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Featured Article -
Genital Herpes Treatments |
Genital Herpes Treatments
 Genital
herpes is an incurable condition that has inflicted mankind since
ancient times and being a virus, it has no cure. The herpes simplex
virus that causes this problem spreads via sexual contact. It is
believed that the herpes virus is found in over 50% of the US
population and is spreading fast.
Our aim is to help stop or at least, slow the spread of this virus
by giving you the information and knowledge you need to control the
virus and to live a normal life if you have been infected with the
virus. NOTE: It is not the end of your life, especially the bedroom
part of your life, if you have contracted genital herpes...
You can control the outbreaks of genital herpes easily, safely and
cheaply and the best way to do that is apply a topical genital
herpes treatment that kills the virus at the first sign of an
outbreak.
If you kill the virus at the very first sign of a possible outbreak,
the length of time and the severity of that outbreak will be
drastically reduced. The risk of infecting others is also obviously
greatly reduced. Your outbreaks will also be far less frequent, less
painful and certainly less embarrassing!
Generic
Valtrex - slows the growth and spread
of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection.
Lessens the symptoms of these infections and shortens the length of
time you are sick.
Acyclovir
/ Zorivax - Acyclovir is
used to treat herpes infections of the skin, lip, and genitals;
herpes zoster (shingles); and chickenpox. It does not cure herpes
infections but decreases pain and itching and promotes healing.
Famvir - Famvir is an oral
antiviral prescription medication. The usual dose of Famvir is one
125-mg pill, twice a day, for 5 days.
Suppressive treatment: if you have frequent or severe outbreaks, you
take one 250-mg pill, twice a day, for up to 1 year to suppress the
genital herpes virus and help to prevent outbreaks.
Patients with HIV: Famvir is the only prescription oral antiviral
therapy indicated for treating genital. In patients with herpes
simplex and HIV, the dose of Famvir is 500 mg, twice a day, for 7
days.
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Current Month Story -
Premature Ejaculation |
Have you been there, done that?
Whether we want to admit it or
not premature ejaculation (PE)
happens. It's happened to nearly
all of us. Only most of us are
too embarrassed or ashamed to
talk about it. Men's sexuality
experts, medical professionals,
and the pharmaceutical industry
are out there, well aware of
this predicament, and they do
have a few tricks to offer.
Premature ejaculation can be
overcome.
PE Definition
First, a definition, from the
International Society For Sexual
Medicine: "Premature ejaculation
is a male sexual dysfunction
characterized by ejaculation
which always or nearly always
occurs prior to or within about
one minute of vaginal
penetration; and, inability to
delay ejaculation on all or
nearly all vaginal penetrations;
and, negative personal
consequences, such as distress,
bother, frustration, and/or the
avoidance of sexual intimacy."
While PE is not a serious
physical ailment like a heart
attack or arthritis, it can lead
to serious psychological issues,
such as depression and anxiety.
Many men report shame,
embarrassment, and anger at not
being able to last long enough
during intercourse to please
their partners. In some cases,
PE has led to relationship
breakup and divorce.
PE Causes
So what causes PE? Like many
physical issues, it's extremely
complicated and not fully
understood. For starters, there
may be a Darwinian "survival of
the fittest" component; the
prehistoric males who ejaculated
quickly after starting
intercourse were more likely to
pass on their genes than those
who took longer (and were more
likely to be interrupted or
attacked by a competitor).
Sexually unsatisfied ladies can
blame Darwin for their man's
rapid discharge.
PE may be due to any number of
male psychological issues. PE
can go all the way back to when
men typically first discovered
the pleasure of
ejaculation-teenage
masturbation. Frequently at that
age, fear of being caught in the
act led to masturbating
extremely quickly to avoid
detection. Or, like a drug
addict searching for a quick
high, guys pleasured themselves
in a frenzy just to speed up the
mental rush during orgasm. Thus,
for some men, rapid ejaculation,
and subsequently PE during
intercourse, was a learned
behavior.
PE can also be due to more
generalized psychological
problems, such as high levels of
stress or anxiety. Sometimes
these conditions are directly
connected to sexual performance,
like worrying about pleasing
their partner. Stress and
anxiety from other sources, like
the workplace,
against all forms of free
radicals.
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Featured Article -
10 Things You Should Know About Swine Flu |
Swine Flu: 10 Things You Should Know
The global swine pandemic sickened more than 1 million Americans and
killed about 500 since it emerged in April. Worldwide, it has
infected tens of thousands and killed nearly 2,000.
The Associated Press has tried to boil down the mass of information
into 10 things you should know to be flu-savvy.
1. No cause for panic.
So far, swine flu isn't much more threatening than regular seasonal
flu.
During the few months of this new flu's existence, hospitalizations
and deaths from it seem to be lower than the average seen for
seasonal flu, and the virus hasn't mutated dramatically. That's what
health officials have observed in the Southern Hemisphere, where flu
season is winding down.
Still, more people are susceptible to swine flu, and U.S. health
officials are worried because it hung in so firmly here during the
summer — a time of year the flu usually goes away.
2. Virus tougher on some.
Swine flu is more of a threat to certain groups: children under 2,
pregnant women, people with health problems like asthma, diabetes,
and heart disease. Teens and young adults are also more vulnerable
to swine flu.
Ordinary, seasonal flu hits older people the hardest, but not swine
flu. Scientists think older people may have some immunity from
exposure years earlier to viruses similar to swine flu.
3. Wash your hands often and long.
Like seasonal flu, swine flu spreads through the coughs and sneezes
of people who are sick. Emphasize to children that they should wash
with soap and water long enough to finish singing the alphabet song,
"Now I know my ABC's." Also use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
4. Get the kids vaccinated.
These groups should be first in line for swine flu shots, especially
if vaccine supplies are limited: people 6 months to 24 years old,
pregnant women, healthcare workers. Also priorities: parents and
caregivers of infants, people with those high-risk medical
conditions previously noted.
5. Get your shots early.
Millions of swine flu shots should be available by October. If you
are in one of the priority groups, try to get your shot as early as
possible.
Check with your doctor or local or state health department about
where to do this. Many children should be able to get vaccinated at
school. Permission forms will be sent home in advance.
6. Immunity takes awhile.
Even those first in line for shots won't have immunity until around
Thanksgiving.
That's because it's likely to take two shots, given three weeks
apart, to provide protection. And it takes a week or two after the
last shot for the vaccine to take full effect.
The regular seasonal flu shot should be widely available in
September. People over 50 are urged to be among the first to get
that shot.
7. Vaccines are being tested.
Health officials presume the swine flu vaccine is safe and
effective, but they're testing it to make sure. The federal
government has begun studies in eight cities across the country to
assess its effectiveness and figure out the best dose. Vaccine
makers are doing their own tests as well.
8. Help! Surrounded by swine flu.
Be extra cautious if an outbreak of swine flu hits your area before
you're vaccinated.
Stay away from public gathering places such as malls, sports events,
and churches. Try to keep your distance from people in general. Keep
washing those hands and keep your hands away from your eyes, nose,
and mouth.
9. What if you get sick?
If you have other health problems or are pregnant and develop
flu-like symptoms, call your doctor right away. You may be
prescribed Tamiflu or Relenza. These drugs can reduce the severity
of swine flu if taken right after symptoms start.
If you develop breathing problems (rapid breathing for kids), pain
in your chest, constant vomiting, or a fever that keeps rising, go
to an emergency room.
Most people, though, should just stay home and rest. Cough into your
elbow or shoulder. Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever
breaks. Fluids and pain relievers such as Tylenol can help with
achiness and fever. Always check with a doctor before giving
children any medicines. Adult cold and flu remedies are not for
them.
10. No swine flu from barbecue.
You can't catch swine flu from pork — or poultry, either (even
though it recently turned up in turkeys in Chile). Swine flu is not
spread by handling meat, whether it's raw or cooked.
Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New York
City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
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Current Month Story -
Packing your Childs Lunch |
Ham, Hot Dogs Raise Children’s Cancer
Risk
Parents who pack ham or salami sandwiches in their kids’ lunch boxes
may be raising their risk of cancer, according to the World Cancer
Research Fund.
Convincing evidence shows that processed meats, which include not
only ham and salami but also hot dogs and bacon, raise the risk of
bowel cancer, the organization says.
Instead of processed meats, parents should choose low-fat cheese,
poultry, fish, hummus, or small amounts of lean meat as sandwich
fillings, according to experts at the organization.
In fact, they recommend that children not eat any processed meats
because they help form unhealthy habits. Ham and salami sandwiches
could give children habits that increase their risk of developing
cancer late in life, they say.
“If children have processed meat in their lunch every day, then over
the course of a school year, they will be eating quite a lot of it,”
said Marni Craze, children's education manager for the organization.
"It is better if children learn to view processed meat as an
occasional treat if it is eaten at all.”
Ham and high-calorie snacks might seem like a convenient option,
"particularly for parents who do not have a lot of time to prepare
their child’s lunchbox,” Craze said. “But packed lunches are a part
of a child’s diet that is relatively easy to control and it does not
have to take too much time or effort to prepare a healthy lunch.
“For example, putting some salad into a sandwich will count towards
the five portions of fruits and vegetables children should be eating
every day,” she said. “And a small fruit juice instead of a fizzy
drink will also give a portion. Also, chicken that has not been
processed, fish, hummus or low-fat cheese are easy and quick
alternatives.”
The organization recommends limiting total meat intake to about 70
grams or the equivalent of three slices of bacon a week.
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Current Month Story -
Popcorn May Prevent Cancer |
Popcorn May Help Prevent Cancer
Eating popcorn is good for you and may even help prevent cancer.
Scientists have long known that whole grains are heart-healthy, but
a first-of-its-kind study from the University of Scranton found that
popcorn, breakfast cereals, and other grain-based snack foods are
packed with antioxidants called polyphenols.
Polyphenols in foods such as fruits, vegetables, wine, coffee, tea,
berries, olives, and chocolate are thought to help reduce the risk
of many diseases. They remove free radicals — the chemicals that can
cause damage to cells and tissues — from the body.
Until now, no one knew that commercial cold and hot whole-wheat
cereals and snack foods also were a good source of polyphenols. This
is important for health because the average American diet consists
of a high percentage of these foods.
“Cereals, pasta, crackers and salty snacks constitute over 66
percent of whole grain intake in the U.S.” said Joe Vinson, a
chemistry professor at the University of Scranton.
“Early researchers thought the fiber was the active ingredient for
these benefits in whole grains — the reason why they may reduce the
risk of cancer and coronary artery disease,” he said. “But recently,
polyphenols emerged as potentially more important.”
“This is the first study to examine total phenol antioxidants in
breakfast cereals and snacks,” Vinson said. “We found that, in fact,
whole-grain products have comparable antioxidants per gram to fruits
and vegetables.”
The study found that whole grains are very high in antioxidants,
with the most antioxidants in cereals made with wheat, corn, oats,
and rice, in descending order. Whole grain snacks have slightly
lower levels than cereals.
Popcorn has the highest antioxidant level of all whole grain snack
foods — more than five times higher than its nearest rival. Tortilla
chips, for example, lagged far behind popcorn, with 10 times less
antioxidants than popcorn.
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Current Month Story -
Vitamin D Inhibits Cholesterol Process in Diabetics |
Low Vitamin D Inhibits
Cholesterol Processing in
Diabetics
Low levels of vitamin D are
known to nearly double the risk
of cardiovascular disease in
patients with diabetes, and
researchers at Washington
University School of Medicine in
St. Louis now think they know
why.
They have found that diabetics
deficient in vitamin D can't
process cholesterol normally, so
it builds up in their blood
vessels, increasing the risk of
heart attack and stroke. The new
research has identified a
mechanism linking low vitamin D
levels to heart disease risk and
may lead to ways to fix the
problem, simply by increasing
levels of vitamin D.
They found that Vitamin D
inhibits the uptake of
cholesterol by cells called
macrophages, and when people are
deficient in vitamin D, the
macrophage cells eat more
cholesterol, and they can't get
rid of it. The macrophages get
clogged with cholesterol and
become what scientists call foam
cells, which are one of the
earliest markers of
atherosclerosis.
Macrophages are dispatched by
the immune system in response to
inflammation and often are
activated by diseases such as
diabetes. This researched belief
is that in diabetic patients
with inadequate vitamin D,
macrophages become loaded with
cholesterol and eventually
stiffen blood vessels and block
blood flow.
The team reports in the Aug. 25
issue of the journal
Circulation, which is available
online, that vitamin D regulates
signaling pathways linked both
to uptake and to clearance of
cholesterol in macrophages.
"Cholesterol is transported
through the blood attached to
lipoproteins such as LDL, the
'bad' cholesterol," Bernal-Mizrachi
explains. "As it is stimulated
by oxygen radicals in the vessel
wall, LDL becomes oxidated, and
macrophages eat it
uncontrollably. LDL cholesterol
then clogs the macrophages, and
that's how atherosclerosis
begins."
That process becomes accelerated
when a person is deficient in
vitamin D. And people with Type
2 diabetes are very likely to
have this deficiency. Worldwide,
about 1 billion people have
insufficient vitamin D levels,
and in women with Type 2
diabetes, the likelihood of low
vitamin D is about a third
higher than in women of the same
age who don't have diabetes.
The skin manufactures vitamin D
in response to ultraviolet light
exposure. But in much of the
United States, people don't make
enough vitamin D during the
winter, when the sun's rays are
weaker and more time is spent
indoors.
The good news is that, when
human macrophages are placed in
an environment with plenty of
vitamin D, their uptake of
cholesterol is suppressed, and
they don't become foam cells.
Bernal-Mizrachi believes it may
be possible to slow or reverse
the development of
atherosclerosis in patients with
diabetes by helping them regain
adequate vitamin D levels.
"There is debate about whether
any amount of sun exposure is
safe, so oral vitamin D
supplements may work best," he
says, "but perhaps if people
were exposed to sunlight only
for a few minutes at a time,
that may be an option, too."
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Current Month Story -
Protecting Yourself From Radiation |
Your doctor might require X-rays
every few years as part of your
annual physical. And admission
to the hospital, even for minor
problems, generally requires a
trip to the X-ray department.
Depending on your reason for
being admitted, X-rays of the
chest and other parts of the
body often are considered
routine.
In addition, your doctors may
order CT scans and various
radioactive tracer studies, such
as a bone, liver or brain scan.
With each of these tests, you
will be exposed to a radiation
dose that could vary in strength
from very low to quite high.
One thing to always keep in mind
is that radiation damage is
cumulative, meaning that the
damage is compounded with each
exposure. The greatest injury is
to the DNA of your cells. This
is how radiation causes cancer.
For information on radiation
damage and how to protect
yourself.
It has become popular for people
to get a total body CT scan as a
screening procedure to make sure
they are healthy. A recent study
found that this practice doubles
your risk of developing cancer
later in life.
The same is true of yearly
mammograms. Women at high risk
for breast cancer actually
increase their chances of
developing the disease by having
yearly mammograms — with a 1
percent to 3 percent increased
risk per year.
The National Aeronautics and
Space Administration devotes a
lot of experimental study to
radiation protection because
astronauts and high-altitude
pilots are exposed to extreme
levels of gamma radiation.
From these studies has come a
considerable amount of
scientific literature showing
that some of the best protection
is derived from food extracts
and vitamin combinations. For
information on the importance of
vitamins in your diet, read my
special report “Key Vitamins
That Save Your Heart, Prevent
Cancer, and Keep You Living
Long.”
Among the most potent are
curcumin, quercetin, hesperidin,
ginkgo biloba, beta-glucan and
vitamins E and C, as well as
multivitamin combinations. All
of these are available from
health food stores without a
prescription. Here are some
things you can do to increase
your protection against
radiation injury:
Curcumin (an extract of the
spice turmeric):
This flavonoid is a
powerful anti-cancer substance
that inhibits inflammation; is a
powerful and versatile
antioxidant; promotes wound
healing; inhibits the growth of
bacteria and viruses; and
protects organs, especially the
brain and heart, against damage.
Quercetin: This is a
very common flavonoid found in
cranberries, onions, tea and
apples. It has been shown to
offer significant protection
against DNA damage.
Folic
acid: Folic acid,
along with vitamins B12 and B6,
plays a vital role in the
protection and repair of DNA.
Aged
garlic extract: Once
it ages, garlic extract contains
some compounds that strongly
protect DNA against radiation
Injury.
Alpha-lipoic
acid: This is one of
the body’s chief antioxidants.
It also greatly protects against
radiation injury, reduces
mercury in the body and guards.
Adapted from the "Wellness
Report"
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Healthy Recipe of the
Month - New York Breakfast |
Prep Time - 10 min
Level - Easy
Yield - 4 (2 piece) servings
New York
Breakfast
Ingredients
8 pieces packaged, thin pumpernickel bread (3
1/2 by 3 1/2 inches))
1/4 cup whipped cream cheese
8 ounces thinly sliced smoked salmon
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 English cucumber, thinly sliced
2 medium tomatoes, core, seeded and diced
2 teaspoons chopped, fresh chives
Salt and pepper
Directions
Toast the bread and spread 1 1/2 teaspoons of
cream cheese on top of each piece. Put a slice
of smoked salmon, a couple of slices of onion,
one or 2 slices of cucumber, and about 1
tablespoon of chopped tomato on top of that.
Sprinkle with chives and season with salt and
pepper.
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