MEN’S ISSUE
PROSTATE CANCER RISK FACTORS
InSpirit
Health and Wellness Magazine April 2013
Inside This Issue Why Men Won’t go to the Doctor
We all think it will not happen to us. Yet, so many things in life are beyond our control. But is that true when it involves our health and well being? A sudden illness, injury or impairment can happen at anytime, any age or to any one. The start of of a new year means new commitments to improve. While it is important to eat well, exercise more and to destress, there is more to being healthy. Health is an important concern for men as well as women. Men appear to share some of the same concerns as women. However, men do not take care of themselves as well as women do. Men are also more likely to engage in "risky" behaviors - like smoking and drinking heavily. There are also health conditions that only effect men,such as prostate cancer and low testosterone. Because of the stigmas, society expects boys/men to be tough and to ignore the pain. Men do not take care of themselves nor seek medical help as often as their counter parts. Women are much more likely to have a regular healtcare provider and to see him or her within the course of the year. Men die younger...on an average women survive men by over five (5) years. Men even die at a higher rate than women from the top ten (10) causes of death - heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, accidents, pneumonia and influenza, diabetes, suicide, kidney disease, chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Many of these can be prevented and treated with early diagnosis. By taking better care of ourselves; men and women alike, we can boost our odds of living healthier and longerlives. See your healthcare provider regularly...at least once a year for a complete check up. Call your healthcare provider when you are feeling sick...prompt medical care can make a difference - sometimes, the difference between life and death. Do not wait. Get checked out...screening or checking for early signs can help diagnose health problems early when they are easier to treat.
Any human being who is not connected to a healthcare provider to screen for the many health conditions and illnesses, which we are prone to is at a greater risk of disease and death.
The biggest problem that men have is not so much a specific disease, but the lack of healthcare monitoring earlier in life.
KaVaciea
Six Male Myths Dispelled 1) Wearing a hat or using a blow dryer can cause baldness....there is no evidence to support this. Male pattern hair loss occurs because the hair follicle becomes smaller, resulting in shorter, finer hair and eventually no hair. 2) Men who wear briefs have fewer sperm....the evidence is inconsistent. Although prolonged high temperatures may affect sperm count. 3) The more you shave , the thicker your beard....the size and shape of the hair follicles determine the thickness and texture of one's hair-whether it is thick and coarse or thin and fine. 4) The bigger a man's shoe size, the larger his penis....there is no significant correlation between shoe size and stretched penile length. 5) Men hit their sexual peak at eighteen (18)....this is true, at least regarding a man's supply of testosterone. However, peak hormone levels do not equate to sexual performance. 6) You can break your penis....there is no "penis bone," but you can tear the tunica albuginea which is a fibrous sheath that is stretched during erection. This is called a 'penile fracture" and it most commonly occurs during sexual activity. Fortunatel, penile fractures are rare.
WHY MEN WON’T GO TO THE DOCTOR If you’re a guy who waits until something is seriously wrong before going to the doctor, you’re not alone. A recent poll of 1,100 men showed that even under the best circumstances — when men have health insurance and have a primary doctor they feel comfortable talking to — 58 percent say that something still keeps them from actually going to the doctor. The biggest problem with men’s health is, well, men. So what’s the issue, guys? At the risk of sounding like your nagging wife or mother, here are the top five reasons why men don't go to the doctor: 5. "I'm fine." It’s just a broken leg… weeping rash… bullet wound, but I feel fine. Of men polled, 36 percent said they only go to the doctor when they are "extremely sick." So, unless there’s a problem, men aren’t going to the doctor for prevention. The fact is that many health issues are not detectable until it’s too late. It certainly wouldn’t be advisable to ignore high cholesterol or high blood pressure until there’s physical evidence of advanced heart disease.The same can be said for your sexual health as the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have no major warning signs at all. Of the estimated 1.1 million Americans living with HIV infection, 21 percent do not know that they are infected. And the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 80 percent of the people who have the herpes simplex 2 virus have no idea they are infected. You may feel "fine" but visiting the doctor or getting an STD test is the only way to know for sure. 4. "I'll tough it out." So there may be a small rash, itch or burn, but no big deal, right? You’re a guy, you can shake it off and it’ll be gone soon enough. Men are told when they’re young that big boys don’t cry. And that holds true years later. While women are fairly open with their friends and family, men don’t like to complain about their health. It’s not masculine. But while we may be able to "shake off" a bad bruise or sprain, there are plenty other examples where your symptoms will only get worse if you don’t receive proper treatment.
3. Lack of female encouragement (also known as nagging) If you don’t have a girlfriend, wife or mom nagging you, you’re less likely to go the doctor. Let’s be honest, you think going to the doctor is a chick thing. And it’s true — women go to the doctor four times more frequently than men do. Maybe that’s why women live longer than men! 2. Because your wife/mother/sister nags you See above. And then, come on. Taking care of your health isn’t something that you’re “giving in to.” When it comes to your health, especially your sexual health, get tested. If your new girlfriend wants to get tested before having sex, why fight it? Sex will be hotter with peace of mind. 1. “I don’t have time.” Of course you don’t have time. You have 18 holes of golf to play. And there’s a Deadliest Catch marathon on. Look, we’re all busy, but making time for a doctor visit once a year isn’t a big deal. For more personal issues, like your sexual health, there are quick and convenient online STD testing clinics available. You can get tested in 15 minutes, get test results in three days and consult with a doctor by phone. Even the busiest people can take care of their sexual health. And then get busy. So, man up. Real men go to the doctor. No excuses. Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,596443,00.html#ixzz2NiZdEX5Q
Health screening - men - age 40 - 64 All adults should visit their health care provider from time to time, even if they are healthy. The purpose of these visits is to: Screen for diseases Assess risk of future medical problems Help develop a healthy lifestyle Update vaccinations Maintain a relationship with a doctor in case of an illness Information Even if you feel fine, it is still important to see your health care provider regularly to check for potential problems. Most people who have high blood pressure don't even know it. The only way to find out is to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Likewise, high blood sugar and high cholesterol levels often do not produce any symptoms until the disease becomes advanced. There are specific times when you should see your health care provider. Age-specific guidelines are as follows: Blood pressure screening: Have your blood pressure checked every 2 years unless it is 120-139/80-89 Hg or higher. Then have it checked every year. Watch for blood pressure screenings in your area. Ask your health care provider if you can stop in to have your blood pressure checked. Check your blood pressure using the automated machines at local grocery stores and pharmacies. If the top number (systolic number) is greater than 130 or the bottom number (diastolic number) is greater than 85, call your doctor. If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, you may need to be monitored more closely. Cholesterol screening and heart disease prevention: Men over age 34 should be checked every 5 years. If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, you may need to be monitored more closely. Some men should consider taking aspirin to prevent heart attacks.
Colon cancer screening: People between ages 50 and 75 should be screened for colorectal cancer. This may involve: A stool test done every year. Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years along with a stool occult blood test. Colonoscopy every 10 years. People with risk factors for colon cancer, such as ulcerative colitis, a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, or a history of large colorectal adenomas may need a colonoscopy more often. Dental exam: Go to the dentist every year for an exam and cleaning. Eye exam: If you have vision problems, continue to have an eye exam every 2 years. The benefit of screening for glaucoma is unclear. Immunizations: You should receive a flu vaccine every year. Your doctor may recommend other vaccinations if you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes. You should have a tetanus-diphtheria booster vaccination every 10 years. If you have not received a tetanus-diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine as one of your tetanus-diphtheria vaccines, you should have it once. You may get a shingles or herpes zoster vaccination once after age 60. Osteoporosis screening: All men ages 50 to 70 with risk factors for osteoporosis should discuss screening with their doctor. Preventive health visit every 2 years until age 50, and then once a year, should include: Checking height and weight Screening for alcohol and tobacco use Screening for depression Routine diagnostic tests are not recommended. Prostate cancer screening: Most men age 50 or older should discuss screening for prostate cancer with their health care provider. African-American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer should discuss screening at age 45. During screening, a PSA blood test is done. More Info http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007465.htm
MEN: You Aren’t Getting Enough of This Nutrient! Americans eat too much of everything, right? Wrong. In fact, a common mineral deficiency could be messing with your mind, finds a new study in the journal Biological Trace Element Research. Scientists asked post-grads about their moods and diets and noticed a trend: People with depressive symptoms tended to consume lower amounts of magnesium, while happier folks were more apt to hit or exceed the daily recommended intake of 400 milligrams (mg). It could be that magnesium plays a part in regulating the enzymes, hormones, and neurotransmitters that are involved with depression, speculate researchers. Besides not consuming enough magnesium, your day-to-day schedule could be depleting your levels—for instance, the more you sweat, the more magnesium you excrete. And alcohol wastes the mineral, too. Here’s the kicker: Fifty-six percent of Americans aren’t getting an adequate amount of magnesium, according to the USDA. What’s more, the average adult male consumes just 322 mg a day. A simple way to boost your intake: Have a daily dose of roasted pumpkin seeds, which contain 150 mg of magnesium per ounce—making them one of the top food sources of the mineral. Look for pumpkin seeds in the snack or health-food section of your grocery store, next to the peanuts, almonds, and sunflower seeds. Or try a 250 mg supplement, says Dana King, M.D., a professor of family medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina. Just check the bottle for magnesium citrate, the form best absorbed by your body. http://news.menshealth.com/men-you-arent-getting-enough-of-this-nutrient/2013/03/09/
Low Testosterone
Q&A: An Interview With Dr. Abraham Morgentaler
Low testosterone affects roughly 13 million men, according to the American Diabetes Association, and although reductions in the sex hormone can happen at any age, testosterone typically begins decreasing around middle age. With so many men being affected, it's surprising to know that only an estimated 10 percent seek help for the issue. Dr. Abraham Morgentaler, founder of Men's Health Boston, author of "Testosterone for Life," and associate clinical professor of urology at Harvard Medical School, has dedicated his time to helping men solve the problem of low testosterone, along with other issues concerning men's health. Here, Dr. Morgentaler has answered some questions about low testosterone. What is low testosterone? Dr. Morgentaler: Low testosterone is known in medical terms as testosterone deficiency, or hypogonadism. Many years ago I coined the term "low T" when my patients were embarrassed by their difficulty pronouncing the word "testosterone." It was frowned upon by my medical colleagues, but seems to have found a home now in popular culture. Low T is a condition when testosterone levels in the bloodstream drop low enough to cause symptoms. A man's ability to produce testosterone declines as he ages, so low T becomes increasingly common as men get older. However, it is not unusual for men in their 30s or 40s to have it, and I occasionally see it even in men in their 20s.
What causes low testosterone? Dr. Morgentaler: In many men low testosterone appears to simply be the result of aging. However, there can be other reasons, such as testicular injuries or surgery to remove one or both testicles, varicoceles (varicose veins in the scrotum), genetic abnormalities, and pituitary tumors. There is also a strong association between low testosterone levels and common medical conditions, including diabetes and obesity. There is some evidence that stress and impaired sleep can lower testosterone too. How can a man determine he has it? Are there warning signs or symptoms? Dr. Morgentaler: The usual symptoms are decreased sexual desire, reduced quality of erections, lack of energy, and a sense of chronic fatigue. Other symptoms can be difficulty achieving an orgasm, depressed mood, increased abdominal fat, and decreased muscle mass and strength. Some men with low T have all of these, others just one or two. If men have these symptoms without an obvious other cause, they should have a blood test for testosterone to determine if they really do have low testosterone levels. What are the health implications of low T? Dr. Morgentaler: The biggest thing we notice in our patients with low T is that they are not enjoying life the way they once did. The primary reason to treat men with low T is to improve their symptoms. However, there is now considerable evidence that men with low T are at increased risk for a number of important medical issues -- diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. There are several large studies that show men with low T are even at an increased risk of dying sooner than men with normal testosterone. However, one of the most important reasons we treat men with low T is because so many of them feel "alive again." Treatment doesn't work for everyone, but when it does the results can be enormously gratifying. http://health.yahoo.net/articles/mens-health/low-testosterone-explained-interview-dr-abraham-morgentaler
This month, INSPIRIT Magazine, is focusing on Men’s Health. I had a wonderful opportunity
to speak with one of the IMVU Community’s well-known members, MDrax. He is the owner of Naughty I Am Night Club and the Lover’s Paradise Restaurant. Lover’s Paradise is one of IMVU’s most popular romantic restaurants. Many couples have celebrated engagements and marriages there. There are many first dates there and business meetings held there too. It’s is a great place to dance the night away, but also to partake in delicious and healthy cuisine. MDrax says the meals are made with fresh vegetables and fish. Below is a conversation I had with MDrax about his restaurant, Lover’s Paradise. He also let us knowa little about MDrax, the man, and how he stays healthy. MinnesotaCoco: How did you like the MAG? MDrax: I find it informative and quite colorful. MinnesotaCoco: Again, Thank you for taking time to interview with me. MDrax: You are welcome. MinnesotaCoco: : I'd like to focus on your restaurant, Lover's Paradise. MDrax: Yes. MinnesotaCoco: How long have you been in business? MDrax: Well, Lovers Paradise is as old as Naughty Am I.....however last year I decided to make it a spot to accommodate diners with the taste for Slowjams and OldSchool. MinnesotaCoco: Lovers Paradise is a popular spot here in our IMVU Community. MDrax: Tyvm. MinnesotaCoco: I've been there several times, and most people here have. You serve delicious meals, most are healthy too. MDrax: : We have a great clientel and a lot of hard work to create them. MinnesotaCoco: Did you make a conscious decision to serve healthy foods? MDrax: Yes....I did. In Lovers Paradise, The Rules, we have one very funny but quite a serious rule to ensure healthy and protective meals. MinnesotaCoco: Ok MDrax: Rule : Any Poisonous, Hardzadous Waste Materials/and or Illegal Substances introduced as a menu item or brought to the Restaurant will immediately be considered block/ban/non-existent at date of introduction.
MinnesotaCoco: I'm glad to know that, and I'm sure our readers will be glad to know that too. MDrax: Thank you MinnesotaCoco: Tell me MDrax, what are some things you do, in regards to your personal wellness. MDrax: I practice eating good healthy foods, exercise and have as much healthy fun as possible. MinnesotaCoco: smile MDrax: chuckle MinnesotaCoco: You are a very busy man, how do you find time to practice this. MDrax: It does get difficult somedays, as plans and activities do conflict with each other at times, but I stay on course compensating and accommodating as I go along. MinnesotaCoco: I like that. My last question for you. MinnesotaCoco: We both live in states, or environments that have long winters. In Canada, what are your "states" called? MDrax: : In Canada we have Province as opposed to a State in the USA.......I live in the city of Toronto, which is in the province of Ontario. MinnesotaCoco: I live in Minnesota, and it gets cold in both Minneapolis and Toronto. You may get colder. Smile. In the Winter, we also have long nights. During this time of year, some people have issues with this. How do you handle this time of year? The Winters? MDrax: I believe we do(have colder temps)......Ontario is more north and exposed to the colder zones. Most canadians find or act as if they are quite adjusted to the cold.....hehe..... many cry and whine about it or get up and go south somewhere. MinnesotaCoco: We have many that do that here too. Go to Florida for the winter, and leave us working folks here. MDrax: I still love my Jamaican sunshine than any winter. MDrax shared that soccer is the popular game of his homeland, Jamaica. He enjoys the game but with his busy schedule, does not participate as much as he’d like. I asked him what he would share with the men of the IMVU Community. MDrax stated, men should eat healthy, exercise and see their doctor regularly. It was a pleasure to sit and chat with MDrax.
The Easiest Way to Shrink Your Gut We all like to do stuff while we eat: watch TV, read a magazine, talk with a buddy—sometimes all three at once. But those distractions take our minds off how much grub we’re shoving down our throats, which can lead to overeating. Want to eat less without being bored? Take smaller bites and sips, according to a new Dutch study. Researchers served 53 people bowls of tomato soup. As they ate, some people watched videos while others were instructed to think about their soup’s flavor. As the researchers predicted, the distracted videowatchers slurped roughly 11 percent more soup than those who focused on their food. No surprise there. In a follow-up study, the researchers repeated the same experiment, but gave some people small spoons and others big ones. The big spooners ate about the same amount as the people in the first experiment. But the small spooners, even when distracted, ate 30 percent less soup than the rest of the study participants. Here’s why: Small bites trick your brain into believing you’re eating more food, explains study co-author Dieuwerke Bolhuis, who studies food research at Wageningen University in the Netherlands. The more bites you take, the more your brain’s “taste system” is activated, and the more satisfied you feel, Bolhuis says. Large bites (or spoonfuls) do just the opposite: You eat more food in less time, and your taste system lags behind, meaning you don’t realize you’re full, the study says. (You can also torch all that extra stomach fat with The Belly Off! Workouts.) So if you’re trying to curb your mindless binging, Bolhuis’s advice is simple: Take smaller bites. Tiny utensils will help, or just get in the habit of scooping less food onto your fork or spoon, she says. And speaking of small solutions: Past research shows eating from small plates or dishing out food using small serving utensils also fools your brain into believing you’ve had more to eat. http://news.menshealth.com/the-easiest-way-to-shrink-your-gut/2013/02/04/
Tortilla-Crusted Chicken Breasts
What you need: Simply crush baked tortilla chips to make the crumbs for the coating. 1/2 cup baked tortilla chip crumbs 3 Tbsp. Country Crock® Spread 1/4 tsp. ground cumin 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 1-1/4 lbs.) 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 4 lime wedges What you need to do: Preheat oven to 425° Combine tortilla crumbs, Country Crock® Spread and cumin in small bowl; set aside. Arrange chicken on aluminum-foil-lined baking sheet, then top with crumb mixture. Bake until chicken is thoroughly cooked, about 20 minutes. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
http://www.itisgoodtoknow.com/tortilla-crusted-chicken-breasts/
Nutrition Facts Amount Per Serving Calories250 Calories From Fat90 Saturated Fat2.5g Trans Fat0g Total Fat10g Cholesterol90mg Sodium310mg Total Carbohydrate8gS ugars0g Dietary Fiber1g Protein31g Vitamin A8% Vitamin C10% Calcium2% Iron4%
ON THE COVER
MrTonyBCool Representing D.C.T. Modeling Agency TWIN144400
http://i1111.photobucket.com/albums/h478/laylaupwardbound/newadvertizementz_zpsc97e5f5d.gif
A SURVIVOR I became a testicular cancer survivor when I was diagnosed in August 2003. I found out one day that I had a particular thing in my right testicle, and I went to my general doctor in Mexico. He told me that I might need an ultrasound test first, because it was nothing common. From the ultrasound, they sent me right away to the oncologist, because they found out that it was a tumor. The oncologist in Mexico told me that there was a 99% chance that it was a cancer tumor. He suggested to have the tumor removed and do some other tests. At that time, I kept traveling back and forth from Mexico to Los Angeles. I got a second opinion in L.A. I was coming very often to L.A. due to some clients that I worked with. It was easy for me to come and search for a second opinion in L.A. The surgery was pretty easy, but I felt more comfortable doing it in America. It's not because I don't trust the Mexican medical expertise or doctors, but the grade of specialty they have here for these kinds of things is completely different. They have a higher level of experience here in America. For example, my oncologist and the doctor that did my surgery, that's mostly what they do, these kind of surgeries. In Mexico, the doctors are not as specialized in some areas, so that was the reason that I decided to do it in America. They confirmed the same diagnosis. They removed the testicle. Luckily, there was no metastasis anywhere. But the type of cancer was mixed cancer cells. It had some type of cancer cells that are more aggressive. The treatment is just to keep a close observation every two months with CT scans and blood tests. If I don't get the tumor anywhere else for the first two years, it's more likely I will not get it again. So now it's 14 months. I actually never felt bad. I've been doing sports all my life, so I actually was feeling very well at that time. I was competing in triathlons. No physical side effects. It slowed me down during the surgery, but the surgery's pretty simple. I was walking out the hospital four or five hours after the surgery. I’m convinced that cancer is not only a physical disease. It’s social. It comes from stress and the way you live. So that makes you very anxious that you have no real control over your body. It changed my perspective of the way I behave every day. I have always been working hard, full-time, and very stressful. Even though I keep working a lot and doing what I’ve been doing all my life, I just don’t take it so personally. If there are things that I cannot resolve, that’s it. I don’t try to get too stressed out. I enjoy more all the things that I have. I enjoy my family. I enjoy my sports. I try to enjoy non-stressing things, and I think that’s been very helpful for me. I had a very good experience with cancer. So far, no chemotherapy, no radiation, just the surgery. I feel very lucky about it. But it’s something that I have in my mind every day - that I had cancer. A very important thing about being a cancer survivor is that you have to keep your attitude positive. You gotta think that you’re gonna survive, and you’re gonna do fine. Otherwise, my belief is that your body reacts to your attitude. I’ve always been a very positive person, so I try to maintain that attitude, and it’s been good for me and for everyone. It’s not only stress to me. It’s a stress to my family, kids, and close friends. It’s an attitude of, “Okay, I had it. I might get it again, but life is life. I have to keep it going.”
Life and death is not a real issue. We're all gonna die sometime, and I'm not afraid of that. But when they diagnose you with cancer, of course, you think that you're gonna die sooner than you might expect to die. When you're young, and you have a young family, it makes you more anxious about the dying issue. You don't want to die when your kids are four or five years old. That's why the life and death issue pops out when they tell you you have cancer. You start thinking, "What if I'm gonna die?" Of course, everybody knows what cancer is. But when you get diagnosed, you start reading on your type of cancer, and you find out that there's no benign kind of cancer. You can die any day. Even before the cancer diagnosis, I was aware that we will die eventually. I'm prepared for that, because it's not only cancer you can get killed by. You fall down in the tub and that's it. But with the cancer, of course, you start thinking about, "What if I die sooner?" You prepare with wills and whatever you can financially leave to the family. But I think if you're a cancer patient, that's something that should not be stressful for you. There's nothing you can do, other than trying to make money while you're a patient. The real challenge is to survive from cancer. It's not to save a lot of money to leave to your family, because somehow it's like saying, "Okay, I'm gonna die soon. I've got to get money to leave them." I think that's the wrong way of viewing your cancer. Your real important issue is to survive. For the girls, it's not been very difficult for them, because they don't understand what's happening. They are four and six. At that time, they were three and five. They knew that I was ill, because I had to come to surgery, but they really don't understand the concept of cancer and the consequences, that you might die. At that age, it's much more difficult for the parents than for them. When you have a family, you don't think only about yourself. You die, that's it. There's nothing you can do. But when you have kids and a wife, it's very scary to think that you will die soon before they can have a life of their own. My wife's been very supportive all the time. With the cancer, my wife told me, "Please slow down a little bit and try to make it easier for everybody." Which I think is what I'm doing. Of course, it affected her a lot. But my wife took it in a mature way. She never broke down. She has always been there, so it's been good for me. Even if you think that you have a very good health condition, if you have a very good financial condition, cancer gives you that hint that you are not indestructible. Anyone can have it. There's no real cure for cancer. To be a survivor is that you are aware that you are not controlling everything, and survivorship is like an attitude every day. Not because you had cancer. Not only cancer survivors should have that attitude. Everybody should have it to avoid creating other types of diseases, not only cancer. So that's survivorship for me. I live strong. I do my best at work, with my family, with my wife, with myself. Live strong means that you have to have a real strong attitude against the obstacles you find in life, not only diseases, financial, personal, with your wife or your fiancé, in all your personal relations. I like the slogan LIVESTRONGTM . It’s because I’ve always been a person who tries to put my person to the edge of everything. I try to do my best. It’s about having the right attitude in life. My name is Luis Hernandez, and I’m a one-year testicular cancer survivor. http://www.livestrong.org/Get-Help/Learn-About-Cancer/Survivor-Interviews/Interviews-with-Men/Luis-Hernandez-is-a-testicular-cancer-survivor
Kegel Exercises For Men Kegels have also been shown in studies to be effective for many men who struggle with premature ejaculation.” Every person on earth should know what a Kegel exercise is. They are nature’s wonder exercise that offers important health benefits without the cardiovascular strain of most exercises. Dr. Arnold Kegel first discussed the importance of Kegel exercises in 1948. But the importance of his work was realized well after his discovery. Kegels are strength-building exercises that contract, flex and release the pubococcygeus (PC) muscles of the pelvic floor. The PC muscles stretch from your anus to your urinary sphincter. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that help hold your internal organs in place. If you imagine your body, around your waist is a bone called the pelvic bone, which has a hollow center. Your pelvic floor muscles work like a netting system in the hollow, pelvic bone center and hold up all your inner organs and intestines. But pelvic muscles do more than hold your internal organs inside your body. They serve a number of important functions from a medical and sexual health perspective. Let’s start with medical benefits of Kegel exercises. For many men, urinary and bowel incontinence is a big problem, especially for those who are mature in age or with poor muscle tone. Many men struggle with leakage after a cough, a sneeze or a laugh, and with overnight accidents or difficulty holding in their bowel movements. Kegel exercises have been linked to improved bladder control. Kegel exercises are also used in the treatment of male prostate difficulties such as prostatitis and BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia). In addition to urinary and bowel incontinence benefits, women who have experienced pregnancy or cesarean sections have found strengthening their PC muscles to be extremely helpful to improve vaginal and pelvic muscle tone. Kegel exercises can produce strong pelvic muscles that can help prevent pelvic prolaspe, which occurs when organs such as the uterus move or shift out of place. Having strong PC muscles and doing Kegel exercises also has sexual health benefits for men. Studies have shown they help improve the strength of your erection, circulation and have been used for decades as a standard technique with erectile dysfunction concerns. Kegels have also been shown in studies to be effective for many men who struggle with premature ejaculation. In addition, strong PC muscles have been associated with stronger, more intense ejaculations http://www.askmen.com/dating/love_tip_60/67_love_tip.html
Bean Sprouts and Vegetable Salad ( Healthy Diabetic Recipe ) The moment you glance through this recipe, you will surely notice that all the ingredients are healthy ones – broccoli, bean sprouts, lettuce, one beats the other in healthiness! broccoli is rich in vitamin c, a and cancer fighting phytonutrients. Bean sprouts, lettuce and all the other health-boosters make this a nutritious, low-cal, tasty and crunchy salad. For blanching broccoli and mushrooms, boil a vesselful of water, add the broccoli and mushrooms and cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Strain and put it into a vesselful of cold water and keep aside for 10 minutes. Strain and discard the water. You can also use baby corn instead of mushroom. How to proceed Ingredients Boil a vesselful of water, add the broccoli and mushrooms and cook for 3 to For The Dressing 4 minutes. Strain and put into a vessel2 tsp olive oil ful of cold water for 10 minutes. Strain 1 clove garlic (lehsun) , fineagain and discard the water. ly chopped 1 tsp sugar Cut the mushrooms into thick slices 2 tsp lemon juice and keep aside. 1 tsp soy sauce Put the lettuce in ice-cold water for 30 1/2 tsp dry red chilli flakes minutes. This will make them crisp. (paprika) Drain and arrange the lettuce leaves at salt to taste the bottom of a large salad bowl. Keep aside. Other Ingredients
1 cup broccoli florets , blanched 10 mushrooms (khumbh) 4 to 5 crisp lettuce leaves 1/2 cup sliced onions 2 tbsp finely chopped celery 1 red capsicum , deseeded and cut into slices 3/4 cup bean sprouts
Nutrient values Energy 89 calories
Protein 4.2 gm
Carbohydrates 11.8 gm
Combine the mushrooms, onions, celery, broccoli, capsicum and bean sprouts together in another bowl. Pour the dressing over it and toss well. Spoon the salad over the lettuce leaves and serve immediately garnished with coriander.
Fat 2.9 gm
Vitamin C 52.9 mg
Iron 1.8 m
Folic acid 13.7 mcg
Zinc 0.6 mg
Fibre 1.5 gm
This recipe was submitted by Guest_xSilversRayleighx. He is a chef here on Imvu at Dine and Dance Restaurant. He has been on Imvu for over a year and enjoys cooking as a hobby in real life. His advice on eating healthy: Stay with green veggies and white meat. Avoid frying your food, instead boil or bake and use olive oil.
Characteristics Of A Healthy Relationship Healthy relationships are characterized by respect, sharing and trust. They are based on the belief that both partners are equal, that the power and control in the relationship are equally shared. Some of the characteristics of a healthy relationship are: Respect - listening to one another, valuing each other's opinions, and listening in a non-judgmental manner. Respect also involves attempting to understand and affirm the other's emotions. Trust and support - supporting each other's goals in life, and respecting each other's right to his/her own feelings, opinions, friends, activities and interest. It is valuing one's partner as an individual. Honesty and accountability - communicating openly and truthfully, admitting mistakes or being wrong, acknowledging past use of violence, and accepting responsibility for one's self. Shared responsibility - making family/relationship decisions together, mutually agreeing on a distribution of work which is fair to both partners. If parents, the couple shares parental responsibilities and acts as positive, non-violent role models for the children. Economic partnership - in marriage or cohabitation, making financial decisions together, and making sure both partners benefit from financial arrangements. Negotiation and fairness - being willing to compromise, accepting change, and seeking mutually satisfying solutions to conflict. Non-threatening behavior - talking and acting in a way that promotes both partners' feelings of safety in the relationship. Both should feel comfortable and safe in expressing him/herself and in engaging in activities.
So, Is Your Relationship Healthy? A. Can you say what you like or admire about your partner? B. Is your partner glad that you have other friends? C. Is your partner happy about your accomplishments and ambitions? D. Does your partner ask for and respect your opinions? E. Does she/he really listen to you? F. Can she/he talk about her/his feelings? G. Does your partner have a good relationship with her/his family? H. Does she/he have good friends? I. Does she/he have interests besides you? J. Does she/he take responsibility for her/his actions and not blame others for her/his failures? K. Does your partner respect your right to make decisions that affect your own life? L. Are you and your partner friends? Best friends? If you answered most of these questions with a yes, you probably are not in a relationship that is likely to become abusive. If you answered no to some or most of these questions you may be in an abusive relationship, please continue with the next set of questions. http://www.bpdfamily.com/bpdresources/nk_a115.htm
click
Prostate Cancer Risk Factors All men are at risk for developing prostate cancer. About one man in six will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime, but only one man in 36 will die of this disease. About 80 percent of men who reach age 80 have prostate cancer cells in their prostate. Besides being male, there are other factors, such as age, race, and family history that may contribute to the risk. Age. The greatest risk factor for prostate cancer is age. This risk increases significantly after the age of 50 in white men who have no family history of the disease and after the age of 40 in black men and men who have a close relative with prostate cancer. About two-thirds of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men age 65 and older. Family history. Men whose relatives have had prostate cancer are considered to be at high risk. Having a father or brother with the disease more than doubles your risk for prostate cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Having a brother with prostate cancer appears to increase your risk more than having an affected father does. That risk is even higher when there are multiple family members affected. Screening for prostate cancer should be started at age 40 in these men. Studies have identified several inherited genes that appear to increase prostate cancer risk. Testing for these genes is not yet available. Experts estimate that the hereditary form of prostate cancer accounts for just 5% to 10% of all cases. Race. Prostate cancer occurs about 60% more often in African American men than in white American men and when diagnosed is more likely to be advanced. However, Japanese and African males living in their native countries have a low incidence of prostate cancer. Rates for these groups increase sharply when they immigrate to the U.S. African Americans are the second group of men for whom prostate cancer testing should begin at age 40. Some experts theorize that this suggests an environmental connection, possibly related to high-fat diets, less exposure to the sun, exposure to heavy metals such as cadmium, infectious agents, or smoking. To date, the reasons for these racial differences are not understood. Diet. Research also suggests high dietary fat may be a contributing factor for prostate cancer. The disease is much more common in countries where meat and dairy products are dietary staples compared to countries where the basic diet consists of rice, soybean products, and vegetables. Eating a diet high in the antioxidant lycopene (found in high levels in some fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, pink grapefruit, and watermelon) may lower your risk of developing prostate cancer according to several studies.
http://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/guide/prostate-cancer-risk-factors
10 Reasons You're Not Losing Weight You’ve been cutting down on fat, controlling carbs and exercising five days a week. So why aren’t you losing weight? From physical factors (age and genetics) to self-sabotage (eating mindlessly), here are 10 things that will derail your quest for a slimmer body... You’re no slacker when it comes to your health: You exercise, watch what you eat, use portion control, and can resist Ben & Jerry’s without a problem. Yet the scale needle still won’t budge. Why are so many dieters destined to regain lost weight or never lose anything at all? Here are 10 reasons your body isn’t behaving: Physical Factors 1. You don’t have enough muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn. Fat and muscle tissues consume calories all day long whether you’re running, reading or sleeping. No matter what you’re doing, muscle rips through more calories than fat. That's why men burn calories a lot faster than women; they have more muscle. What to do: Lift weights. You don’t have to get huge, but building and maintaining muscle week after week, year after year makes a difference in the long run. Registered dietitian and certified personal trainer Marci Anderson has her clients alternate between strength exercises and heart rate-raising cardio in each session. “That way, their strength training includes the calorie-burning effect of cardio.” 2. Genetics: The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. If both parents are obese, you are much more likely to be obese, says Jill Comess, M.S., R.D., food science and nutrition program director at Norfolk State University in Virginia. “Researchers estimate that your genes account for at least 50% - and as much as 90% - of your stored body fat,” she says. What to do: You’re not doomed. Your weight-loss challenge is just 10%-50% greater. “Losing even just a few pounds makes you healthier and less likely to develop diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer,” Comess says. “So you don’t have to be super-slim to improve your health.” If an overweight woman loses even 5%-10% of her total body weight, she has a greater chance of reducing or getting off her high blood pressure or other meds, she adds.
3. You’re getting older. A sluggish metabolism is a common aging problem. And we encourage it by sitting in traffic, long hours at the office and in front of computers. All this inactivity means we gradually lose muscle and increase body fat, resulting in a metabolic slump. But it’s not unbeatable. What to do: First, lift weights. But don’t underestimate the power of just moving. You faithfully walk the treadmill for an hour each day or go to yoga class, but what are you doing the other 23 hours? It’s a no-brainer: Folding laundry, walking to a co-worker’s desk and cooking dinner burn more calories than just watching TV, emailing your co-worker or driving to the pizza joint. Thin people fidget and move (called non-exercise activity) more than obese people, research shows. In fact, such antsy behavior might burn as much as 350 more calories per day – the equivalent of two doughnuts. 4. Your body can’t keep up. To survive in the days before supermarkets, your body evolved some complex starvation-coping strategies. Now that food isn’t scarce, these processes can work against us, explains Jim Anderson, M.D., Professor Emeritus, Medicine and Clinical Nutrition at the University of Kentucky. “The intestines make about two dozen hormones – some that stimulate eating and others that decrease the need to eat,” he says. The sophisticated hormonal response can’t cope with our sedentary lifestyle and all those tempting Twinkies, potato chips and frozen dinners we gobble, he says. So it’s harder to maintain ideal body weight. What to do: You can’t fight evolution, so you have to focus extra-hard on those things you can. Be active every day and fill up on low-calorie foods, such as broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, green beans and other non-starchy vegetables. 5. Your medicine cabinet is to blame. A host of drugs that treat diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, inflammatory disease and more affect weight regulation. Some will make you hungrier and others stimulate your body to store fat. And if a drug affects the brain, there’s a good chance it affects weight, Anderson says. What to do: Ask your health care provider if an alternate drug or a lower dose could work, but don’t change your medications without discussing it first. Self-Sabotage Are you your own worst diet enemy? It’s easy to let everyday life get in the way of making smart food choices. The drive-thru instead of a home-cooked meal is an obvious mistake. But you could be sabotaging yourself in some not-so-apparent ways too. continued on next page
6. You underestimate portions and calories. Even dietitians underestimate calories – and by huge amounts! One study found that women and overweight people miscalculate more than others. Other studies suggest that the greatest underestimating occurs when the meals are the largest, and that it doesn’t have anything to do with how fat someone is. What to do: Follow the portion guidelines at mypyramid.gov for several days. Use measuring spoons, measuring cups and a food scale to guide you. Then plug in your food choices on that site or another reputable one to calculate your calorie intake. And read every food label for serving size and calories. 7. You eat mindlessly or when distracted. Do you eat dinner in front of the TV? Do you stop eating when you’re full or when the show is over? All too often, such distraction leads to more and more mouthfuls of pasta or potatoes. If you’re munching from a bag of chips or a box of crackers, you can’t keep track of how much you’ve eaten. And plenty of dieters report they didn’t even realize they had snacked from the candy bowl or nibbled from a child’s plate until it was too late. What to do: Make it a house rule to eat from a dish. Always. No bags, cartons or fistfuls. Put it in a dish, sit down and savor the taste as you eat – without distraction. That means that if you’re going to grab the crust of your daughter’s grilled cheese sandwich, you have to put it on a plate first. 8. You deprive yourself. Your list of can’t-have foods is so long, it rivals the nation’s tally of foreclosed homes. In fact, you’ve been so strict with yourself, you can’t remember the last time you ate a doughnut, candy bar or slice of pizza. Then - like so many times before - you give in, scarf down something taboo, and now you’re mad at yourself. So what the heck, you think: You’ll just eat everything on your forbidden list to get it out of your system. You’ll start your diet over again tomorrow – or next week. Problem is, you can’t get it out of your system. It just doesn’t work that way. What to do: No more setting yourself up for feeling deprived. In fact, no more dieting. Take the focus away from that list of bad foods and emphasize those that are good for you. If 90% of the time you eat a wholesome diet of ample fruits and vegetables, some whole grains, lean meats or other sources of protein, then the other 10% doesn’t really matter. So enjoy that glazed doughnut – but just one. If you want another, it will still be there tomorrow. After all, doughnuts or candy bars or pizza or whatever won’t drop off the face of the earth.
9. You’re usually good, but… You always watch your portions. You start every morning with a healthful breakfast and eat only baked chicken, not fried. Always that is, unless you’re on vacation or dining out. Or celebrating a birthday. Or sharing an anniversary. Or honoring your son’s first home run. Consistency is key to dropping pounds. Researchers involved with the National Weight Control Registry found that those who eat similarly day after day are more likely to maintain weight loss than others. One splurge meal in a restaurant can easily undo all the small calorie-saving tricks you employed the whole week before. Derail yourself every week and you’ll never get anywhere. What to do: Again, stop dieting and start making small changes you can live with. Find ways to celebrate that don’t involve high-calorie eating (like a manicure) or take half of that restaurant meal home to celebrate again tomorrow. 10. You overestimate your calorie burn. Gym machines are notorious for overestimating the calories burned by exercisers, and dieters can easily out-eat their workouts. Your 30-minute power walk might burn 200 calories, but that won’t make up for your after-exercise power smoothie. What to do: Exercise is an important tool in controlling your weight and maintaining good health, but stop rewarding your good work with food. If you’re tempted to follow a sweat session with a smoothie or muffin, consider these numbers first: Medium nonfat latte and blueberry muffin (605 calories) Walking 3.0 mph (20-minute mile), 2 hours, 14 minutes Walking 4.0 mph (15-minute mile), 1 hour, 29 minutes Large bagel with cream cheese (430 calories) Jogging 5.2 mph (11.5-minute mile), 35 minutes Aerobic dancing, low impact, 63 minutes 22-ounce strawberry smoothie with artificial sweetener (250 calories) Weight training, light, 61 minutes Circuit training (includes aerobic activity), 23 minutes Fast food sausage and egg biscuit (500 calories) Gardening, 92 minutes House cleaning, heavy, 2 hours, 2 minutes http://www.lifescript.com/diet-fitness/articles/0/10_reasons_youre_not_losing_weight.aspx
A SURVIVOR’S STORY At age 53, Bill Richards was not expecting a diagnosis of cancer.A decorated Vietnam veteran with a long career on Wall Street, Richards was accustomed to a demanding schedule, working 14-hour days with frequent international travel. But an elevated PSA uncovered during a routine physical exam in 1999 put him on alert. When his PSA continued to rise rapidly over the course of two years, his primary care physician recommended a biopsy. The initial results came back negative, but a second, more extensive biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of early-stage prostate cancer. Richards was deeply concerned. His father had died at 54-although not of prostate cancer-but this number still loomed large in his mind. Richards recalls poring over Dr. Patrick Walsh’s Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer. “My primary concern,” says Richards, “was getting the cancer out.” After considering all the available treatments, Richards opted for the “gold standard” of radical prostatectomy (complete removal of the prostate). He was scheduled to have surgery performed at another Manhattan hospital when a friend suggested he see Dr. Herbert Lepor at NYU Urology. Dr. Lepor’s experience and track record, as well as his medical training at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine under Dr. Walsh, convinced Richards to come to NYU. In the recovery room after surgery, Richards met three other men who had also undergone prostatectomy that same day with Dr. Lepor. The men, who ranged in age to early 40s to late 60s, bonded in the hospital and agreed to keep in touch over the coming weeks. Their support and humor helped carry Richards through the physical and mental challenges of recovering from cancer, and the group still keeps in touch to this day.
Life after cancer Ten years later, Richards is cancer-free and shows no sign of slowing down. He travels widely, both for business and pleasure, and enjoys riding horses in upstate New York. He also finds time to work with several nonprofit organizations serving young people, including iMentor and the All Hallows School in the Bronx. Richards says that beating cancer has given him a new appreciation of life. “I don’t know how many people would say cancer is a positive experience, but it was for me,” he muses. Richards’ advice to men who receive a diagnosis of prostate cancer? “Confront the disease immediately, and maintain hope, since it’s a curable cancer. Reach out to other people, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.” And foremost, says Richards, “Take advantage of the superb medical care available at NYU Langone. I was very fortunate to be treated by one of the best urologic surgeons in the world, Dr. Lepor. I can’t say enough about how good NYU Urology has been for me.”
http://prostate-cancer.med.nyu.edu/patient-care/prostate-cancer-survivor-stories/bill-richards-prostate-cancer-survivor
Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Cream Sauce INGREDIENTS 2 5-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and tenders removed (see Tip) 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon canola oil 1 medium shallot, minced 1 cup thinly sliced shiitake mushroom caps 2 tablespoons dry vermouth, or dry white wine 1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth 2 tablespoons heavy cream 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives, or scallion greens
PREPARATION Season chicken with pepper and salt on both sides. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook, turning once or twice and adjusting the heat to prevent burning, until brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165째F, 12 to 16 minutes. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm. Add shallot to the pan and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add mushrooms; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 2 minutes. Pour in vermouth (or wine); simmer until almost evaporated, scraping up any browned bits, about 1 minute. Pour in broth and cook until reduced by half, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in cream and chives (or scallions); return to a simmer. Return the chicken to the pan, turn to coat with sauce and cook until heated through, about 1 minute.
NUTRITION Per serving: 275 calories; 15 g fat ( 5 g sat , 7 g mono ); 84 mg cholesterol; 5 g carbohydrates; 25 g protein; 1 g fiber; 373 mg sodium; 370 mg potassium. Nutrition Bonus: Selenium (34% daily value).
HEALING FOODS
PapayaThis tropical favorite enhances digestion, calms inflammation, and curtails heart disease and arthritis The only food source of papain, an anti-inflammatory enzyme that breaks down proteins, papaya aids digestion, eases stings, burns, and wounds, and slows clotting to improve circulation and hasten nutrient delivery to inflamed areas. Rich in folate and vitamins A and E, papayas have 33 percent more vitamin C than oranges. Carotenoids, antioxidants that give papaya its orange hue, combine with vitamin C to curb heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Papaya is also loaded with potassium and magnesium, which fight hypertension. Fiber-rich and just 59 calories each, papaya is an ally for weight-loss too. Choose It & Use It Papaya is available year-round. Reddish yellow fruit that yields to the touch is ripe and lasts a week in the fridge. Avoid fruit with bruises, shriveled skin, or soft spots. Green papaya will ripen at room temperature. Swap papaya for tomatoes in salsas, or for dried fruits in baked goods. Add it to yogurt, ice cream, or granola. Don’t use it in dishes that must solidify, such as custards, or they won’t set up.
Energizing Foods for Lunch Lunch should help you get the energy you need to make it through your afternoon. Jobs can be stressful and demand a lot from your mind and body. Be prepared for those demands by packing healthy foods that also help boost your energy for the rest of the workday. While vitamins and minerals provide nutrition, they aren't a source of food energy. Look to carbohydrates, fats and proteins for the calories you need. Carbohydrates, including sugars, are good for quick energy. If you have protein with those carbs, you can slow the rate at which your body absorbs them. The best way to put these together is to combine small amounts of protein, complex carbohydrates and some healthy fats as part of your lunch [source: Zelman]. The following are some foods that are good for you and help energize you for the afternoon ahead: Energizing fruits: blueberries, strawberries, cantaloupe, mango, citrus fruit, tomatoes, avocado Energizing veggies: peppers, sweet potatoes, spinach, broccoli Energizing proteins: pork, salmon, soy, beans, nuts Energizing grains: whole grains, oatmeal Low-fat dairy products If you think you'll need another energy boost during the day, combine these with a healthy mid-afternoon snack to pack with your lunch. The following are some energizing healthy snack ideas you can try: An orange -- bring the whole orange, or peel the orange in advance and bring the wedges in to work in a small snack bag A small snack bag of dried fruit and nuts A spoonful of peanut butter on whole-wheat crackers -- you can keep these ingredients in your desk drawer for snacks throughout the week, but keep your portions in check Low-fat yogurt with strawberries and blueberries -- chop up the berries ahead of time and bring them in a small container with your lunch, or add them to the yogurt in advance A cup of cantaloupe and mango slices with mandarin orange wedges Sliced veggies and hummus dip -- slice the veggies at home and bring them in a small snack bag Pita chips and bean dip Another energizing tip is to make sure you stay hydrated. Your body is about 60 percent water, and it needs that water for digestion and energy. Even the slightest dehydration can make you feel tired [source: Mayo Clinic]. Keep a water bottle or big cup with you at work to remind you to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and refill it as soon as it’s empty.
http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/healthy-lunches-for-work3.htm
http://www.imvu.com/shop/web_search.php?manufacturers_id=49421388
Classy Sexy Room Designs
MinnesotaCoco http://www.imvu.com/shop/web_search.php?manufacturers_id=63883473
She remembered how great her girlfriends Cityview Penthouse was, overlooking the river with the pool and all. But the seasons are changing and she knew she’d wanted the beautiful views of the city that her girlfriend had. OMG, this is perfect she thought, when she saw this beautiful Penthouse done all in Green and Black.
Click here to go to catalog
TO Our Advertisers Your Support Is Appreciated! Minnesotacoco http://www.imvu.com/shop/web_search.php?manufacturers_id=63883473 LaylaMossVancouver http://www.imvu.com/shop/web_search.php?manufacturers_id=84729824 ChristinaVancouver http://www.imvu.com/shop/web_search.php?manufacturers_id=87735657 AresOsamaSuperVeli http://www.imvu.com/shop/web_search.php?manufacturers_id=60651257 QueenCobraGeminiCT http://www.imvu.com/shop/web_search.php?manufacturers_id=49421388