Hair loss is often associated with the natural ageing process, but there are a variety of reasons for a man to begin losing his hair that have little to do with his age and more to do with genetics.

Hormonal conditions, such as hypothyroidism, can have a drastic stressing effect on the body, resulting in hair loss among other things. Stress is also a major cause of hair loss. Propecia is an effective treatment for hair loss.

Androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness, is caused by the effect of the hormone dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, on sensitive hair follicles. Gradually, the DHT-sensitive hair, which is normally found on the front and top of the head, becomes finer and weaker to the point that it stops growing altogether. Men who are experiencing this form of hair loss in its advanced stages will usually have healthy hair follicles on the sides of their heads that remain intact throughout their lives. For some reason, these follicles are resistant to the DHT hormone.

Some illnesses and physical impairments are more prevalent in women. Knowing about these women’s health issues and concerns can help women to be better informed about their bodies.

One of these illnesses or diseases includes female heart disease. It is often not diagnosed, and once it is found it is often too late for the patient to be helped successfully. In women, risk factors for disease include smoking, increasing age, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and lack of physical activity.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer experienced by women, and treatments for the disease are continuing to develop. Risk factors for breast cancer, as discussed by the American Cancer Society, can include a family history of breast cancer, genetics, increasing age, race, early onset menstruation, obesity and not having children.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis affects nearly 44 million Americans, and two thirds of this number are women. This disease is preventable if women make healthy lifestyle choices. Risk factors for osteoporosis include:

Increasing age
Female gender
Ethnicity
Family history
Thin-boned and small body frame
Anorexia
Low intake of vitamin D and calcium
Lack of physical activity
Excessive use of alcohol
Smoking

Although we all know the main risks of smoking, there are still around 10 million people in the uk that smoke. Yes, the amount of smokers in the UK is not as much as some other locations around the world, but it is still astounding. Although many of the main health risks are forced upon us from the NHS and various non-smoking campaigns, a lot more of the smaller, but still disturbing side effects are left unknown.

Smoking leads to Impotence- large amounts of research have recognised smoking as one of the leading causes of erectile dysfunction, which can then lead to impotence. In fact, smoking actually increases the risk of erectile dysfunction by 50% in men between the ages of 30 and 40 years.

It has also been found that full-time smoking can lead to Permanent and Age-Related Blindness.

British research has found that smoking increases your chance of going blind as you age, as well as this, it has also been found that smoking can often cause: development of cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, loss of central vision and age-related macular degeneration (AMD.). In fact, experts have found the link between smoking and AMD is just as strong as the connection between smoking and the development of lung cancer. The chance of smokers losing their sight in later life is actually double that of non-smokers.

The risk of injuries is larger for smokers than non-smokers, healing time is also longer for smokers. By constricting the blood vessels about 25% of their normal diameter, the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients around the body are all limited. This then then slows down the healing time for a wound to heal as it takes longer for the blood, oxygen and nutrients to reach the injury and form new cells, etc.

Increased risk of illness. Smoking can lead to the paralysis of the cilia which makes a person more susceptible to illness. Smokers are more likely to suffer from colds, pneumonia, coughs, bronchitis and flu.

Picture courtesy of Coal Miki

The vascular system is composed of the entire network of blood vessels in the body, including the arteries, veins and capillaries. Arteriosclerosis, blood clots and aneurysms are serious problems of the vascular system.

Erectile dysfunction can be one of the first signs of vascular disease in men and it is thought to be one of the most common causes of impotence. The narrowing and hardening of the arteries, called atherosclerosis, makes the increase in blood flow that is necessary to obtain and maintain an erection difficult or impossible to achieve.

Increasing and prolonging the flow of blood to the penis is the main purpose behind medication used to treat erectile dysfunction. Among these prescription drugs is Cialis. Sold under the generic name tadalafil, Cialis relaxes the muscles and allows freer flow of blood to the penis, enabling an erection.

Cialis’s effect on the body’s blood flow, and its uses in conjunction with activity that increases the heart rate, could result in certain cardiac reactions, including drops in blood pressure and even cardiac arrest in extreme situations. Consult your doctor before starting Cialis and notify him or her of any unusual reactions.

Most people will not go through winter without suffering from a cold and many will also suffer from the flu. Cold & flu are different conditions, but they often have the same symptoms. Classic symptoms of these illnesses are a sore throat, a runny nose, and coughing. The treatments for these illnesses are similar as viruses cause them both.

General advice for people who have the cold or flu is to rest well and drink plenty of fluids, as well eat healthily and avoid alcohol while the symptoms are still present. There are many medications on the market that can help ease the symptoms of these illnesses, such as painkillers and decongestants.

It is important to remember that viruses cause these conditions and, therefore, antibiotics are of no use treating them. People who have these illnesses have to wait for their bodies to fight the disease off. If their condition deteriorates significantly, or if they are part of an at-risk group, they should seek advice from a GP.

A variety of physical and psychological illnesses and issues can cause erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is the inability of the male body to have or maintain an erection when sexually stimulated. Erectile dysfunction is recognised as a medical problem if it lasts for more than three months.

Physical causes

Nerve damage and reduced blood flow to the penis are the most common causes of erectile dysfunction. Other contributing factors include: hormone imbalances, such as low testosterone or thyroid hormone levels that are too high or too low; neurological conditions, such as stroke or brain or spinal injuries; pelvic trauma; complications from abdominal or prostate surgery and some prescription drugs such as blood pressure medications and antidepressants.

Vascular disease and diabetes can also cause and contribute to erectile dysfunction. Arteriosclerosis, a hardening and narrowing of the arteries, reduces blood flow throughout the body and accounts for nearly 60% of erectile dysfunction in men over the age of 60. Diabetic neuropathy, a complication of diabetes, can damage the small blood vessels and nerves of the body, making it more difficult to maintain an erection.

Psychological causes

Psychological conditions that can lead to erectile dysfunction include depression, stress and anxiety. Experiencing impotence can also precipitate these feelings and lead even temporary dysfunction to become a chronic problem.

Treatment options

There are a variety of different treatments available for erectile dysfunction, including prescription medications and surgery. Oral prescription medications, such as Sildenafil, also known as Viagra, and Vardenafil, also known as Levitra, help boost nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is a chemical produced by the body that relaxes the muscles of the penis, increasing blood flow and allowing an erection to take place in response to stimulation. These medications may not fix the erectile dysfunction immediately, but your physician will work with you in choosing the right medication for you and adjusting the dosage to give you the best chance of success.

Research has found the eating plenty of food helps speed up the metabolism and helps flush the alcohol out of the body at a greater rate thus helping us to feel much better after a rough night out. An all-time hang over favourite has to be the bacon sarnie, but does this snack actually help, or is the only benefit that this wonderful snack has is its glorious taste?

Through research it has in fact been found that the idea of food “soaking up” the alcohol is incorrect, however digesting food rapidly increases your metabolism which helps the body deal with the after-math of over drinking more efficiently. So, eating food when hung over in general has been proven to help you feel better but what is so special about the appetising, perfectly cooked bacon sandwich?

Well, the bread art of the sarnie is extremely high in carbs and the bacon is full of protein. The protein is especially good for hangovers as the protein actually breaks down into smaller amino acid chains. These amino acids are actually essential in the body for the body to function correctly. Also, most of these amino acids that are essential in the diet cannot be synthesised and must be eaten. This is why eating bacon, which is packed full of them, will make you feel good.

Drinking large amounts of alcohol also depletes neurotransmitters however; bacon contains high level of amino’s which tops these up, again helping to improve mood.

When it was being researched, it was also found that a complex chemical reaction when the bacon was being cooked produces the taste and smell that makes the bacon almost irresistible. It is in fact, the reaction between the reducing sugars in the fat and the amino acids in the bacon that gives the sandwich with its appeal.

Picture courtesy of yum9me

Xenical is a drug that promotes weight loss and is most commonly used in the treatment of obesity. Xenical works by blocking the action of an enzyme called lipase; which is produced by the body to help it break down and absorb fat. By blocking the action of this enzyme, the fat cannot be absorbed and a large percentage of it is passed in the stool without it having been absorbed into the body, where it can contribute to a weight problem.

If you are considering taking Xenical it is important to understand that it is not a quick solution that will allow you to eat whatever you want. It must be used in conjunction with a low calorie diet if it is to be effective. The absorption of some vitamins might also be affected by the drug; so you should create a diet that has a high vitamin content or take vitamin supplements. The drug is generally only used to treat patients who have been diagnosed with obesity by a doctor, as opposed to those who are just a little overweight.

Xenical should be taken at the same time as you eat a meal, as this will have the greatest effect on the absorption of fat. If you are eating a fat-free meal then there is no need to take the medication, as it will not have any effect on the food you have eaten. If you do consume an excessively fatty meal while using the medication you are more likely to experience side effects.

The side effects associated with Xenical are generally infrequent. Flatulence and diarrhoea are not uncommon; but if you carefully follow the instructions associated with the medication you will reduce the risk of any adverse reactions. As with any drug, if you experience an allergic reaction, cease use immediately and seek medical advice.

Picture courtesy of FBellon

The field of medicine is ever expanding, and patients are quite commonly choosing alternative medicine methods over conventional medicine. Alternative medicine focuses on the treatment and prevention of illnesses through the use of different techniques, including herbal medicine, positive energy, and overall wellness. These different types of alternative medicine focus on a balance of physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness.

Magnetic Field Therapy

Magnetic field therapy uses the healing abilities of magnets. These magnets are used inside shoes, bracelets, and other accessories in order to heal a variety of illnesses and impairments. Although this type of therapy is generally safe, it is not recommended for patients that use defibrillators, insulin pumps, or pacemakers.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a Chinese medicine technique, and it uses needles to stimulate points on the body. It is thought that each point on the body corresponds to a different condition, and the purpose is to restore balance, good health, and positive energy within the body. Acupuncture is thought to ease pain produced by some conditions, including arthritis, lower back pain, and headaches.

Chiropractic Medicine

Chiropractic medicine focuses on the manipulation of the spine in order to put the body into better alignment. Patients generally see a chiropractor when they have pain in their neck, shoulders, and lower back and these adjustments can also help to improve the overall health of patients. Chiropractic medicine has been found to be effective in relieving pain from migraines, whiplash, joint conditions, and neck pain. It also has been used to aid in the treatment of conditions like fibromyalgia, asthma, and high blood pressure.

Reiki

Reiki is used to access the natural energy of the body and speed up the healing process. The Reiki professional works by hovering his or her hands over the body of the patient, and this is thought to bring a state of calm and relaxation to the patient.

Acupuncture patient, picture courtesy of kightp

Cialis is a drug that was released in 2003 for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It works by relaxing the muscles inside the walls of the blood vessels, which in turn helps increase blood-flow to the penis, which in turn helps the patient achieve an erection following sexual stimulation.

Cialis is marketed in tablet form, in doses of 5mg, 10mg and 20mg, which should be taken no more than once a day. Cialis can be effective for up to 36 hours, earning it the nickname, ‘the weekend pill’, which when compared to the four-hour effectiveness of Viagra, makes it plain to see why many prefer it.

Cialis is a trade name of the PDE5 inhibitor known as Tadalafil, which was originally manufactured by biotechnology company, ICOS and then further developed through a joint venture with them and Eli Lilly and company. However, as of 2007, it is only possible for pharmaceutical companies to buy Cialis through Eli Lilly, as they bought out ICOS, thus becoming sole owners of the drug.