Showing posts with label Alcoholism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alcoholism. Show all posts

Friday, April 12, 2013

Drive? Is Low Libido Really The Problem?

By John Smith

I've been coming across a lot of articles lately that all talk about the huge need of Viagra for men. You see, the world and even the internet is stocked full with what is mostly just really good ad campaigns. Don't get me wrong. As a guy, I think the idea of Viagra 500mg pills is great, but is it really necessary? Advertising isn't just on the TV any more. It's all over the place, in your morning coffee, in your breakfast cereal, in your house cleaning items, on your facebook, on your phone calls-basically it's everywhere. When you are making a decision on what is good for your body and what is not, don't always go by what you read. Make a careful decision and council with the right people. I have the hardest time researching health issues on the internet because I know that most the time what folks have to say is basically just promoting a product and a lot of fluff to go with it.

Take the subject of Viagra for men, for example. Yes, there are times and situations when it's required, and under these circumstances it is no joke, but most the time you will hear people talking about viagra so casually, that I think we miss the purpose behind it all together. What started out as a pill to help those with ED, has now become crass joke or a quick-pop-solution for a date gone bad. You just can't expect to base your entire life on what you read because most of the information that we have has been pumped up to not only make you want to buy the product but to make a lifestyle out of it.

After some of the stuff that I read about Viagra 500mg pills, I decided to research the matter a bit. Some articles say that the pill should be used for men who have a low libido, and others say that it is only for ED. On the subject of low libido, some health experts write that 1 out of 4 men have it, other say that 1 out of 5 have it, and yet others say that 1 out of 7 have it. Who is right? We really can't say. What I would say, however, is be careful before you buy. Viagra should not be used as the pass time pill for a quick recreation that most people and internet articles put it out to be.

This is a pill popping world and we have a prescribed pill for just about every problem. Whether it's a common cold, a mild headache, and slight or severe depression everything comes with a prescription and is followed by a pill-sex is now in the same boat. There's a large number of young men who use Viagra more times than those over 40, just because they've heard it's a great rush. But they don't realise that there are adverse repercussions to such self-medication. What happened to the days of us working through our problems instead of looking for pills to do the work for us? A momentary infilling of Viagra might boost sexual performance for a hour or so, but is it really benefiting the body in the long run?

The use of Viagra for young men is not advised, because, let's face it-it's just not made for that. It's rare that young men have problems with genuine ED at all. If you have been examined by a doctor and have ED, then by all means, I give you the green on the blue pill. But if you're just experiencing a low in your sex life and the doc has said that it really has nothing to do with ED, then don't go rushing for the blue pill. There are other reasons for a lack of sexual drive, and the best part about these other reasons is that you can do something about it. You can feel strong enough to change your life with your own hands instead of relying a pill. Some of these other reasons are:
  • Alcohol, smoking, or drug abuse
  • Guilt of an extramarital relationship or pressure to perform with an extramarital partner
  • Overwork
  • Anxiety and tension
  • Lack of exercise
Problems in your sex life could also be related to the side-effects of an illness or disorder. In these cases, it would definitely be best to not go the way of the crowd and depend on ED drugs, because doing so could make things worse. It's very common that people who complain of having problems with sex actually have underlying cardiac problems or diabetes. So while I'm not saying to throw Viagra and it's kin out the door all together, I will say this-don't go by everything you read. Play it safe and keep in control of your own life without having to rely on doctors and medications to do it for you.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

The Diet for your Blood Pressure Issues

If you have been diagnosed with having high blood pressure (which basically means the top number being 140 or more and the bottom number - 90 or above) that means living a life with one top priority in mind - to keep these numbers in their normal states. However, a lot of people are reluctant to doing this with the help of certain medications. A smart, safe, efficient and above all - relatively simple way of fighting high blood pressure is to change your lifestyle. And most importantly - your diet. If you keep your diet as healthy and free of bad substances as possible, you are most likely to delay, reduce or even avoid the need for using medications. Here are some practical tips on how you can do so.

1.Lose those annoying extra pounds and keep a strict eye on your waistline
As weight increases, blood pressure increases as well. However, if you lose as much as five kilos, you will help your body reduce blood pressure. On the other hand, the medications you take will be far more effective if your weight is lowered. Keep an eye on your waist line as the more weight you carry, the worse for your blood pressure levels. In general terms, men are risk, provided that their waistline is more than 100cm. As for women, that number is 90cm.

2.Eat healthy
Plan your diet in such a way, that it consists of a good amount of vegetables, low-fat dairy products, fruits, whole grains, etc. That is sure to change your life for good. And if you stick to your diet plan, your blood pressure will be lowered by up to 14mm Hg. Eating habits are built throughout the years and are usually difficult to change. However, once you realize that changing your diet is of crucial importance, making that change will seem less difficult to you.
-Keep a food diary - Monitoring what you eat is the best way to actually see what you have to get rid of from your daily menu.
-Boost potassium - It will lessen the sodium effect on your blood pressure. The best sources of potassium are fruits and vegetables rather than supplements. Consult your doctor about what potassium levels are best for you.
-Be smart when shopping - Before you head for the store, make yourself a list, and make it one that is free of any junk foods.

3.Reduce the level of sodium in your diet
Even a slight reduction of the sodium in your meals can lead to positive results - reducing your blood pressure from 3 to 7 mm Hg. Here are the recommendations:
-Limit sodium up to 2,000 milligrams, or less, a day.
-For people, aged 51 or more, the appropriate sodium level is not more than1,500 miligrams a day.
In order to reduce the level of sodium in your diet, consdier doing the following:
Read the food labels - buy low-sodium alternatives alternatives to the foods you usually buy
Eat as little processed foods as possible - all those bagged, so called 'junk foods' are bad for you, if you don't already know it.
Restrain from using salt - if you feel your food is rather tasteless, add different sorts of herbs instead of salt.

4.Limit alcohol
As a matter of fact, alcohol in small quantities is good for your health. However, just like with many other things, it is supposed to be taken with moderation. Especially for men and women over the age of 65, alcohol should be limited to a bare minimum. Suggested daily alcohol levels, described as 'one drink a day', are something in the lines of : 360mililitres of beer or 150 milliliters of wine or 50 milliliters of hard liquor.

5.Say no to tobacco
Nicotine is dangerous for pretty much everything you can imagine, including your blood pressure level. Smoking can actually raise the blood pressure with 10 mm Hg. Smoking throughout all the day will mean to constantly maintain high blood pressure. Do your best to cut back on this nasty habit.

The article has been submitted by: Handyremovals

Monday, December 3, 2012

Reasons Of Testosterone Deficiency And Their Remedies

Testosterones are the sub type of human growth hormones often referred to as male or sex hormones. It is actually testosterones that impart male characteristics in men. Furthermore, they are also vital for immaculate performance of sexual system. Testosterones are also indispensible for overall well being of the body.

Disadvantages of Testosterones Scarcity:

The deficiency of testosterones in the body can create many problems for your health. For instance,
  • Dearth of testosterones can result in reduced libido and erectile dysfunction
  • Testosterones deficiency can cause obesity
  • Testosterone deficient body will have lean muscles lacking any real strength
  • Weak bones with low bones density
  • A spree of diseases can attack your body like diabetes, all sorts of heart problems and cancers
  • Insomnia may also drop in your body due to shortage of testosterones
  • Testosterone deficiency can cause stress, anxiety, depression and curtailed performance of brain
  • Total degeneration of body
Reasons of Testosterone Deficiency:

There are many reasons that can lead to dearth of testosterones.
  • One of the most obvious reasons is the process of aging. Testosterone decline naturally as you age.
  • Obesity due to any reason can also force testosterone reserves to decline
  • Mental stress is another major factor for testosterones to shrink in number
  • High cholesterol levels in the body adversely affect the production of testosterones
  • Lack of physical activity also makes testosterone levels to deplete
  • Imbalanced diet that is rich in fats is another apparent reason
  • Smoking and alcoholism also have devastating consequences for testosterone secretion
Remedies:

There are many methods that can be brought into the use to restore testosterone levels in the body.
  • Regular exercise can cause testosterone levels to shoot up
  • Use of balanced diet can also help
  • You should take ample sleep as production is maximum during sleep
  • Avoid stress and mental depression
  • Keep weigh in control
Testosterone Therapies:

As most people especially senior citizens cannot sustain all the above mentioned requirements, they can undergo testosterone treatment therapy to regain what they have lost. In these therapies, artificial testosterones are inserted to replace lost natural testosterones.

Conclusion:

Testosterones regulate almost every function and organ of human body and thus adequate levels should be present in the body all the times. You need to follow above mentioned tips to alleviate the symptoms of low testosterones where testosterone treatment therapy can especially help. Furthermore, avoid anything that can inflict some damage to your testosterone reserves.

By Ali Ahmed

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Important Tips on Health and Fitness

One thing that people often mention while talking about health is their desire to keep fit and lose the body fat. Apart from exercising, diet is a significant component in losing fat; appropriate natural fitness diet is the first step in keeping your body fit and losing fat from around your waist and belly. Below are the health and fitness tips.

The fitness and weight loss programs can be expensive, particularly if you have to procure a costly gym membership together with a special fitness and weight-loss food package. Luckily, you can be able to keep fit cheaply and easily by following a small number of simple steps. The steps will simply save you money and also help you cast out the belly swell for good.

1. Energy

Fuel your body to lose the fat by increasing your intake of the fresh foods like vegetables and fruits and decrease any intake of the processed foods like cookies and crackers. Fresh foods usually energize the body and make it easier to carry out tasks throughout the day; this will encourage your body to keep fit quickly. Replace the junk foods that are usually high in fats and sugar with the whole foods which are close to their natural states.

2. Fluids

The body requires at least 64 ounces of liquids per day in order to function properly. Even though milk and juices are termed as fluids, they are not ideal as the sole basis of your fluid intake. Aspire to make only water your necessary 64 ounces of fluid, and then drink other liquids after that, it might be easier to get to your target fluid intake by carrying around a water container with you to sip during the day and before you know it you will lose the fat.

3. Fitness

Start a basic fitness schedule that will increase muscle, lung and heart strength. Your schedule should include great fitness alternative like light running, walking fast, cycling and swimming. Any exercise that increases the heart rate to up 60 percent or more of its resting rate will be a good fitness choice. Begin by exercising for at least 30 minutes for three times a week. Start out gradually and then increase your stamina over time.

4. Don't Eat Junk Foods

Junk foods tend to have very high sugar content and usually contain loads of refined products like highly refined potatoes or flours. Refined potatoes and flours are converted to sugars in your body. This contributes much to obesity and belly fat than any other nutrients.

5. Consume the Right Carbohydrates

Consuming the incorrect kinds of carbohydrates dramatically increases the fat. So be careful not to eat too much of refined carbohydrates like pasta, white flour, potatoes or white rice. Avoid products prepared with these products and start focusing on getting your carbohydrates from elsewhere; consuming the whole grains in pastas and breads helps to keep fit and lose fat and are much better than eating processed grains.

6. Reduce Taking Snacks at Late-Night

Avoid eating snacks at late-night. Taking them at late-night is a problem because you usually go to bed after eating. Since there is no bodily physical activity to burn out the energy from body sugars developed by the snacks, instead fat tends to be like mad that finally gathers around your waistline.

7. Reduce Taking Alcohol

Alcoholic beverage tends to rapidly convert to the belly fat. If you usually take alcoholic drinks frequently, minimizing the consumption has a very dramatic effect on the amount of fat. The alcoholic drinks are fluids, so it is effortless to consume unnecessary sugars and calories.

For the kids it's very essential to help them as well as show them by example how to stay healthy and fit. Most kids believe that the meal can't be a good one unless it's French fries and greasy chicken. Teach the children that being healthy means more than a steady diet of the fast foods.

Attaining good body health and fitness is an objective and goal for all of us. The above tips are informative and lifestyle changing that each one of us can do to losing fat and weight without undergoing any surgery. Exercising and taking good diet are the major factors in eliminating that fat.

About Me:

I am Jason Holmes, the founder and runner of pharmacytechnicianinfo.net. The reason why I started this blog is because I love sharing ideas and my mind when it comes to topics which relate to pharmacy technician schools and courses in it. I have worked with various companies and organizations and I find this one of the most interesting field to find a career. My main vision at the moment is to educate pharmacy aspirants so that they make their dreams a reality.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Liver Cancer Screening, Study Doubts Value

Screening people with alcoholic liver damage for signs of cancer may not be worth the expense or other downsides, a new report says.

Alcoholism can lead to cirrhosis, or scarring, of the liver. People with cirrhosis have a higher-than-average risk of developing liver cancer, but it is not clear whether screening people with cirrhosis for the cancer extends lives.

In the new study, Danish researchers found that for alcoholic cirrhosis patients in their country, the risk of liver cancer is so low that screening may not be justified.

Of nearly 8,500 Danish adults hospitalized for alcoholic cirrhosis, the chance of developing liver cancer in the next five years was 1 percent, the study found.

That's well below the risk that justifies cancer screening, based on U.S. guidelines for cost-effectiveness.

In the U.S., an abdominal ultrasound would typically cost a few hundred dollars. Follow-up tests, if needed, could cost much more. But there are more than costs to consider when it comes to widespread cancer screening, said the lead researcher on the new study, Dr. Peter Jepsen of Aarhus University Hospital.

Screening always carries some risk of falsely suggesting a person has cancer. And that leads to unnecessary further testing, which may be invasive.

Ultrasound is the method of choice for liver cancer screening, Jepsen told Reuters Health in an email. If that test suggests there is a tumor, the next step is usually a CT scan, which exposes the patient to radiation (at a much higher dose than with standard x-rays).

So the benefits of liver screening would need to outweigh the risks in order to recommend routinely screening people with alcoholic cirrhosis.

The current findings suggest they do not, Jepsen's team reports in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

SPECIALIST GROUPS ALONE

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a government-backed independent expert panel, has no recommendation on liver cancer screening.

Right now, screening is recommended by two specialist groups the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the European Association for the Study of the Liver.

Both groups suggest that cirrhosis patients be screened every six months, Jepsen noted.

"But whether clinicians are actually offering this to their patients, and whether patients are compliant with (screening) if given the offer are unknown," Jepsen said.

The American liver diseases group could not be reached for comment.

The recommendations from the specialist groups are based on the common belief that alcoholic cirrhosis patients have a liver cancer risk that tops 1.5 percent per year. (That's the level at which screening is considered cost-effective.)

But Jepsen's team says the risk may actually be much lower a 1 percent chance over five years, based on their findings.

What's more, the researchers found, less than 2 percent of deaths in their study group were due to liver cancer.

Some past studies in various countries have suggested that liver cancer is a bigger risk for alcoholic cirrhosis patients than the current study implies. (A study in France, for example, found that cirrhosis patients developed cancer at a rate of over 5 percent per year.)

But Jepsen said the bigger numbers are based on "clinic-based" studies, which look at select groups of patients being treated at medical centers.

His team's study, in contrast, was population-based. They had information on all 8,482 Danish citizens who had a first-time hospitalization for alcoholic cirrhosis between 1993 and 2005.

Population-based studies give a clearer idea of the liver cancer risk for the typical alcoholic cirrhosis patient.

Jepsen said he thinks his team's findings are likely to be relevant to countries other than Denmark. The higher rates that have been in some other countries, he noted, are probably because of study design, rather than actual geographic variation.

By: updatednews

Friday, January 13, 2012

Affects Women Differently Than Man

Recent research has shown that the effects of alcohol have some significant difference on women when compared to men.

Some of the physical effects noted had been dead women become addicted and develop illnesses that are related to alcohol at a much higher rate. These include: malnutrition, anemia, liver damage, hypertension, ulcers, heart damage, and brain damage. It has also shown to be true that women who drink heavily developed cirrhosis of the liver earlier on in their drinking and with lesser levels of alcohol consumed, when compared to men.

One study followed 100 women and discovered that 11 years after they had been put in the hospital for alcoholism discovered that fully one third of them had died. Causes of death were, in the name, alcohol related diseases, accidents, and violence. The lifespans of this group of women averaged 15 years lower than the average population.

Drinking heavily can also alter a woman's endocrine system leading to irregularities of the menstrual cycle, amenorrhea, ( which is the absence of menstrual cycles), early menopause, and infertility. These endocrine system defects can occur in any age including the teen years.

In general, heavy drinking or alcoholism has significant impact on a woman's physical body.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Is there danger in withdrawal from alcohol, and what, exactly, is alcohol withdrawal?

Withdrawal from alcohol, (as with any other drug), is simply a set of symptoms that occur when a person suddenly stops using it after a long period of time. Through observation and experience over time, it is observed that there is a set of symptoms that is readily identifiable. Though not everybody may have all symptoms, they are generally easily recognized and can occur in varying degrees from light to severe.

Some of the more common alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be observed by simply looking at a hangover. Headache, mild shakiness, upset stomach, and sweats are all common symptoms.
The more severe symptoms that generally occur with long-term exposure to high amounts of continuous alcohol use are the "DTs". These are called delirium tremens. People would DTs generally experience anxiety, confusion, visual, aural hallucinations and seeing things that really aren't there. Stories that illustrate DTs are seeing pink elephants, the feelings of bugs crawling on a person, etc.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms generally occur with habitual drinkers. The reason for this is their body has become the used to high levels of alcohol intake, and actually goes through a shock when the intake is suddenly stopped.

Is there danger in alcohol withdrawal?
The answer to that question is that alcohol withdrawal can be very dangerous. Other than delirium tremens, a person who has habituated themselves to a high intake of alcohol over a long period of time, and suddenly stops, runs a significant risk of seizures. It is suggested in the strongest possible terms that medical supervision is used for alcohol withdrawal.

A number of people wonder if withdrawal from alcohol is actually painful. The answer to this is yes it can be. The medications that are used in a medically monitored alcohol detox program allow a person to "come down" gently over a period of several days. The purpose of this is to reduce the possibility of seizures. Medically detoxing is like rolling to the bottom of a hill, quitting cold turkey is like getting to the bottom of the hill by jumping off a cliff.