ACERN.Talk: Men's Health

7.3 Minutes. How long can you stand for it?

2014-09-26T00:30:00.004-07:00

Turkish recent study regarding men's endurance when it come to love making echoes in every part of the world. Researchers at Erciyes University in Kayseri have just concluded a yearlong study correlating body mass index (BMI) and male sexual endurance. Their conclusion stated that Men with increased body fat last longer in bed. In fact, heavier men were able to make love for an average of 7.3 minutes, while slender men could count themselves lucky if they held on for a mere 108 seconds. How long can you stand for love making? Can you beat the 7.3 minutes? . The researchers also added that men with excess fat showed higher levels of the female estradiol sex hormone. This substance apparently disrupted their bodies’ natural “male” neurotransmitter chemicals and slowed their progression towards orgasm. Ironically their trying to prove that less masculine you appeared the better lover you are. Should the fat men rejoice? I couldn't agree more. When it comes to love making there may also be an issue of quality vs quantity involved, but why spoil the great news. For now, when it comes to sex, "fat is the new thin"

How long do women wants?

All their lives.
Don't ever stop.
But remember foreplay includes; loving words and looks, a gentle caress as you walk by, a playful slap on the butt, an "I love you" onyour way out the door, lending a hand or two around the house, kisses where ever and whenever, compliments, gentle honesty, showing her that for you she is IT, holding hands, remembering special dates, listening and actually hearing her, caring, being present, humor, tollerance....

( Women's Health http://www.womens-health.com/boards/sex/31003-how-long-do-women-want.html)

RECOGNIZING SYMPTOMS OF AN ENLARGE PROSTATE

2013-02-20T08:48:00.000-08:00

The prostate gland has two important functions: To produce ejaculatory fluid and to act as a barrier to retrograde UTIs. Prostate enlargement, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can produce a constellation of unpleasant symptoms that result when the enlarged gland forces the bladder to work harder to expel urine. The prostatic obstruction is both anatomic (compression of the urethra) and dynamic (increased muscle tone of the prostate and bladder neck). Primary-care nurse practitioners and physician assistants are in an ideal position to recognize and evaluate the symptoms of BPH, review the differential diagnoses, recommend treatment, refer patients as necessary, and ensure follow-up. The Clinical Advisor spoke to Richard J. Macchia, MD, chair of the Department of Urology and a Distinguished Teaching Professor at the SUNY Downstate Medical School in Brooklyn, N.Y., and Ivan Rothman, ARNP, an NP with urology certification at the University of Washington Medical Center Urology Clinic and faculty member at the University of Washington School of Nursing in Seattle. Both clinicians have expertise in BPH, which affects nearly 50% of men aged 50 years and older.
Q: Who is most likely to get BPH?

Dr. Macchia: Any man is susceptible, but with age, an enlarged prostate becomes more and more likely.

Mr. Rothman: Generally, men diagnosed with BPH are older than 40.

Q: Which symptoms besides frequent urination should alert primary-care providers (PCPs) to the possibility of BPH?

Mr. Rothman: Be on the lookout for any kind of voiding problem. The two main types are irritative and obstructive. Irritative refers to frequency and urgency, and obstructive refers to difficulty starting, slow stream, and post-void dribbling. Waking up at night can be a problem in and of itself and is always worth evaluating. The best office-based diagnostic tools are the symptoms and the score on the American Urological Association (AUA) Symptom Index (SI) (available at www.auanet.org/guidelines/main_reports/bph_management/chapt_1_appendix.pdf, accessed July 8, 2008). This is a well-validated paper-and-pencil screening tool.

Dr. Macchia: Getting the AUA SI score is something any primary-care clinician can do. The patient answers seven self-administered questions about complete voiding, frequency, stopping and starting, urgency, weak stream, straining, and nocturia. Severity of symptoms is quantified by rating each on a scale of 0-5. A man with no symptoms would score 0, and a man with all the symptoms at maximum severity would score 35. When a patient comes to me with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), I ask him to fill out the AUA SI. Any abnormality of urination should trigger the AUA inventory. The International Prostate Symptom Score is similar to the AUA SI.

In addition, ask patients about their “bother” factor: Two patients may have the same symptoms, but one will say, “We have to do something about this; it's driving me crazy,” while the other will tell you it's not a problem.

When patients complain of symptoms, be sure to obtain a complete history because there are many nonurologic causes of LUTS (e.g., diverticulitis). Basically, any pathology in the pelvis can present as LUTS. There is no substitute for a thorough history. Instruct patients to bring in all their medications. It is very difficult to care for patients without knowing what they are taking. What was listed in your notes three months ago is ancient history. In my experience, 30% of patients who state they are on the same medications as at the last office visit are, in fact, not.

After taking the patient's history, I conduct a physical examination with emphasis on the genitalia and prostate. The primary purpose of digital rectal examination (DRE) is to search for any lumps and bumps and to estimate the size of the prostate.

Q: Besides doing a DRE for an enlarged prostate, are there any other office-based diagnostic steps that can be taken?

Mr. Rothman: I always evaluate patients with voiding problems for infection and malignancy. With UTI, look for RBCs, WBCs, and bacteria in the urine. For malignancy, look for hematuria (RBCs).

Dr. Macchia: Dipsticks can be overly sensitive and give false positives for hematuria. I prefer the full urinalysis with microscopic examination, which can show the presence or absence of RBCs, WBCs, bacteria, fungi, and more. It is also important to know what formed elements are in the urine. Formed elements may be an indication that kidney disease is causing the hematuria.
Q: How often should prostate-specific antigen (PSA) be tested?

Dr. Macchia: After the history, the exam, and the full urinalysis, I discuss with the patient the advisability of measuring his PSA. Generally, I follow the AUA guidelines for PSA testing. It is prudent to follow the guidelines of some national organization. The AUA guidelines are fairly simple: If the patient is African American or has a family history of prostate cancer, he should be getting an annual prostate checkup starting at age 40. If he doesn't fall into either category, start at age 50. While PSA-based true population screening is controversial, what you do in your office with a given patient is straightforward. Failure to discuss the pros and cons of PSA testing with a patient can have unpleasant medical and legal repercussions.

Mr. Rothman: The value of the PSA test is keenly debated. PSA recommendations, which were due to be released by a subcommittee of the AUA in May 2008, have been delayed while members sort through the considerations. Of course, you look at the PSA to screen for prostate cancer. There is no reason you would use it to evaluate voiding dysfunction per se.
Q: When do you order ultrasound or x-rays?

Dr. Macchia: In patients with bothersome or high-score LUTS, I do a simple in-office sonogram to determine whether or not the patient has a significant amount of postvoid residual urine (PVR). In an adult male, we would like to see PVR <100 a="" an="" and="" aua="" biopsy.="" br="" bump="" can="" cc.="" conjunction="" considerable="" diagnosis="" doesn="" either="" elevation="" found="" general="" give="" in="" information="" is="" it="" lead="" lump="" misery.="" more="" nobody="" obtain="" of="" only="" or="" performed="" prostate.="" prostate="" psa="" pvr="" score="" should="" si="" similar="" sonogram="" t="" testing="" that="" the="" there="" to="" unindicated="" unless="" with="" you="">
But some clinicians are ordering prostate sonograms routinely, and like all other tests, sonograms have false positives.

Mr. Rothman: Nonspecific, hypoechoic lesions that are indistinguishable from prostate cancer may show up on prostate ultrasound. One should be wary of ordering prostate ultrasound in men older than 40 without a biopsy.
Q: What signs or symptoms warrant referral to a urologist?

Mr. Rothman: You should refer if the patient has blood in the urine and needs a workup for malignancy. Also refer if one or two attempts at drug therapy have not controlled voiding symptoms to the patient's satisfaction.
Dr. Macchia: Refer any patient with LUTS for which you do not have a specific diagnosis, LUTS you cannot eliminate, an abnormal PSA (based on whatever criteria you use), any abnormality on the rectal exam (especially a lump or bump), or hematuria.

Q: What medications are available?

Dr. Macchia: If you think it is likely that the patient has bothersome LUTS or a large PVR attributable to BPH, the first step is to treat with medication. The most commonly prescribed drugs are the alpha blockers tamsulosin (Flomax) and alfuzosin (Uroxatral). I also use the alpha blockers doxazosin (Cardura) and terazosin (Hytrin). By reducing the dynamic outflow obstruction, the strength of the urinary stream can be immediately improved, as can the PVR. Irritability of the bladder can also be decreased over time. One needs to look at both the approved and commonly used off-label dosages for the alpha blockers. I often use higher-than-approved doses of alpha blockers in an attempt to avoid surgery, especially in patients with multiple conditions that raise the risk of morbidity. You must document and advise the patient whenever any medication is used in an off-label manner.
If the prostate is more dramatically enlarged, you can simultaneously start a 5a-reductase inhibitor (e.g., finasteride [Proscar] or dutasteride [Avodart]), which shrinks the prostate. Be aware that these drugs reduce PSA by 50% over time, and this must be taken into account when using PSA to screen for cancer. You really want to max out the pharmacologic therapy before referring for minimally invasive surgery. Many drug companies have informational booklets, and I encourage passing these on to patients.

Mr. Rothman: Alpha blockers are first-line therapy. There is not enough evidence to say one is better than the others. I start with the least expensive or most easily tolerated alpha blocker. If that does not work, change to another one. If you use an alpha blocker with a variable dose, increasing the dose is reasonable. It is also reasonable to add a 5a-reductase inhibitor to an alpha blocker. Most men with BPH are treated by primary-care providers. The AUA SI can be used effectively for monitoring response to therapy. Occasionally, when patients have severe irritative and obstructive symptoms, you may want to add an anticholinergic drug. This is best done in consultation with a urologist. As for nutraceutical supplements, I have seen one study in favor of and one study opposed to saw palmetto. I still recommend trying it; it's safe, easy to obtain, inexpensive, and potentially helpful. It also may help the patient adjust to the idea that he needs to take medication.

Sometimes symptoms of BPH occur in younger men who have never had chronic illness. Patients with BPH need to understand that they have a chronic illness, which needs treatment. The transition to prescription medications can be easier if you start with something OTC.
Q: What lifestyle changes do you recommend?

Dr. Macchia: While there are pathologic conditions that can cause nocturia and must be ruled out, the vast majority of cases are attributable to BPH. I tell patients that when the bladder fills up, they have to go to the bathroom whether it's in the middle of the day or the middle of the night. If they don't want to get up at night, I tell them to start restricting fluid intake four to six hours before going to sleep. I say, “You have the other 18-20 hours of the day to drink all you want.” If people drink fluids at night, especially if they're already well hydrated, their kidneys will put out more and more urine. Alcohol is a special case because it's a diuretic.

A heart-healthy lifestyle is probably good for the prostate. Supplements and minerals are being vigorously promoted, with few data to support their use. However, I recommend patients take a good men's daily multivitamin tablet. Does it work? That's hard to say. The problem with BPH is the 30% placebo rate. Sometimes BPH gets better on its own.
Mr. Rothman: Bus drivers, truck drivers, and airline pilots delay voiding for very long periods of time. This causes the bladder to stretch, become hypocontractile, and lose its ability to function. More frequent urination, when possible, would be beneficial.

Quitting smoking will help reduce prostate size, though we're not sure what the underlying mechanism is.
Q: What are the consequences of untreated BPH?

Dr. Macchia: Some patients with minimal symptoms might have a large PVR. I have had patients with more than 1,000 cc of residual urine who had no pain or other symptoms. The bladder had become chronically distended and desensitized. If that continues, the bladder loses its compliance. The muscle then becomes more and more inefficient at pushing out urine. Ultimately the muscle becomes a useless piece of tissue.

Mr. Rothman: Acute urinary retention has to be treated with catheterization and frequently with surgery to reduce prostate size. For patients with milder symptomatology though, there is no clear evidence that early treatment will prevent future problems.
Q: What misconceptions about BPH do patients often bring to their PCP?

Dr. Macchia: Far too many patients believe they are going to go back to urinating the way they did when they were in high school. The prostate gland and urinary system get old just like everything else. The symptoms of a vast majority of patients can be improved but not totally eliminated. Also, patients frequently do not realize that stress can cause urinary tract symptoms.
Q: What cautionary advice do you have for PCPs with regard to BPH diagnosis and treatment?

Dr. Macchia: It is a misconception that only enlarged prostates cause problems and that an enlarged prostate always causes a problem. A small prostate may lead to obstruction and a large one might not. Do not assume LUTS are attributable to BPH or a UTI, and always be careful to rule out a malignancy.

Ms. Lippert is a medical writer and editor in the New York City area.
Read On
* American Urological Association. Diagnosis of BPH. Available at: www.urologyhealth.org/adult/index.cfm?cat=09&topic=173, accessed July 8, 2008.
* American Urological Association. Management of BPH. Available at: www.auanet.org/guidelines/bph.cfm, accessed July 8, 2008.
* Cortlandt Forum. Benign prostatic hyperplasia: applying the guidelines to clinical practice. www.cortlandtforum.com/content/fileadmin/files
/Supplements/PDFs/BPH_CF.pdf, accessed July 8, 2008.
* http://www.clinicaladvisor.com/recognizing-symptoms-of-an-enlarged-prostate/article/120878/

DETERMINING WHEN MEN NEED TESTOSTERONE

2013-02-10T08:56:00.000-08:00

Klinefelter syndrome is a genetic disorder and cause of primary hypogonadism.

Testosterone deficiency, or hypogonadism, is the most common type of hormonal deficiency in men. In middle-aged men, testosterone levels decrease 1%-2% yearly with advancing age. Studies suggest that approximately 20% of men in their 60s and 50% of those in their 80s have low serum testosterone levels.¹ Obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypertension may increase the risk of hypogonadism.²

Men with testosterone deficiency have symptoms that are often underrecognized, underreported, or denied by the patient and the clinician alike. Some of the symptoms overlap with those of other chronic conditions, especially depression and fatigue. Key complaints that should lead to the suspicion of testosterone deficiency are changes in sexual function (especially a decline in erectile quality), libido, and ejaculate volume.³ Other symptoms include:

Infertility
Decrease in beard and body hair growth
Increase in body fat
Decrease in size or firmness of testicles
Decrease in muscle mass
Development of breast tissue (gynecomastia)
Loss of bone mass (osteoporosis )

Testosterone deficiency can also contribute to mental and emotional changes. As testosterone levels decrease, some men may experience symptoms similar to those of menopause in women but without the certain cessation of reproductive function. Besides depression, these symptoms may include irritability, fatigue, and decreased sex drive.

Other than aging, there are several other causes of testosterone deficiency in an adult male, and these are categorized as primary, secondary, or combined. Causes of primary hypogonadism include Klinefelter syndrome (a chromosome abnormality), undescended testes, injury to the testes, or testicular damage attributable to radiation or chemotherapy.

Secondary hypogonadism results from failure of the pituitary to produce enough follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone to stimulate the testes. Common causes include obesity, stress, aging, recreational drug use, and pituitary lesions or other endocrine causes.

Combined hypogonadism exhibits characteristics of both primary and secondary causes and is commonly seen with cirrhosis, aging, and sickle cell disease.

Clinical exam

The clinician should first investigate possible causes of acquired testicular failure (e.g., mumps orchitis, trauma, radiation exposure, surgery, and chemotherapy). Inquire about both prescription and recreational drug use, since certain agents (e.g., spironolactone, marijuana, heroin, and methadone) may interfere with testosterone synthesis. Establish whether there is a history of paternity—an indicator that at some point in the past, the testosterone level likely was normal.

The diagnosis of testosterone deficiency is based on examination findings and a test of the serum testosterone levels. Specific issues to consider in the physical exam include developmental anomalies in the genital system. Examine the genitalia for hypospadias (a congenital opening of the urethra on the undersurface of the penis), and check the scrotum for signs of cryptorchidism (undescended testes). Determine whether both testes are palpable, their position in the scrotum, and their consistency and size. Examine for signs of Klinefelter syndrome, such as tall stature (especially if the legs are disproportionately long), small or soft testes, and a eunuchoid body status, although many patients will not demonstrate a “typical” Klinefelter habitus. Finally, evaluate the extent of body virilization. Inquire about the rate of beard growth, libido and sexual function, muscle strength, and energy levels. Check for gynecomastia. The physical examination is typically unhelpful in making the diagnosis of testosterone deficiency, except in cases of profound and long-term hypogonadism.

From the July 2009 Issue of Clinical Advisor »

http://www.clinicaladvisor.com/determining-when-men-need-testosterone/article/139598/

FACT, PRESUMPTIONS and MYTHS of Obesity

2013-02-03T11:00:00.001-08:00

What really causes Obesity?. Do you know someone who are obese and they believed that it has something to do with their genes? Or eating food with high in calorie content contribute to that obesity?. Mass media including the use of world wide web, social network, contribute to rapid dissemination of information regarding obesity, but what is the fact of obesity that is supported by science and what are these myths and presumptions regarding obesity? Many held belief about obesity are found to be not supported by science as suggested in the review of literature posted in The New England Journal of Medicine

According to Krista Casazza, PhD, RD from University of Alabama at Birmingham and colleagues, We define myths as beliefs held to be true despite substantial refuting evidence, presumptions as beliefs held to be true for which convincing evidence does not yet confirm or disprove their truth, and facts as propositions backed by sufficient evidence to consider them empirically proved for practical purposes.

Myths

We review seven myths about obesity, along with the refuting evidence. Seven Myths about Obesity. provides anecdotal support that the beliefs are widely held or stated, in addition to reasons that support conjecture.

1. Small Sustained Changes in Energy Intake or Expenditure
Myth number 1: Small sustained changes in energy intake or expenditure will produce large, long-term weight changes.
2. Setting Realistic Weight-Loss Goals
Myth number 2: Setting realistic goals for weight loss is important, because otherwise patients will become frustrated and lose less weight.
3. Rate of Weight Loss
Myth number 3: Large, rapid weight loss is associated with poorer long-term weight-loss outcomes, as compared with slow, gradual weight loss.
4. Diet Readiness
Myth number 4: It is important to assess the stage of change or diet readiness in order to help patients who request weight-loss treatment.
5. Importance of Physical Education
Myth number 5: Physical-education classes, in their current form, play an important role in reducing or preventing childhood obesity.
6. Breast-Feeding and Obesity
Myth number 6: Breast-feeding is protective against obesity.
7. Sexual Activity and Energy Expenditure
Myth number 7: A bout of sexual activity burns 100 to 300 kcal for each participant.

Presumptions

Just as it is important to recognize that some widely held beliefs are myths so that we may move beyond them, it is important to recognize presumptions, which are widely accepted beliefs that have neither been proved nor disproved, so that we may move forward to collect solid data to support or refute them. Instead of attempting to comprehensively describe all the data peripherally related to each of the six presumptions shown in Table 2Presumptions about Obesity., we describe the best evidence

1.Value of Breakfast
Presumption number 1: Regularly eating (versus skipping) breakfast is protective against obesity.
2. Early Childhood Habits and Weight
Presumption number 2: Early childhood is the period in which we learn exercise and eating habits that influence our weight throughout life.
3.Value of Fruits and Vegetables
Presumption number 3: Eating more fruits and vegetables will result in weight loss or less weight gain, regardless of whether any other changes to one's behavior or environment are made.
4. Weight Cycling and Mortality
Presumption number 4: Weight cycling (i.e., yo-yo dieting) is associated with increased mortality.
5. Snacking and Weight Gain
Presumption number 5: Snacking contributes to weight gain and obesity.
6. Built Environment and Obesity
Presumption number 6: The built environment, in terms of sidewalk and park availability, influences the incidence or prevalence of obesity.

Facts

Facts about Obesity. lists nine such facts and their practical implications for public health, policy, or clinical recommendations. The first two facts help establish a framework in which intervention and preventive techniques may work. The next four facts are more prescriptive, offering tools that can be conveyed to the public as well established. The last three facts are suited to clinical settings.

They contend that public health efforts to counteract weight-loss and obesity misconceptions and myths should focus on the following nine evidence-based facts:

1. Recognizing genes as a large contributor to obesity, but not one that cannot be overcome with sufficient environmental influence
2. The importance of lower caloric intake in weight management strategies
3. The positive effect of exercise on health
4. The necessity of sufficient exercise as a routine activity to maintain weight loss
5. The importance of involving parents and families in weight-loss and management strategies for overweight children
6. Incorporating structured meals and meal replacements as weight-loss aids
7. The utility of pharmacological agents in effective weight-loss strategies
8. Recognizing bariatric surgery as a viable option for long-term weight loss, and to decrease rates of incident diabetes and mortality
9.The role of genetics in obesity and that realistic changes to lifestyle and environment can lead to weight loss.

The researcher also acknowledge that the myths and presumptions about obesity that have discussed are just a sampling of the numerous unsupported beliefs held by many people, including academics, regulators, and journalists, as well as the general public. Yet there are facts about obesity of which we may be reasonably certain — facts that are useful today. While we work to generate additional useful knowledge, we may in some cases justifiably move forward with hypothesized, but not proved, strategies. However, as a scientific community, we must always be open and honest with the public about the state of our knowledge and should rigorously evaluate unproved strategies.

______________________________________
Source:
1. http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsa1208051#t=articleResults
(Myths, Presumptions, and Facts about Obesity)
2. http://www.clinicaladvisor.com/common-obesity-beliefs-often-unsupported-by-science/article/278306/ (Common obesity beliefs often unsupported by science)

TOMATOES MAY LOWER STROKE RISK IN MEN

2013-01-29T08:43:00.002-08:00

HealthDay News-- Lycopene, an antioxidant found in high concentration in tomatoes and tomato products, may lower risk in men, study suggest.

Men who had high serum concentrations of the carotenoid had significantly lower risk for any stroke (HR=0.45; 95% CI: 0.25-0.95) and ischemic stroke (HR=0.41; 95% CI: 0.17-0.97), compared with those who had low concentrations, Jouni Karppi, PhD, of the University of Eastern Finland in Kuopio, and colleagues reported in Neurology.

The findings remained significant even after the researchers adjusted for age, examination year, BMI, systolic BP, smoking, serum LDL cholesterol, diabetes and history of stroke.

Results from previous studies examining the link between carotenoid-rich food consumption and stroke risk have been mixed, although some have shown associations between greater consumption, higher serum levels and lower stroke risk.

To better understand these relationships, Karppi and colleagues examined whether serum concentrations of major carotenoids correlated with the risk of any stroke and ischemic stroke, among 1,031 Finnish men aged 42 to 61 years, who were participating in the longitudinal Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease Risk Factor study.

Serum concentrations of lycopene, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol and retinol were measured.

During a median follow-up of 12.1 years, 67 strokes occurred, including 50 ischemic strokes. After adjusting for confounding variables, the researchers found that greater serum concentrations of lycopene, but none of the other compounds, were associated with a lower stroke risk.

The exceptional antioxidant properties of lycopene may help explain why this carotenoid reduces stroke risk more than others, the researchers suggested. "Lycopene is a potent antioxidant and the most effective quencher of singlet oxygen, and it was reported to be more effective than beta-carotene in cell protection against hydrogen peroxide and nitrogen dioxide radicals."

Lycopene is also known to reduce inflammation, block cholesterol synthesis, boost immune function, and inhibit platelet aggregation and thrombosis.

"Results of the present study show that high serum concentrations of lycopene, as a marker of intake of tomatoes and tomato-based products, decrease the risk of any stroke and ischemic stroke in men," the researchers wrote. "Thus, a balanced diet including fruits and vegetables may prevent stroke."

References

Karppi J et al. Neurology. 2012; 79: 1540-1547.
http://www.clinicaladvisor.com/tomatoes-may-lower-stroke-risk-in-men/article/262763/

The Pain of the Lost LOVE: BROKEN HEART SYNDROME

2013-01-20T05:14:00.000-08:00

As mysterious as love may be, the agony of its loss is an even more baffling experience, driving many men to depths of despair they never knew existed. Now, however, researchers have begun to see through our haze of pain, and understand that there's actually a method to our sadness (The Science of Heartbreaks) Mens’Health.

What is more painful than someone’s breaks your heart over the phone? I can’t even recall the banality that come after hearing the sound of her voice. The woman I’ve known intimately. The woman I thought would be the mother of my child. I felt dissociated and numb. Like the first time I had a motor accident were everything is blinded by the incidence.

She just put down the phone after her coup de grace. It was eve of Valentine’s Day, reservation for a dinner date was made, flowers and chocolates are all set for delivery. Eventually, I caught myself standing in front of the building and wandered the street an hour thinking it was the end of everything.

Carol and I, we’ve met somewhere in 2003 summer. Distracted and was I captured by beautiful innocent smile, captivating smile, beautiful little chinita eyes, voluptuous body and long black hair. Her beauty seized me I never let that moment pass without knowing her name and telephone numbers.

I am broke, a broken hearted man. So why does heartbreak hurt so badly? To answer that, you have to first understand what you're really losing.

The flood of stress hormones accompanying such events can weaken the heart. Researchers have discovered and dubbed the phenomenon as Broken Heart Syndrome.

But even when the heart is not literally broken, heartbreak can still prove lethal in other ways. Rejected men kill themselves at three to four times the rate that spurned women do. (The Science of Heartbreaks) Mens’Health.

WHAT IS BROKEN HEART SYNDROME or BHS?

Broken heart syndrome is a temporary heart condition brought on by stressful situations, such as the death of a loved one. People with broken heart syndrome may have sudden chest pain or think they're having a heart attack. These broken heart syndrome symptoms may be brought on by the heart's reaction to a surge of stress hormones. In broken heart syndrome, a part of your heart temporarily enlarges and doesn't pump well, while the remainder of the heart functions normally or with even more forceful contractions.The condition was originally called takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Today, it's also referred to as stress cardiomyopathy, stress-induced cardiomyopathy or apical ballooning syndrome.

A study published in New England Journal of Medicine has found that sudden emotional stress can trigger a severe but reversible heart muscle weakness that mimics a heart attack. The condition had been labeled "stress cardiomyopathy" and has also been called "broken heart syndrome." The culprit appears to be adrenaline and similar "stress hormones" that over-stimulate the nervous system. (Feb 12 2005 Broken Heart syndrome Mimic Heart attack)

SYMPTOMS

Broken heart syndrome symptoms can mimic a heart attack. Common symptoms include:

Chest pain
Shortness of breath
An irregular heartbeat
A generalized weakness

Any long-lasting or persistent chest pain could be a sign of a heart attack, so it's important to take it seriously and call the emergency hotline if you experience chest pain.

Prevention

By Mayo Clinic staff

There's a chance that broken heart syndrome can happen again after a first episode. There's no proven therapy to prevent additional episodes; however, many doctors recommend long-term treatment with beta blockers or similar medications that block the potentially damaging effects of stress hormones on the heart. Managing stress in your life is also important.

WHAT BIBLE SAYS ABOUT BROKEN HEART?

Revelation 21:4

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Related readings:

1. What's the Real Story Behind the"Broken Heart" Syndrome?

2. Broken HeartSyndrome

3. Broken Heart Syndrome Mimics Heart Attack

4. http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/real-life-stories/broken-heart-syndrome-now-doctors-1418375

5. Tipsfor Breakups, Heartache + Sadness

6. What does the Bible says about HEARTACHE?

12 Smart Things Every Father Should Teach His Kids

2012-12-07T08:17:00.002-08:00

There are some things, from common-sense knowledge to people skills to potentially life-saving tricks, all kids should learn. And no matter how hard or uncomfortable some of the lessons may be to teach, it's your job, Dad, to instill them. Be sure to hit these 12.

1. Teach a Solid Handshake

Model proper technique by putting 'er there: Press the web of flesh between your thumb and index finger into his so he feels it; that ensures proper placement. Then wrap your hand around his and squeeze gently for two or three seconds. Key point: Eye contact and a slight smile are essential. The double pump, while conveying enthusiasm, isn't.

2. Instill a Healthy Respect for Guns

Your kid might become vice president one day. Demonstrate how to keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times—downrange, toward the ground or up in the air—while explaining that every gun should be considered a loaded gun.

3. Learn Left from Right

Righty tighty, lefty loosey. That's how to remember which way to turn a screwdriver, wrench—or the lid from a jar of pig's knuckles.

4. What to Do When Stopped by a Cop

1. Keep your hands where police can see them.
2. Never run, resist, complain or touch an officer.
3. Address the police officer as "sir" (or "ma'am") or "officer." If he's wearing three stripes or a single silver bar, saying "yes sergeant" or "no lieutenant," respectively, may score you some points.

5. Proper Condom Use

When you have your "talk" with your son (or daughter—she needs to know this stuff, too), cover all of these points about condom use (and when you're done, present him with his very own box of rubbers).

1. Check the expiration date. Condoms are good for 5 years but those with spermicide expire after 3 years.
2. Never store them in your wallet or car glove box (pressure and high temperatures will render them ineffective).
3. Always use one, even with oral sex.
4. Break out a new one with every encore performance. Reusing one isn't worth the risks.

6. How to Console Someone

At some point or another while they're growing up, your children will need to console a relative or a friend who's just lost a family member. To make the encounter less clumsy for your kids, help them prepare a message that comes from the heart. (They should never say something like "I guess it's for the best that she's gone" when her friend's sickly Grandma Bertha dies.)

In the case of a grieving classmate or friend, they should invite the other child over to play or hang out or to go to the movies with your family. Even if the friend declines, the effort your kids made will not go unappreciated and will strengthen their relationship.

7. The Right Way to Dress

While your son might be reluctant to hear it, give him this advice from Andy Gilchrist, author of The Encyclopedia of Men's Clothes.

1. Trousers are long enough if they have a light break in the front, and they should fully cover socks to avoid a "where's-the-flood" look.
2. Shirts should show a quarter- to half-inch reveal when wearing a suit or sport jacket.
3. Ties should descend to the belt line. A properly executed tie will show a dimple under the knot.
4. Socks should be long enough to completely cover the shins when legs are crossed.
5. Belts should match the color of shoes and end just past the first loop on your pants.

8. Calculate a Tip

Encourage your kids to tip well for good service—in our book that's at least 20 percent. (If they think that's too generous, lay this on them: "Some day you might find yourself working at Friday's.")

The simplest way for your kids to calculate a 20 percent tip is to multiply the pretax amount by 2 and move the decimal point over one position to the left. For a P135 tab: 135 x 2 = 270. Slide the decimal between the 7 and the 0, and you get a P27 tip. Feeling generous? Throw in a few more bucks. Does the server merit only 10 percent? Use the method above but instead multiply by 1.

9. How to Defuse an Angry Person

The best way to handle an uncontrollably angry person is not to say "Calm down" or "Breathe"—unless your aim is to fan the flames, says Rick Brinkman. Ph.D., who runs communication seminars for IBM and Boeing. Let the person vent for a moment while you compose yourself. Then calmly say, "I can see you're upset. I'll listen to what you have to say, if you're willing to listen to what I have to say. Okay?"

Follow that up with a question that leads him out of the situation: "What do you say we resolve it this way?" By asking a question, you give him the illusion of being in control. If this approach fails, walk away.

10. Make Your Teen a Safe Driver

Have your kid log at least 100 hours of instruction at the wheel, says Phil Berardelli, author of Safe Young Drivers. "The 6 hours most states mandate is inadequate," he explains. "Take time to expose him to rain, snow, night, fog, highways."

Once he has his license, limit carpooling. A study by Johns Hopkins University's Center for Injury Research and Policy found that teen drivers with two passengers are 86 percent more likely to die in a crash than are teens driving alone. Also restrict night driving. The Connecticut Transportation Institute says drivers ages 16 to 20 are 66 percent more likely to have an accident at night than they are during the day.

11. Help Your Kid Get into College
To give your child the competitive edge, start planning in the ninth grade, says Michele Hernandez, an Ivy League—college consultant and author of A Is for Admission. Here's a quick guide to making the most of ninth grade.

12. Discipline Your Son for Drinking or Smoking Pot

Don't freak. "A vein-popping lecture will drive him away and shut down any chance of a meaningful discussion," says Xenia G. Becher, coauthor of Ten Talks Parents Must Have With Their Children About Drugs. After you've cooled down and talked about the issue with your wife, meet in your son's room; he'll be more receptive on his own turf.

Explain that you're concerned he's not making smart decisions. "Reinforce the message that he needs to stay clear-minded and focused in life and that drugs will knock him off those paths," says Becher. If he asks whether you smoked pot or drank when you were his age (and he will), don't let him steer the conversation away from himself. "Telling him what you did or didn't do isn't important," says Becher. "This is not a 'true confessions' moment. Disclose only if it helps.
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Source:
http://www.menshealth.com/mhlists/parenting_tips_smart_lessons/discipline_your_son_for_drinking_or_smoking_pot.php

When the Nose No Longer Knows

2012-11-24T03:02:00.001-08:00

Smell and Taste Disorders in Elders

There are certain things in this world that we ignore most especially when it comes to Men’s health. Men usually loves to eat what ever they want, we cannot barely imagine what kind of appetite do they have , sometimes they eat a lot though they feel that they were full. But who would resist the savory taste of adobo (Philippines favorite). The spice and hotness of Bicol express (a special dish originated in Bicol region, Philippines). The delicate taste of Kare-Kare. The mouth watering aroma of the hot pandisal at Graceland Bakers Plaza. Just a few words about the smell and taste of food can evoke pleasant images and stimulate appetites. But where does that leave people who have a disease or disorder, or are on a medication that interferes with these two vital senses? What about those who find that the physiological changes of aging leave that sweet apple pie tasting flat or even sour? They start pushing food away, losing weight, and putting themselves in jeopardy for further problems.

Olfactory (smell) and gustatory (taste) impairment can be caused by normal physiological changes associated with aging, but many chronic or acute disorders and some medications can be the culprits. People tend to add extra salt and sugar to counteract the tastelessness they perceive in their food, which can pose a particular health risk for those with chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes.¹ Likewise, when it becomes critical for people to follow a therapeutic diet, such as a low-sodium diet, loss of smell and taste can quickly lead to non-compliance. Smell and taste are protective to all of us by detecting toxins, polluted air, gas leaks, smoke, and spoiled food. Losing these senses jeopardizes our basic safety. A sudden loss of smell can even provoke depression in some people.Sometimes these deficits raise a warning flag for more serious underlying conditions, such as brain lesions and tumors.

An array of medical terms identifies the different types and degrees of olfactory and gustatory impairment. Anosmia is the complete loss of smell, while hyposmia describes a partial but diminished sensitivity or acuity of smell. Similarly, ageusia is a complete absence of taste, while hypogeusia is a diminished sensitivity or acuity of taste.

Olfactory and gustatory impairment can affect all ages, but it’s most common in elderly persons. Typically, sense of smell and taste starts to diminish after about age 50 and worsens progressively with time.

An estimated 50% of adults 60 or older are affected by some loss of smell; while taste is less affected, it also diminishes with age.Almost half of elders who experience a smell or taste disorder report a resulting decrease in appetite.As the elderly population continues to expand rapidly, these problems are expected to create a growing health challenge.

From Taste Buds to Nasal Receptors

The tongue’s taste buds recognize four basic properties — salty, bitter, sweet, and sour — independent of the sense of smell. In contrast, olfactory sensors in the nose can detect a much larger variety of aromas and odors. Together, tastes and aromas produce flavors; for a person to recognize most food flavors, smell and taste must work together. Approximately two-thirds of taste acuity depends on smell.

Taste and smell are chemosensory in nature, or known as the chemical senses, because they detect the chemicals or molecules from which aromas or flavors originate. For example, when your host greets you at the door, you know in an instant that a lamb roast is cooking in the oven and an apple pie is cooling on the kitchen counter. You can name the menu before you see it as millions of airborne molecules, or odorants, fill the air. Mucus traps these molecules when you inhale them and dissolves and distributes them to the appropriate olfactory sensors or receptors. These sensors are clustered in the olfactory epithelium located at the top of the nasal cavity. A moist nasal cavity aids in the stimulation of the olfactory neurons in the receptors. The neurons produce the electrical impulses that are carried along the olfactory nerve to the brain, where they are interpreted as odor or aroma.

Taste buds are onion-shaped structures of 50 to 100 taste cells, also known as gustatory cells. Each has fingerlike projections called microvilli that poke through an opening or pore at the top of the taste bud. The tongue contains most of the taste buds, although some are also scattered over the soft palate, pharynx, and larynx. Chemicals from food dissolve in saliva and contact the taste cell through the taste pore, where they communicate with certain proteins on the surfaces called taste receptors. These interactions trigger signals to the brain along three cranial nerves: the facial (VII), glossopharyngeal (IX), and vagus (X), depending on where the taste impulses arise.

The Roots of Smell and Taste Problems

Many factors can cause alterations or disturbances in olfactory and gustatory pathways that lead to impairment. These include physiological changes associated with aging, systemic diseases, oral disorders, some medications, malnutrition, and environmental agents.

Aging: Physiological changes associated with aging are a potential cause of reduced taste and smell sensitivity in elders. The numbers of taste cells and sensory receptors decline as people age. Taste buds detecting salty and sweet properties are most affected. Saliva production, which helps to dissolve chemicals in food or drink and transport them to the taste buds, diminishes in elders, causing mouth dryness. Similarly, elders experience a gradual atrophy of their olfactory system.

Diseases and disorders: Several medical conditions can further degrade the acuity of smell and taste in elders. For example, gingivitis and periodontitis release bad-tasting materials in the mouth that interfere with external smells. Tumors or lesions in the oral cavity or brain can damage the gustatory pathways, nerves, or relevant parts of the brain. Allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, or polyps can cause swelling of the nasal mucosa or create obstructions, preventing air from reaching the olfactory area.

Some upper respiratory infections, such as influenza, can destroy nasal receptors, often causing permanent anosmia. Systemic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease, can affect smell and/or taste in some cases because of olfactory or gustatory neural damage.

Medications and other causes: Medications are an important and frequently overlooked cause of olfactory and gustatory impairment, often an issue for elders who may take several. Numerous drugs are known to alter smell and taste by acting on peripheral receptors, the chemosensory neural pathway, and/or the brain. For example, antidepressants, antihistamines, and anticholinergics cause mouth dryness, thereby reducing taste acuity.Local decongestants, such as naphazoline, paralyze nasal cilia.

Selected Medications That Can Cause Taste/Smell Dysfunction

AIDS and HIV drugs: didanosine (Videx), zalcitabine (Hivid), zidovudine (Retrovir)
Anti-inflammatory drugs: colchicine, dexamethasone (Decadron), gold (Myochrysine), hydrocortisone (Aeroseb-HC, Hydrocort)
Anti-ulcer, anti-GERD: omeprazole (Prilosec)
Anticonvulsants: phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamezapine (Tegretol)
Antidepressants: amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), desipramine (Nopramin), doxepin (Sinequan)
Antihistamines and decongestants: chlorpheniramine (Chlo-Amine), pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
Antihypertensive and cardiac medications: captopril (Capoten), clonidine, diltiazem (Cardizem), enalapril (Vasotec), nifedipine (Procardia), nitroglycerin, propranolol (Inderal), furosemide (Lasix)
Antimicrobial agents: ciprofloxacin (Cipro), tetracycline, clarithromycin (Biaxin), sulfasalazine, metronidazole (Flagyl)
Antineoplastics: cisplatin (Platinol), vincristine (Oncovin)
Antiparkinsonian drugs: levodopa (Larodopa; with carbidopa: Sinemet)
Bronchodilators: albuterol sulfate (Proventil, Ventolin), cromolyn sodium
Hyper- and hypoglycemic drugs: glipizide, diazoxide, phenformin and derivatives
Hypnotics and sedatives: flurazepam (Dalmane), quazepam (Doral)
Lipid-lowering agents: lovastatin (Mevacor)
Muscle relaxants: baclofen (Lioresal), dantrolene sodium (Dantrium)
Other: allopurinol, calcitonin, iron, nicotine, potassium iodide, vitamin D/Calcitriol
Thyroid drugs: methimazole (Tapazole)

Cigarettes, alcohol, illicit drugs, hot liquids, or other environmental factors may also injure taste buds.On the palate, dentures may cover taste buds. In addition, head or nose trauma can damage the olfactory bulbs, nerves, or brain lobes. Radiation therapy of the head and neck can cause mouth dryness and directly damage taste receptors. Malnutrition in the elderly could also further diminish the chemosensory perception.

Reference:

When the Nose No Longer Knows

Smell and Taste Disorders in Elders

By: Wiera Malozemoff, RN, MS, CS and Devin Sue Barriault, RN, MSN, CMSRN and Colleen Manning Osten, RD

www.nurse.com

What does your Color Means?

2012-08-31T10:07:00.000-07:00

That's right!, have you asked your self what does your color means? I mean, what your semen color means? Men usually ignored this, because they thought it is normal specially when there's no pain at all.. but not all of men are the same. Thanks to one of my reader who asked me this question... though at first I was skeptical of writing this blog because I even don't care what does my semen's color means..because there's nothing unusual.

Semen color and consistency can vary based on several factors, such as age, diet and frequency of ejaculation, according to Dr. Todd B. Nipoldt. Semen is normally a whitish, cloudy fluid. It's usually quite thick just after ejaculation, but liquefies about 20 to 30 minutes later. However, yellowish-green semen may indicate a prostate infection. Changes in the appearance of semen are usually temporary and not a health concern. However, sometimes these changes can be a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires further evaluation. If these changes persist for longer than a week or two or if the color change is associated with other symptoms such as pain, fever, sexual dysfunction or blood in the urine, see your doctor for an evaluation.

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Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/discolored-semen/AN00779

ACERN.Talk: Men's Health: Birth Control: OUTERCOURSE

2012-08-18T09:53:00.001-07:00

ACERN.Talk: Men's Health: Birth Control: OUTERCOURSE: In search of continues way of how to control the rocketing number of population, church and state battle about using of the modern contra...

Birth Control: OUTERCOURSE

2012-08-18T06:12:00.002-07:00

In search of continues way of how to control the rocketing number of population, church and state battle about using of the modern contraceptive needed to pass to legalized the reproductive health bill. Many says that the use of the modern contraceptive method is one way of killing of the unborn. It is true that the fertilized ovum is considered to be human and alive, but on the other hand this is not the main purpose of using contraceptive. If we look the word itself contraceptive meaning - A device, drug, or chemical agent that prevents conception. As I have mentioned earlier that the fertilized ovum is consider to be alive or human being, but lets take into consideration that these devices such as: birth control pill, IUD, male and female condoms, etc... are used to prevent the meeting of male sperm and the female fertilized egg to avoid pregnancy. This is against to the speculation that these methods promote abortion.

However, there is one way that the church and state might agreed on. The OUTERCOURSE, yes you read it correctly! You're also correct!, that is the other way of SEXUAL INTERCOURSE.

What is Outercourse? Here are the fact:

What Is Outercourse?

Outercourse means different things to different people. For some people, outercourse is any sex play without vaginal intercourse. For others, it is sex play with no penetration at all — oral, anal, or vaginal.

How Does Outercourse Prevent Pregnancy?

Outercourse prevents pregnancy by keeping sperm out of the vagina. Pregnancy cannot happen if there is no sperm present.

How Effective Is Outercourse?

Effectiveness is an important and common concern when choosing a birth control method. Like all birth control methods, outercourse is more effective when you use it correctly.
Outercourse is nearly 100 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. But pregnancy is possible if semen or pre-ejaculate (pre-cum) is spilled on the vulva and gets into the vagina.
Outercourse also greatly reduces the risk of HIV/AIDS and many other sexually transmitted diseases — unless body fluids are exchanged through oral or anal intercourse. Some infections, like herpes and HPV, can be passed by skin-to-skin contact. Using latex and plastic barriers can reduce the risk of infection.

How Safe Is Outercourse?

Anyone can use outercourse — it has no side effects.

What Are the Benefits of Outercourse?

Outercourse is simple, convenient, and free. It has many benefits.
People like outercourse as a birth control method because it

has no medical or hormonal side effects
can be used as safer sex to help prevent STDs if semen and vaginal fluids are not exchanged
can increase trust and closeness between partners
may make sex play last longer
can be used when no other birth control methods are available
can help people better understand their bodies

Sex play without intercourse can also help women learn how to have orgasms. Women have very different sexual response cycles than men. Men usually have one orgasm, and it is usually some time before they can have another. Women can have frequent and multiple orgasms. But many women don't have orgasms from vaginal stimulation. Most of them can have orgasms when the clitoris is stimulated — whether or not they are having vaginal intercourse.
Men also enjoy outercourse — even if they're shy about it in front of their partners. Outercourse allows men to be erotic without worrying about how well they "perform" during vaginal intercourse.

What Are the Disadvantages of Outercourse?

Outercourse has several disadvantages:

Women and men may let outercourse lead to intercourse without being ready to protect themselves from pregnancy or infection.
Some people may find it hard to abstain from intercourse.
Sperm may come in contact with the vagina.

How Do I Have Outercourse?

There are many ways to be sexual without intercourse:

Kissing — Many people explore different ways of kissing. They may also explore kissing different body parts.
Masturbation — Many people enjoy touching their own sex organs. It's the most common way to be sexual. Partners can masturbate alone or together. They may hug and kiss while they do it. They can also watch each other — which can be exciting and a good way to learn what kind of touch a partner likes.
Manual Stimulation — Many couples fondle each other's sex organs using their hands. Some also use their bodies or mouths.
Body-to-body rubbing — frottage, "grinding," or "dry humping" — Many couples rub their bodies together — especially their sex organs — for pleasure and orgasm.
Fantasy — Couples can read or watch sexy stories or pictures together. They can also share or act out sexy fantasies. People do it in person, on the phone or Internet, or through e-mail or instant messaging. (Using online technology for sex is called cybersex.)
Sex Toys — These include vibrators and dildos. Toys can be used to explore and caress the body. Condoms can be used on toys that go into the vagina or anus. Condoms need to be used if partners want to share the same toy. Use a new condom for each partner — and for each part of the body. Sex toys need to be cleaned — different toys have different cleaning instructions.
Oral Sex Play — Many people like to use their mouths on each other's sex organs. Oral sex on a woman is called "cunnilingus." On a man it's called "fellatio." It cannot cause pregnancy. But it can pass infection. Using a barrier can reduce the risks. Condoms that have been cut open, Sheer Glyde dams, dental dams, and plastic wrap make good barriers for oral sex on a woman. Condoms make good barriers for oral sex on a man. Many people use latex or plastic barriers that are non-lubricated or flavored for oral sex.
Anal Sex Play — Many people enjoy anal sex play. Partners can explore each other's buttocks, anus, and rectum with their hands, mouths, sex organs, or with toys. Anal sex play cannot cause pregnancy — but it can easily pass infection. Using a latex or plastic barrier can reduce the risks. Using lubrication can make it more comfortable.

It is important to talk to your partner about the kinds of sexual activities that you do and do not want to engage in — including outercourse. But it may not be easy to talk about at first.

Here are some tips for talking about outercourse:

Think about what kinds of sex play you want to do and don't want to do.
Practice having a discussion with your partner. What do you want to say? What are all the possible things your partner could say?
Try to have talks with your partner before you get into a sexy situation.
Talk when you both have time and privacy for these discussions.
Be very clear about the limits you want to set. Remember that your partner cannot read your thoughts. It's important to talk about what you want and how you feel. It's important to hear your partner, too.
If you are feeling nervous or embarrassed, tell your partner. Maybe your partner feels the same way you do. Sometimes sex is hard to talk about. It's okay to say that.
Ask how your partner feels about outercourse. Being honest with each other can make a relationship more fulfilling.
Set limits upon which you both can agree.
Keep talking about the sexual limits you set together. What feels good? What may not be working out so well?

According to Planned Parenthood if you decide to have intercourse, instead of outercourse, there is a risk of pregnancy. Be sure you have another kind of birth control. Also be ready to protect yourself against infection.

Reproductive health deals with the broad spectrum of responsible parenthood, traditional or modern methods of family planning, still it is up to the couple on what to decide in terms of family planning. The responsible man knows what is best to protect themselves from certainties.Choose what is best for you!
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Source: Planned Parenthood- Health and Information Services

ACERN.Talk: Men's Health: ACERN.Talk: Men's Health: Birth Control: OUTERCOURSE

2012-08-17T07:17:00.000-07:00

ACERN.Talk: Men's Health: ACERN.Talk: Men's Health: Birth Control: OUTERCOURSE

WOMEN YOU SHOULD NEVER DATE

2012-08-08T11:30:00.001-07:00

Gentlemen this article is one you should take a print out of and carry in your pocket at all times simply

because it will give you a very vivid picture of the kind of women you MUST NOT DATE. I am sure at some stage in your life you must have fallen for the wrong girl and then shed many-a-tear over her. In case you have been lucky and escaped such trauma, congratulations! But don’t get over-confident because s**t can hit the fan anytime.

You must keep the distance if and when you come across women with traits as described below.

1. The Nagger

Most men complain that all women nag. Firstly, not all women nag. Secondly, nagging to a certain extent is fine. It becomes a problem when it exceeds that certain limit. If she is constantly on your case and is not letting you be then you should decamp asap. She is your girlfriend and not your school teacher to nag you at every opportunity that presents itself. And if she can’t help but be that crazy teacher, you should at least help yourself by not being with her.

> Female nature
Most women nag because it is in their nature to do so. They grew up watching most of the women around them doing it and were taught that it was the best way to handle men and their occasional inability to function on a normal human level. This applies even more so to the women who are just coming of age, as they were brainwashed even more by television

Here are types of Naggers: The Innocent, The Chatter Box, The Riddler, The T-Rex http://www.askmen.com/dating/curtsmith_60/86b_dating_advice.html

2. The Possessive / Obsessive Stalker

She calls you every two hours? She messages you every half an hour? She gets upset the moment you look at another woman and throws a fit when you talk to another lady? She likes it when you wear her favourite colours but feels sad when you wear one that she doesn’t like?
If the answer to the above questions is a yes then you NEED to NOT see her ever again. Some women get possessive and obsessive to the point that they suffocate you and thus stunt your growth as a human being. You cannot and should not become her shadow or a person of her liking alone. Protect your identity and guard your self-respect by giving her the boot.

> When women call or text you every now and that is sweet but to ring you every hour or send you text message every half an hour that's annoying but mind you there are some guys that are possessive / obsessive stalker but still women out number the guys in this matter. So when the guy stop seeing you, you must think whether your suffocating them.

3. The Attention Seeker

All women like to get as much attention as possible from their man. But some women make a nasty habit out of it. They will be on their best behaviour as long as they are the centre of attraction and will totally flip the moment the attention shifts. Let’s be practical. It is wrong of your girlfriend to want to be the centre of your life for an indefinite period of time. After all you have friends, family, work which deserve your attention as well. As soon as you realise she is asking way too much of your time and that she is crawling into your personal space ask her to back off. If the problem persists after repeated warnings it is advisable for you to back off.

> This is very common specially when the man women start dating, they told as if your spending more time with your friends than her, remember both of you should have personal space though seeing everyday is fine but family and friends are the getaway when both of you having a problem or even when you broke up... "Remember family and friends are priceless treasure you can kept for a lifetime" .

4. The Emotional Wreck

While men love to be the hero in a girl’s life please avoid playing hero in the life of a damsel in distress. It is romantic to think that your love will bring her out of her misery and she will see the good you did for her and so be yours forever. Yes, your love will help her get emotionally better but that does not mean she is going to fall for you. Falling for an emotional wreck will drain you emotionally and you might not get much in return.

> Sometimes women thought men are insensitive, but to tell you we are not we simply manage our emotion because we do not want to act emotionally wrecked.
Here's how to test if your woman is emotional wreck ( http://www.lifescript.com/quizzes/personality/are_you_an_emotional_wreck.aspx )

5. The Material Girl

This one is pretty simple. If she is only after your money then she is no good. She will distance herself from you when she finds a more affluent man or when your pocket strength weakens. Building emotional ties with her is futile and so is expecting a steady stable relationship. (Dating, MensXP.com)

5 Grooming Mistakes Men Make

2012-08-04T04:00:00.000-07:00

When it comes to being a “man’s man”, grooming plays such an important role,

and it is surprising how so many men out there get even the most basic of grooming essentials wrong. Whether it’s about being the top cat at the office or being a hit with the ladies, you need to know how to play your cards right, or you will never win.

Here are five common grooming mistakes that you should ideally avoid.

1. Smelling too good can be bad!

This is one of the most common grooming bloopers observed with men. When it comes to cologne or deodorants there is a tendency to go overboard with the amount that is applied or sprayed. This will have a reverse effect causing people to run away from you. Remember that these fragrances are meant to enhance your natural scent, not overpower everybody’s nostrils. Subtle works best.

2.Locking away the razor

A lot of men are caught up with the macho look and start sporting stubble to get that look right. But the thing is, too much stubble just makes you look shabby and unkempt. The stubble look is not for everyone. If you have a face that can pull it off make sure you use a trimmer to keep it down to the bare minimum. If you work in an ultra-professional corporate environment, then it’s time to bring out the razor. A clean shaven look can never go wrong, but not keeping that stubble under check, certainly can.

3. Skin ill-treatment

Some men are under the false impression that skin care is a girly thing. It most certainly is not. Although men’s skin is tougher than women’s, it is still susceptible to aging, wrinkles and other skin ailments. So, make sure you get plenty of moisturizer wherever needed, use a face wash daily and drink lots of water to keep your skin hydrated and younger looking.

4. Hair or there?

Your mane is perhaps the best asset that you will possess so make sure you take good care of it. Depending on your hair type, take some time out to visit a salon and get some professional advice and styling done. At home, use products but don’t go overboard. Men have this tendency to slap on way too much gel making their hair look very gooey. Just a little bit worked well into damp hair with the fingers should do the trick. Also, be sure to use shampoo and conditioner.

5. Bad dental can make you look mental

Oral hygiene is supremely important, especially when you are in an environment where you need to work with many people. Too many men out there take this for granted and if you have ever wondered why people tend to make a run for it when they see you, now you know. Use mouthwash daily and equip yourself with a pack of mints when on the move. Avoid eating garlic and onions before walking in to a meeting or going on that special date.

Getting your act right when it comes to grooming will not only make you a more socially acceptable and enjoyable person but you will also have a certain feel good factor about yourself. Self-confidence, charisma and personality are few of the positive side effects of good grooming habits.

Your toothbrush might be the nastiest thing you have to deal with every day.

2012-07-08T05:39:00.000-07:00

Can your toothbrush make you sick?

According to scientists at England University of Manchester, there are more than one hundred million bacteria living in your uncovered toothbrush, including staphylococci which causes skin rashes and E. coli which causes diarrhea.
No need to panic, as your mouth is not free of micro-organisms after all. In fact there is hundreds of bacterial flora which lives normally in our oral cavity without causing any oral diseases. The problems start when the balance between bacterial floras is disturbed.
Actually, you are the source of bacteria on your toothbrush, as every time you use your toothbrush to remove plaque (full of bacteria) from your teeth, you are automatically reloading your toothbrush with more and more bacteria.
Now, the most important question: can your toothbrush cause your sickness?
NO. There is no clinical evidence that your toothbrush will cause you illness despite the huge number of bacteria living in it, thanks to your natural body immune system.
However, here are some nice tips to store your toothbrush:
1. Don’t store your toothbrush near your toilet “Don’t brush where you flush”.

Nowadays, most bathrooms are very narrow; actually, there is no much between your bathroom sink (where you normally keep your toothbrush open) and your toilet. Unfortunately, it is a proved fact that each toilet scatters bacteria in the surrounding media each time you flush. So believe me you don’t want to put your toothbrush anywhere near your toilet.
2. Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly with clean tap water each time you finish using it.
3. Always store your toothbrush dry as bacteria love moisture, make sure your toothbrush cover is dry as well.

4. Store your toothbrush in an upright position instead of lying it down.
5. Make sure nobody else uses your toothbrush. Usually, toothbrush bristles (however soft they are) cause minute wounds to the gingiva, leaving minor traces of blood behind. It is really better to avoid storing your toothbrush in the same cup of other people toothbrushes’.
6. Toss your toothbrush regularly. The American Dental Association advises you to change your toothbrush every 3-4 months; this is the best way to eliminate bacteria.
But what about toothbrush sanitizers, do they really work?
Till now, there is no evidence that using these products can prevent bacterial growth on your toothbrush 100%. However, some of them can effectively kill pathogens. If you are really interested in using a toothbrush sanitizer, make sure it is proved by FDA.

11 Ways to Calm Down an Angry Woman

2012-03-09T08:49:00.000-08:00

1. Lower Your Thermostat

Whatever you do, don't get angry. Surprisingly enough, she won't consider it righteous; she'll just get more pissed off, and a little self-righteous besides. If you feel yourself heating up, just remember that "she can't make you angry," says Paul Hauck, Ph.D., an Illinois psychologist and author of How to Cope with People Who Drive You Crazy and Overcoming Frustration and Anger. "And you didn't make her feel angry. She did. You may be responsible for her problem, but not her emotional reaction."

2. Don't Feed Her Data

"A man generally tries to win an argument by coming up with facts that are totally meaningless to her," says Michael Staver, the author of 21 Ways to Defuse Anger and Calm People Down. "She filters that as being disrespectful and not listening, which ticks her off all the more."

3. Own Up . . . Maturely

"If you're wrong, just admit it," says Staver. "But don't do it in a condescending way."

4. Tune In

"If she has a big problem," says Hauck, "you'd better listen." And don't wait till swords are drawn. Like an orgasm, anger follows a bell curve—at the top you're completely out of your mind. So if you're seeing signs of frustration (a sigh or roll of the eyes), you'd better start listening quick, for the apex is near and things are about to go downhill fast.

5. Take a Step Back

"You don't have to agree," says Staver. "But acknowledge her perceptions as real. It shows that you respect her." Often, her anger is triggered because she believes something's 1) unfair, 2) out of her control, or 3) a personal attack. Address these concerns.

6. Assert Your Eyes

If you can't make eye contact, it means you're becoming angry. But if you can, it shows you're listening. Psychologists have seen a classic pattern in marital fights: The wife gets mad, the husband shuts down, the wife goes nuts. You shut down because you want to avoid a battle, but she thinks you're avoiding (here comes that dreaded word) intimacy.

7. Get Engaged

Ask questions. "It shows you're listening, and it implies you want to listen to her more," says Staver.

8. Hit the Road—Together

Taking a walk may sound dumb, but it's actually a neat trick. Physically, you just got her to move with you, rather than against you. "Taking a walk is calming," says Susan Heitler, a Denver clinical psychologist and author of The Power of Two. If the argument reaches crisis mode, however, remove yourself from the situation until it's clear the ranting is over.

9. Use Magic Phrases

Heitler suggests three: Yes, I agree. You're right. I'm sorry. Nothing disarms an attacker faster than taking her side. So find something, anything, to agree on. We're not suggesting you cave in, but find some small plot of common ground.

10. Use Anger as a Meter

Heitler compares anger to a Geiger counter—it can alert you to a problem. "What it's not good for," she quickly adds, "is solving a problem."

11. Set Limits

"You get the behavior you tolerate," says Hauck. If her rage is a little too melodramatic, a little too frequent, a little too abusive, you want to give her exactly two chances to change, he says.

11 Ways to Calm Down an Angry Woman

2012-03-09T08:27:00.000-08:00

ACERN.Talk: Men's Health: Benefits of Parsley for Men

2012-02-08T08:21:00.000-08:00

ACERN.Talk: Men's Health: Benefits of Parsley for Men: Parsley, or Petroselinum crispum , is the most popular culinary herb in the world. Also known as “rock celery”, it has a fleshy fragrant t...

Benefits of Parsley for Men

2012-02-04T06:08:00.000-08:00

Parsley, or Petroselinum crispum, is the most popular culinary herb in the world. Also known as “rock celery”, it has a fleshy fragrant tap root and dark green leaves which propagate from its short stem. Parsley is a biennial herb that grows in any type of climate; thus, it is available throughout the year. This herb can be cultivated even in a small pot with moist, humus-rich soil and partial shade.

Parsley was originally cultivated in the Mediterranean region of Southern Europe. For over 2000 years now, this herb has been used for different medicinal purposes. Ancient Greeks even consider this biennial plant as sacred. They used parsley as ornament for winners of athletic events as well as decoration on the tombs of their deceased. Funeral wreaths were made from this popular herb and sprinkled the herb on the dead body to conceal the smell of the decomposing body.

Nowadays, parsley is used for flavoring soups, stews, and sauces as well as for garnishing salads and soups. It is a nourishing and tasty herb that gives a slightly bitter yet salty flavor to the food we eat. It can also be enjoyed in paste, tea, or juice.

Benefits of parsley

There are many health benefits that can be obtained from parsley, one of the herbs with high medicinal properties. It is rich in magnesium, calcium, manganese, and potassium. Similarly, parsley contains high levels of beta carotene, vitamin B12, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K. The roots are found to be a good source of calcium, iron, and folate.

Flavonoids in parsley help protect cells from aging and developing into cancer. Furthermore, the vitamin B12 found in this herb fights stress and anxiety. Meanwhile, the vitamin C obtained from parsley is a powerful antioxidant that enhances smooth skin.

Parsley contains high natural diuretic properties that help when trying to lose weight. It also boasts of antifungal and antibacterial properties that can cure infections when applied as a paste. When drank as a tea, parsley can cure ear infections. Moreover, it controls the growth of free radicals while its oil prevents the formation of tumor.

To remove gallstones, pour a quart of boiling water over a cup of firmly packed fresh parsley. Steep for 15 minutes, strain and refrigerate, Drink a pint of parsley tea daily. Additionally, when you chew parsley every day, you are sure to get fresh breath!

This popular culinary herb also helps reduce cholesterol, purify blood, and relieve edema. It also aids in the cure digestive disorders, stones, and urine retention as well as congestion and inflammation of kidneys and bladder.

Parsley and Men

Men can also enjoy the many benefits that parsley gives. Since the ancient times of Greeks and Romans, men eat parsley to sweeten their breath and body fluids, such as sperm.

Studies showed that male suffering from high cholesterol levels have higher risk of impotence or erectile dysfunction. Cholesterol sheets block the blood vessels on the penis; thus, reduces the blood pressure necessary to maintain erection.

Men who would like to lower their cholesterol levels should eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grain products. When combined with garlic, parsley reduces the cholesterol level while increasing good cholesterol. Likewise, cilantro and parsley are also natural remedies for erectile dysfunction. Eat a tablespoon of chopped cilantro and parsley mixture during each meal.

Parsley and its seeds are also used as an aphrodisiac. The seeds of parsley stimulates the sexual glands; thereby, increasing sexual desire and male virility. Moreover, parsley seeds arouse fertility and prevent alcohol dependency.

The herb is filled with essential nutrients for optimal performance of the sexual organs. The plant is rich in Vitamin A, which is known to improve the circulatory system of the body that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the genitals.

The small green herb is rich in apigenin, a kind of flavonoid that slows down the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells. Parsley root contains extremely high level of potassium that contributes to effectively cure prostate gland. Eating both juniper berries and parsley at the same time alleviates swollen prostate. Similarly, parsley juice helps treat prostate problems.

Most people are surprised to learn that parsley has been proven to be an anti-fertility herb. Parsley contains vitamin C, a nutrient that is vital for male fertility.

Precautions

The best way to appreciate the health benefits of parsley is by drinking its juice. Regularly taking in one to two ounces each day will do wonders. But experts caution not to overdo it. Raw parsley juice is a very powerful remedy especially when combined with bigger quantity of vegetables, such as carrot, celery, lettuce, or spinach. Drinking parsley juice as often as possible is better than taking it on higher doses. Moreover, nursing mothers should not use parsley because it dries up the milk.

_____________________________________________________________________

For further reading:

> Benefit of Parsley(http:/ /www.benefitsofparsley.info/)

> Benefit of Parsley for Woman (http://www.benefitsofparsley.info/)

> Parsley for Weight Loss ( http://www.benefitsofparsley.info/)

Experts Call Male Menopause a Myth

2011-12-16T11:43:00.000-08:00

Not All Men Will Need Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Dec. 2, 2011 (New York City) -- It may be called "men"-opause, but it's a time of life that only belongs to women. Male menopause, well, that may be a myth, according to some experts.
While many men and men's health experts argue that male menopause (andropause) occurs when a man's supply of the male sex hormone testosterone dwindles with advancing age, there really is no such thing, says Bradley Anawalt, MD, an endocrinologist at the University of Washington in Seattle. Anawalt spoke at a meeting sponsored by the Endocrine Society in New York City.
"When we use the term menopause with women, it refers to a precipitous fall in levels of the [female sex hormone] estrogen in three to five years as their ovaries stop functioning properly," he says.
It's a different situation with men. "There is a decline on average of 1% of testosterone per year starting at age 30," he says. "It is not a seminal event and doesn't occur in all men. Some men who are very healthy and virile do maintain their testosterone levels for longer periods of time."

To Treat Low Testosterone or Not to Treat It?

This is not to say that certain men with declining levels of testosterone can't benefit from testosterone replacement therapy. Who should be treated for low testosterone, and who should not is more of an art than a science, Anawalt says.

"Testosterone replacement therapy is viewed as the fountain of youth in men," he says. "Testosterone is not a [cure-all] for everything for everybody. There is clearly a segment of older men who will benefit from testosterone treatment, but this is not a universal truth and not all men should be on it."
"We have to look at 50- to 60-year-old men and say, 'Do they have symptoms and signs that suggest low testosterone?' And then we need to confirm with blood tests," he says.
Symptoms of low testosterone may include:

Low libido
Decreased sexual desire
Decreased rigidity of an erection
Reduced energy
Decreased sense of well-being
Brittle bones
General weakness

Part of the problem is that it can be hard to accurately measure testosterone levels in the blood, Anawalt says.
Some men may have low levels of total testosterone but normal levels of so-called free testosterone, which is the hormonally active form. "We think these men are normal," he says.

Testosterone Risks

Buyer beware, Anawalt says. "It's easy to get testosterone off the Internet or from people who have low standards for prescribing it. Many men are started for questionable reasons, and their dose keeps getting ratcheted up," he says.
Some doctors are also prescribing human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) to stimulate testosterone production. HCG is sometimes used to treat women's fertility problems and is at the center of the controversial HCG diet.
"HCG should not be used for testosterone replacement," Anawalt says. "This raises a lot of red flags."
"The best thing men can do is not start testosterone therapy unless they have been fully evaluated by an endocrinologist or knowledgeable internist," he says.
Henry Anhalt, DO, an endocrinologist in Hackensack, N.J., agrees that the indiscriminate use of testosterone supplements is risky business.
"There is a role for testosterone replacement therapy in those who are evaluated by an endocrinologist and who understand the issues around lab testing," he says. "The abuse of testosterone in both older people and younger people is rampant. It could be very very dangerous.'
Risks may include:

Shrinkage of testes
Decrease in HDL "good" cholesterol levels
Acne
Prostate gland enlargement

Second Opinion

Jed Diamond, PhD, contends that male menopause isn't a myth. "In my opinion, it is very real," he says. Diamond is the director of MenAlive, a male health program in Willits, Calif. He's also the author of Male Menopause and Surviving Male Menopause.
"The term itself is not literally accurate," he says. "Men don't have a menstrual cycle so they don't stop having one. Hormonal, physical, and psychological changes do occur in men at midlife."
"Testosterone is not something we do for every man," Diamond says. "Not all men need it or would benefit from it."
Other treatments including counseling may also help men cope with the symptoms of this time of life.
SOURCES: The Endocrine Society, Science Writers Conference, New York City, Dec. 2, 2011.Jed Diamond, PhD, director, MenAlive, Willits.Bradley Anawalt, MD, endocrinologist, University of Washington, Seattle.Henry Anhalt, DO, endocrinologist, Hackensack, N.J.
_______________________________________________________________________

By Denise Mann
WebMD Health News
Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=152229

18 Secrets Men Want You to Know

2011-12-06T19:22:00.000-08:00

Was your guy raised as a traditional, stoic, man's man? If so, let's walk you through 18 relationship secrets, gathered from psychologists who study gender roles.

1: It may be easier for your man to talk about feelings indirectly. Ask what he'd do during a romantic weekend. Or what he thought the first time he met you. His answers will reveal how he feels and bring you closer.

2. Men Say "I Love You" With Actions. Some men prefer to express their feelings through actions rather than words. Your guy may say "I love you" by fixing things around the house, tidying up the yard, or even taking out the trash -- anything that makes your world a better place.

3. Men Take Commitment Seriously. Men have a reputation for being afraid to commit. But the evidence suggests men take marriage seriously. They may take longer to commit because they want to make sure they are on board for good. In a survey of currently married men, 90% say they would marry the same woman again.

4. He Really Is Listening. When you're listening to someone talk, you probably pipe in with a "yes" or "I see" every now and then. It's your way of saying, "I'm listening." But some guys don't do this. Just because a man isn't saying anything doesn't mean he's not listening. He may prefer to listen quietly and think about what you're saying.

5. Shared Activities Form Bonds. Men strengthen their relationships primarily through shared activities more than by sharing thoughts or feelings. For many men, activities like sports and sex make them feel closer to their partner.

6. Men Need Time for Themselves. While shared activities are important, men also need time for themselves. Whether your guy enjoys golf, gardening, or working out at the gym, encourage him to pursue his hobbies, while you make time for your own. When both partners have space to nurture their individuality, they have more to give to each other."

7. Men Learn From Their Fathers. If you want to know how a man will act in a relationship, get to know his dad. Some say men learn about their relationship role by watching and listening to their fathers. How they are with each other and how the father relates to the mother can predict how a man will relate to his wife.

8. Men Let Go Faster Than Women. Women tend to remember negative experiences longer and may have lingering feelings of stress, anxiety, or sadness. In contrast, men are less likely to dwell on unpleasant events and tend to move on more quickly. So while you may still want to talk about last night's argument, your guy may have already forgotten about it.

9. Men Don't Pick Up on Subtle Cues. Men are more likely to miss subtle signals like tone of voice or facial expressions. And they are especially likely to miss sadness on a woman's face. If you want to make sure your guy gets the message, be direct.

10. Men Respond to AppreciationShowing appreciation for your guy can make a big difference in the way he acts. Take parenting. Studies show that fathers are more involved in care-giving when their wives value their involvement and see them as competent.

11. Men Think About Sex ... A LotOK, so maybe this one is no secret. The majority of men under age 60 think about sex at least once a day, compared with only a quarter of women. And that's not all. Men fantasize about sex nearly twice as often as women do, and their fantasies are much more varied. They also think more about casual sex than women do. But thinking is not the same as doing.

12. Men Find Sex Significant. It's a myth that most men think sex is just sex. For many, sex is a very important act between two committed people. And just like most women, men find sexual intimacy to be most satisfying in the context of a committed relationship. One reason is that long-term partners know how to please one another better than strangers do.

13. He Likes It When You Initiate Sex. Most guys feel as though they're the ones who always initiate sex. But they also like to be pursued and wish their partner would take the lead more often. Don't be shy about letting your guy know you're in the mood. Initiating sex some of the time may lead to a higher level of satisfaction for both of you.

14. Guys Aren't Always Up for Sex. Men, much to many women's surprise, aren't always in the mood for sex. Just like women, men are often stressed by the demands of work, family, and paying the bills. And stress is a big libido crusher. When a guy says, "not tonight," it doesn't mean he's lost interest in you. He just means he doesn't want to have sex right then.

15. Men Like Pleasing Their Partner. Your pleasure is important to your man. But he won't know what you want unless you tell him. Too many women feel uncomfortable talking about what they like and don't like. If you can tell him clearly in a way that doesn't bruise his ego, he'll listen. Because he knows he'll feel good if you feel good.

16. Guys Get Performance Anxiety. Most men get performance anxiety on occasion, especially as they age. Your guy may worry about his physique, technique, and stamina. If you can help him learn to relax and stay focused on the pleasures of the moment, sex will become less stressful.

17. Men May Stray When Needs Aren't Met . If a man doesn't feel loved and appreciated in his relationship, he may turn elsewhere for satisfaction. For one man, that may mean burying himself in work. Another may develop a fixation on sports or video games. And some men cheat. To avoid this, partners need to work together to meet each other's needs.

18. He's Vested in You. Most men realize there's a lot to lose if a long-term relationship goes sour – not just each other's company, but the entire life you've built together. If you're willing to work to strengthen your marriage, chances are your man will be, too.

Reference
http://www.medicinenet.com/18_secrets_men_want_you_to_know_pictures_slideshow/article.htm

Eat According to Your Blood Type

2011-10-31T21:56:00.000-07:00

In my recent work of browsing the internet I haven't found document or site telling me what is the common blood type for men, nevertheless what matters most we should know what is our blood type [Acernt.Talk]

What your blood type says about your diet, your workout and you.

You feel like you’re doing everything right, health-wise. You eat salmon and quinoa, you exercise regularly, you even take the stairs. But if you're still plagued by midday lethargy, digestion issues or just can't lose weight, you might want to take something unorthodox into consideration—your blood type

According to Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo, author of Eat Right 4 Your Type, whether you’re an A, B, AB or O, your blood type reveals eye-opening things about your personality and your body's needs. Here's what Dr. D'Adamo says about what foods and workouts will help you reach your blood type's fitness goals.

TYPE O
3 Character Traits: Focused, leader, energetic
Your Diet: Type Os (considered the original blood type) are descendants from hunter-gatherers who relied mainly on animal protein to survive their strenuous lifestyles.
Your Personality: You’re known for your leadership skills, extroversion, energy and focus. You consider yourself responsible, decisive, organized, objective, rule-conscious and practical. (Probably because you are.) But if you ever cheat on your diet, stop exercising or slip into a negative mindset (even boredom), watch out. You become angry, hyperactive or even manic.
What to Eat: Eat lean beef, lamb, turkey, chicken or fish (like bass, cod, halibut, sole and rainbow trout), kelp, seafood and (in moderation) salt, which lowers your levels of iodine, giving you optimal thyroid function.
What to Avoid: You might have difficulty digesting dairy, eggs and gluten, and should avoid wheat germ and wheat products like bread. Beans and legumes should also be avoided when possible, since they mess with your digestion and can wear you out or make you retain fluids. Cruciferous veggies like cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and mustard greens should be nixed because they inhibit thyroid function.
Dinner Tonight: Lamb and asparagus stew, steamed broccoli and sweet potato, and mixed fruit like blueberries, kiwi, grapes and peaches.
Your Workout: It’s especially important for you to work out regularly to stay fit, and exercising will help regulate stomach problems and ulcers you may experience because of your O-ness. Which is fine, since your blood type thrives on physical exercise anyway. Get sweating with the treadmill, swimming, running, cycling and weight training.

TYPE A

3 Character Traits: Hardworking, responsible, calm
Your Diet: When hunter-gatherer Os started thinning out, our ancestors started relying on agriculture and expanding their diet to include a semi-vegetarian approach. Type As have the digestive enzymes and bacteria it takes to digest grains and plants that other blood types might have a rough time breaking down.
Your Personality: When everyone else is panicking, you keep it cool. You’re responsible, hardworking, detail oriented and extremely organized. But you also have a classic “type A” personality—stressed and conscientious, craving success and perfection. You're the most artistic of the blood types (and even a bit sensitive).
What to Eat: Fill your plate with fruits like berries, figs, plums, apples, avocados, pears and peaches. Choose veggies like broccoli, artichokes, carrots, greens and garlic. Fish and poultry should be limited since type As produce fewer meat-digesting enzymes, which is why they have such a hard time digesting red meat. To get protein, rely on plant protein from nuts (like nut butters), seeds, beans and soy. Since your body can easily break down and get optimal nutrition from grains, carbs and proteins, cereal, breads and pastas should be staples of your diet.
What to Avoid: To balance cortisol levels (you may have high levels, which can lead to OCD, disrupted sleep, muscle loss, fat gain and insulin resistance) limit sugar, caffeine and alcohol and don’t skip meals, especially breakfast. Stressful elements like extreme weather conditions, loud noise, overwork and violent TV and movies should also be avoided.
Dinner Tonight: Tofu-pesto lasagna, broccoli and frozen yogurt.
Your Workout: Since you stress easily, try something calming like yoga.

TYPE B

3 Character Traits: Individualistic, relaxed, unconventional
Your Diet: Type Bs emerged when type Os moved to the Himalayas as nomads, domesticating animals and living on meat and dairy. Modern Bs should rely on lean red meat (like lamb, venison and beef) and fish, and choose turkey over chicken. Because of a sugar present in milk, Bs should work dairy like yogurt, cheese and milk into their diet each day.
Your Personality: You throw yourself into projects you love, always sticking to your goal, even when it’s against the odds. Since you follow your own rules, you’re not the most cooperative of the blood types. And because you pay attention to your thoughts more than your feelings, you can sometimes come off as cold.
What to Eat: Fill up on leafy greens and vegetables, and fruits like bananas, grapes, plums and pineapple.
What to Avoid: Take it easy on grains and avoid corn, buckwheat, rye and wheat since they can alter your ability to metabolize. (Same goes for nuts and seeds, so avoid peanuts, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds.)
Dinner Tonight: Broiled fish with roasted yams and rosemary, steamed vegetables and mixed fresh fruit.
Your Workout: Maintaining the mind/body balance is essential, so go for exercises that challenges both, like tennis, martial arts, cycling, hiking or golf.

TYPE AB

3 Character Traits: Difficult to read, trustworthy, volatile
Your Diet: Type AB is the newest blood type and is the rarest, found in less than 5% of the population. Since ABers share traits with As and Bs, they’re able to digest a wide range of foods. However, they have type B’s adaption to meats, but A’s low stomach acid, which means meat often gets stored as fat. An AB's staples should be veggies, seafood and turkey. Red meat should be eaten sparingly. ABs, like Bs, thrive on dairy and can process eggs particularly efficiently.
Your Personality: You have traits from both ends of the spectrum, making you hard to pigeonhole. You are passionate in your convictions, but you also want to be liked by others and this can create conflicts. You don't mind doing favors or helping out, as long as its on your own conditions. You may have a special interest in art and metaphysics.
What to Eat: Weak immune system? Try a vegetable-rich diet with a variety of carbohydrates. Snack on fresh fruits like cherries, grapes, watermelon and figs. (But thanks to your alkaline stomach, you might have a hard time digesting acidic foods like oranges.) Certain kinds of seafood, like mahi-mahi, red snapper, salmon, sardines and tuna, are optimal.
What to Avoid: Enjoy carbs in moderation, but bypass corn and buckwheat, which are difficult for ABs to digest. Avoid all smoked and cured meats as well as chicken, veal, beef, pork or shellfish. Steer clear of caffeine and alcohol, especially when you’re stressed.
Dinner Tonight: Tofu omelet with stir-fried vegetables and mixed fruit salad.
Your Work Out: Since you pull from both sides of the spectrum, you need to keep balance in your workout regimen, which means a combo of calming activities (like yoga or tai chi) and more intense physical exercise (like running or biking.) Visualization and carving out time alone are important, too. If you’re going to be sitting a lot (say, at work all day), break it up with some exercise. It will keep you energized for the haul.

Lauren Passell
http://www.mensfitness.com/nutrition/eat-according-to-your-blood-type

Physical Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

2011-10-30T10:24:00.000-07:00

The process of achieving an erection is complex and problems may occur for a variety of reasons. These problems can be psychological, physical, or a combination of the two.
Physical causes of ED are related to a breakdown or damage to the sequence of events that lead to an erection. This sequence involves nerve impulses in the brain, spine, and penis as well as the subsequent response in the muscles, fibrous tissues, veins and arteries in and near the corpora cavernosa.
Often times the breakdown or damage in the sequence affects the arteries, muscles, and surrounding tissues of the penis, and this breakdown is most commonly the result of a disease. Diseases that commonly cause ED include:

Diabetes: Diabetes can cause nerve and artery damage that can make achieving an erection difficult. According the National Institutes of Health, between 20% and 75% of men with diabetes experience ED. Having diabetes more than doubles the risk of having erectile dysfunction.
Kidney disease: Kidney disease can cause chemical changes to occur in your body that affect hormones, circulation, nerve function, and energy level. Often times these changes will lower a person's libido (sex drive) or sexual ability. Drugs used to treat kidney disease may also cause ED. Some estimates report that over 50% of men with kidney failure suffer from erectile dysfunction, decreased sex drive, and a significantly decreased sex life.
Neurological (nerve and brain) diseases: The nervous system (the body's system of nerves) plays a vital part in achieving and maintaining an erection and it is common for men with diseases such as stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injuries to experience ED. This is due to an interruption in the transmission of nerve impulses between the brain and the penis.
Vascular disease: Vascular diseases are those that affect the blood vessels. These diseases include atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), hypertension, and high cholesterol. These diseases, which account for 70% of physically-related causes of ED, all restrict blood flow to the heart, the brain and, in the case of ED, the penis.
Prostate cancer: Prostate cancer doesn't cause ED on its own, but treatment (radiation, hormonal manipulation, or surgery to remove the cancer) can lead to erectile problems.

The physical causes of ED are not only disease-related. There are many other potential causes, including:

Surgery: Surgery performed to treat diseases such as prostate cancer and bladder cancer often require the removal of nerves and tissues around the affected area which can lead to ED. Some of these surgeries result in only temporary problems (lasting 6-18 months) while others result in permanent damage to the nerves and tissue around the penis and require treatment in order for an erection to be achieved.
Injury: Injuries to the pelvis, bladder, spinal cord, and penis that require surgery also commonly cause ED.
Hormonal imbalances: Imbalances of hormones, such as thyroid hormones, prolactin, and testosterone, can affect a man's response to sexual stimulation. These imbalances can be the result of a tumor of the pituitary gland, kidney disease, liver disease, or hormonal treatment of prostate cancer.
Venous leak: If the veins in the penis cannot prevent blood from leaving the penis during an erection, an erection cannot be maintained. This is known as a venous leak, and can be a result of injury or disease.
Tobacco, alcohol or drug use: All three of these substances can damage a person's blood vessels and/or restrict blood flow to the penis, causing ED. Smoking in particular plays a large role in causing ED in people with arteriosclerosis.
Prescription drugs: There are more than 200 types of prescription drugs that may cause ED.
Prostate enlargement: Bladder neck obstruction due to prostate enlargement has recently been implicated in being associated with varying degrees of ED.

WebMD Medical Reference
Reviewed By Brunilda Nazario, MD

AN EVERY MAN SHOULD KNOW: HOW TO EXCEL ON DATE

2011-09-14T10:28:00.000-07:00

Asking girl for a date is a charm or magic that man posses, that no man can explain how they did it. Wondering why? Well its Magic! Lucky are those men who dated a girl. What if its your first time? sometimes men are shy on dating because they don't know where to start or what to do on a date.

Some singles are in need of dating tips when it comes to their dating behavior and etiquette. This list of Dating Tips can serve as a helpful tool to truly reflect what it is that you are doing on dates ~ and if you aren't getting that second date, you might want to consider the possibility that you might be committing one of these Don'ts.

1). Don't pull out the BlackBerry / Answer cell phone calls. Your date will become annoyed and feel like they are being disrespected and that you don't consider the date important. DO: Turn those gadgets off for an hour! Try to give your date your full attention. Life and business will go on if you do not respond immediately to that incoming message.

2) Don't continually talk about yourself - No one finds a Talking Head to be interesting and overly attractive. Both parties should offer information about themselves and ask questions to find out more about the other person. Also, don't interrupt them when they are speaking. DO: Be attentive and listen! Keep in mind, you already know yourself, a date is time to learn about someone else.

3). Don't shut down if you aren't attracted to your date. An initial negative or positive response to someone's attractiveness can change over time, even within the first 15 minutes. By shutting down and not giving her a chance, you can sabotage a great relationship from ever developing. DO: Remain attentive to your date, even if you have doubts when you first sit down.

4). Don't complain about anything and everything. You'll be perceived as a very negative, dismal individual. Another component of this is being rude to restaurant staff and other individuals when out on a date. DO: Stay positive. Focus on your attitude, if you have nothing nice to say, refrain from saying it. Also, your date is examining how you treat other people and will take it as a direct example of how you will treat her in a relationship.

5). Don't Google someone prior to a date and then discuss your findings. Eeew! Don't let technology take the pleasure out of dating. The reason why you are there is to learn about them - why bother meeting them if you are going to conduct your own investigation from your safe haven behind the computer screen? DO: Keep an air of mystery flowing on a date and if you want to find out more about the person you're with, ask them directly.

The Golden Rule - Keep it real, have fun, and don't take it all so seriously. Put these dating tips to good use, enjoy yourself, and actively enjoy the other person's company!

Reference: –Men, Not Getting That Second Date, and Want It?

By Christie Nightingale

WHAT ARE THE THINGS THAT MAN DON'T KNOW ABOUT WOMEN?

2011-09-07T12:31:00.000-07:00

It was a rainy day at 2:00 o'clock in the afternoon with my guy friend while having a nice conversation at Starbucks we came across with the topic "what are the things that man don't know about women?, well obviously no one dare to answer the question, so what I did was log on to Google browser then tried to find out the answer, well luckily found this answer. But some are in western setting so I tried to open my account on facebook and try to ask some of the ladies whom I consider as friend. (by the way they don't know that I'm going to post this on my blog).

1. It's cute when you don't quite know how to dress, so long as your not knowing doesn't involve jean shorts or a fanny pack. We can only handle so much eyestrain. —Cassie Rodenberg, 22, Charleston, South Carolina

2. We are easy to please ,we tell what we want, but the problem is that what it takes changes depending on our moods, we can't help being so emotional, in fact its the reasons you like us so much... – Gemma Nacion Marcos, Philippines

3. When we ask you how we look, you lose points every time you answer with "fine." —Dani Ruiz, 21, Encinitas, California

4. Electronics clipped to your pants are sexy only if you're Batman, Superman, or any other kind of man who needs them to save lives, not send e-mail. — Rachel Sturtz, 28, New York

5. We can read you like a book, so if something is wrong or bothering you, don't be afraid to share it. It saves us the trouble of having to spend all day guessing.

6. We like to talk a lot, so even if you don't really care about what we're saying, fake it.--Maria Jaena Delos Santos, Philippines

7. We appreciate when you can admit you're wrong, but we also don't want you to say sorry too much. —Katie Knies, 22, North Salem, New York

8. We'll never understand why you slap each other's butts when you're playing sports. And that's okay. —Aminata Dia, 22, San Jose, California

9. We don't like guys who agree with us all the time. — Katie Knies, 22, North Salem, New York

10. We don't need special moves. Just do the regular ones right. — Katie Dinardo, 23, Brooklyn

11. We want to see you cry every once in a while-it makes you human. To find out how often is acceptable, divide the number of cries by the number of no-holds-barred, screaming orgasms you've given us. If the quotient is greater than 0.25, you're a whiny bitch. — Carrie Dienhart, 34, Kansas City, Missouri

12. That we are much stronger than they think were not - Belle Alde Sibulo, Philippines

13. When we say that nothing is wrong, we mean that you should know what is wrong without us having to tell you. — Lara Ehrlich, 28, Chicago

14. Because we love security and fidelity, we also love love handles. Your six-pack anxiety only threatens us with the possibility you might care more about your abs than you care about us. —Alexis Justman, 23, El Centro, California

15. We gauge how good a father you'll be by how you treat your family. —Alexandria Pruitt, 24, Louisville

16. We might like your particularly tight pants, as long as no body parts are visible through them. —Anna Szapiro, 21, Takoma Park, Maryland

17. Within a year of dating you, we already know your jeans size, social security number, and important passwords by heart. So try and make sure you know a few things about us, too. Like our favorite color. —Melissa VanDerLinden, 27, Springfield, Missouri

18. Sometimes we just want to be alone. It's not you. It's us. Really. —Jennifer Smith, 34, Atlanta

19. Your natural smell is (usually) the sexiest cologne. Sarah Spry, 20, New York

20. We look into your minds by reading your magazines. — Lisa Alva, 49, Los Angeles

21. Presentation counts. Wrap your gift and iron your shirt. — Merritt Watts, 25, New York

22. We think the clean-laundry smell of you in your undershirt is a thousand times more appealing than even the best cologne. —Dina Sanchez, 29, Brooklyn

23. It's cute when you don't quite know how to dress, so long as your not knowing doesn't involve jean shorts or a fanny pack. We can only handle so much eyestrain. —Cassie Rodenberg, 22, Charleston, South Carolina

24. Be careful: singing to us can be totally cute. But only if you can actually sing. —Rose Farnsworth, 19, Nashville