Herbal Health
Herbal Remedies Blog
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WHAT EVERY MAN OVER 45 SOULD KNOW ABOUT PROSTATE ENLARGEMENT
After a man reaches the age of 45 or so, his prostate gland tends to increase in size. As the gland grows, it may begin to press against and compress the urethra, creating a frequent, urgent need to empty the bladder and/or make urination more difficult. In some cases, the retention of urine can lead to an inflammation of the bladder and possible kidney damage.
Often called benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), this is a non-cancerous condition, whose exact cause is still a mystery. Symptoms usually develop gradually as the prostate continues to compress and distort the urethra. And according to some studies, as many as 80 percent of men 55 and older may experience at least one of its symptoms—most typically a frequent need to urinate or having a difficult time with the passage of urine.
The first thing you should do if you experience symptoms of BPH is to see your doctor and have the condition checked out, because some of the same symptoms may signal cancer of the prostate. It is also sometimes necessary to have surgery in order to remove the enlarged section of the prostate.
Mild symptoms of BPH do not usually require extensive treatment. Men who do require surgery may have the option of one of several procedures, depending on the nature of their condition. And while surgery has been an effective long- term solution for many men, it can also have certain “side effects”, such as retrograde ejaculation wherein men who have had the operation no longer ejaculate out of the penis but rather up into the bladder. The condition presents no health or sexual performance problems, but it does result in infertility. In some cases, surgery may also lead to impotence.
The most common surgical procedure for BPH is transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). The procedure requires a 3 to 5 day stay in the hospital, followed by a two week recovery period. With the patient under either general or spinal anesthesia, the surgeon passes a resectoscope up the urethra so the prostate can be seen. A tiny cutting instrument is then inserted through the resectoscope and used to cut away enough of the prostatic tissue to allow urine to flow normally. The tissue that is removed is then examined to detect the presence of any cancerous cells. According to many medical experts, TURP is far more likely to provide long-term relief from BPH than drugs or any other alternative treatment.
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General health General health
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9 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT ANY MEDICATION
Before You Take any medication—whether over-the-counter or prescription— you should be able to answer the following questions:
1) What is the name of the medicine?
2) What positive effect is the medicine supposed to-have?
3) Are there any side effects?
4) How often should you take the medicine— before or after meals?
5) How long should you take the medicine? Should you continue to take the medicine once you start feeling better but while there’s still some left?
6) Are there any other medicines you should not take while you are taking this one?
7) What, if any, foods or beverages should you avoid while you are taking the medication?
Is it alright to have an occasional alcoholic drink while you are taking the medicine?
9) Can you get the prescription refilled without another appointment?
If you are uncertain about the answers to any of those questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist before you take the medication.
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General health General health
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TOOTH WHITENER WARNING
If you’ve been buying an over-the-counter tooth whitener in hopes of attaining A “gleaming white smile” without seeing a dentist, you may be taking a potentially “damaging” risk. The American Dental Association (ADA) warns that regular use of such products may cause temporary damage to the soft tissue in the mouth. There’s also some concern over possible permanent damage to tooth enamel. The ADA has also expressed concern over other possible damage from using the products, including cell damage.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that there is no definite proof that any of these over-the-counter tooth whiteners can actually make good on their claims to bleach teeth. There’s also no conclusive proof that the products are safe, according to the FDA. Therefore the FDA recently ordered that tooth whitener kits be taken off the market until the products can be proven safe and effective.
Until the matter is resolved, dental experts recommend that you avoid all tooth whiteners which contain any type of peroxide, such as hydrogen peroxide, which is the main ingredient in many of these products. To be safe, visit your dentist and let him or her apply whiteners that will not cause any damage. Such professional treatment requires 4 or 5 trips to the dentist and is a good deal more expensive than a whitening kit, but it’s safe.
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General health General health
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THE COMMON VITAMINS & HOW THEY CAN HELP: PANTOTHENIC ACID &VITAMIN B6 (PYRIDOXINE)
Pantothenic Acid
As a member of the B-complex vitamin group, pantothenic acid is required for the release of energy from food, the manufacture of some hormones, and proper functioning of the nervous system.
Deficiency of pantothenic acid is rare, but can occur as a result of severe alcohol dependence, severe injury, or severe illness. The most extreme cases of deficiency may result in a peptic ulcer.
Pantothenic acid is present in almost all vegetables, cereals, and animal foods. While there is no recommended daily allowance, the suggested daily intake is 4 to 7 mg.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
This is a water-soluble vitamin that has many essential roles, including regulating the synthesis of proteins from amino acids.
A deficiency of pyridoxine may cause weakness, irritability, depression, skin disorder, and anemia.
Good sources of pyridoxine include meats and poultry, fish, whole-grains, wheat germ, bananas, most fruits and vegetables, potatoes, and dried beans. The recommended daily allowance is 2 mg.
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalmin)
This vitamin is water-soluble, and it contains the mineral cobalt. It is essential for forming blood and the fatty sheath which surrounds the nerves, and in the construction of genetic material.
Strict vegetarians may become deficient, since meat is the primary source of this vitamin. The effects of vitamin B12 deficiency may include anemia, depression and loss of rnemory.
Foods rich in vitamin B12 include liver, beef, pork, lamb, poultry, fish, dairy products, eggs, oysters, and yeast. The recommended daily allowance is 2 mcg.
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General health General health
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WALKING LOWERS YOUR RISK OF HEART DISEASE
A recent study conducted by researchers at the Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research in Dallas suggests that regular walking may be one of the best exercises for overall fitness. The results from the study indicate that walking can help reduce the risk of serious illnesses such as heart disease, cut blood cholesterol levels, and help raise “good” cholesterol— HDL, the high- density lipoprotein that helps prevent heart attacks.
The research involved over 100 inactive women who were otherwise in good health. All of the women were between 20 and 40 years of age. None of them smoked. The women averaged fewer than three alcoholic drinks a day and did not exercise more than once a week. None of the women had high blood pressure or blood cholesterol levels.
The women were randomly placed in four separate groups— a control group which didn’t exercise, and three groups that walked 3 miles a day, 5 times a week for a minimum of six months. One of the three groups walked at a 20-minute-a-mile pace. Another walked a more brisk 15 minute mile. A third group walked a fast 12 minute mile.
All of the “walking” groups showed significant improvement in risk factors associated with the development of heart disease. Apparently, even at low intensities, walking can provide a dramatic reduction in the risk of coronary disease. Plus, all three groups showed an increase of at least 6% in their blood HDL levels. Even a strolling pace, if it is done on a regular basis, appears to substantially increase high-density lipoproteins or HDL.
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General health General health