Question: "Although I have just recently moved to a new residence, I lived in an apartment over a dry cleaners for two years. I believe that I was exposed to Perchloroethylene in the air possibly in the water. Can you tell me about the health effects of it?"
Answer: Perchloroethylene, which is also known as PERC and tetrachloroethylene, is a colorless, nonflammable liquid. The largest U.S. user of PERC is the dry cleaning industry. It accounts for 80% to 85% of all dry cleaning fluid used. Typewriter correction fluid and shoe polish are among the consumer products that contain PERC.
It is possible to be exposed to PERC by living in an apartment above a dry cleaning facility. PERC enters the body when breathed in with contaminated air or when consumed with contaminated food or water. Once in the body, PERC can remain stored in fat tissue., Short term exposure to PERC can cause adverse health effects on the nervous system that range from dizziness, fatigue, headaches, and sweating to incoordination and unconsciousness. Contact with PERC in its liquid or vapor form can irritate the skin, eyes, nose and throat. Long term exposure to PERC can cause liver and kidney damage. Workers repeatedly exposed to large amounts of PERC in the air have experienced memory loss and confusion. PERC has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals that repeatedly breathed PERC in air. It is important to remember that the effects of PERC on your health depend on how much PERC and the length and frequency of exposure.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Risks from Food and Water
Contaminated food and drink are common sources for the introduction of infection into the body. Among the more common infections that travelers can acquire from contaminated food and drink are Escherichia coli infections, shigellosis or bacillary dysentery, giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis, noroviruses, and hepatitis A. Other less common infectious disease risks for travelers include typhoid fever and other salmonelloses, cholera, rotavirus infections, and a variety of protozoan and helminthic parasites (other than those that cause giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis). Many infectious diseases transmitted in food and water can also be acquired directly through the fecal-oral route.
Food
To avoid illness, travelers should be advised to select food with care. All raw food is subject to contamination. Particularly in areas where hygiene and sanitation are inadequate, the traveler should be advised to avoid salads, uncooked vegetables, and unpasteurized milk and milk products such as cheese, and to eat only food that has been cooked and is still hot or fruit that has been washed in clean water and then peeled by the traveler personally. Undercooked and raw meat, fish, and shellfish can carry various intestinal pathogens. Cooked food that has been allowed to stand for several hours at ambient temperature can provide a fertile medium for bacterial growth and should be thoroughly reheated before serving. Consumption of food and beverages obtained from street vendors has been associated with an increased risk of illness.
The easiest way to guarantee a safe food source for an infant <6 months of age is to have the infant breastfeed. If the infant has already been weaned from the breast, formula prepared from commercial powder and boiled water is the safest and most practical food.
Cholera cases have occurred in people who ate crab brought back from Latin America by travelers. Travelers should be advised not to bring perishable seafood with them when they return to the United States from high-risk areas. Moreover, travelers may assume incorrectly that food and water aboard commercial aircraft are safe. Food and water may be obtained in the country of departure, where items may be contaminated.
Water
Swimming
A variety of infections (e.g., skin, ear, eye, respiratory, neurologic, and diarrheal infections) have been linked to wading or swimming in the ocean, freshwater lakes and rivers, and swimming pools, particularly if the swimmer's head is submerged. Water may be contaminated by other people and from sewage, animal wastes, and wastewater run-off. Diarrhea and other serious waterborne infections can be spread when disease-causing organisms from human or animal feces are introduced into the water. Travelers who swim should be advised to avoid beaches that may be contaminated with human sewage or dog feces.
Accidentally swallowing small amounts of fecally contaminated water can cause illness. Travelers should be warned to try to avoid swallowing water while engaging in aquatic activities. Generally, for infectious disease prevention, pools that contain chlorinated water can be considered safe places to swim if the disinfectant levels and pH are properly maintained. However, some organisms (e.g., Cryptosporidium, Giardia, hepatitis A, and Norovirus) have moderate to very high resistance to chlorine levels commonly found in chlorinated swimming pools, so travelers also should avoid swallowing chlorinated swimming pool water. All travelers who have diarrhea should refrain from swimming to avoid contaminating recreational water.
Travelers should be advised to avoid swimming or wading with open cuts or abrasions that might serve as entry points for pathogens. In certain areas, fatal primary amebic meningoencephalitis has occurred after swimming in warm freshwater lakes or rivers, thermally polluted areas around industrial complexes, and hot springs, so travelers should avoid submerging the head and should wear nose plugs when entering untreated water to prevent water getting up the nose. Travelers should also be advised to avoid wading or swimming in freshwater streams, canals, and lakes in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of the Caribbean, South America, Africa, and Asia (see Map 4-10, Geographic distribution of schistosomiasis), or in bodies of water that may be contaminated with urine from animals infected with Leptospira.
Drinking
Water that has been adequately chlorinated according to the minimum recommended water treatment standards used in the United States will afford substantial protection against viral and bacterial waterborne diseases. However, chlorine treatment alone, as used in the routine disinfection of water, may not kill some enteric viruses and the parasitic organisms that cause giardiasis, amebiasis, and cryptosporidiosis. In areas where chlorinated tap water is not available or where hygiene and sanitation are poor, travelers should be advised that only the following may be safe to drink:
Beverages, such as tea and coffee, made with boiled water.
Canned or bottled beverages, including water, carbonated mineral water, and soft drinks.
Beer and wine.
Where water might be contaminated, travelers should be advised that ice should also be considered contaminated and should not be used in beverages. If ice has been in contact with containers used for drinking, travelers should be advised to clean the containers thoroughly, preferably with soap and hot water, after the ice has been discarded.
It is safer to drink a beverage directly from the can or bottle than from a questionable container. However, water on the outside of beverage cans or bottles may also be contaminated. Therefore, travelers should be advised to dry wet cans or bottles before they are opened and to wipe clean surfaces with which the mouth will have direct contact. Where water may be contaminated, travelers should be advised to avoid brushing their teeth with tap water.
Treatment of Drinking Water
Travelers should be advised of the following methods for treating water to make it safe for drinking and other purposes.
Boiling
Boiling is by far the most reliable method to make water of uncertain purity safe for drinking. Water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil for 1 minute and allowed to cool to room temperature; ice should not be added. This procedure will kill bacterial and parasitic causes of diarrhea at all altitudes and viruses at low altitudes. To kill viruses at altitudes >2,000 m (6,562 ft), water should be boiled for 3 minutes or chemical disinfection should be used after the water has boiled for 1 minute. Adding a pinch of salt to each quart or pouring the water several times from one clean container to another will improve the taste.
Chemical Disinfection
Chemical disinfection with iodine is an alternative method of water treatment when it is not feasible to boil water. However, this method cannot be relied on to kill Cryptosporidium. Two well-tested methods for disinfection with iodine are the use of tincture of iodine (Table 2-2) and tetraglycine hydroperiodide tablets (e.g., Globaline, Potable-Aqua, or Coghlan's). These tablets are available from pharmacies and sporting goods stores. The manufacturer's instructions should be followed. If water is cloudy, the number of tablets used should be doubled; if water is extremely cold (<5°C; <41°F]), an attempt should be made to warm the water, and the recommended contact time should be increased to achieve reliable disinfection. Cloudy water should be strained through a clean cloth into a container to remove any sediment or floating matter, and then the water should be boiled or treated with iodine. Iodine treatment of water is intended for short-term use only. When the only water available is iodine treated, it should be used for only a few weeks.
Table 2-2. Treatment of water with tincture of iodine
Tincture of iodine
Drops1 to be added per quart or liter
Clear water
Cold or cloudy water2
2%
5
10
1One drop = 0.05 mL. Water must stand for a minimum of 30 minutes before it is safe to use.2Very turbid or cold water can require prolonged contact time; if possible, such water should be allowed to stand several hours before use. To ensure that Cryptosporidium is killed, water must stand for 15 hours before drinking.
Chlorine, in various forms, can also be used for chemical disinfection. However, its germicidal activity varies greatly with the pH, temperature, and organic content of the water to be purified; therefore, it can produce less consistent levels of disinfection in many types of water.
Water Filters
Portable filters currently on the market will provide various degrees of protection against microbes. Reverse-osmosis filters provide protection against viruses, bacteria, and protozoa, but they are expensive and larger than most filters used by backpackers, and the small pores on this type of filter are rapidly plugged by muddy or cloudy water. In addition, the membranes in some filters can be damaged by chlorine in water. Microstrainer filters with pore sizes in the 0.1- to 0.3-μm range can remove bacteria and protozoa from drinking water, but they do not remove viruses. To kill viruses, travelers using microstrainer filters should be advised to disinfect the water with iodine or chlorine after filtration, as described previously. Some filtration kits come with an additional filter effective against viruses. Filters with iodine-impregnated resins are most effective against bacteria, and the iodine will kill some viruses; however, the contact time with the iodine in the filter is too short to kill the protozoa Cryptosporidium and, in cold water, Giardia.
Filters that are designed to remove Cryptosporidium and Giardia carry one of the four messages below—verbatim—on the package label.
Reverse osmosis
Absolute pore size of 1 micron
Tested and certified by NSF International (formerly the National Sanitation Foundation) Standard 53 or NSF Standard 58 for cyst removal
Tested and certified by NSF Standard 53 or NSF Standard 58 for cyst reduction
Filters may not be designed to remove Cryptosporidium and Giardia if they are labeled only with these words:
Nominal pore size of 1 micron
One-micron filter
Effective against Giardia
Effective against parasites
Carbon filter
Water purifier
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved (Caution: EPA does not approve or test filters.)
EPA-registered (Caution: EPA does not register filters for Cryptosporidium removal)
Activated carbon
Removes chlorine
Ultraviolet light
Pentiodide resins
Water softener
Filters collect organisms from water. Anyone changing cartridges should wash hands afterwards. Filters may not remove Cryptosporidium as well as boiling does, because even good brands of filters may sometimes have manufacturing flaws that allow small numbers of organisms to pass through the filter. In addition, poor filter maintenance or failure to replace filter cartridges as recommended by the manufacturer can cause a filter to fail.
A travelers' guide to buying water filters for preventing cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis can be found at URL: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/cryptosporidiosis/factsht_crypto_prevent_water.htm. These two organisms are either highly (Cryptosporidium) or moderately (Giardia) resistant to chlorine; so conventional halogen disinfection may be ineffective. Boiling water or filtration can be used as an alternative to chemical disinfection.
Proper selection, operation, care, and maintenance of water filters are essential to producing safe water. The manufacturers' instructions should be followed. NSF International, an independent testing company, tests and certifies water filters for their ability to remove protozoa, but not for their ability to remove bacteria or viruses. Few published scientific reports have evaluated the efficacy of specific brands or models of filters against bacteria and viruses in water. Until such information becomes available, CDC cannot identify which specific brands or models of filters are most likely to remove bacteria and viruses. To find out if a particular filter is certified to remove cryptosporidia, contact NSF International by calling 1-877-867-3435; by fax to 313-769-0109; or by writing to 789 North Dixboro Road, P.O. Box 130140, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48113-0140; or online at http://www.NSF.org/certified/DWTU/. Under "Reduction claims for drinking water treatment units—health effects," check the box in front of the words "Cyst Reduction."
As a last resort, if no source of safe drinking water is available or can be obtained, tap water that is uncomfortably hot to touch might be safer than cold tap water; however, proper disinfection, filtering, or boiling is still advised.
Food
To avoid illness, travelers should be advised to select food with care. All raw food is subject to contamination. Particularly in areas where hygiene and sanitation are inadequate, the traveler should be advised to avoid salads, uncooked vegetables, and unpasteurized milk and milk products such as cheese, and to eat only food that has been cooked and is still hot or fruit that has been washed in clean water and then peeled by the traveler personally. Undercooked and raw meat, fish, and shellfish can carry various intestinal pathogens. Cooked food that has been allowed to stand for several hours at ambient temperature can provide a fertile medium for bacterial growth and should be thoroughly reheated before serving. Consumption of food and beverages obtained from street vendors has been associated with an increased risk of illness.
The easiest way to guarantee a safe food source for an infant <6 months of age is to have the infant breastfeed. If the infant has already been weaned from the breast, formula prepared from commercial powder and boiled water is the safest and most practical food.
Cholera cases have occurred in people who ate crab brought back from Latin America by travelers. Travelers should be advised not to bring perishable seafood with them when they return to the United States from high-risk areas. Moreover, travelers may assume incorrectly that food and water aboard commercial aircraft are safe. Food and water may be obtained in the country of departure, where items may be contaminated.
Water
Swimming
A variety of infections (e.g., skin, ear, eye, respiratory, neurologic, and diarrheal infections) have been linked to wading or swimming in the ocean, freshwater lakes and rivers, and swimming pools, particularly if the swimmer's head is submerged. Water may be contaminated by other people and from sewage, animal wastes, and wastewater run-off. Diarrhea and other serious waterborne infections can be spread when disease-causing organisms from human or animal feces are introduced into the water. Travelers who swim should be advised to avoid beaches that may be contaminated with human sewage or dog feces.
Accidentally swallowing small amounts of fecally contaminated water can cause illness. Travelers should be warned to try to avoid swallowing water while engaging in aquatic activities. Generally, for infectious disease prevention, pools that contain chlorinated water can be considered safe places to swim if the disinfectant levels and pH are properly maintained. However, some organisms (e.g., Cryptosporidium, Giardia, hepatitis A, and Norovirus) have moderate to very high resistance to chlorine levels commonly found in chlorinated swimming pools, so travelers also should avoid swallowing chlorinated swimming pool water. All travelers who have diarrhea should refrain from swimming to avoid contaminating recreational water.
Travelers should be advised to avoid swimming or wading with open cuts or abrasions that might serve as entry points for pathogens. In certain areas, fatal primary amebic meningoencephalitis has occurred after swimming in warm freshwater lakes or rivers, thermally polluted areas around industrial complexes, and hot springs, so travelers should avoid submerging the head and should wear nose plugs when entering untreated water to prevent water getting up the nose. Travelers should also be advised to avoid wading or swimming in freshwater streams, canals, and lakes in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of the Caribbean, South America, Africa, and Asia (see Map 4-10, Geographic distribution of schistosomiasis), or in bodies of water that may be contaminated with urine from animals infected with Leptospira.
Drinking
Water that has been adequately chlorinated according to the minimum recommended water treatment standards used in the United States will afford substantial protection against viral and bacterial waterborne diseases. However, chlorine treatment alone, as used in the routine disinfection of water, may not kill some enteric viruses and the parasitic organisms that cause giardiasis, amebiasis, and cryptosporidiosis. In areas where chlorinated tap water is not available or where hygiene and sanitation are poor, travelers should be advised that only the following may be safe to drink:
Beverages, such as tea and coffee, made with boiled water.
Canned or bottled beverages, including water, carbonated mineral water, and soft drinks.
Beer and wine.
Where water might be contaminated, travelers should be advised that ice should also be considered contaminated and should not be used in beverages. If ice has been in contact with containers used for drinking, travelers should be advised to clean the containers thoroughly, preferably with soap and hot water, after the ice has been discarded.
It is safer to drink a beverage directly from the can or bottle than from a questionable container. However, water on the outside of beverage cans or bottles may also be contaminated. Therefore, travelers should be advised to dry wet cans or bottles before they are opened and to wipe clean surfaces with which the mouth will have direct contact. Where water may be contaminated, travelers should be advised to avoid brushing their teeth with tap water.
Treatment of Drinking Water
Travelers should be advised of the following methods for treating water to make it safe for drinking and other purposes.
Boiling
Boiling is by far the most reliable method to make water of uncertain purity safe for drinking. Water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil for 1 minute and allowed to cool to room temperature; ice should not be added. This procedure will kill bacterial and parasitic causes of diarrhea at all altitudes and viruses at low altitudes. To kill viruses at altitudes >2,000 m (6,562 ft), water should be boiled for 3 minutes or chemical disinfection should be used after the water has boiled for 1 minute. Adding a pinch of salt to each quart or pouring the water several times from one clean container to another will improve the taste.
Chemical Disinfection
Chemical disinfection with iodine is an alternative method of water treatment when it is not feasible to boil water. However, this method cannot be relied on to kill Cryptosporidium. Two well-tested methods for disinfection with iodine are the use of tincture of iodine (Table 2-2) and tetraglycine hydroperiodide tablets (e.g., Globaline, Potable-Aqua, or Coghlan's). These tablets are available from pharmacies and sporting goods stores. The manufacturer's instructions should be followed. If water is cloudy, the number of tablets used should be doubled; if water is extremely cold (<5°C; <41°F]), an attempt should be made to warm the water, and the recommended contact time should be increased to achieve reliable disinfection. Cloudy water should be strained through a clean cloth into a container to remove any sediment or floating matter, and then the water should be boiled or treated with iodine. Iodine treatment of water is intended for short-term use only. When the only water available is iodine treated, it should be used for only a few weeks.
Table 2-2. Treatment of water with tincture of iodine
Tincture of iodine
Drops1 to be added per quart or liter
Clear water
Cold or cloudy water2
2%
5
10
1One drop = 0.05 mL. Water must stand for a minimum of 30 minutes before it is safe to use.2Very turbid or cold water can require prolonged contact time; if possible, such water should be allowed to stand several hours before use. To ensure that Cryptosporidium is killed, water must stand for 15 hours before drinking.
Chlorine, in various forms, can also be used for chemical disinfection. However, its germicidal activity varies greatly with the pH, temperature, and organic content of the water to be purified; therefore, it can produce less consistent levels of disinfection in many types of water.
Water Filters
Portable filters currently on the market will provide various degrees of protection against microbes. Reverse-osmosis filters provide protection against viruses, bacteria, and protozoa, but they are expensive and larger than most filters used by backpackers, and the small pores on this type of filter are rapidly plugged by muddy or cloudy water. In addition, the membranes in some filters can be damaged by chlorine in water. Microstrainer filters with pore sizes in the 0.1- to 0.3-μm range can remove bacteria and protozoa from drinking water, but they do not remove viruses. To kill viruses, travelers using microstrainer filters should be advised to disinfect the water with iodine or chlorine after filtration, as described previously. Some filtration kits come with an additional filter effective against viruses. Filters with iodine-impregnated resins are most effective against bacteria, and the iodine will kill some viruses; however, the contact time with the iodine in the filter is too short to kill the protozoa Cryptosporidium and, in cold water, Giardia.
Filters that are designed to remove Cryptosporidium and Giardia carry one of the four messages below—verbatim—on the package label.
Reverse osmosis
Absolute pore size of 1 micron
Tested and certified by NSF International (formerly the National Sanitation Foundation) Standard 53 or NSF Standard 58 for cyst removal
Tested and certified by NSF Standard 53 or NSF Standard 58 for cyst reduction
Filters may not be designed to remove Cryptosporidium and Giardia if they are labeled only with these words:
Nominal pore size of 1 micron
One-micron filter
Effective against Giardia
Effective against parasites
Carbon filter
Water purifier
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved (Caution: EPA does not approve or test filters.)
EPA-registered (Caution: EPA does not register filters for Cryptosporidium removal)
Activated carbon
Removes chlorine
Ultraviolet light
Pentiodide resins
Water softener
Filters collect organisms from water. Anyone changing cartridges should wash hands afterwards. Filters may not remove Cryptosporidium as well as boiling does, because even good brands of filters may sometimes have manufacturing flaws that allow small numbers of organisms to pass through the filter. In addition, poor filter maintenance or failure to replace filter cartridges as recommended by the manufacturer can cause a filter to fail.
A travelers' guide to buying water filters for preventing cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis can be found at URL: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/cryptosporidiosis/factsht_crypto_prevent_water.htm. These two organisms are either highly (Cryptosporidium) or moderately (Giardia) resistant to chlorine; so conventional halogen disinfection may be ineffective. Boiling water or filtration can be used as an alternative to chemical disinfection.
Proper selection, operation, care, and maintenance of water filters are essential to producing safe water. The manufacturers' instructions should be followed. NSF International, an independent testing company, tests and certifies water filters for their ability to remove protozoa, but not for their ability to remove bacteria or viruses. Few published scientific reports have evaluated the efficacy of specific brands or models of filters against bacteria and viruses in water. Until such information becomes available, CDC cannot identify which specific brands or models of filters are most likely to remove bacteria and viruses. To find out if a particular filter is certified to remove cryptosporidia, contact NSF International by calling 1-877-867-3435; by fax to 313-769-0109; or by writing to 789 North Dixboro Road, P.O. Box 130140, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48113-0140; or online at http://www.NSF.org/certified/DWTU/. Under "Reduction claims for drinking water treatment units—health effects," check the box in front of the words "Cyst Reduction."
As a last resort, if no source of safe drinking water is available or can be obtained, tap water that is uncomfortably hot to touch might be safer than cold tap water; however, proper disinfection, filtering, or boiling is still advised.
Love Lessons from the Wild Kingdom-5 primal ways to boost your animal magnetism
Courtship in the wild is more Sadie Hawkins than seize-and-conquer, says Dan Wharton, Ph.D., director of the Central Park Zoo, in New York City. "It's a scientific tenet that mate selection is almost always female driven," he says. We've plucked the wildest wilderness moves for this mating-game cheat sheet. Go get 'em, tiger.
Lion
The mating dance: The lioness might signal interest with a paw to the jaw of her prospective king. If the lion approaches before he gets the green light, she bolts.
The lesson: Learn her cues. "If a male lion tries to take any shortcuts, it's a turnoff," says Wharton. Sound familiar? A single glance across a crowded bar could simply be a woman's way of beating boredom. Use this test: Ask a buddy to keep an eye on her while you go to the jukebox. If she looks up when you pass or leans in to a friend to whisper, she's probably interested. The next signal she sends is her paw to your jaw.
Baboon
The mating dance: Ba-boons become nervous and shy when they encounter a potential mate, says Barbara Smuts, Ph.D., author of Sex and Friendship in Baboons.
The lesson: Strike the right pose. Signal that you're sufficiently moved by her presence, but exude confidence as well, says David Givens, Ph.D., director of the Center for Nonverbal Studies. Stand up straight, chest out; keep eye contact, and slip your hands into your pockets a few times as you're talking. This gesture shouts strength and a bit of vulnerability, Givens says.
Cuttlefish
The mating dance: When on the prowl, he swims solo toward a potential mate and flashes his skin patterns to assert his masculinity.
The lesson: Break away from the pack. "Too much testosterone can be a major turnoff for women," says Janice R. Levine, Ph.D., author of Why Do Fools Fall in Love? To stand out, start by sartorially outflanking your posse. If they dress down, throw on a blazer. If they tend toward stripes, button up a crisp, solid oxford. And once you're at the watering hole, hit neutral nooks alone: the pool table, the patio, the other side of the bar.
Snow Leopard
The mating dance: A few swats, a tackle, some bloody clawing: Play fighting helps the snow leopard create sexual tension and demonstrate strength.
The lesson: "Being a pushover won't further her attraction," says Levine. Create friction with some playful verbal sparring: If you find her list of favorite books ridiculous, rebut with your own. If she rags on your music selection, snap back about her stack of Star magazines. "The sexual tension will feed her desire for you," says Levine. "Without it, things will fizzle."
Gorilla
The mating dance: The patient male makes it clear he's ready to rumble but leaves it up to her to make the mating move.
The lesson: Leave her wanting more. Start with the postdate callback. It's not when you say it, but how and what you say that counts. Send her a short text: "Great time last night. Call me if you want to do it again." You'll send the right message but add a dose of uncertainty. "Anxiety increases the dopamine in her brain, which heightens the feeling of romantic love," says anthropologist Helen Fisher, Ph.D., author of Why We Love.
Lion
The mating dance: The lioness might signal interest with a paw to the jaw of her prospective king. If the lion approaches before he gets the green light, she bolts.
The lesson: Learn her cues. "If a male lion tries to take any shortcuts, it's a turnoff," says Wharton. Sound familiar? A single glance across a crowded bar could simply be a woman's way of beating boredom. Use this test: Ask a buddy to keep an eye on her while you go to the jukebox. If she looks up when you pass or leans in to a friend to whisper, she's probably interested. The next signal she sends is her paw to your jaw.
Baboon
The mating dance: Ba-boons become nervous and shy when they encounter a potential mate, says Barbara Smuts, Ph.D., author of Sex and Friendship in Baboons.
The lesson: Strike the right pose. Signal that you're sufficiently moved by her presence, but exude confidence as well, says David Givens, Ph.D., director of the Center for Nonverbal Studies. Stand up straight, chest out; keep eye contact, and slip your hands into your pockets a few times as you're talking. This gesture shouts strength and a bit of vulnerability, Givens says.
Cuttlefish
The mating dance: When on the prowl, he swims solo toward a potential mate and flashes his skin patterns to assert his masculinity.
The lesson: Break away from the pack. "Too much testosterone can be a major turnoff for women," says Janice R. Levine, Ph.D., author of Why Do Fools Fall in Love? To stand out, start by sartorially outflanking your posse. If they dress down, throw on a blazer. If they tend toward stripes, button up a crisp, solid oxford. And once you're at the watering hole, hit neutral nooks alone: the pool table, the patio, the other side of the bar.
Snow Leopard
The mating dance: A few swats, a tackle, some bloody clawing: Play fighting helps the snow leopard create sexual tension and demonstrate strength.
The lesson: "Being a pushover won't further her attraction," says Levine. Create friction with some playful verbal sparring: If you find her list of favorite books ridiculous, rebut with your own. If she rags on your music selection, snap back about her stack of Star magazines. "The sexual tension will feed her desire for you," says Levine. "Without it, things will fizzle."
Gorilla
The mating dance: The patient male makes it clear he's ready to rumble but leaves it up to her to make the mating move.
The lesson: Leave her wanting more. Start with the postdate callback. It's not when you say it, but how and what you say that counts. Send her a short text: "Great time last night. Call me if you want to do it again." You'll send the right message but add a dose of uncertainty. "Anxiety increases the dopamine in her brain, which heightens the feeling of romantic love," says anthropologist Helen Fisher, Ph.D., author of Why We Love.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Heat in a Hurry
We polled 1,000 women to find out how to conquer bedroom obstacles
Endless Bickering
Fighting over serious issues is normal, but bickering can cramp your sex life, says Valerie Davis Raskin, M.D., author of Great Sex for Moms. Unless compromise is easy, "it's often better to put minor disputes aside," she says. "You shouldn't talk over everything endlessly." In our survey, the most trivial quarrels were about the house. Avoid them by playing to each other's strengths. Then divvy up the decisions accordingly.
A Houseful of Kids
If tantrums and diapers are polluting your passion, ditch the kids (for a night). "It's all about creating opportunity," Dr. Raskin says. "Spontaneity is enviable, but planned sex can be great, too." Particular-ly if you're not getting enough. You know that couple next door? They're probably in a similar situation, so propose a kid swap. You take theirs on Friday, they take yours on Saturday. If the neighbors are freaks, go home when the kids aren't: lunchtime. Nearly 40 percent of women would be willing to get busy at noon.
Late-Night TV
Here's a disturbing set of statistics: Italian researchers found that having a TV in the bedroom halves your sex tally, yet 64 percent of couples keep a set in the boudoir. "Getting it on is about putting the brain and body in a passionate state--TV does the opposite," says Heidi Raykeil, author of Confessions of a Naughty Mommy. Can't quit? Buy a DVR and watch your favorite shows on weekends.
Conflicting Schedules
Sixty-hour workweeks plus social plans can leave her too tired to tangle. But pumping up the passion at the beginning of your week sets the tone for days to come. Go to the gym together on Monday or Tuesday: Studies show both sexes experience a surge of libido-boosting testosterone 30 minutes after a workout. Shower and then hit the bedroom. "It'll zap stress and the sexual momentum will last through the weekend," says Michael Breus, Ph.D., author of Good Night.
An Extra Slice of Pie
Hoovering down a romantic dinner can backfire. Share an entrée to eat less, and spark a passionate interaction, says Bunny Crumpacker, author of The Sex Life of Food. "Choosing a meal together and sharing the dish can boost your sense of cooperation," she says. Your best bet: Whip up a dish at home--66 percent of the women we surveyed said they'd be more likely to have sex after a home-cooked meal.
Endless Bickering
Fighting over serious issues is normal, but bickering can cramp your sex life, says Valerie Davis Raskin, M.D., author of Great Sex for Moms. Unless compromise is easy, "it's often better to put minor disputes aside," she says. "You shouldn't talk over everything endlessly." In our survey, the most trivial quarrels were about the house. Avoid them by playing to each other's strengths. Then divvy up the decisions accordingly.
A Houseful of Kids
If tantrums and diapers are polluting your passion, ditch the kids (for a night). "It's all about creating opportunity," Dr. Raskin says. "Spontaneity is enviable, but planned sex can be great, too." Particular-ly if you're not getting enough. You know that couple next door? They're probably in a similar situation, so propose a kid swap. You take theirs on Friday, they take yours on Saturday. If the neighbors are freaks, go home when the kids aren't: lunchtime. Nearly 40 percent of women would be willing to get busy at noon.
Late-Night TV
Here's a disturbing set of statistics: Italian researchers found that having a TV in the bedroom halves your sex tally, yet 64 percent of couples keep a set in the boudoir. "Getting it on is about putting the brain and body in a passionate state--TV does the opposite," says Heidi Raykeil, author of Confessions of a Naughty Mommy. Can't quit? Buy a DVR and watch your favorite shows on weekends.
Conflicting Schedules
Sixty-hour workweeks plus social plans can leave her too tired to tangle. But pumping up the passion at the beginning of your week sets the tone for days to come. Go to the gym together on Monday or Tuesday: Studies show both sexes experience a surge of libido-boosting testosterone 30 minutes after a workout. Shower and then hit the bedroom. "It'll zap stress and the sexual momentum will last through the weekend," says Michael Breus, Ph.D., author of Good Night.
An Extra Slice of Pie
Hoovering down a romantic dinner can backfire. Share an entrée to eat less, and spark a passionate interaction, says Bunny Crumpacker, author of The Sex Life of Food. "Choosing a meal together and sharing the dish can boost your sense of cooperation," she says. Your best bet: Whip up a dish at home--66 percent of the women we surveyed said they'd be more likely to have sex after a home-cooked meal.
Champion of Breakfast
Consume fewer calories all day with this simple breakfast
Yolking your diet could rein in your appetite. Saint Louis University scientists found that people who eat eggs as part of their breakfast consume fewer calories the rest of the day than those who skip the eggs. In the study, people were given one of two breakfasts: (1) two scrambled eggs, two slices of toast, and a tablespoon of reduced-calorie fruit spread; or (2) a bagel, 2 tablespoons of cream cheese, and 3 ounces of nonfat yogurt.
Even though the breakfasts were equal in calories, the egg eaters consumed 264 fewer calories by the end of the day. The researchers aren't sure why eating eggs appears to reduce hunger and food intake, but they think that the meal's higher protein and fat content may lead to greater satiety.
Yolking your diet could rein in your appetite. Saint Louis University scientists found that people who eat eggs as part of their breakfast consume fewer calories the rest of the day than those who skip the eggs. In the study, people were given one of two breakfasts: (1) two scrambled eggs, two slices of toast, and a tablespoon of reduced-calorie fruit spread; or (2) a bagel, 2 tablespoons of cream cheese, and 3 ounces of nonfat yogurt.
Even though the breakfasts were equal in calories, the egg eaters consumed 264 fewer calories by the end of the day. The researchers aren't sure why eating eggs appears to reduce hunger and food intake, but they think that the meal's higher protein and fat content may lead to greater satiety.
Summer Fit in 6 Weeks
Jamie Bamber, star of Battlestar Galactica, shows you how to torch fat in record time
Recharge your cardio routine : 4 ways to beat boredom and lose your gut
It's not that Jamie Bamber has more willpower than the rest of us. He just has a built-in advantage: "Producers give me a date when I need to take my shirt off. It's an instant goal," says the 34-year-old star of Battlestar Galactica. "Everyone's going to see me, from the crew to the viewers. If I didn't have a date on the calendar, I wouldn't be as disciplined as I am."
When was the last time you set a date to show off your abs? We'll give you one: May 28, Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer. By then, you should be ready to show friends, family, and women you don't know just how hard you've worked in the past 6 to 8 weeks. Prepare for the barbecues and beaches now with this fat-blasting plan.
1. ESCAPE THE CAGE
When he's not being chased by adoring female fans who saw his body in People magazine's "Sexiest" issue, Bamber's searching for the next great racetrack. "I don't know what to do in my mind when I'm on a treadmill," Bamber says. So he takes his cardio trainin0g outdoors, a strategy that West Virginia University researchers found makes you 52 percent more likely to exercise frequently. "The message is clear," says Paul Gordon, Ph.D., the study's lead author. "Don't force yourself to work out in a gym when you can better tolerate running outside." Gordon suggests finding a community trail in your area--it's free and safe, and you don't have to wait in line to use it.
2. ATTACK HILLS
Sprinting raises your resting metabolism, which means you burn extra calories after your workout as well as during your run. Bamber makes his sprints harder--and more effective--by running uphill. Hill sprints can make you a faster runner in 6 weeks, according to a new study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. And the faster you run, the higher your resting metabolism will soar. Try running hard for 10 to 15 seconds at a time on steep inclines and 20 to 30 seconds on moderate inclines, says Robert dos Remedios, C.S.C.S., director of speed, strength, and conditioning at College of the Canyons, in Santa Clarita, California. Repeat this six to eight times in a workout, jogging lightly for about 60 seconds between sprints.
3. RUN WILD
"I change my route and my pace as often as I can," says Bamber. "I just improvise."
For instance, when he's running on flat, relatively dull terrain, he'll spot a tree or stop sign
a couple of hundred yards ahead and sprint to it, and then slow to a jog until his breathing has returned to a normal rate. Then he charges toward his next mark. Try it yourself. Run sporadic intervals, with one thing in mind: As soon as you hit a mark, have a new one in sight. "This keeps your brain and body active," says Dos Remedios. As a result, you'll always be working hard without having to check your watch constantly.
4. TRAIN HARDER
"I love the idea of going on an amazing hike up a mountain, but doing it at a trot," says Bamber. "The tricky footfalls keep my mind engaged." Is there a portion of your workout that you're walking when you could be running? Think about it. Raising your intensity may be more important for burning off belly fat than how often you exercise or for how long, report researchers at Smith College, in Massachusetts. Kick your workout into a higher gear.
Recharge your cardio routine : 4 ways to beat boredom and lose your gut
It's not that Jamie Bamber has more willpower than the rest of us. He just has a built-in advantage: "Producers give me a date when I need to take my shirt off. It's an instant goal," says the 34-year-old star of Battlestar Galactica. "Everyone's going to see me, from the crew to the viewers. If I didn't have a date on the calendar, I wouldn't be as disciplined as I am."
When was the last time you set a date to show off your abs? We'll give you one: May 28, Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer. By then, you should be ready to show friends, family, and women you don't know just how hard you've worked in the past 6 to 8 weeks. Prepare for the barbecues and beaches now with this fat-blasting plan.
1. ESCAPE THE CAGE
When he's not being chased by adoring female fans who saw his body in People magazine's "Sexiest" issue, Bamber's searching for the next great racetrack. "I don't know what to do in my mind when I'm on a treadmill," Bamber says. So he takes his cardio trainin0g outdoors, a strategy that West Virginia University researchers found makes you 52 percent more likely to exercise frequently. "The message is clear," says Paul Gordon, Ph.D., the study's lead author. "Don't force yourself to work out in a gym when you can better tolerate running outside." Gordon suggests finding a community trail in your area--it's free and safe, and you don't have to wait in line to use it.
2. ATTACK HILLS
Sprinting raises your resting metabolism, which means you burn extra calories after your workout as well as during your run. Bamber makes his sprints harder--and more effective--by running uphill. Hill sprints can make you a faster runner in 6 weeks, according to a new study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. And the faster you run, the higher your resting metabolism will soar. Try running hard for 10 to 15 seconds at a time on steep inclines and 20 to 30 seconds on moderate inclines, says Robert dos Remedios, C.S.C.S., director of speed, strength, and conditioning at College of the Canyons, in Santa Clarita, California. Repeat this six to eight times in a workout, jogging lightly for about 60 seconds between sprints.
3. RUN WILD
"I change my route and my pace as often as I can," says Bamber. "I just improvise."
For instance, when he's running on flat, relatively dull terrain, he'll spot a tree or stop sign
a couple of hundred yards ahead and sprint to it, and then slow to a jog until his breathing has returned to a normal rate. Then he charges toward his next mark. Try it yourself. Run sporadic intervals, with one thing in mind: As soon as you hit a mark, have a new one in sight. "This keeps your brain and body active," says Dos Remedios. As a result, you'll always be working hard without having to check your watch constantly.
4. TRAIN HARDER
"I love the idea of going on an amazing hike up a mountain, but doing it at a trot," says Bamber. "The tricky footfalls keep my mind engaged." Is there a portion of your workout that you're walking when you could be running? Think about it. Raising your intensity may be more important for burning off belly fat than how often you exercise or for how long, report researchers at Smith College, in Massachusetts. Kick your workout into a higher gear.
FDA Panel OKs New Prostate Cancer Drug
Agency Will Consider Recommendation to Approve Provenge for Advanced Prostate Cancer
March 29, 2007 -- A new immune system treatment for advanced prostate cancer is safe and effective enough to begin U.S. sales, a panel of FDA advisors concluded Thursday.
Many experts said they were uneasy about backing the vaccine-like treatment, known as Provenge, because it showed only slight evidence that it prolongs the lives of men with the disease. But most agreed to recommend approval anyway, citing the scant options available to patients, many of whom are facing a terminal illness.
"I wish we all could have voted ‘maybe’ on this, but I don’t think we can," said Farshid Guilak, PhD, a professor of surgery at Duke University who was a member of the panel.
New Treatment Class
Dendreon Corp., the biotech firm that makes Provenge, touted the treatment as the first cellular therapy against cancer. To undergo treatment, patients have immune cells removed and treated with immune agents.
The cells are then reintroduced into the body with chemical programming that, in theory, allows them to mount an immune response against cancer cells.
Men with advanced prostate cancer often undergo hormone treatment used to block the action of testosterone and related hormones. The treatment can cause disturbing side effects, including breast enlargement and sexual dysfunction.
Limited Evidence
A pair of studies suggested Provenge may slow by one to two weeks the progression of prostate cancer in men who have cancer that does not respond to hormone treatment.
Men who used the treatment also showed some evidence of living longer than those who took a placebo. In one trial, men who got active treatment lived an average of 3.3 months longer. In another, they lived four and a half months longer.
Experts criticized the studies for enrolling only roughly 100 to 130 patients, a relatively small number that can limit scientists' ability to interpret results.
But most said they support Provenge anyway, given the limited choices for men with advanced disease.
"If we can buy them a couple of minutes or a couple of months or a couple of years, then it's our obligation to do that," said Robert J. Samuels, a member of the panel who said he was diagnosed with prostate cancer 13 years ago. "We understand it’s a risk. But it’s a risk most of us are willing to take."
Dendreon argued their studies showed the product has benefit. "Even though small, you can take the results with a great deal of confidence," said Mark Froelich, the company’s vice president for clinical affairs.
The company is conducting a third study to test whether it improves survival in more than 400 patients. Experts said the results of that trial should have a heavy bearing on whether the FDA decides to approve Provenge.
Federal regulations compel the FDA to make a decision on the treatment by May 15. The agency isn’t forced to follow advisory panels’ recommendations, but it usually does.
Approximately 27,000 American men will die of prostate cancer in 2007, according to estimates from the American Cancer Society. Dendreon estimates 27,000 patients per year could be candidates for Provenge.
Several experts said the company had not established that Provenge works, but then voted to back it once FDA officials told them to base their votes only on the question of whether the evidence was "substantial."
Panelist Richard Alexander, MD, chief of urology at the VA Maryland Health Care System, in Baltimore, voted against approving the drug. "But very close," he said.
Several patients testified before the committee about the need for more therapies, even ones of questionable benefit.
Patients "are pleading for something other than the one drug that’s been approved in the last 30 years," said Jim Kiefert, chairman of Us Too, a nonprofit group for prostate cancer patients.
March 29, 2007 -- A new immune system treatment for advanced prostate cancer is safe and effective enough to begin U.S. sales, a panel of FDA advisors concluded Thursday.
Many experts said they were uneasy about backing the vaccine-like treatment, known as Provenge, because it showed only slight evidence that it prolongs the lives of men with the disease. But most agreed to recommend approval anyway, citing the scant options available to patients, many of whom are facing a terminal illness.
"I wish we all could have voted ‘maybe’ on this, but I don’t think we can," said Farshid Guilak, PhD, a professor of surgery at Duke University who was a member of the panel.
New Treatment Class
Dendreon Corp., the biotech firm that makes Provenge, touted the treatment as the first cellular therapy against cancer. To undergo treatment, patients have immune cells removed and treated with immune agents.
The cells are then reintroduced into the body with chemical programming that, in theory, allows them to mount an immune response against cancer cells.
Men with advanced prostate cancer often undergo hormone treatment used to block the action of testosterone and related hormones. The treatment can cause disturbing side effects, including breast enlargement and sexual dysfunction.
Limited Evidence
A pair of studies suggested Provenge may slow by one to two weeks the progression of prostate cancer in men who have cancer that does not respond to hormone treatment.
Men who used the treatment also showed some evidence of living longer than those who took a placebo. In one trial, men who got active treatment lived an average of 3.3 months longer. In another, they lived four and a half months longer.
Experts criticized the studies for enrolling only roughly 100 to 130 patients, a relatively small number that can limit scientists' ability to interpret results.
But most said they support Provenge anyway, given the limited choices for men with advanced disease.
"If we can buy them a couple of minutes or a couple of months or a couple of years, then it's our obligation to do that," said Robert J. Samuels, a member of the panel who said he was diagnosed with prostate cancer 13 years ago. "We understand it’s a risk. But it’s a risk most of us are willing to take."
Dendreon argued their studies showed the product has benefit. "Even though small, you can take the results with a great deal of confidence," said Mark Froelich, the company’s vice president for clinical affairs.
The company is conducting a third study to test whether it improves survival in more than 400 patients. Experts said the results of that trial should have a heavy bearing on whether the FDA decides to approve Provenge.
Federal regulations compel the FDA to make a decision on the treatment by May 15. The agency isn’t forced to follow advisory panels’ recommendations, but it usually does.
Approximately 27,000 American men will die of prostate cancer in 2007, according to estimates from the American Cancer Society. Dendreon estimates 27,000 patients per year could be candidates for Provenge.
Several experts said the company had not established that Provenge works, but then voted to back it once FDA officials told them to base their votes only on the question of whether the evidence was "substantial."
Panelist Richard Alexander, MD, chief of urology at the VA Maryland Health Care System, in Baltimore, voted against approving the drug. "But very close," he said.
Several patients testified before the committee about the need for more therapies, even ones of questionable benefit.
Patients "are pleading for something other than the one drug that’s been approved in the last 30 years," said Jim Kiefert, chairman of Us Too, a nonprofit group for prostate cancer patients.
Cocoa Linked to Lower Risk of Disease
The Dutch have a long history with chocolate. Although native Mexicans and their Spanish conquerors first used the bitter bean--and reported on its tonic powers--a Dutchman was the first to extract modern cocoa and neutralize its bitterness with alkali. The modern chocolate bar was born.
Now, results from a study of aging Dutch men have shown that cocoa consumers were half as likely to die from disease than those who did not eat the sweet treat.
Brian Buijsse of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment in Bilthoven and his colleagues measured the cocoa intake of 470 men between 1985 and 2000 as part of the Zutphen Elderly Study, a longitudinal look at nearly 1,000 Dutch men between 65 and 84 years of age.
The nutrition experts identified 24 cocoa-containing foods that the elderly men ate, ranging from dark chocolate bars to chocolate spreads. They summed the total amount of cocoa each consumed and came up with a grams-per-day measurement, which they used to separate the men into three groups: those who ate little chocolate, a modest amount, and the most.
Now, results from a study of aging Dutch men have shown that cocoa consumers were half as likely to die from disease than those who did not eat the sweet treat.
Brian Buijsse of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment in Bilthoven and his colleagues measured the cocoa intake of 470 men between 1985 and 2000 as part of the Zutphen Elderly Study, a longitudinal look at nearly 1,000 Dutch men between 65 and 84 years of age.
The nutrition experts identified 24 cocoa-containing foods that the elderly men ate, ranging from dark chocolate bars to chocolate spreads. They summed the total amount of cocoa each consumed and came up with a grams-per-day measurement, which they used to separate the men into three groups: those who ate little chocolate, a modest amount, and the most.
Eat Your Way to a Spicier Sex Life
Aphrodisiacs Make Better Flirts and Lovers
Forget perfume, the keys to spicing up your sex life may already be in your kitchen।
Researchers say the smell, taste, and even appearance of certain foods can act as potent aphrodisiacs that not only get you in the mood for love, but also may even make you a better flirt and lover. And knowing what foods are appropriate at each stage of the sex and mating process can maximize these effects.
"Different foods have different nutrients and substances that affect the body physiologically in different ways, that's why different foods work for different stages," says clinical sexologist Ava Cadell, PhD. "Some foods lower inhibitions, some get the blood flowing directly to the genitalia, and some foods release happy hormones."
Cadell has grouped aphrodisiacs into three groups based on the physiological effects they have on the body and how those effects can enhance sexual performance at each stage of a person's sex life.
Foods for Flirting
When looking for a potential mate, Cadell says it's important to choose foods that secrete chemicals and hormones that make you happy in order to increase self-confidence, lower inhibitions, and make you a better flirt.
Flirt-friendly foods include:
Chili peppers. Spicy foods get the heart pumping and induce sweating.
Bananas. They contain chemicals that reportedly have a mood-lifting effect on the brain and raises self-confidence.
Carrots. Their phallic appearance and high-fiber content may induce sexual desire.
Foods for Seduction
In the next stage, seduction, aphrodisiacs can help trigger the release of sex hormones, such as testosterone, provide a quick energy boost, and increase blood flow to the genitals to get the body "in the mood" for love.
At this stage, Cadell says it's important to create a visual stimulation with foods that look like the genitalia, such as oysters, fresh figs, or carrots.
"Anything that is visually erotic is automatically going to set your brain in motion," says Cadell. "Second, certain foods release hormones, like testosterone in women that makes them more sexually aggressive and adventurous."
Other foods for seduction include:
Shrimp. High in iodine, shrimp and other types of seafood are vital to the thyroid gland, which is vital for energy.
Chocolate. Not only does chocolate provide a jolt of caffeine, the plant has a flower that looks like sex organs.
Ginger. This root reportedly increases blood flow to the genitals in both men and women.
Olives. Green ones are believed to make men more virile, while black ones increase women's sex drive.
Tomatoes. Known as "love apples" by Puritans, they have a reputation as a sexual stimulant.
Apples. Since Adam and Eve, this fruit has been synonymous with temptation.
"My favorite thing is that when you're with someone is to feed each other with the most seductive foods you can find," says Cadell, "like an asparagus where one person can start at one end and another at the other end and you meet in the middle."
Cadell says not only is asparagus a sexy, long, phallic-looking food, but it's rich in potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and vitamin E that can aid in hormone production and raising energy levels.
Forget perfume, the keys to spicing up your sex life may already be in your kitchen।
Researchers say the smell, taste, and even appearance of certain foods can act as potent aphrodisiacs that not only get you in the mood for love, but also may even make you a better flirt and lover. And knowing what foods are appropriate at each stage of the sex and mating process can maximize these effects.
"Different foods have different nutrients and substances that affect the body physiologically in different ways, that's why different foods work for different stages," says clinical sexologist Ava Cadell, PhD. "Some foods lower inhibitions, some get the blood flowing directly to the genitalia, and some foods release happy hormones."
Cadell has grouped aphrodisiacs into three groups based on the physiological effects they have on the body and how those effects can enhance sexual performance at each stage of a person's sex life.
Foods for Flirting
When looking for a potential mate, Cadell says it's important to choose foods that secrete chemicals and hormones that make you happy in order to increase self-confidence, lower inhibitions, and make you a better flirt.
Flirt-friendly foods include:
Chili peppers. Spicy foods get the heart pumping and induce sweating.
Bananas. They contain chemicals that reportedly have a mood-lifting effect on the brain and raises self-confidence.
Carrots. Their phallic appearance and high-fiber content may induce sexual desire.
Foods for Seduction
In the next stage, seduction, aphrodisiacs can help trigger the release of sex hormones, such as testosterone, provide a quick energy boost, and increase blood flow to the genitals to get the body "in the mood" for love.
At this stage, Cadell says it's important to create a visual stimulation with foods that look like the genitalia, such as oysters, fresh figs, or carrots.
"Anything that is visually erotic is automatically going to set your brain in motion," says Cadell. "Second, certain foods release hormones, like testosterone in women that makes them more sexually aggressive and adventurous."
Other foods for seduction include:
Shrimp. High in iodine, shrimp and other types of seafood are vital to the thyroid gland, which is vital for energy.
Chocolate. Not only does chocolate provide a jolt of caffeine, the plant has a flower that looks like sex organs.
Ginger. This root reportedly increases blood flow to the genitals in both men and women.
Olives. Green ones are believed to make men more virile, while black ones increase women's sex drive.
Tomatoes. Known as "love apples" by Puritans, they have a reputation as a sexual stimulant.
Apples. Since Adam and Eve, this fruit has been synonymous with temptation.
"My favorite thing is that when you're with someone is to feed each other with the most seductive foods you can find," says Cadell, "like an asparagus where one person can start at one end and another at the other end and you meet in the middle."
Cadell says not only is asparagus a sexy, long, phallic-looking food, but it's rich in potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and vitamin E that can aid in hormone production and raising energy levels.
Mental Health: Male Sexual Problems
A sexual problem, or sexual dysfunction, refers to a problem during any phase of the sexual response cycle that prevents the individual or couple from experiencing satisfaction from the sexual activity. The sexual response cycle has four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm and resolution.
While research suggests that sexual dysfunction is common (43% of women and 31% of men report some degree of difficulty), it is a topic that many people are hesitant to discuss. Fortunately, most cases of sexual dysfunction are treatable, so it is important to share your concerns with your partner and doctor.
What Causes Sexual Problems?
Sexual dysfunction can be a result of a physical or psychological problem.
Physical causes: Many physical and/or medical conditions can cause problems with sexual function. These conditions include diabetes, heart and vascular (blood vessel) disease, neurological disorders, hormonal imbalances, chronic diseases such as kidney or liver failure, and alcoholism and drug abuse. In addition, the side effects of certain medications, including some antidepressant drugs, can affect sexual desire and function.
Psychological causes: These include work-related stress and anxiety, concern about sexual performance, marital or relationship problems, depression, feelings of guilt and the effects of a past sexual trauma.
Who Is Affected by Sexual Problems?
Both men and women are affected by sexual problems. Sexual problems occur in adults of all ages. Among those commonly affected are those in the geriatric population, which may be related to a decline in health associated with aging.
How Do Sexual Problems Affect Men?
The most common sexual problems in men are ejaculation disorders, erectile dysfunction and inhibited sexual desire.
What Are Ejaculation Disorders?
There are different types of ejaculation disorders, including:
Premature ejaculation: This refers to ejaculation that occurs before or soon after penetration.
Inhibited or retarded ejaculation: This is when ejaculation is slow to occur.
Retrograde ejaculation: This occurs when, at orgasm, the ejaculate is forced back into the bladder rather than through the urethra and out the end of the penis.
In some cases, premature and inhibited ejaculation are caused by psychological factors, including a strict religious background that causes the person to view sex as sinful, a lack of attraction for a partner and past traumatic events. Premature ejaculation, the most common form of sexual dysfunction in men, often is due to nervousness over how well he will perform during sex. Certain drugs, including some anti-depressants, may affect ejaculation, as can nerve damage to the spinal cord or back.
Retrograde ejaculation is common in males with diabetes who suffer from diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage). This is due to problems with the nerves in the bladder and the bladder neck that allow the ejaculate to flow backward. In other men, retrograde ejaculation occurs after operations on the bladder neck or prostate, or after certain abdominal operations. In addition, certain medications, particularly those used to treat mood disorders, may cause problems with ejaculation.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Also known as impotence, erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to attain and/or maintain an erection suitable for intercourse. Causes of erectile dysfunction include diseases affecting blood flow, such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries); nerve disorders; psychological factors, such as stress, depression, and performance anxiety (nervousness over his ability to sexually perform); and injury to the penis. Chronic illness, certain medications, and a condition called Peyronie's disease (scar tissue in the penis) also can cause erectile dysfunction.
What Is Inhibited Sexual Desire?
Inhibited desire, or loss of libido, refers to a decrease in desire for, or interest in sexual activity। Reduced libido can result from physical or psychological factors. It has been associated with low levels of the hormone testosterone. It also may be caused by psychological problems, such as anxiety and depression; medical illnesses, such as diabetes and high blood pressure; certain medications, including some anti-depressants; and relationship difficulties.
How Are Male Sexual Problems Diagnosed?
The doctor likely will begin with a thorough history of symptoms and a physical exam. He or she may order other tests to rule out any medical problems that may be contributing to the dysfunction. The doctor may refer you to other doctors, including an urologist (a doctor specializing in the urinary tract and male reproductive system), an endocrinologist (a doctor specializing in glandular disorders), a neurologist (a doctor specializing in disorders of the nervous system), sex therapists, and other counselors.
What Tests Are Used to Evaluate Sexual Problems?
The doctor likely will begin with a thorough history of symptoms and a physical exam. He or she may order other tests to rule out any medical problems that may be contributing to the dysfunction. The doctor may refer you to other doctors, including an urologist (a doctor specializing in the urinary tract and male reproductive system), an endocrinologist (a doctor specializing in glandular disorders), a neurologist (a doctor specializing in disorders of the nervous system), sex therapists, and other counselors.
How Is Male Sexual Dysfunction Treated?
Many cases of sexual dysfunction can be corrected by treating the underlying physical or psychological problems. Treatment strategies may include the following:
Medical treatment: This involves treatment of any physical problem that may be contributing to a man's sexual dysfunction.
Medications: Medications, such as Viagra or Levitra, may help improve sexual function in men by increasing blood flow to the penis.
Hormones: Men with low levels of testosterone may benefit from testosterone replacement therapy.
Psychological therapy: Therapy with a trained counselor can help a person address feelings of anxiety, fear or guilt that may have an impact on sexual function.
Mechanical aids: Aids such as vacuum devices and penile implants may help men with erectile dysfunction.
Education and communication: Education about sex and sexual behaviors and responses may help a man overcome his anxieties about sexual performance. Open dialogue with your partner about your needs and concerns also helps to overcome many barriers to a healthy sex life.
Can Sexual Problems Be Cured?
The success of treatment for sexual dysfunction depends on the underlying cause of the problem. The outlook is good for dysfunction that is related to a treatable or reversible physical condition. Mild dysfunction that is related to stress, fear or anxiety often can be successfully treated with counseling, education and improved communication between partners.
Can Sexual Problems Be Prevented?
While sexual problems cannot be prevented, dealing with the underlying causes of the dysfunction can help you better understand and cope with the problem when it occurs. There are some things you can do to help maintain good sexual function:
Follow your doctor's treatment plan for any medical/health conditions.
Limit your alcohol intake.
Quit smoking.
Deal with any emotional or psychological issues such as stress, depression, and anxiety. Get treatment as needed.
Increase communication with your partner.
When Should I Call My Doctor?
Many men experience a problem with sexual function from time to time. However, when the problems are persistent, they can cause distress for the man and his partner, and have a negative impact on their relationship. If you consistently experience sexual function problems, see your doctor for evaluation and treatment.
While research suggests that sexual dysfunction is common (43% of women and 31% of men report some degree of difficulty), it is a topic that many people are hesitant to discuss. Fortunately, most cases of sexual dysfunction are treatable, so it is important to share your concerns with your partner and doctor.
What Causes Sexual Problems?
Sexual dysfunction can be a result of a physical or psychological problem.
Physical causes: Many physical and/or medical conditions can cause problems with sexual function. These conditions include diabetes, heart and vascular (blood vessel) disease, neurological disorders, hormonal imbalances, chronic diseases such as kidney or liver failure, and alcoholism and drug abuse. In addition, the side effects of certain medications, including some antidepressant drugs, can affect sexual desire and function.
Psychological causes: These include work-related stress and anxiety, concern about sexual performance, marital or relationship problems, depression, feelings of guilt and the effects of a past sexual trauma.
Who Is Affected by Sexual Problems?
Both men and women are affected by sexual problems. Sexual problems occur in adults of all ages. Among those commonly affected are those in the geriatric population, which may be related to a decline in health associated with aging.
How Do Sexual Problems Affect Men?
The most common sexual problems in men are ejaculation disorders, erectile dysfunction and inhibited sexual desire.
What Are Ejaculation Disorders?
There are different types of ejaculation disorders, including:
Premature ejaculation: This refers to ejaculation that occurs before or soon after penetration.
Inhibited or retarded ejaculation: This is when ejaculation is slow to occur.
Retrograde ejaculation: This occurs when, at orgasm, the ejaculate is forced back into the bladder rather than through the urethra and out the end of the penis.
In some cases, premature and inhibited ejaculation are caused by psychological factors, including a strict religious background that causes the person to view sex as sinful, a lack of attraction for a partner and past traumatic events. Premature ejaculation, the most common form of sexual dysfunction in men, often is due to nervousness over how well he will perform during sex. Certain drugs, including some anti-depressants, may affect ejaculation, as can nerve damage to the spinal cord or back.
Retrograde ejaculation is common in males with diabetes who suffer from diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage). This is due to problems with the nerves in the bladder and the bladder neck that allow the ejaculate to flow backward. In other men, retrograde ejaculation occurs after operations on the bladder neck or prostate, or after certain abdominal operations. In addition, certain medications, particularly those used to treat mood disorders, may cause problems with ejaculation.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Also known as impotence, erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to attain and/or maintain an erection suitable for intercourse. Causes of erectile dysfunction include diseases affecting blood flow, such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries); nerve disorders; psychological factors, such as stress, depression, and performance anxiety (nervousness over his ability to sexually perform); and injury to the penis. Chronic illness, certain medications, and a condition called Peyronie's disease (scar tissue in the penis) also can cause erectile dysfunction.
What Is Inhibited Sexual Desire?
Inhibited desire, or loss of libido, refers to a decrease in desire for, or interest in sexual activity। Reduced libido can result from physical or psychological factors. It has been associated with low levels of the hormone testosterone. It also may be caused by psychological problems, such as anxiety and depression; medical illnesses, such as diabetes and high blood pressure; certain medications, including some anti-depressants; and relationship difficulties.
How Are Male Sexual Problems Diagnosed?
The doctor likely will begin with a thorough history of symptoms and a physical exam. He or she may order other tests to rule out any medical problems that may be contributing to the dysfunction. The doctor may refer you to other doctors, including an urologist (a doctor specializing in the urinary tract and male reproductive system), an endocrinologist (a doctor specializing in glandular disorders), a neurologist (a doctor specializing in disorders of the nervous system), sex therapists, and other counselors.
What Tests Are Used to Evaluate Sexual Problems?
The doctor likely will begin with a thorough history of symptoms and a physical exam. He or she may order other tests to rule out any medical problems that may be contributing to the dysfunction. The doctor may refer you to other doctors, including an urologist (a doctor specializing in the urinary tract and male reproductive system), an endocrinologist (a doctor specializing in glandular disorders), a neurologist (a doctor specializing in disorders of the nervous system), sex therapists, and other counselors.
How Is Male Sexual Dysfunction Treated?
Many cases of sexual dysfunction can be corrected by treating the underlying physical or psychological problems. Treatment strategies may include the following:
Medical treatment: This involves treatment of any physical problem that may be contributing to a man's sexual dysfunction.
Medications: Medications, such as Viagra or Levitra, may help improve sexual function in men by increasing blood flow to the penis.
Hormones: Men with low levels of testosterone may benefit from testosterone replacement therapy.
Psychological therapy: Therapy with a trained counselor can help a person address feelings of anxiety, fear or guilt that may have an impact on sexual function.
Mechanical aids: Aids such as vacuum devices and penile implants may help men with erectile dysfunction.
Education and communication: Education about sex and sexual behaviors and responses may help a man overcome his anxieties about sexual performance. Open dialogue with your partner about your needs and concerns also helps to overcome many barriers to a healthy sex life.
Can Sexual Problems Be Cured?
The success of treatment for sexual dysfunction depends on the underlying cause of the problem. The outlook is good for dysfunction that is related to a treatable or reversible physical condition. Mild dysfunction that is related to stress, fear or anxiety often can be successfully treated with counseling, education and improved communication between partners.
Can Sexual Problems Be Prevented?
While sexual problems cannot be prevented, dealing with the underlying causes of the dysfunction can help you better understand and cope with the problem when it occurs. There are some things you can do to help maintain good sexual function:
Follow your doctor's treatment plan for any medical/health conditions.
Limit your alcohol intake.
Quit smoking.
Deal with any emotional or psychological issues such as stress, depression, and anxiety. Get treatment as needed.
Increase communication with your partner.
When Should I Call My Doctor?
Many men experience a problem with sexual function from time to time. However, when the problems are persistent, they can cause distress for the man and his partner, and have a negative impact on their relationship. If you consistently experience sexual function problems, see your doctor for evaluation and treatment.
Men's Top 5 Health Concerns
Men die at higher rates than women for all of the top 10 causes of death. Why don't men take better care of their health?
Dry, cracked skin formed a small crater around exposed flesh at the base of my fiancé Noel's pinkie.
"How long have you had that?" I asked him.
"A few days," he answered, speculating it was probably just an outbreak of eczema.
"That doesn't look good," I replied. "Maybe you should see your doctor."
"OK," he said. I shook my head, knowing it would be a while before he heeded my suggestion. Last year, it took a few months to convince him to go for a physical examination. Before that, it had been five years since he'd been to a doctor.
To Noel's credit, he's just being a guy. According to a 2001 CDC report, women are 33% more likely than men to visit a doctor in general, although the gap narrows with increasing age.
One could accept the statistic as just another difference between men and women, but the stakes are too high to remain complacent.
The Men's Health Network (MHN) reports that men die at higher rates than women from the top 10 causes of death - heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, accidents, pneumonia and influenza, diabetes, suicide, kidney disease, and chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.
Men also die younger than women. In 1920, women outlived men only by one year. Today, CDC figures show the life expectancy gap has widened: On average, women survive men by over five years.
"Any human being who is not connected to a physician to screen for major health problems is at greater risk (of disease and death)," says Jean Bonhomme, MD, MPH, a board member of the MHN.
The biggest problem that men have is not so much a specific disease, says Bonhomme, but the diseases are the result of lack of health care monitoring earlier in life. He cites the progression of heart disease as an example: "If you don't get your cholesterol checked when it's going high when you're 20, and if don't get your blood pressure checked when it's going high when you're 30, maybe your blood sugar's getting a little high when you're 40, what do you think is going to happen when you're 50?"
Bonhomme places part of the blame on society in general, which expects boys to be tough and ignore pain. As people get older, however, the rules change. A little pain can get worse, or signal something more serious going on in the body.
Many of the top 10 causes of death are preventable, and can be treated, if found early. To help men better their health, WebMD examined the risk factors for five of the biggest killers of men: heart disease, stroke, suicide, prostate cancer, and lung cancer. We asked the experts why men were so vulnerable to these ailments and what they could do to reduce their risk of disease and death.
Heart Disease
Although heart disease is the leading killer of both men and women, almost twice as many males die of conditions that affect the cardiovascular system, the MHN reports.
According to the CDC, one in four men has some form of heart disease. It is the leading cause of death.
Average annual rates of the first heart disease complication rises from seven per 1,000 men at ages 35-44 to 68 per 1,000 at ages 85-94. For women, similar rates occur but they happen about 10 years later in life. The average age of a person having a first heart attack is 65.8 for men and 70.4 for women.
"For men, heart disease begins to manifest itself about 10 years earlier than women," says Gregory Burke, MD, professor and chairman of the department of public health sciences at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
This does not mean men have a free pass against heart disease until they're older. Men have a shorter time to prevent the development of the condition so their overall risk is greater.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), risk factors for heart disease include:
Increasing age
Male sex
Family history and race.Folks with family history of the disease have greater risk. So do African-Americans, Mexican Americans,
Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, and some Asian Americans.
Smoking
High blood cholesterol
High blood pressure
Physical inactivity
Obesity and overweight
Diabetes
Some things, such as your age and sex, obviously cannot be controlled, but modifying lifestyle to eat right and exercise can reduce your risk of heart disease, says Burke.
Stroke
Stroke is the third leading killer in the country, after heart disease and all forms of cancer. The incidence rate of stroke is 1.25 times greater in men than in women, although there is really no difference between the sexes as people get older, according to the American Stroke Association.
"We know that a very important risk factor for stroke is hypertension. The control of hypertension is a crucial factor to try to prevent the onset of stroke," says Burke.
Other risk factors include:
Increasing age
Race. African-Americans have the greater risk than whites.
Gender. Stroke is more common in men than in women until age 75.
Personal history of stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA, or ministroke)
Diabetes
High cholesterol
Heart disease
Smoking, including secondhand smoke
Physical inactivity
Obesity
Alcohol and substance abuse
In many ways, behaviors that can reduce the risk of stroke mirror those that can reduce risk of heart disease. "We need to recognize that a healthy lifestyle -- dietary factors and exercise -- reduces the risk of people getting hypertension at all," says Burke.
"It happens more commonly in the older folks, but it should never be viewed as inevitable, even in people with a family history of the disease," says Burke.
Suicide and Depression
Men are four times more likely to commit suicide compared to women, reports the MHN, which attributes part of the blame on underdiagnosed depression in men.
William Pollack, PhD, assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, agrees: "Men are more prone to suicide because they're less likely to openly show depression and have somebody else recognize it early enough to treat it, or to have themselves recognize that they're in trouble."
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 6 million men have depression each year. Pollack believes the number of males with depression could be even greater since men may show signs of depression in a manner different from many women.
Instead of sadness, Pollack says depression may play out in the following ways in men:
Anger
Aggression
Work "burnout"
Risk-taking behavior
Midlife crisis
Alcohol and substance abuse
"Society around the men and the men themselves see (the male symptoms of depression) as 'just being a guy,' or 'having a hard time,'" says Pollack. "The problem is that if they are signs of depression, and they're getting bad enough, then many of these men are starting to form thoughts that life isn't worth living."
To help men with depression and to reduce the risk of suicide, doctors, loved ones, and men themselves need to recognize that society's model of masculinity -- to ignore pain --can work against men. Looking the other way may trigger depression and thoughts of suicide.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer of both men and women, claiming more lives than prostate, colon, and breast cancer combined. In men, there are expected to be about 93,000 new cases of lung cancer and some 90,000 lung cancer deaths this year.
The good news is that rate of new lung cancer cases has been dropping since the 1980s, and deaths from the cancer have fallen since the 1990s. "That is because of the drop in the prevalence of the use of tobacco products by men that followed the Surgeon General's report in 1964," explains Sener.
Besides smoking, the ACS lists the following as risk factors for lung cancer:
Exposure to secondhand smoke
Exposure to asbestos or radon
Personal history
Air pollution
Tobacco products are responsible for 90% of lung cancer, which puts the weight of prevention efforts on smoking cessation.
If you're thinking about kicking the habit, Sener recommends the following resources:
American Cancer Society: (800) ACS-2345
National Cancer Institute Smoking Quitline: (877) 44U-QUIT
According to the National Institute on Aging, as soon as you stop smoking, your chances of getting cancer from smoking begins to shrink, and you can prevent further damage to your lungs.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in men. It is the second leading type of cancer death in men, after lung cancer.
There is not enough known about what causes prostate cancer and how to prevent it. Yet the disease is treatable if found in early stages. This can be a challenge, since prostate cancer can show no symptoms until it has spread to other parts of the body.
This is where a connection to the doctor helps, says Bonhomme. "I personally know people who are alive today because they got (prostate cancer) screening."
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends an annual digital rectal exam and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test for healthy men 50 years or older. Men who have family history of prostate cancer or who are black may want to ask their doctor about earlier testing.
According to the ACS, other risk factors include:
Increasing age
Nationality. The cancer is most common in North America and Northwestern Europe.
High-fat diet. Men who eat a lot of red meat and high-fat dairy products and not enough fruits and vegetables may have a higher risk.
Although older age is a risk factor for prostate cancer, younger men should not be complacent. Thirty percent of prostate cancers occur in men under age 65. "The younger a man is, the more aggressive the tumor is," says Stephen F. Sener, MD, ACS president.
Dry, cracked skin formed a small crater around exposed flesh at the base of my fiancé Noel's pinkie.
"How long have you had that?" I asked him.
"A few days," he answered, speculating it was probably just an outbreak of eczema.
"That doesn't look good," I replied. "Maybe you should see your doctor."
"OK," he said. I shook my head, knowing it would be a while before he heeded my suggestion. Last year, it took a few months to convince him to go for a physical examination. Before that, it had been five years since he'd been to a doctor.
To Noel's credit, he's just being a guy. According to a 2001 CDC report, women are 33% more likely than men to visit a doctor in general, although the gap narrows with increasing age.
One could accept the statistic as just another difference between men and women, but the stakes are too high to remain complacent.
The Men's Health Network (MHN) reports that men die at higher rates than women from the top 10 causes of death - heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, accidents, pneumonia and influenza, diabetes, suicide, kidney disease, and chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.
Men also die younger than women. In 1920, women outlived men only by one year. Today, CDC figures show the life expectancy gap has widened: On average, women survive men by over five years.
"Any human being who is not connected to a physician to screen for major health problems is at greater risk (of disease and death)," says Jean Bonhomme, MD, MPH, a board member of the MHN.
The biggest problem that men have is not so much a specific disease, says Bonhomme, but the diseases are the result of lack of health care monitoring earlier in life. He cites the progression of heart disease as an example: "If you don't get your cholesterol checked when it's going high when you're 20, and if don't get your blood pressure checked when it's going high when you're 30, maybe your blood sugar's getting a little high when you're 40, what do you think is going to happen when you're 50?"
Bonhomme places part of the blame on society in general, which expects boys to be tough and ignore pain. As people get older, however, the rules change. A little pain can get worse, or signal something more serious going on in the body.
Many of the top 10 causes of death are preventable, and can be treated, if found early. To help men better their health, WebMD examined the risk factors for five of the biggest killers of men: heart disease, stroke, suicide, prostate cancer, and lung cancer. We asked the experts why men were so vulnerable to these ailments and what they could do to reduce their risk of disease and death.
Heart Disease
Although heart disease is the leading killer of both men and women, almost twice as many males die of conditions that affect the cardiovascular system, the MHN reports.
According to the CDC, one in four men has some form of heart disease. It is the leading cause of death.
Average annual rates of the first heart disease complication rises from seven per 1,000 men at ages 35-44 to 68 per 1,000 at ages 85-94. For women, similar rates occur but they happen about 10 years later in life. The average age of a person having a first heart attack is 65.8 for men and 70.4 for women.
"For men, heart disease begins to manifest itself about 10 years earlier than women," says Gregory Burke, MD, professor and chairman of the department of public health sciences at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
This does not mean men have a free pass against heart disease until they're older. Men have a shorter time to prevent the development of the condition so their overall risk is greater.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), risk factors for heart disease include:
Increasing age
Male sex
Family history and race.Folks with family history of the disease have greater risk. So do African-Americans, Mexican Americans,
Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, and some Asian Americans.
Smoking
High blood cholesterol
High blood pressure
Physical inactivity
Obesity and overweight
Diabetes
Some things, such as your age and sex, obviously cannot be controlled, but modifying lifestyle to eat right and exercise can reduce your risk of heart disease, says Burke.
Stroke
Stroke is the third leading killer in the country, after heart disease and all forms of cancer. The incidence rate of stroke is 1.25 times greater in men than in women, although there is really no difference between the sexes as people get older, according to the American Stroke Association.
"We know that a very important risk factor for stroke is hypertension. The control of hypertension is a crucial factor to try to prevent the onset of stroke," says Burke.
Other risk factors include:
Increasing age
Race. African-Americans have the greater risk than whites.
Gender. Stroke is more common in men than in women until age 75.
Personal history of stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA, or ministroke)
Diabetes
High cholesterol
Heart disease
Smoking, including secondhand smoke
Physical inactivity
Obesity
Alcohol and substance abuse
In many ways, behaviors that can reduce the risk of stroke mirror those that can reduce risk of heart disease. "We need to recognize that a healthy lifestyle -- dietary factors and exercise -- reduces the risk of people getting hypertension at all," says Burke.
"It happens more commonly in the older folks, but it should never be viewed as inevitable, even in people with a family history of the disease," says Burke.
Suicide and Depression
Men are four times more likely to commit suicide compared to women, reports the MHN, which attributes part of the blame on underdiagnosed depression in men.
William Pollack, PhD, assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, agrees: "Men are more prone to suicide because they're less likely to openly show depression and have somebody else recognize it early enough to treat it, or to have themselves recognize that they're in trouble."
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 6 million men have depression each year. Pollack believes the number of males with depression could be even greater since men may show signs of depression in a manner different from many women.
Instead of sadness, Pollack says depression may play out in the following ways in men:
Anger
Aggression
Work "burnout"
Risk-taking behavior
Midlife crisis
Alcohol and substance abuse
"Society around the men and the men themselves see (the male symptoms of depression) as 'just being a guy,' or 'having a hard time,'" says Pollack. "The problem is that if they are signs of depression, and they're getting bad enough, then many of these men are starting to form thoughts that life isn't worth living."
To help men with depression and to reduce the risk of suicide, doctors, loved ones, and men themselves need to recognize that society's model of masculinity -- to ignore pain --can work against men. Looking the other way may trigger depression and thoughts of suicide.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer of both men and women, claiming more lives than prostate, colon, and breast cancer combined. In men, there are expected to be about 93,000 new cases of lung cancer and some 90,000 lung cancer deaths this year.
The good news is that rate of new lung cancer cases has been dropping since the 1980s, and deaths from the cancer have fallen since the 1990s. "That is because of the drop in the prevalence of the use of tobacco products by men that followed the Surgeon General's report in 1964," explains Sener.
Besides smoking, the ACS lists the following as risk factors for lung cancer:
Exposure to secondhand smoke
Exposure to asbestos or radon
Personal history
Air pollution
Tobacco products are responsible for 90% of lung cancer, which puts the weight of prevention efforts on smoking cessation.
If you're thinking about kicking the habit, Sener recommends the following resources:
American Cancer Society: (800) ACS-2345
National Cancer Institute Smoking Quitline: (877) 44U-QUIT
According to the National Institute on Aging, as soon as you stop smoking, your chances of getting cancer from smoking begins to shrink, and you can prevent further damage to your lungs.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in men. It is the second leading type of cancer death in men, after lung cancer.
There is not enough known about what causes prostate cancer and how to prevent it. Yet the disease is treatable if found in early stages. This can be a challenge, since prostate cancer can show no symptoms until it has spread to other parts of the body.
This is where a connection to the doctor helps, says Bonhomme. "I personally know people who are alive today because they got (prostate cancer) screening."
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends an annual digital rectal exam and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test for healthy men 50 years or older. Men who have family history of prostate cancer or who are black may want to ask their doctor about earlier testing.
According to the ACS, other risk factors include:
Increasing age
Nationality. The cancer is most common in North America and Northwestern Europe.
High-fat diet. Men who eat a lot of red meat and high-fat dairy products and not enough fruits and vegetables may have a higher risk.
Although older age is a risk factor for prostate cancer, younger men should not be complacent. Thirty percent of prostate cancers occur in men under age 65. "The younger a man is, the more aggressive the tumor is," says Stephen F. Sener, MD, ACS president.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
