Which of these examples do you most associate yourself with? Did you know that Sara and Joseph are both at risk of developing skin cancer? We have all heard the warnings about the dangers of sun exposure. We know all about the importance of wearing sunscreen and hats. But are YOU protected from skin cancer? Consider these myths and facts:

- Myth: Tanning Beds are Safer than the Sun

20 minutes of exposure in a tanning bed is roughly equivalent to four hours in the sun. Although sun beds use UVA rather than UVB rays, ‘The Skin Cancer Answer’ states that “UVA penetrates more deeply into the skin than UVB, can cause skin cancer, and may suppress the immune system.”

- Myth: Wearing Sunscreen at the Beach is Protection

85 percent of UV rays can even make it through on cloudy days. That means you are equally at risk in the car, walking the dog or letting your children out to play at any time of year – even when you’re not at the beach. Of course, you are usually less attired at the beach and so covering up is recommended even when wearing sunscreen. Sunscreen also wears off with sweat and water and should always be applied every two hours or after getting wet.

- Myth: Taking Care Of Your Skin Now Will Protect You

Sadly, skin cancer can take 20 or more years to develop. The Skin Cancer Foundation states that most people receive about 80 percent of their lifetime sun exposure before the age of 18. Just one blistering sunburn in childhood is estimated to double the risk of melanoma later in life. Taking better care now will reduce the risk, but not eliminate the damage already done.

- Myth: Having a Tan Means You’re More Protected

Dark skinned individuals are less likely to develop cancer, but tanned skin is actually damaged skin. Repeated tanning injures the skin and increases the risk of skin cancer.

So how do you plan to protect your family this year? Some suggestions are to limit exposure to the sun – especially for infants. Examine your skin for early signs of damage. Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and apply it at least 30 minutes before exposure and every two hours after that. Teach your children good safety habits and be sure you and they are covered up when outdoors.

Have fun and be safe.

Millions of men and women over 60 share the same struggle with pain and stiffness in their joints. The ailment can be traced to a number of reasons but it is commonly called Arthritis. Arthritis is characterized by the painful swelling and inflammation of the joints. In the United States alone, it is estimated that there will be nearly 70 million people who will suffer from arthritis by the year 2030.
Cases of arthritis may be mild or severe, short-term or permanent. The medical community has recorded more than 100 types of arthritis but the most familiar form is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis takes place when the cartilage that supports the joints ear out, a process that occurs over a long period. Individuals who workout too much or over-train have increased risk of developing this ailment.
Tramadol is one among a number of medicines designed to treat arthritis pain. Tramadol is a synthetic pain reliever that is used to treat moderate to severe arthritis. It works by binding the receptors of the brain which are responsible for transmitting painful sensations throughout the body. This medicine may bring side effects when used.
Tramadol side effects may include the following:
nausea
constipation
dizziness
headache
drowsiness and vomiting

Medications and herbal products that may interact with Tramadol may include:

warfin
ketoconazole
quinidine
digoxin
St. John’s wort
drugs that cause drowsiness (cold medicines, muscle relaxants, drugs for depression and anxiety)

However, these tramadol side effects are minimal and may disappear after use. In fact, Tramadol does not have as much side effects as compared with other pain relieving drugs. In addition, several medical studies show that this medication has a low abuse rate compared to other pain relievers. Before taking Tramadol, patients are advised to inform their doctors of their medical history because this drug is not intended for individuals with certain health ailments. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are encouraged to seek advise from their doctors because this drug may harm the unborn baby or pass through breast milk.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen may also be used to treat arthritis. Some prescription drugs like celecoxib, rofecoxib, and valdecoxib are shown to give effective pain relief. However, these drugs may bring minimal or serious side effects depending on the individuals who use them. Cardiovascular bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, and skin reactions are some of the usual side effects that might be encountered in using pain relievers.
Engaging in healthy diets may prevent the development of arthritis or give arthritic pain relief. With daily consumptions of essential vitamins and minerals, individuals who experience arthritis are supplying the body the components it needs to fight the pain and swelling that causes joint pain. Recent medical studies show that food high in omega-3 fatty acids, a group of polyunsaturated fat is essential in alleviating joint pains caused by arthritis. The best sources of these fats are fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts. Maintaining healthy food consumptions and having a physically active lifestyle is essential not only in the prevention of arthritis but also improvements in one’s overall health.

Birth control pills or hormonal oral contraception, as they are also known, are cited for different side effects like lighter and regular periods, clearer skin, less menstrual cramping, and decreased risks for certain cancers. However, different women may have varying reactions to the hormones in oral contraceptives. As such, the side effects of birth control pills can range from positive to negative depending on the body’s reactions to the artificial hormones. Below are some of the not-so-nice side effects of oral contraception and ways to manage them:

Light, in-between period bleeding

Some women may experience bleeding in-between periods when they first start using oral contraceptives. While uncomfortable, this side effect is only a sign that the body is adjusting to the introduction of additional hormones. This side effect may last for up to three months but will eventually pass. Using low-absorbency tampons, sanitary pads, and panty liners can make in-between period bleeding more manageable. It is also generally advised that women who experience this side effect should take iron supplements to combat anemia.

Skipped period

Alternatively, the body may skip periods in the course of adjusting to oral contraceptive use. While this is relatively better than bleeding, skipped periods can leave a woman feeling bloated. Decreasing sodium intake can minimize water retention and the bloated sensation. However, if pill use is inconsistent or there are times of missed pill intakes, medical attention should be sought especially if a woman engaged in unprotected sex for possible pregnancy.

Nausea

Due to increased hormones in the body, a woman may feel dizzy and nauseous when taking oral contraceptives. The best way to manage this is to chart when the dizzy spells come or what triggers the nausea. For example, if dizzy spells are experienced an hour or two after taking the pill, a woman should consider changing the schedule of her pill intake to a comfortable time like before bedtime. Carrying smelling salts or soothing aromatherapy oils can make passing dizzy spells easier.

Weight change

Although some women lose weight when taking oral contraceptives, a larger number reports experiencing weight gain when taking birth control pills. While studies show that there is no causal relationship between weight gain and oral contraception, they indicate that a large percentage of the reported increase in weight of pill users are based on how women react to the mood swings and other side effects of pill use. Women can manage their weight when taking oral contraceptives by exercising portion control, staying active, and maintaining a healthy diet.

The side effects listed above are commonly experienced by many pill users. They are also minor and are easily manageable. However, if any of the following side effects are experienced, a woman is advised to seek medical attention and talk to her gynecologist or clinician about other birth control options:

* severe chest pains or shortness of breath
* severe and persistent abdominal pain
* frequent migraine attacks or throbbing headaches
* moderate to severe leg pains
* vision impairment

Most new mothers are now showing some form of depression after birth. Usually, postpartum depression is not thoroughly discussed in childbirth classes where new mothers enroll for motherhood education. Such classes are only limited to the discussion of the mother’s physical recovery and taking care of the baby. Due to the lack of information, many new mothers do not have an idea and are not prepared for postpartum depression, which can feel like an emotional roller coaster. By being aware of the range of depression disorders that may arise during post-pregnancy, new mothers can better prepare for the overflow of emotions and, in the process, help their families cope with the challenges of childbirth-related emotional changes.

According to statistics, 80 percent of new mothers tend to have postpartum blues. The symptoms often start two days after giving birth as the hormones of pregnancy suddenly starts to fluctuate and adjust to meet the new baby’s constant demands. These mothers will experience extreme mood swings, and can manage these by self realization that these emotions are just based on hormonal shifts and fatigue. The best coping strategy for mothers use in dealing with postpartum blues is to have ample rest. These mothers need sleep for both physical and mental recovery. Adding to this, mothers should have a nutritious and balanced diet, plenty of fluids, and enough light daily exercise. By registering and joining new mother support groups, mothers can find great ways to share experiences and find mutual support with others who have postpartum blues. Most mothers with postpartum blues do not need medication, but can get relief from other forms of therapy such as acupuncture. Such condition generally resolves the emotional condition in about two to three weeks after birth.

Some women can develop postpartum anxiety disorders such as GAD (generalized anxiety disorder), OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), and panic disorders. Mothers experience excessive worry or anxiety, repetitive compulsions, or extreme anxiety with chest pains, dizziness, sweating, and many other symptoms when dealing with disorders named above. Women dealing with these disorders would frequently have attacks early in the morning with chest and stomach pain, followed by emotions of concern and despair for the baby. Together with good eating habits, rest and exercise, mothers could also go for relaxation exercises, support groups, counseling, and use of anti-depressants.

When dealing with postpartum psychosis, one should be able to distinguish signs of depression from other more symptoms of anxiety disorders. A mother experiencing postpartum psychosis would have hallucinations or delusions. This kind of psychosis may not be noticeable to family members since there would often be periods when a new mother may seem fine and also show periodic changes in behavior.

When a new mother is suspected of having a psychosis, most likely, her judgment would be impaired and she shows irrational behavior. In such cases, both the mother and the baby are not safe. Though rare, psychosis should be treated as an emergency. The mother suffering this psychological condition would usually respond to medication. In other cases, the new mother needs to be confined to a hospital or treatment center.

In knowing all these, new mothers should not worry about having postpartum depression. All these disorders can be managed or treated with medication and therapy. With enough information, new mothers and their families can find relief from the depression and stress that comes with the physical, emotional, and hormonal changes that come with childbirth.

The latest statistics indicate that as many as 950,000 Americans may be infected with HIV, the virus that can cause AIDS. Even with advances in HIV treatments that have helped improve the lives of those with the condition, HIV wasting remains a significant problem.

One such person is former West Hollywood mayor John Duran. Several years after he was diagnosed with HIV, Duran experienced a rapid 60-pound drop in weight, most of which he attributed to the loss of muscle mass. He discovered that his sudden weight loss was the result of a condition known as HIV wasting.

“I was surprised to learn that my sudden weight loss was a result of HIV and that HIV wasting is a common effect of the disease,” Duran said. “I want people to know that HIV wasting does not have to impact your daily life. Managing the symptoms of this condition is important to managing your health and an essential part of feeling good about yourself. It gave me the self-confidence to accomplish my dreams.”

What is HIV wasting?

HIV wasting involves the unintentional loss of body weight or lean body mass. Lean body mass includes mainly the muscles and organ tissue and also fluids in your body. When you are healthy, the food you eat is broken down and converted to energy so you can function normally-a process called metabolism. When your metabolism is working right, your body fat is used for energy. With HIV wasting, however, the body uses mostly lean body mass for energy instead. This can be serious if it goes undetected and untreated.

What are the symptoms

of HIV wasting?

People with HIV wasting gradually begin to feel weak or tired and notice that they are unintentionally losing weight. Typically, people with HIV wasting experience a loss of lean body mass, which includes muscles and organ tissue.

What causes HIV wasting?

Although the exact cause of HIV wasting is not yet known, many factors may contribute to wasting including low food intake, poor nutrient absorption, a change in metabolism and HIV-related infections.

• Low appetite is common with HIV and some AIDS treatments have to be taken on an empty stomach, or with a meal. This can make it difficult for some people with AIDS to eat when they are hungry. Also, drug side effects and infections in the mouth or throat can make it painful for people with HIV to eat.

• In people with HIV, several infections interfere with the nutrient absorption. Diarrhea, a frequent side effect of AIDS drugs, can also cause loss of calories and nutrients.

• Food processing and protein building are also affected by HIV. People with HIV need more calories just to maintain their body weight.

Can unintentional weight loss be serious? Significant weight loss in people living with HIV/AIDS leads to greater risk of further complications and even death.

What can I do if I or someone I love suffers from this condition?

HIV wasting can be treated with appetite stimulants, nutritional supplements and hormone treatments.

“Because I’m able to pro-actively manage my illness and associated conditions such as HIV wasting,” Duran said, “I’m able to focus on what is most important to me-my life, my job, my community and my family.”

The management of diabetes is progressively evolving. The latest medical and technological advances-including ones involving the Internet-have begun providing the 18.2 million Americans affected by this disease with the kind of freedom few dreamed of not all that long ago.

Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body doesn’t produce or properly use insulin, a hormone needed to convert glucose into energy. Since over time the high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes-the nation’s fifth-leading cause of death by disease-can lead to complications of the eyes, blood vessels, nerves, kidneys and other organs, anything that would ease the typical daily regimen of insulin injections and the like would be most welcome by patients.

According to experts at the Mayo Clinic, that “simplification” is exactly what’s happening. The Food & Drug Administration, for example, is in the process of approving both insulin patches and inhalants as alternative delivery methods to insulin injections. Breakthroughs in blood glucose monitoring that would allow continuous testing throughout the day are currently in development.

And then there’s the Internet. Unlike in the past, the latest advances, treatment and disease management recommendations are now available on the Web sites of the American Diabetes Association, the American Association of Diabetes Educators, and countless others. Beyond that, people with diabetes are being helped in managing their disease through the conve-nient online ordering of necessary diabetic supplies, pharmaceuticals and equipment.

Better Living Now manages all insurance claims and paperwork so patients don’t have to. And they will contact physicians for prescription renewal and fill necessary medical orders with up to 90-day supplies. Members also receive special discounts when ordering online and can contact the company’s pharmacy with questions about their medication.

A Web site now offers all the medical supplies and medication needed to manage diabetes.

This year, an estimated 1.3 million cancer patients will undergo chemotherapy and more than two-thirds of these patients will develop anemia, a low red blood cell count. Anemia is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy and can negatively affect patients and impact their daily activities.

“Chemotherapy attacks fast- growing cancer cells, but it can also kill normal cells like red blood cells that transport oxygen from the lungs to the body’s muscles,” said Dr. Ralph Boccia, director of clinical research, Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Bethesda, Md. “As a result, the body’s tissues are starved of oxygen, making a patient feel short of breath, very weak, faint and tired.”

More than half of chemotherapy patients report that fatigue, a common symptom of anemia, affects their daily lives more than any other side effect, including nausea, pain and depression. Further, anemia is often undertreated, despite the availability of treatments for more than a decade.

Typically, anemia treatment takes more than two hours per visit. Now, there is a treatment option that provides added conve-nience from current weekly dosing. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved every-three-week starting dosing of 500 mcg of Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced anemia in patients with certain types of cancer. This allows physicians to synchronize anemia treatment with most chemotherapy schedules, increasing convenience for patients and caregivers by reducing the number of clinic visits and injections for anemia treatment.

“Receiving anemia treatment every three weeks on the same schedule as my chemotherapy was convenient for me and my family,” said Danielle Mannix, who suffered from anemia. “We had fewer visits to the doctor for anemia treatments, which gave me more time for my regular daily activities.”

Aranesp is contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Erythropoietic therapies may increase the risk of thrombotic events and other serious events.

Have you noticed that fad diets rise and fall in popularity like the latest fashions or current pop songs? Weve seen (and seen off) the soup diet; the grapefruit diet; the no carbs diet; the only carbs diet and so on. I remember as a teenager eating only hard boiled eggs for a week! I lost a tonne of weight, but Im never going to do it again! Are you putting your health at risk by following a fad diet?

As a result of experimenting with the latest food exclusion diets, many people are actually cutting out entire food groups, leading to nutritional deficiencies, which could be damaging their health! While it may seem that cutting out carbs is great for fast weight loss, there is a very real risk that it will trigger carbohydrate cravings. Have you ever experience carbohydrate deprivation? First you become edgy then start to crave carbs, especially the wrong sort of starchy crabs that are stored as fat. Many people simply give in and become compulsive, but those who hold out can suffer severe side effects. Vitamin B group deficiency is one outcome, leading to fatigue and anxiety.

Did you know the bodys main fuel source for energy comes from carbohydrates? Did you know that carbs also are the brain food used to fuel its function? Is it any wonder you carve high-carb, high-sugar snacks when studying hard, problem solving or using a computer? Health professionals advise that eliminating carbs from your diet is counter-productive. A much better strategy is giving your body the right type of carbs it requires.

Others cut out meat when dieting, thinking this is the way to eliminate excess fat from their bodies. By doing so they could be missing out on important vitamins and minerals such as iron, vitamin B12 and zinc. Iron deficiency leads to serious conditions such as anemia.

Protein is an essential building block for the body and is needed for the growth of new cells and tissues. If you dont eat meat it is vital to get adequate protein from other sources such as soy, fish, eggs and chicken.

So, what do you say, do you think men face problems in skin care products? I would say “yes”. As with any market that proves itself profitable, most companies have recognized this trend, and are quick to throw out their new product to quickly cash-in on this new trend. Are they throwing out their products too fast? I think allot of them are. Over the past several years there has definitely been a sizeable increase in the sales of men’s skin care products. Now, men have about the same opportunity to waste their money on unnecessary and problematic skin care products as women do.

Think about this, As a man, while shaving, so you experience razor burn? Do you think its the way that you shave that’s giving you razor burn? Honestly, you do what you con to save your face from wounds.

Take it from me, as a man, I shave a lot. I use the same products that my dad used. I experienced razor burn. I thought it was the way I did it. To figure out what was really going on, I had to find out what razor burn really is. Razor burn is a series of ingrown hairs. Most shaving creams contain irritating ingredients such as alcohol, menthol mint, and camphor, as well as high levels of potassium or sodium hydroxide. These skin irritants make the hair follicle and skin swell, forcing the hair up and away from the skin, supposedly allowing for a closer shave. Unfortunately, the irritation and resulting swelling cause some of the hair to be hidden by the swollen follicle and skin. Note that sodium hydroxide is used in many skin care products at very low levels(the lesser amount in the ingredient list on the label) to adjust the ph value. In these low quantities it is not irritating to skin. Additionally the swollen skin makes it harder for the stubble to find its way back out. If hair begins to grow ( and it almost immediately does) before the swelling is reduced, the likelihood of ingrown hairs are increased.

When it comes to shaving, what can men do to take care of the skin on their face? Well, to start with, all men need a gentle, water soluble cleanser, a gentle shave product, either foam, cream, or gel, followed by a gentle, non-irritating aftershave or shaving lotion( which is a masculine name for a gentle toner) an ideal aftershave product for men would be an aspirin based topical product that uses an additional potent inti-irritants. Aspirin is a very effective anti-inflammatory agent for irritated skin and is able to alleviate the redness and razor burn/bumps.

when it comes to skin care, us guys aren’t any different from women. our skin is the same. So just use your girlfriend’s, or your mom’s, or your sister’s. it will work the same way it works for her.

So that’s it. And as always, I hope you found this article both informative and entertaining. And may GOD bless you always, and in always.

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