure. Stop smoking, because smoking is one of the chief stimulants of sinusitis (sinus infection). Take an oral decongestant or a short course of nasal spray decongestant, especially before air travel. Drink plenty of fluids, so the nasal discharge remains thin, and use antihistamines for controlling allergy attacks. Allergy testing can also increase tolerance towards allergy inducing substances. An allergic reaction is an unnecessary, and even dangerous, immune response that should be prevented. Antihistamines counteract these immunological inconsistencies. One of the factors that cause our immune system to go awry is the increasing presence of toxins in the environment. These toxins also touch off allergy attacks in the body. Recent research has found that a new group of sugars called glyconutrients could represent the next frontier in building a robust immune system. Eight of these essential sugars have already been discovered. They play a major role in the some of the body's most fundamental chemical processes, and also have a role in keeping the human immune system in perfect order. Consuming glyconutrients through natural dietary supplements could go a long way in regulating histamine-induced disorders and allergies, and in preventing sinus infections. Related Articles |
Just the facts on youth and smoking
by: NC |
| (NC)—See how much you know about youth and smoking in Canada. The facts could astound you. Answer true or false to the following statements. 1. Almost all adult smokers began smoking before they could legally buy cigarettes. 2. The sophistication, fun and glamour messages seen in ads, or in the movies, do not play an important role in getting young people to start smoking. 3. Teenagers smoke more than a billion cigarettes a year. 4. Children exposed to Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) from parents have more childhood illnesses than children in smoke-free homes. 5. One out of 10 teens that try smoking get hooked. 6. Research has shown that tobacco prevention programs should be taught continuously from kindergarten through high school if students are to lead a smoke-free lifestyle. Answers 1. True. And among teen smokers, females had their first cigarette by approximately the age of 12 and males by the age of 13. 2. False. Kids are twice as likely to be influenced by advertising as they are from peer pressure. Young people are three times more likely to smoke if their film heroes smoke. 3. True. Teenagers do smoke more than a billion cigarettes a year, resulting in retail sales worth over $400 million. The average teen spends $1,000 per year on cigarettes. 4. True. Children exposed to ETS in homes have a higher number of childhood illnesses than children in smoke-free homes. For example, in Canada there are 2,200 bronchitis hospitalizations, 11,000 ear infections and 180,000 asthma cases per year. 5. False. In fact, the number is much higher. Eight out of 10 teens that try smoking get hooked. Seventy percent of 15-19 year-old smokers report at least one attempt to quit smoking over the last 12 months. 6. True. Building a foundation in the early grades gives students a head start in gaining an awareness and attitude to shape a healthy lifestyle. A new and innovative smoking prevention program is now available to all elementary and high schools in Ontario through The Lung Association. Related Articles |
The Facts about Sinusitis
by: Joe Miller |
Sinusitis Simply put, sinusitis is inflammation of the lining of your sinuses. Sinuses The sinuses are located behind the eyes, the cheeks, and the jaw. They are chambers in which mucous is produced to clean out the bacteria that we take in every day through the mouth and nose. The mucous moves along the cilia, which are tiny, moving hairs that maneuver the mucous. Sinusitis creates difficulties for the sinuses as they try to do their job, because the cilia cease to move and the sinuses either produce too much mucous or too little. Possible Causes Sinusitis can be caused in a variety of ways. The inflammation of the sinus lining is sensitive to changes in temperature or humidity, and often swimming, diving, extreme changes in temperature, and smoking will set off inflammation. The reason these things can cause sinusitis is that they create a friendly environment for bacteria and viruses. For example, smoking paralyzes the cilia, causing the sinuses to think that there are bacteria or a virus and to produce more mucous. Since the cilia cannot move, the mucous just sits there, congests, and becomes a breeding ground for more bacteria, creating a sinus infection. Stagnant water or liquid buildup from water activities can produce similar effects. Or, if a virus has already infected the sinuses and swelling occurs, then the produced mucous will build up even more. Sinusitis is just the beginning of any nasal problem. What many people don’t know is that sinusitis, though beginning in the sinuses can also contribute to an ear infection. The reason is that the sinuses and the ears are connected through the Eustachian tube, and something as simple as sneezing can push infection right out to the ears. Not only can infection move out to the ears but also down to the lungs. Sinusitis is not entirely unrelated to an upper respiratory infection. Often Sinusitis, ear infection, and upper respiratory infection have similar, if not the same, causes. Sinusitis Symptoms As mentioned in previous articles, the culprit is often post nasal drip. Post nasal drip is often part of a cold or flu symptom. It is a sensation of mucous dripping in the back of your throat. Frequent sniffing and swallowing should be indications of proactive sinuses. In other words, sinuses are producing more mucous because they sense bacteria or a virus. Sinusitis and sinus infection do frequently occur in the wake of a cold or the flu. Sinusitis Prevention Prevention is the best way to stay out of the way of sinusitis. Many of the preventions are also treatments. For example, Xylitol, a natural enemy to bacteria, is a time-tested prevention for sinusitis. Xylitol is now being used as the leading ingredient in nasal spray. The regular rinsing of the sinuses is generally helpful in keeping bacteria from settling and mucous from getting over-produced. Related Articles |
Top 10 Causes Of Acne
by: Susan Ferguson |
Here’s my top ten list of the causes of acne. I hope that from the list you can identify what might be causing your acne. HORMONE LEVELS Your hormone levels fluctuate at different stages of your life, such as puberty and pregnancy. TOXINS Acne can occur if your body contains more toxins than the kidneys can remove. STRESS If you are under any sort of stress this can give you acne. SEBUM Your own oil glands can produces excess of sebum. This can accumulate and cause blocked pores. FOOD Food can significantly affect your acneYou should avoid foods that have been processed or refined. You should also reduce your intake of fried foods and foods containing a high level of sugar. COSMETIC MAKE UP If your make-up contains comedogenic ingredients this can lead to acne. Such ingredients are usually derived from petroleum. Make-up can also contain dyes than can contribute towards acne. SMOKING Yes, smoking can increase your risk of acne. If you need another reason to quit smoking here it is. SKIN TONERS. If your skin toner contains acetone or alcohol this will lead to the drying of your skin and this could cause acne. HARSH CLEANING Cleaning with soaps that contain chemicals such as detergent and fragrances will cause acne. THE SUN Although sun bathing seems to initially improve your acne, it actually dries your skin which leads to more acne. Related Articles |
The proper way to smoke a cigar
by: Jeff Lakie |
| Okay. So you've gone out and bought a couple cigars and decided that you wanted take up the popular pastime of cigar smoking. After all, this pastime has increased in popularity in recent years, spawning magazines and books and smoking bars. It's a fine, affluent, and cultured hobby to be a part of it. So what kind of accessories do you need, in addition to your cigars, in order to have an authentic cigar smoking experience? You'll want to get yourself a humidor. They come at a variety of styles and types but you should get one that is made of Spanish cedar, or at least contains Spanish cedar in it. Spanish cedar is often used to help keep cigars fresh for indefinite periods of time. And, a humidor kept at 70% will keep your cigars in an ideal state of humidity so that they'll be ready to smoke when you are. You can overcome problems in your humidor's humidity by making sure that it is full of cigars, since a nearly empty humidor will throw off the humidity. Before you can light up your cigar, you'll need to clip off the end. This will expose the inside leaves of the cigar which are the ones that impart the most flavor as you draw in the cigar smoke. While many people use any sharp object handy, like a pocket knife, you can really enjoy this cigar smoking experience before you even light up by getting yourself a little guillotine clipper. Usually they have three holes, two for your fingers and one in the middle for the cigar. You put the cigar in the middle one and pinch your fingers and a little blade snaps the cap off of the end of the cigar. The next thing you'll need is a good lighter. Cigar connoisseurs recommend that you don't use a regular lighter or a match, since the sulfur from the match or the fluid from the lighter will add an unpleasant taste to your cigar. A butane lighter is one popular way to light your cigar without the after effects of bad flavor. While not necessary, a smoking jacket was a traditional garment used by men to keep smoke from getting on their clothes. They are typically three-quarter-length coats of a very rich material and deep in color, with cuffs. While they may not be readily available in stores anymore, you may find them in secondhand clothing shops or you can get a tailor to make one for you. It is a fun way to add a level of authenticity in class to your cigar smoking experience. Related Articles |
Does Your Morning Coffee Cause You Pain or Discomfort?
by: Emily Clark |
Does your morning coffee cause you pain? Are you frustrated when a night out dining with friends ends in discomfort instead of relaxed conversation? Do you carry antacids with you every day? Heartburn is more than just a nuisance. It can detract from enjoying a meal, force you to change your routine and hang over your every decision - what to eat, what to drink, when to lay down. What is this monkey on your back and how can you find relief? WHAT CAUSES HEARTBURN? Heartburn occurs when the acid content of the stomach makes its way back into the esophagus. A burning sensation and even a bitter taste are experienced by heartburn sufferers. If you are suffering more than twice a week you may have acid reflux disease - also known as GERD. Why is this important? Not all heartburn is caused by GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease). Occasional heartburn can be caused by a variety of factors but if you have regular episodes there are things you can do to help. WHAT CAN I DO? If you have regular heartburn the first thing you should do is stay away from regular use of antacids. Antacids can relieve the pain of occasional heartburn, but because they are designed to neutralize the acids in your stomach they can cause the stomach to create MORE acid - a cycle called 'acid rebound'. Some medications can also cause diarrhea or constipation or even increase the risk of food poisoning by inhibiting the growth of good bacteria. Watch out for trigger foods such as caffeine, alcohol, citrus, chocolate, minty, spicy or tomato-based foods as well as fatty or fried foods, onions or garlic. Being overweight or smoking also increases the risk of GERD and lifestyle changes may help to control the symptoms. Activities such as lying down after a meal, bending forward, lifting heavy items or eating large meals can bring acid reflux on. Avoiding these activities after a meal, eating smaller portions and raising the head of your bed several inches may help. Some natural products such as orange peel extract are being researched for their abilities to curb heartburn. WHO IS AT RISK? Anyone. But it should be noted that pregnant women, children, overweight individuals and smokers are all likely candidates. Young babies have immature digestive systems. National Digestive Diseases (NDDIC) says that most children outgrow GERD by the time they are one year old. However, because the symptoms are painful precautions like frequent burping and keeping the infant upright for 30 minutes after eating can reduce the occurrence. Older children may have to take similar precautions in diet and activity as adults. You should always consult your doctor when you suspect GERD to avoid future complications. Being overweight or pregnant increases the pressure in the abdomen. 25% of pregnant women experience heartburn at some time during their pregnancy. If you suspect GERD it is important to contact your doctor as there can be harmful side effects of persistent heartburn including scaring of the esophagus, asthma, erosion of the teeth and even increased risk of esophageal cancer. Frequent, persistent heartburn can also be a symptom of other serious conditions and should be checked on by a professional. The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program. Related Articles |
Mesothelioma Cancer
by: Rob Mellor |
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer in the general population. However, in individuals that were exposed to asbestos, it is not as rare. There are experts that have speculated on other causes. There are incidences of Mesothelioma with no known asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is not a lung cancer. Smoking does not cause it. It is a cancer of the mesothelial cells. Causes of Mesothelioma The only known, established cause of Mesothelioma is asbestos. The asbestos fibers are breathed in, travel through the lung and become lodged in the pleura, the thin, saran wrap-type membrane that lines that encases the lung. The pleura, produces a special lubricating fluid that facilitates the ability of the lungs to move inside the chest during breathing. The process of irritation from the infiltration of the asbestos fibers creates changes in the cells, which causes the Mesothelioma. This is known as pleural Mesothelioma. Less common is peritoneal Mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the membrane that encompasses the lining of the abdomen. Symptoms of Mesothelioma An individual with Mesothelioma experiences chest pain usually caused by a build-up of fluid in the pleural space called an effusion and shortness of breath. Since many doctors may not have expertise in the area of asbestos-related diseases, these symptoms are often believed, at first, to be attributable to other medical problems. A biopsy of the pleural tissue or fluid may reveal the cancer of the mesothelial cells and a proper diagnosis can thus be established. A history of the individual’s occupational exposure shall be taken. Since there is no “safe” level of exposure to asbestos, even brief, low level exposures may be enough to cause Mesothelioma. Occurrence of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer and its incidence is actually increasing day by day. There is presently no known cure for Mesothelioma. As the disease progresses, the cancerous cells harden the pleura and spread. As time passes, breathing, sleeping and eating become more difficult and eventually it becomes increasingly more challenging for the victim to engage in normal activities and enjoy life. Treatments of Mesothelioma A number of treatments have been established to help contain the spread of the disease and reduce the pain associated with it. Chemotherapy, radiation and radical surgery to remove the lung and pleura are among the options that have been explored by the treating physician. Prevention is better than Cure Mesothelioma is a preventable disease. Many of the corporations that manufacture and make profit from the sale of asbestos-containing products are aware of the hazards of asbestos. Alternative fibers are available that could be used instead of asbestos. But asbestos is cheap, and available, and is a good filler and binder. To Sum up The varied and non-specific symptoms associated with Mesothelioma, can delay detection and diagnosis The cancer has a very long latency period, which means that it could be thirty years or more before the person even realizes that they have contracted the cancer .The onset of symptoms can take up to fifty years or more in some cases, but once the symptoms have manifested the lifespan of the person can be as short as several months. So, if you or a loved one is experiencing any of the above symptoms, consult your doctor right away. Make sure that your physician is aware of any previous asbestos exposure, and occupational risk factors. Related Articles |
Factors that Increase and/or Lead to Snoring
by: Mike Lindsey |
| There are several health and lifestyle factors that contribute to snoring; and this is true for both men and women, since snoring is a condition that does affect both genders (though surveys suggest that men snorers outnumber women snorers by a ratio of 2:1). Some of the major health and lifestyle factors that can contribute to snoring include: Allergies, which can clog the airway and trachea Allergy medications, which can dry the nasal cavities Cold and Flu, which can similarly clog the airway (this is why some people experience snoring only when they’re suffering a cold or flu) Thickened tissues in the nasal passages, which can sometimes result from some surgeries unrelated to snoring Overuse of nasal sprays which irritate the nasal passageway Enlarged adenoids and/or tonsils Goiter (swelling of the an ineffective thyroid gland in the neck) A disproportionately large tongue that blocks airflow Ineffective regulation and neural control of mucus membranes Obesity and excess weight (leading to an enlarged neck and excess soft tissue in the trachea)* Excess gut/belly (relatively decreasing the size of the lungs)* Drinking alcohol**, which: sedates the throat muscles and causes them to collapse, and dilates blood vessels which swells up throat tissue Cigarette smoking, which inflames the upper airway The normal aging process, which can simply lead to a loss of muscle tone in the neck and thus snoring * Since relatively more men tend to experience an excess gut, this is one reason why more men tend to experience snoring than women. ** Any medication (prescribed, over the counter, or illicit) that leads to excessive relaxation can lead to snoring. Related Articles |
GERD Essentials
by: Michael Sanford |
| GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease, a clinical condition that occurs when reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus is severe enough to impact the patient’s life and/or damage the esophagus. Gastroesophageal refers to the stomach and esophagus while reflux means to flow back or return. You see, when chewed-up food slides down the esophagus or swallowing tube, and into the stomach, there digestive juices begin to break down the food. A special type of muscle called a sphincter connects the esophagus and the stomach. The sphincter works like a gate. It opens up so food can get into the stomach, and then it closes again. This keeps the food and acidic stomach juices from flowing back into the esophagus. However, if the sphincter is weak or opens at the wrong time, there's a problem. Whatever's in the stomach goes the wrong way, which is back up into the esophagus. And because what's in the stomach is high in acid, this can irritate the esophagus. This condition is then called reflux. GERD affects at least an estimated 5% to 7% of the global population. GERD is most common in adults over age 40 but virtually anyone can get GERD, even infants. Persistent heartburn is the most frequent symptom of GERD. It is an uncomfortable burning sensation behind the breastbone, most commonly occurring after a meal. This condition has nothing to do with the heart, but everything to do with the stomach and the esophagus. Eating too much and going to bed in a very full stomach can cause heartburn in a lot of people. The difference between GERD and heartburn is that GERD is a disease and heartburn is its most common symptom. Almost everyone has experienced heartburn. About 25 million American adults suffer daily from heartburn. Someone who experiences recurring, significant heartburn two or more times a week may have GERD. Frequent heartburn that disrupts one's lifestyle suggests the diagnosis of GERD. Another symptom of GERD is regurgitation. It is a sensation of acid backed up in the esophagus. Early diagnosis of GERD is important to avoid complications in the future. A physician can usually make an easy diagnosis of GERD if the patient finds relief from persistent heartburn and acid regurgitation after taking antacids for short periods. Laboratory or more invasive tests, including endoscopy, barium-swallow radiograph, PH monitor examination, and manometry may be required if the diagnosis is still uncertain. If patients develop persistent GERD with frequent relapses, however, and it remains untreated, serious complications can develop over time. Such complications can include the following: ulcers, severe narrowing of the esophagus, erosion of the lining of the esophagus, precancerous changes in the cells of the esophagus, and problems in other areas, including the teeth, throat, and airways leading to the lungs There are various methods to effectively treat GERD starting from lifestyle measures to the use of medication or surgical procedures. But initial treatment of GERD is with lifestyle changes. Eating anything within three hours before bedtime should be avoided, stop smoking, avoid fatty foods, decrease portions of food at mealtime, elevating the head of the bed or mattress 6 to 8 inches, and losing weight if overweight. It is essential for individuals who suffer GERD to change their lifestyle, and seek an accurate diagnosis with their physician to receive the most effective treatment available. Related Articles |
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