|
|
| |
| Men's Health |
| Other Health Articles : |
Massage
- How It Work and Benefit  |
| |
Kursani Treatment
: Neck & Back Pain |
|
|
| |
| Common Diseases
That Affect Men |
| By Joshua Levine |
|
| |
| Although an incredible number of different diseases
can strike men, the main ones are repeat offenders.
Here are few common diseases: |
| High
blood pressure |
| What Is It? With our rushed, high-stress way of life that at times
seems like an unbreakable cycle, bad habits in eating
and exercise can have negative consequences. Hypertension,
or high blood pressure, is serious business. As your
heart beats, blood is pumped through your arteries
and carried throughout your body. Having high blood
pressure translates into stress on your arteries as
blood flows through it. |
| |
| Who is at risk? |
| Heart disease, for which high blood pressure is
a leading risk factor, is the number one killer in
the United States, as 25% of Americans have this condition.
In their early 30s and around middle age, men are
more likely to suffer from problems of blood pressure
than woman. Even more specifically, African-American
men tend to develop an earlier and more severe form
of hypertension than Caucasian men. |
| |
| Symptoms |
| If you don't exercise regularly, smoke, are overweight,
or have a history of stroke or heart failure in your
family, you are also at risk for stroke. The worst
part is that hypertension is known as a silent killer;
releasing no obvious signs that your arteries are
in trouble until it is too late. |
| |
| Solution |
| Here's what to do: Treat your body like you treat
your dream Mustang in the garage -- with care. Needing
no other reason than to maintain a healthy lifestyle,
you should be hitting the gym, slamming back brewskies
in moderation and cutting back on all things fried
and high in sodium (salt). |
| There are so many alternatives in food and exercise
that everyone can find a niche that suits them. You
don't have to become a Richard Simmons-watching health
freak, just health-conscious. Regular checkups with
your doctor will also help keep your blood pressure
rate in check |
| The key is in preparing before the fact, but if
you still have shortness of breath, pain or tingling
in the extremities and left arm, heart problems may
still surface. It is then that you must take the extra
step of ingesting prescription medicine and changing
your diet. High "primary" hypertension,
like the one inherited from your parents, has no cure
but can be adjusted to a normal level. |
| |
| Diabetes |
What is it?
Diabetes is a disease in which the pancreas doesn't
produce enough insulin (Type 1) or the body is unable
to properly use insulin (Type 2). Insulin, a hormone,
is necessary for converting sugar, starches and other
food into energy. It is the fifth-deadliest disease
in the United States and thus far has no cure. |
| |
| Who is at risk? |
| 7.8 million men (8.3%) have diabetes, and the majority
are aged 40 and up. Those with a family history of
diabetes, as well as individuals who are overweight
or do not exercise regularly, may very well be set
up for a scare. Certain racial backgrounds, especially
Hispanics and African-Americans, are believed to be
at higher risk of acquiring the disease. |
| |
| Symptoms |
| Unfortunately, symptoms that are associated with
diabetes are often confused with general feelings
of old age. If you feel run-down, are often thirsty,
urinate frequently, suddenly lose weight, have blurred
vision, and notice it takes longer for small cuts
to heal, take the signs seriously and seek help. Oftentimes,
impotence is also a symptom of diabetes. |
| |
| Solution |
| Although not all people with diabetes need medication,
those with Type 1 diabetes may regulate their blood-sugar
level with insulin injections. Those with Type 2 should
take a medication called an "oral hypoglycemic
agent," but all individuals with diabetes must
make healthy changes to halt the onset of blindness,
stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure. In most
cases, weight loss plans are often implemented in
addition to exercise programs, which improve important
blood-glucose measures. Diabetes is known as a "self-help"
disease because the improvement of the individual
usually depends on his ability to make significant
alterations in lifestyle. |
| |
| Colorectal
cancer |
What is it?
In four different parts, the colon makes up most of
the large intestine. Combined with the rectum, the
system rids the body of unwanted materials. The majority
of cases start with the development of benign polyps
(finger-like growths) that grow in the intestinal
cavity. If these benign polyps begin to invade the
colon, as well as other parts of the body, they may
become cancerous and lead to blockages in the intestine. |
| |
| Who is at risk? |
| The second leading cause of cancer-related deaths
in the U.S. is colorectal cancer. The exact reasons
for its appearance are not fully known, but it is
more likely to appear in men over 50 and those with
a family history of colorectal cancer. As well, diets
high in fat and low in fiber, obesity, alcohol consumption,
and tobacco use contribute to the problem. In a study
done by the Center for Disease Control, it was observed
that from 1990 to 1999, African-American men had the
highest rate of colorectal cancer death, followed
by Caucasian, Asian/Pacific Islanders and Hispanics. |
| |
| Symptoms |
| For a full recovery (which is becoming more and
more common), it is essential that tumors or polyps
are detected early. Here are some symptoms you should
be attuned to: constant abdominal pain, constant fatigue,
blood in stool, change in bowel habits, diarrhea,
and unintended weight loss. |
| |
| Solution |
| Colorectal cancer is dangerous and becoming increasingly
widespread so it is important that you take it seriously
and get a colonoscopy at regular intervals with the
onset of early-middle age. The procedure may be uncomfortable,
but it has irreplaceably positive results, reducing
deaths up to 18% in certain parts of Europe. You can
also control your fate by not smoking, increasing
physical activity and maintaining a healthy diet.
In cases where all of the above have failed to help,
consult a genetic counselor in addition to the regular
(and successful) treatments. And remember that keeping
a positive outlook and healthy mental state is as
important as maintaining physical fitness. |
| |
| Prostate
cancer |
What is it?
The prostate is a very important secretory gland that
surrounds the base of the bladder and the urethra
in males; it is about the size of a walnut and weighs
about 20 grams. Its embryologic origins are endodermal
and mesenchymal, which means it is both glandular
and muscular, and has secretory ducts that open into
the urethra, leading to the outside.A mature prostate
has three lobes, and fortunately for us, most cancers
occur in the middle portion, the part that is most
easily digitally examined (more on that later). A
prostate goes through two growth phases, one at the
start of puberty, and again around age 45-55. It is
the later growth phase that causes the problems that
lead to BPH (benign prostatic hypertrophy) and possibly
carcinoma (cancer). Upon ejaculation, the prostate's
smooth muscular portions rhythmically contract and
empty its slightly alkaline contents into the urethra.
This prostatic fluid helps nourish the sperm and provides
the majority of the ejaculate volumeIf your prostate
becomes inflamed through infection or disease, or
enlarged (amid middle age), it may eventually constrict
and impede the normal flow of urine, which can possibly
lead to obstruction. Obviously, anything that may
obstruct the outflow of urine or become cancerous
is very significant. There seem to be multiple factors
at play in the development of prostate cancer. Genetic
history appears to be important, and lifestyle choices
also play a role. Age is definitely a factor, and
of course, hormones have a great influence. There
may even be a viral trigger in the environment that
precipitates this unwanted transformation. There is
no doubt that the prostate is heavily influenced by
dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that firmly binds to
prostatic tissue. Testosterone and estrogen (to a
lesser extent) have been the major endocrine hormones
that invasive as well as non-invasive therapies have
targeted for modification. |
| |
| Who is at risk? |
| The majority of those stricken are men 65 years
of age and older, but the approach to proper care
is similar to what has been mentioned. About one in
30 men will die of prostate cancer, so catching it
in its early stages is essential. African-American
men have the highest rates of cancer mortality, but
it can strike all nationalities with 189,000 new cases
this year (according to the American Cancer Society). |
| |
| Symptoms |
| Unfortunately, most men with prostate cancer show
no symptoms until the disease is in an advanced stage.
At this point, prominent signs include pain or blood
during urination and frequent stiffness in the lower
back could be warning signs of something significant.
Other telltale signs are a decrease in libido, reduced
ability to get an erection and waking frequently to
urinate. |
| |
| Solution |
| Get regular screenings. Although prevention is at
times difficult, blood tests, ultrasounds and cystoscopies
(an examination of the bladder and urethra) can help
to spot the condition early enough. Doctors will perform
examinations such as a Digital Rectal Examination
(DRE) or a Transrectal Ultrasound. Have keen senses;
even if you're not in the target older age group,
you should still make inquiries if something in that
nether region seems off. You have nothing to gain
by ignoring potential symptoms. |
| |
STDs |
| |
| .What is it? Rounding out what
seems to be a huge three-headed monster bent on making
men sick are sexually transmitted diseases. If you're
a bit reckless in the sack, dirty names like "herpes"
and "chlamydia" could be getting comfortable
with your body. Herpes affects 30 million Americans;
that's equivalent to the entire population of Canada.
Herpes Simplex 1 consists of cold sores around the
mouth and possibly the genitalia, but most people
with genital herpes have Herpes Simplex 2. And once
you have it, it's yours for life. Chlamydia is the
most common of all STDs. It is a bacterial infection
affecting the genitals, reproductive organs, urinary
tract, and eyes. While disturbing to talk about, it
is fairly common and curable with antibacterial drugs |
| |
| Who is at risk? |
| Any sexually active man with new or multiple partners
is at risk for all STDs. Sex without condoms also
puts you out in the open. But even condoms may not
be able to protect you from herpes or genital warts
(HPV). |
| |
| Symptoms |
| If you have an unusual discharge coming out of your
urethra, are experiencing a burning sensation when
you urinate, or have swollen and tender testicles,
you may have chlamydia. Many people stricken with
the STD do not pay attention to the symptoms because
they're so mild, but taking the necessary antibiotics
to eliminate the disease early are important. Left
untreated, you may become sterile as the disease can
spread from the urethra to the testicles. It's important
that you consult a primary car physician on a regular
basis, especially if you are intimate with multiple
partners. With herpes, developing a fever, experiencing
pain in the joints and having symptoms of the flu
(swollen glands) may be linked with the first episode
of blisters in the genital area. Although the sores
generally heal without scarring after one to two weeks,
they can recur. |
| |
| Solution |
| As aforementioned, seeing your primary care physician
on a regular basis is important because he can help
you deal with the problem. The list of STDs is long
and disturbing so following the safe steps and purchasing
good condoms, spermicides and other tools of the trade
are essential if you want to enjoy sex without worrying
about risking your life. |
| |
| Neck And
Back Pain |
Besides causing a lot of pain and suffering, the
human back has been the subject of countless fascinating
studies. And for some strange reason, men seem to
suffer from this affliction more than women.
One possible theory for this enigma could be explained
by the fact that men tend to either be extremely physically
active or extremely lazy. Yes, sitting too much can
also cause neck and back pain. |
| Many people think that sitting is easier on their
backs than standing or lifting. Not true. People whose
jobs require them to sit for long periods of time
suffer as much from back pain as people who lift all
day long. |
| Many world class researchers believe that the huge
increase in back pain over the past couple of decades
has a lot to do with the fact that more and more of
us are spending our work days in chairs. |
| |
| some possible solutions |
| Many people have the notion that if their back pain
becomes very severe, they can always resort to surgery.
Nothing could be further from the truth. The amount
of pain someone suffers from has very little to do
with whether or not he or she could benefit from surgery.
One British researcher has estimated that for every
10,000 people who experience about of back pain, only
four need surgery. And yet, one of the most frequently
asked questions that back pain sufferers ask is: "Who's
the best specialist in town?" Waste of time.
Waste of energy. Waste of money! Physicians today
recommend physical activity and the use of posture
support vests such as the DeWall Vest to promote exercise
while supporting back muscles. |
| |
| what about bed rest? |
| Not many years ago, back pain patients were routinely
put to bed, sometimes for weeks or months. This therapy
is no longer necessary. Two or three days of bed rest
is now the norm. After that, people are advised to
return to their normal activities, gradually if necessary.
The reason for this 180° shift is interesting.
Physically speaking, if you stay in bed, your muscle
strength can decline by as much as three percent per
day. At that rate, you will end up with no more energy
or stamina left to carry out normal daily routines. |
| |
| can depression cause it? |
| A lot of attention has recently been paid to possible
links between depression and chronic back pain. It
is not uncommon, for instance, for antidepressant
medication to be prescribed to patients who suffer
from back pain. But there are some interesting questions
for which we have no answers. For example, when depressed
patients take antidepressants, it takes about three
weeks for their blood levels to get high enough for
their depressed state to be affected. When back pain
sufferers take the same medication, their pain levels
often decrease in about a week. There are several
theories as to why, and research is still being carried
out. |
| |
| Physical Therapy |
| As soon as the problem is identified,
therapy and treatment is always available -- there
is hope. There are five main causes of pain and their
cures: |
| The aim of physical therapists is to
help you improve your function as well as reduce your
pain. They use a variety of techniques. First and
foremost, they design programs that include strengthening
and flexibility exercises as well as aerobics. Sometimes,
they also use mobilization (a gentle form of joint
manipulation). Physical therapists also use posture
and education to help back pain sufferers avoid recurrences
as much as possible. |
|
|
|
| |
| |
 Men's Health |
Avoiding common men's diseases may not always
be possible, but with regular exercise and healthy
eating habits, you are putting yourself in a
greater position.
Common diseaes that affect men:
- High Blood Pressure
- Diabetes
- Colorectal Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- STDs
- Neck and Back Pain
Kursani's Treatment for Neck and Back Pain
Massage : Why Massage? What Benefit? How It
Works? |
| Men's Fashion & Life Style |
| |
| Men's Love, Marriage & Sex |
| |
| Men's Sport & Entertainment |
|
| |
|
|
|
