The Truth Bar

Erectile dysfunction incidence varies by age. A recent study in United States evaluates that as many as 18 million of American male population are affected. About 5 percent of men aged 20 to 40 are dealing with this condition, while male population aged 70 and older is more affected, about 70 percent having erectile dysfunction.

The conclusions also show that erectile dysfunction is especially present among men with diabetes, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors.

This is the first time a study reveal national data regarding the prevalence of erectile dysfunction in the United States. By all opinions erectile dysfunction is closest related to diminish of function of cardiovascular system. Therefore, the study suggests that overall lifestyle intervention, such as healthy diet and regular exercise, may be an effective way in prevention and treat this condition.

The final conclusion of the study is that such major lifestyle changes could have a beneficial impact not only on the incidence of erectile dysfunction among the adult American men. Maintaining a normal weight with adequate diets and regular physical activity as well as permanent control of cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes can also decrease the incidence of strokes and heart attacks.

Valerian D is a freelance writer interested in health issues affecting men such as erectile dysfunction

Menopause can be a difficult time for many women. Reductions in circulating estrogen hormone levels result in a number of physical and physiological changes, which in turn may lead to mental and emotional stress. While short-term hormone replacement therapy helps many women, most symptoms of menopause can be relieved with simple lifestyle changes.

Weight gain during menopause can be distressing. Shifting to a low-fat, high-fiber diet and controlling overall dietary intake can help control weight gain. Diets rich in phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens, may offer additional relief. Soy products, such as tofu, soy milk and soy powders are rich in phytoestrogens, and help lower cholesterol. Linseed products are also a good source of phytoestrogens. Regular exercise, for approximately 30 minutes several times a week, can also help control weight gain. Added benefits of regular exercise are conversion of fat into lean muscle mass, which helps burn off excess calories even while resting. Furthermore, exercise may help improve conditions such as low energy levels, mood swings, sleeplessness, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Many women suffer from irritability, mood swings, and depression during the onset of menopause. While some of this may be attributable to the stress of undergoing a major life change, any such symptoms should be carefully evaluated by a physician and appropriately managed. Depending on the severity of symptoms, lifestyle or drug treatments may be prescribed. While there is no scientific proof of its efficacy, some women claim the herb St. John’s Wort offers relief in depression. Any attempts at self-medication should be discussed with a physician.

Dry and wrinkled skin is a common complaint among menopausal women. Estrogen skin creams may help; these can be prescribed by consulting a dermatologist. Stopping smoking helps maintain healthy skin and has numerous other health benefits. Avoiding excessive exposure to direct sunlight, and using UV-ray blocking skin creams, can also offer relief.

With a healthy diet and exercise, menopausal women can improve distressing symptoms such as weight gain and mood swings. For more serious depression, drugs may be prescribed, and for wrinkles, estrogen cream and avoiding the sun can help.

Menopause provides detailed information about menopause, early menopause, male menopause, menopause and osteoporosis and more. Menopause is the sister site of Chronic Insomnia.

Many of you already own several lucky charms or talismans. You
just may not be aware of the object’s symbolism or meaning.
Below I have compiled a list of some of the more popular and
common good luck symbols that can be purchased in the form of
jewellery, paintings or statues. The Ring: A ring made of gold
represents eternity and the circle of life. A diamond on a gold
ring symbolizes fidelity. The tradition of the wedding ring goes
back to the ancient Romans. Puzzle rings that interlink
symbolize the integration of the spirit with the mind. When you
give a puzzle ring to a friend, it means that you never want the
two of you to part ways. The Clover: The three-leafed clover is
a symbol of health and vitality and for the Celts, symbolized
The Holy Trinity. A four-leafed clover symbolizes sudden good
fortune. A five-leafed clover symbolizes a happy marriage. The
Heart: A heart is the classic symbol of love. A picture or lock
of hair carried inside a locket is thought to be the ultimate
way to symbolize the carrying of another’s spirit in your heart.
As an amulet the symbol of the heart protects against heart
disorders, anxiety and the tendency to blame others. The
Pentagram: This five-sided star is also known as the Druid’s
foot. It helps as a talisman to fulfill wishes, invoke spiritual
powers and activate inner powers. It also serves as a protective
amulet against the “evil eye” and casts evil back to where it
came. The Star of David: This six-pointed star is also known as
the Seal of Solomon and the Hexagram. It consists of two
interlocking triangles and is used as a talisman to attain
harmony, gain knowledge and invoke the aid of the angels. The
Heptagram: Also known as the Mysterious Star or the Love Star,
this seven pointed star is sacred to Venus and helps one radiate
beauty and attractiveness as well as radiate harmony and love.
The Crescent and Star: This symbol is a powerful love talisman
that also symbolizes sexuality, wisdom and well being. The Eye
in the Triangle: This is an amulet that finds its origins in the
culture of Europe, Asia and Africa. An image of an eye within a
triangle is thought to reflect evil back to the wisher of bad
luck and protect against envy, jealousy and misfortune. The Eye
in the Hand: These good luck tokens which feature a human eye
centered in the palm of a human hand originate in the Near East
and are of Jewish-Arabic origin. The open hand represents the
intervention of God and the eye represents the all-seeing eye of
Go. This talisman is thought to bring God’s mercy, strengthen
faith and protect against bad luck. The Ankh: This looks like a
Christian Crucifix but with a loop at the top. This lovely
ancient Egyptian symbol represents love and long life. Thor’s
Hammer: This talisman usually looks like a small axe or very
blunt edged cross. Carrying this symbol is thought to help
achieve social success and protect against petty quarrels,
making the wrong move in life and losses on the stock market!
The Pictic Knot: This is a Celtic charm that looks like three
interlooping triangles. It is represents the three realms of
consciousness and is worn to protect from black magic, magickal
mistakes and dangers in general. The Celtic Knot: These come in
many designs and look like knotted threads. The knots based on
mirror images or the number two represent passion, inspiration
and a happy marriage. Knots based on the quadrupling of an image
represent personal power and wisdom. The Medicine Wheel: For
about 5.000 years, almost all Native American Indian tribes have
designed some form of a medicine wheel. The design varies but
basically medicine wheels are Mandalas whose imagery is based on
the number four. Medicine Wheels help you develop personal power
and equilibrium, attain wisdom and understand the ups and downs
of life! The Dorje: This is a Buddhist “thunderbolt” that also
resembles sceptre or a dagger. They are usually freestanding
brass objects about the size of a paperweight done. This symbol
is thought to repel demons, help one follow the true path and
not be misled by false prophets. Roman Coins: Antique Roman
coins are thought to bring prosperity and good fortune to those
who wear them as jewellery. The Two Headed Ax: This image is
found in almost all cultures: ancient Crete, Asian, Northern
Europe and African cultures. It represents justice, authourity,
and strength of character. The Human Skull: Human skulls,
whether bone or silver are usually worn to protect one from
death. Shamans wear them to symbolize the accessing of deceased
spirits. The Devil’s Trap: This is a circular gold or silver
coin or talisman which features tiny Hebrew text that spirals
more and more tightly inward towards the center of the circle.
The idea is that the “Devil’s Energy” is trapped inside the
circle so it can’t escape. This is worn or placed near doorways
to protect from evil and clear one’s path of obstacles. The Zen
Symbol: This looks like a black teardrop shape and white
teardrop shape embracing each other in a circle. It is from the
Far East and is also known as the Ying Yang or Tai’Chi symbol.
It is worn to achieve equilibrium, balance and harmony between
the sexes.

Some researchers believe one of the major causes of impotence in males is high or low blood sugar, caused by eating foods high in sugar and empty carbohydrates. A typical fast food diet such as a hamburger, fries, and a coke with a candy bar snack does not support male glands, or aid in the production of sperm - a key factor in the ability to perform sexually. Regulating blood sugar nutritionally may help a large percentage of males perform sexually without excessive cost or side effects. In a small percentage of males, anemia may be the problem and can be effectively regulated with diet and supplements.

SOME SUPPLEMENTS FOR SEXUAL HEALTH:

L-Arginine is an essential amino acid, one of the building blocks of protein in the body. “Essential” refers to the fact that the body cannot manufacture arginine from other substances the way it does some amino acids. Dietary arginine is the primary source of nitrogen molecules for nitric oxide. Scientists have come to recognize nitric oxide as the primary mediator of penile erection. It also increases the libido in both men and women. Users have reported achieving a prosexual effect by taking this amino acid 45 minutes before sex.

Vitamin B-3 or Niacin causes a large release of histamine all over the body, one effect of which is to dilate blood vessels so more blood can flow through them. A relatively large release of histamine occurs naturally during sexual excitation causing a ’sex flush’. The flush caused by niacin is basically the same as the natural ’sex flush’ but is probably more intense. The niacin-induced histamine release also causes the secretion of mucus in the mouth and sexual organs. Niacin has the ability to increase sensation all over the body.

Muira pauma is one of the best herbs to use for treating erectile dysfunction or lack of libido. Also known as Potency Wood, this shrub is native to Brazil and has long been used as a powerful aphrodisiac and nerve stimulant.

Ginkgo biloba Extract may be extremely beneficial in the treatment of erectile dysfunction due to lack of blood flow. Studies show positive effects in 50% of cases.

Corynanthe yohimbe is the only FDA approved medicine for treating impotence. For centuries the tea brewed from the bark of this tree has been used to amplify male virility and sexual prowess. Current scientific and medical literature focuses primarily on the use of yohimbine’s sexual properties as a treatment for male impotence. This leaves untouched the broad range of intense prosexual effects widely reported by men who have no sexual dysfunction. Recent studies indicate that yohimbine’s primary path of action promotes erection and stimulates sex drive in males. When given to sexually healthy men yohimbe produces its most impressive and consistent prosexual effects with the following results: heightened libido; increased tactile sensation in the genitals and other parts of the body; longer, harder, larger erections; increased stamina; and more powerful orgasms and ejaculations.

Damiana or Turnera diffusa leaves have been used in the United States since 1874 as an aphrodisiac and to improve the sexual ability of the enfeebled and aged. Although there are no clinical studies to support this claim, damiana use is very popular. Damiana is seldom used alone but is found in commercial preparations used to increase sexual sensitivity.

Panax ginseng has long been labeled a ’sexual rejuvenator’. Ginseng has been shown to promote growth of the testes, increase sperm formation and testosterone levels. It is best used as a fertility and virility aid.

Zinc is perhaps the most critical trace mineral for male sexual function. It is involved in virtually every aspect of male reproduction. Zinc deficiency is characterized by decreased testosterone levels and sperm counts. Optimal zinc levels must be attained if optimum male sexual vitality is desired.

(Muira pauma) http://www.starherb.com/productdetail.asp?pid=1781
(Damaina) http://www.starherb.com/productdetail.asp?pid=1244

(Horny Goat Weed) http://www.starherb.com/productdetail.asp?pid=18557

Male Breast Reduction Information

Gynecomastia is the medical terminology for what most people refer to as male breast reduction.

In this procedure the goal is to reduce and minimize enlarged, female-like breasts in men. This is accomplished by removing the excess fatty tissue using liposuction and if necessary removing excess glandular tissue.

Length and details of the Male Breast Reduction procedure

The length of operation typically runs 1 hour or more.

Patients are given a general or local anesthesia.

A patient usually undergoes an outpatient surgery.

Risks and/or complications related to Male Breast Reduction surgery

For most male breast reduction surgery operations the patient will experiences potential side effects consisting of temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, soreness, and burning sensations. In addition there are other associated risks with this procedure that include the risk of infection, fluid accumulation, injury to the skin and rippling or sagginess of skin. In some cases patients will experiences changes in pigmentation. It is important to avoid exposure to sun if this should occur as changes may become permanent. Additionally if the patient experiences excessive scarring as a result of glandular tissue being cut away, there may be a need for second procedure to remove the additional tissue.

For most patients the recovery time will allow a return to work in approximately 3 to 7 days. Those involved in sports or other physical activities will be able to resume these activities in approximately 2 to 3 weeks. The visibility of post-operative swelling and bruising will diminish in approximately 3 to 6 months.

Long-term results of Male Breast Reduction surgery

In this procedure the results typically are permanent in nature.

How much does the surgery for Male Breast Reduction cost?

Costs for Male Breast Reduction run in-between $3,000.00 and $6,500.00.

Will my insurance cover a Male Breast Reduction procedure?

Because a Male Breast Reduction is considered an elective procedure, insurance usually will not cover the operation. However in some cases it may be medically necessary, your health care insurance may be able to cover the costs.

Read more about Male Breast Reduction surgery and other options. Alan Hood is a contributing writer at http://www.houstonmedcenter.com