WebMD Pulse

Men’s Health Month: Guys Need Routine Maintenance

2011-06-28T20:16:30Z

Studies have shown that men just don’t pay attention to their health like women do. But, that doesn’t mean that it’s too late to start taking better care of your body and your mind.

Guys, think of yourself like you would your car, and schedule routine maintenance!

Check out some of these great men’s health discussions going on within our message boards. We invite you to jump right in and take part!

Men like flashy cars because… (Men’s Health message board)

Is my husband too young for low testosterone? See what Dr. Sheldon Marks has to say. (Erectile Dysfunction message board)

Guys get fibromyalgia, too. Dr. Mark Pellegrino can attest to that. (Fibromyalgia message board)

Tell me about cryotherapy for prostate cancer! Our expert, Dr. Judd Moul, shares the lowdown. (Prostate Cancer message board)

What might cause prolonged erections? (Men’s Health message board)

Tell Us What You Think: Do you avoid getting regular health checkups? Why?

More from WebMD:

One Hot Summer: Beat the Heat!

2011-06-23T18:41:54Z

Summer seemed to come early this year, and the temperatures just keep on climbing.

The heat can be more than annoying, bringing with it the threat of dehydration, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, sunburn, heat rash and more. And, high temperatures can be particularly scary for young children, the elderly, and folks with chronic conditions.

Here is how some of our members are beating the heat:

Is it safe for infants to have water between feedings during summer? See what our expert, Dr. Sarah DuMond, has to say. (Baby’s First Year message board)

How do you stay cool? (Cholesterol Management message board)

These families are hot! Are you? What’s the temp where your little ones play? (Parenting 4 & 5-Year-Olds message board)

Has having Fibromyalgia changed summer for you? (Fibromyalgia message board)

What’s your favorite food on a hot summer day? (Food & Cooking message board)

Does anyone else get more asthma symptoms during the summer? (Asthma message board)

How do you turn down the heat on hot flashes during the summer? (Menopause message board)

Sun protection for your toddler. (Parenting 2-Year-Olds message board)

Could it be heat stroke? Dr. Sheldon Marks weighs in. (Men’s Health message board)

What’s the temperature like in your neck of the woods? How are you staying cool, hydrated and safe in the summer swelter?

Brazilian Blow Out: Beauty at a Hairy Price?

2011-05-31T20:47:37Z

Soft, silky tresses — for many, that’s a tempting promise.

You’ve probably heard of the Brazilian Blow Out, Brazilian Keratin Treatment and the many other names it goes by. You may have even tried it yourself. But does this beauty come with a beastly price? And why should we pay $250 on up to have formaldehyde put on our heads?

Proponents of the Brazilian hair treatment note that it can last for more than two months, reduces morning ‘prep’ time, and looks amazing. It’s also easy to color or highlight after the treatment if you choose. The process takes about 90 minutes, but that — like the price — can vary, depending upon where you have it done and how long your hair is.

How does it work? According to a WebMD article, “Keratin is a protein found naturally in your hair. It can fill in gaps in the hair cuticle that are cracked, dry, or damaged.” So far, that sounds pretty good. However, to bind the keratin molecules together and straighten your hair, formaldehyde is needed.

The state of Oregon has “issued an alert to Oregon hair salons about the presence of formaldehyde in products used to smooth or straighten hair.” Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen. You may say, ‘But my salon uses formaldehyde-free products for its Brazilian Blowouts.’ Perhaps not.

When Oregon’s OSHA tested 37 bottles of a product labeled ‘formaldehyde free,’ it turned out they weren’t formaldehyde free at all. In fact, “the formaldehyde content in that product averaged 8.68 percent.” Now some groups are calling for tougher Federal Regulations of salon products to protect salon employees.

So, if you’re considering a keratin hair treatment, do your homework before hitting the salon.

Tell Us What You Think
Have you tried the Brazilian Blow Out, or do you work at a salon where it’s offered? Do you have any health concerns? Share your opinion below or on our Skin and Beauty Community.

Pregnant Pause: Best Thing About Being Pregnant

2011-05-24T14:51:07Z

When we’re pregnant, we tend to spend a lot of time grousing about things like morning sickness, constant urination, and weight gain. But, there are also some wonderful things about being pregnant.

Here is what some of our mommies-to-be shared on the Pregnancy: Second Trimester message board:

kinagi7 — “Well, the best part for me is feeling him kick and knowing there is a little person inside of me.”

kd0erj – “Eating whatever I want…and no one thinks anything of it!”

JaimeLyn713 — “The kicks and rolls and little impressions of feetprints on the side of your belly are the best moments.”

earleyml1012 — “When my 2 yr old wants to hug and kiss the baby…my belly. It’s so sweet!!! Then she’s say ‘Hello Baby!’”

amr4434 — “This certainly isn’t the best part…but it is a perk — No menstrual cycle for 9-months!! That is something I don’t miss at all.”

If you’re pregnant, share with us. What do you think is the best part of being pregnant?

Grandfather’s Stroke: Love and Patience

2011-05-23T20:52:03Z

It was indescribable to watch my grandfather, a well-educated and highly respected ObGyn in our small community, lose all speaking skills immediately following a set of severe strokes.

While all of his thoughts and emotions were still strong, brilliant and caring, “Dada” could no longer fully express them. We learned to read his smiles, strong hugs, frustrated brow and even his fists that struck the dinner table on more than one occasion. His consistent stories and verbal communication were a huge part of him and were greatly missed, though we were so fortunate to still be with his magnificent presence.

I also recall that empty, helpless feeling of not knowing what to do around this loved one so close to me. How could I personally help without squashing his pride? What could I do to make things easier for him and more comfortable? Was there something that I could suggest to help him communicate? I wanted to lend a hand and show that I cared, but just wished that HE could let me know if I was being helpful or just frustrating him further.

Luckily, today stroke victims and their loved ones have the opportunity to exchange such concerns with other understanding members as well as our amazing Stroke Expert, Dr. Richard Senelick, in the WebMD Stroke Community. I was reminded of how fortunate members are of this informative and thoughtful community, while reading Dr. Senelick’s post, What to Tell Friends Who Offer to Help.

Please don’t hesitate to join us with your own questions and concerns. There are people out there just like you who would love to help!

Do you have a loved one’s stroke story to share?

By Ginny Barr

Mental Health Month: Stigmas

2011-05-20T20:00:19Z

May is Mental Health Month, and I can’t help but wonder if things changed over the years? Are people more accepting of mental health issues in the work place, or even in their very own home and community?

WebMD member BipolarDisorder2 shares this from our Bipolar Community, “I’m pretty quiet about my BP. My family is 100% non-supportive, and few of my friends are, so I tend to keep it pretty quiet. I have told my co-workers (kind of, sort of, in a very casual way) and I will probably have to tell my boss sometime so she understands why I miss work occasionally.”

Are there still stigmas attached to mental health? Those living with Bipolar Disorder or Depression seem to think the stigmas remain and face them in their daily lives.

Supa_Kay explains,“It still feels like others don’t think I’m the same as them because of the BP. The hardest part is when the people I live with don’t understand me and perpetuate the stigmas, I try to explain but often to no avail.”

Yet, with organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Health Illness (NAMI) and a host of other supportive sites on the internet, you can’t help but think that we have come a long way, at least in the increase in both information and resources for folks with mental illness.

I encourage everyone to take some time to reflect this month about those you know who are suffering mental health challenges and reach out to them with friendship and understanding.

And for those dealing with mental health issues, don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it. Come find support and share your story with us on our Depression, Bipolar, or Anxiety & Panic Disorders communities. We’ll be there to welcome you.

By Susie Byrne

Pregnant Pause: Your Dream Baby Shower

2011-05-17T19:57:46Z

Baby showers can be notoriously cute and pastel. But, what if you tend to have a funkier style? Maybe sappy games make you cringe.

As the mom-to-be honored, you probably have some ideas of how you’d like your baby shower to go, but don’t want to be rude to the friend or family member who is hosting the event.

If you could have your dream baby shower, what would it include? What would it NOT include? And, how do you plan on giving your input to the hostess when the time comes?

Find Other Moms-to-Be:
Pregnancy: 1st Trimester Community
Pregnancy: 2nd Trimester Community
Pregnancy: 3rd Trimester Community
Expert Answers

Daughter of Botox Mom Removed from Home

2011-05-20T13:55:57Z

Little girls today still play with dolls, enjoy sports, giggle with friends…and get Botox?

Kerry Campbell was recently featured on Good Morning America after admitting to giving Botox treatments to her eight-year-old daughter, Britney, who takes part in beauty pageants. ABC News just announced that Britney has been removed from her mother’s home by the San Francisco Human Services Department.

The story has stirred controversy around the world.

WebMD community members shared their thoughts as well:

“I hope someone takes that mother to a psychiatrist,” says Boyzmomee from our Parenting board.

And, on the Preteens and Teens board, FCL says, “The whole pageant scene creeps me out to start with, but this is just way over the top!”

Our dermatologist, Dr. Susan Evans, even posted a poll on the Skin Problems and Treatments community asking, “Should Children Have Cosmetic Procedures?”

As concerned as everyone has been, the new question is whether removing the girl from her home is the right answer.

What do you think?

Editor’s Note: This story has taken an even stranger turn as the woman calling herself Kerry Campbell now claims that she made up the whole story for money at the request of The Sun, a British tabloid.

Friday the 13th and Other Phobias

2011-05-13T20:19:36Z

I admit it, Friday the 13th always gives me a shiver.

Logically, I know that it’s just another day and not really a bad omen, but I just can’t seem to shake the feeling that doom is around the corner.

And, I know that I am not alone. Lots of folks have a phobia of Friday the 13th, and others suffer from different types of phobias.

Does Friday the 13th give you the heebie jeebies? Or maybe you have a fear of spiders or snakes? Freaked out by tight spaces?

What is YOUR phobia? How do you deal with it?

More from WebMD
Anxiety & Panic Disorders Community – Talk to Others!
All About Phobias
Anxiety Health Center

Acupuncture, E-cigarettes, Hypnosis: Quit Smoking Today

2011-05-05T19:41:44Z

I quit smoking 21 years ago. I had three young children, and one day I looked at my infant son and threw the cigarettes in the garbage! Quit, done.

Today, it seems you don’t just throw the pack out. You pick a date, you talk to your doctor, you decide what might best work for you, and you hope from there it sticks. It’s not just cold turkey anymore. With so many more options these days, the chances are better you will succeed.

There are plenty of choices to help you quit — Nicotine replacement (e.g. Habitrol, Nicorette), counseling, acupuncture, hypnosis, and even drugs like Zyban and Chantix. The new E-cigarettes also are becoming very popular, although controversial.

Our Expert, Jonathan Foulds, PhD on the Smoking Cessation Community, recently posted some information for our members on E-cigarettes. He also posted this “Quitlines Post” with some great tips to help you get on the road to quitting and stick with it.

“I would encourage all smokers who are thinking of quitting to call 1-800-QUITNOW (or the national quitline number in your country) and take advantage of this free service,” he says.

Dr. Foulds continues to educate himself on the latest and greatest ways to help those who want to quit and shares his findings with members on the board.

If you want to give up smoking, I encourage you to visit our Smoking Cessation Community for the information and support you’ll need on your journey.

Quit smoking. It was the best thing I ever did for myself and my health!

By Susie Byrne

Talk to Us
Do you want to quit smoking? What gets in your way?