Does Bad Hair Mean Bad Health?

2010-04-22T07:33:00.000-07:00

White Flakes Pose No Health Risk
Dandruff isn’t contagious. So how do you get it? Doctors aren’t sure, but one theory is that it may be due to an overgrowth of a fungus. Other possible triggers include skin that’s either too dry or too oily, shampooing either too often or not often enough, and having eczema or psoriasis. While it’s embarrassing – and the itching can be bothersome -- dandruff isn’t harmful.
Tips for Dandruff Treatment
To decrease the buildup of dandruff’s dead skin cells, try using an anti-dandruff shampoo daily. Leave shampoo on for 5 minutes, then rinse well. You may need to try several dandruff shampoos to find one that works best for you. If one stops working, try another. If that doesn’t help, call your doctor.

Yellow Dandruff?
If the dandruff flakes you see are greasy and yellow, you may have seborrheic dermatitis. It’s an inflammatory skin condition that can occur where there are lots of oil glands, like the scalp and face. Though seborrheic dermatitis is related to hormones, fungus, and even some neurological problems, it’s treated the same as dandruff: with anti-dandruff shampoos. Severe cases may need a prescription steroid or antifungal medicine.
You May Shed More Than You Think
It’s not a perfect measure, but some experts estimate that we may shed up to 100 or more hairs a day. That’s not cause for alarm, nor does it mean you’re going bald. About 90% of your 100,000 hair follicles are growing at any given time. The other 10% are in a resting (telogen) phase, and the hair falls out after about 2 to 3 months. It’s replaced by new hair, and the growth cycle starts over again.
What Causes Telogen Effluvium?
A shock to your system -- surgery, giving birth, some medications, crash diets, severe stress, thyroid problems -- can push hair into its resting, or telogen, state. About 2 months later, you may see hair falling out -- a condition called telogen effluvium, sometimes described as hair “coming out in handfuls.” In most cases, new hair starts growing right away. Your doctor should determine if your telogen effluvium needs treatment.
An Attack on Hair Follicles
In alopecia areata, your immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing hair to fall out -- often suddenly. Most people will have one or two bald patches, but in some cases all body hair falls out. Alopecia areata isn’t harmful, but it can be tough psychologically. Hair may grow back on its own or with treatment. Unfortunately, some people don’t respond to treatment and may experience repeated hair loss and regrowth.
Genes Cause 90% of Male Hair Loss
Though hereditary, the trait may be more influenced by your mother’s family than your father’s. So a look at your maternal grandfather’s locks may give you a better clue about the future of yours. Male pattern baldness often starts with receding hair at the temples, then on the crown, leaving a horseshoe-shaped ring of hair around the sides of the head. Medications to slow hair loss include Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride).
How Female-Pattern Baldness Happens
Hair loss in women tends to mean hair thinning all over the head. Unlike men, women rarely go bald, and they tend to lose hair more slowly than men do. Other myths: Longer hair won’t put a strain on the roots, causing more to fall out. Nor will shampooing pull hair out -- it just gets the ones that were falling out already. Women’s Rogaine (minoxidil) or prescription medications may help preserve hair.
Avoid Sun Damage to Hair
Too much sun can turn your hair into a brittle, dry mop that breaks and splits easily. And if you already have thinning hair, you risk a sunburn on your scalp. Choosing hair care products with sunscreen provides some protection, although it can be hard to coat your hair evenly. That’s why it’s a good idea to wear a hat when you’re out in the sun -- especially if your scalp is exposed.
Luscious Locks Need Nutrients
Could a crash diet cost you your hair? In extreme cases, it could. Your hair needs protein and iron to stay healthy, along with omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamin A. Very low-cal diets are often lacking in these nutrients and can stunt hair growth or leave hair dull and limp. If the nutritional deficiency is big enough -- like for someone with an eating disorder -- hair can fall out.
A Hair- and Heart-Healthy Diet
Keep hair shiny by eating salmon for omega-3 fatty acids; spinach and carrots for vitamin A; brazil nuts for selenium; and oysters and walnuts for zinc. All help maintain scalp and hair health, as do low-fat dairy, whole grains, and vegetables. Double the results: foods good for your hair are also good for your heart.
Premature Gray Hair Is Genetic
Going gray isn’t always related to aging. If you’re not yet 40 and see more than a few gray hairs, chances are it runs in your family. Gray usually isn’t a sign of poor health, though anemia, thyroid issues, vitamin B12 deficiency, and vitiligo can cause premature graying. You can highlight or color hair to cover the gray, but beware: some people are sensitive to the dye’s chemicals. The result is an itchy, burning scalp.
Traction Alopecia Damages Follicles
Pulling hair too tight -- as can happen with ponytails, braids, and cornrows -- can damage hair roots and cause hair to break or fall out. Hair extensions and hairpieces can sometimes cause traction alopecia, too, because their extra weight pulls on existing hair. Changing your hairstyle usually lets hair grow back. Pulling hair back tightly for a long time, though, can lead to permanent hair loss.

Living With COPD

2010-04-22T06:43:00.000-07:00

COPD presents 13 million Americans with new challenges and opportunities for better health.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Quiz the average person on the street, and how many could tell you what it is? Would you know that it's the 4th leading cause of death in the United States? Not likely. But that is one of COPD's unfortunate claims to fame.

A serious and progressive lung disease diagnosed in more than 13 million Americans, COPD develops when lungs become damaged from smoking and sometimes from heavy exposure to pollution, chemicals, or dusts. Genes may also play a role in the development of the disease.

COPD causes airways to become partially blocked, making it very hard to breathe. You can't reverse the damage it causes, and COPD has no cure. But you can do many things to slow its progression and live a longer, higher-quality life.

When COPD Is the Diagnosis
Diagnosing COPD is not a complex process. Combined with a medical history and physical exam, an easy, painless breathing test called spirometry can confirm the diagnosis. A machine called a spirometer measures how much air your lungs can hold and how fast you can blow air out of your lungs after taking a deep breath. You may need extra tests to rule out other problems or to plan treatment.

Typically, people with COPD wait a fairly long time before getting diagnosed, says Norman H. Edelman, MD, chief medical officer for the American Lung Association. Their breathing becomes more labored, but they learn how to compensate.

Besides shortness of breath - often with activity - other COPD symptoms that may prompt a visit to the doctor are coughing, wheezing, excess mucus, or chest tightness that won't go away.

Because the symptoms develop so gradually, says Edelman, "People often think, 'I'm just getting older or I've put on a little weight.' Then they hear, 'No, this is a real disease.'" So the diagnosis of COPD often comes as a shock.

Adding to the shock is stigma. "Most people who are diagnosed are smokers," says Edelman, "So there is also this sense that 'I brought it on myself.'" For this reason, it can be harder news to receive, he says.

John J. Reilly, MD, is acting chief of the pulmonary division at Brigham and Women's Hospital. "When I trained in medicine, we were basically seeing old white guys at the VA," he says. "Now, thanks to the Virginia Slims era, more women than men died of COPD in 2000."

Deb Hannigan may be from the Virginia Slims era, but she's doing all she can to stay healthy and alive and to spread awareness about COPD. Now 52, she was diagnosed at age 34, younger than most with the disease. Diagnosis is more common in those over age 40.

Because she was a medical records coder at a hospital at the time, she had some idea of what COPD was. But it wasn't until her diagnosis that the whole picture came into focus. As is true for many, Hannigan learned that she had both of the main COPD diseases - chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Chronic bronchitis causes swelling and inflammation of the airways. This makes airways narrow, which prevents the right amount of air from reaching the lungs. Chronic bronchitis also results in excess mucus production, which causes cough and problems getting air in and out of the lungs. Chronic bronchitis is diagnosed when a person reports cough and mucus on most days for three months during two consecutive years and when other lung conditions have been eliminated as the cause.
Emphysema destroys many of the air sacs in the lungs. Normally, these tiny balloon-like structures allow the passage of air from the lungs to your blood and back out. The airways and air sacs are normally elastic and stretch when filled with air. They spring back to their original shape after taking a breath of air. Damage to the air sacs from emphysema makes it difficult to push air out of the lungs and causes airways to collapse, leading to difficulty breathing.

The Many Challenges of Living With COPD
Since diagnosis, Hannigan's life has changed in many ways. "Everything takes you longer, you can't keep up," she says. "It's a huge effort and you become very short of breath just doing the basics -- taking a shower, getting dressed, trying to get out to do what you have to do. By the time you're ready to go, you don't want to do it. A lot of people just give up."

Reilly agrees. "This disease is insidiously progressive," he says. "It gradually curtails people's physical activity. Being out of breath is a miserable sensation, so people avoid the activities that make them out of breath." Gradually, they become homebound or less willing to travel, he says, experiencing a major impact on their quality of life.

For Hannigan, some limitations were imposed by her doctor, who told her to stop working when she was just 39 - an order she only partly followed. Now on disability, Hannigan volunteers for COPD International 10 to 12 hours a day. In 2002, she became one of the founding members of this nonprofit organization, which is dedicated to providing information and support to people with COPD and others affected by the disease.

Through her own personal experience and that of others living with COPD, Hannigan has seen how the invisibility factor adds insult to injury. "Sick lungs don't show," she says. Reilly says that people can seem perfectly fine while at rest, but they run into trouble quickly when they become more active. "Other people don't understand how sick they really are."

But understanding this is critical, especially since family members need to stay alert to potential complications. If a loved one gets sick with a cold, cough, or fever, it's important to intervene early, says Reilly, particularly if they have severe COPD. "Don't wait for a few days, as you would with someone who is generally healthy." Lung infections can quickly spell trouble for someone with COPD.

Managing COPD With Exercise and Diet
To manage the disease, the best step to take -- hands-down -- is to quit smoking.

"This is the one intervention that has clearly been shown to influence the natural course of the disease," says Reilly.

"In the short term, people feel better almost immediately," adds Edelman. "In the long term, their rate of decline in lung function also slows. It literally adds years to their lives."

Pulmonary rehabilitation is also often a big part of the treatment plan for people living with COPD. A wide variety of health care professionals - such as doctors, respiratory therapists, registered dietitians, or nurses -- can provide counseling about nutrition, information and resources for disease management, and exercise guidelines, for example.

Diet and exercise are essential to successful management of COPD.

Top Picks9 Ways Exercise Can Help You Breathe Health Check: Does Emphysema Leave You Breathless? Quitting Smoking? Increase Your Odds of Success Living Day to Day with COPD

BY ABDULAZEEZ

Hair Loss Health Center

2010-04-01T02:06:00.000-07:00

What's the most common form of female hair loss?
Female-pattern hair loss, which usually has a strong genetic component that can be inherited from either the mother or father. Also referred to as androgenetic alopecia, this type of hair loss can start as early as the late teens -- and the earlier it starts, the more severe the hair loss tends to be.
Most women with pattern hair loss don't get a receding hairline or bald spot on top of the scalp as is common in men. Instead, there is visible thinning over the crown. In men and women, hairs are miniaturized because of a shortened growth cycle where the hair stays on the head for a shorter period of time. These wispy hairs, which resemble forearm hairs, do not achieve their usual length.
The first sign of hair loss that most women notice is often widening of their part or that their ponytail is smaller.
How is female hair loss treated?
Minoxidil 2% is the only topical medication approved by the FDA for female-pattern hair loss. I find that the stronger minoxidil 5%, approved only for male-pattern hair loss, is very effective in women as well. But it can sometimes increase facial hair growth.

The 2% and 5% solutions are available over the counter in a liquid, and the 5% is also available in a foam. Minoxidil works by prolonging the growth phase of hair -- providing more time for hair to grow out to its full density.
You have to be patient, as noticeable results usually take three to four months and the product must be used twice a day. It tends to work better if started early.
I put some on my forearm and got a big thick patch of hair. When I stopped, it went away.
Doctors may also test for levels of ferritin (a protein that indicates the amount of total body iron stores). New research suggests levels may be low in women with hair loss. Iron supplements may help.
Also new is the HairMax Laser Comb. It's a red light therapy hairbrush-like device that increases circulation and the biological march that makes hair. It's only approved in men (though some women are using it) and in my experience, is not as good as minoxidil. But in one study, 45% of users reported improvement after eight weeks, and 90% saw improvement after 16 weeks.
How is female hair loss treated? continued...
In some cases, a hormonal abnormality, such as excess male hormones known as androgens, may be responsible for hair loss in women. One clue that hormones are involved is if the hair loss pattern resembles that of a man’s hair loss. This can be treated with prescription medications such as spironolactone or oral contraceptives.
In men, finasteride (originally marketed as Proscar) is approved for hair loss associated with androgens. In one study, 62% of women also taking oral contraceptives containing the synthetic progestin drospirenone reported improvement. So it may be effective for female hair loss in the setting of increased androgen. But studies are limited and it is harmful to the male fetus so should not be used by women thinking about becoming pregnant or who are pregnant.
Another treatment option is hair transplantation, in which tiny hair follicles taken from one area of the scalp are transplanted into the affected areas. It can be very effective and produce permanent results that are natural looking.
Should I change my hair care regimen?
No. Since there is no structural problem with the hair with female-pattern hair loss, women should continue their regular hair styling regimen. Sometimes women think they should stop washing, coloring, or perming their hair, but these things won’t impact the course of hair loss or speed up the process.
Wash with an anti-dandruff shampoo that contains ketoconazole (an antifungal) or zinc pyrthione (an antifungal and antibacterial).
Can hair loss be a sign of a more serious problem?
Yes. Hyperandrogenism, a medical condition characterized by excessive production of male hormones called androgens, can cause hair loss in affected women. The most common cause of hyperandrogenism in women is functional ovarian hyperandrogenism, also known as polycystic ovary syndrome. In addition to hair loss, other signs include obesity, acne, and irregular menstruation, and it is one of the most common causes of infertility.
Many of these women have metabolic syndrome -- a combination of five medical conditions including belly fat and high blood pressure that increase the risk of diabetes, heart attack, and stroke.
Although hair loss stemming from hyperandrogenism can be treated with minoxidil, you need to seek care for the other conditions.

13 Things Your Hairstylist Won't Tell You

2010-03-27T05:12:00.000-07:00

Hairstylists share their tips for understanding their jobs and how to get the most out of your time in the swivel chair.

1. I'm a beautician, not a magician. I can give you Gisele Bündchen's haircut, but I can't give you her face.

2. Come at least five minutes early. If you're running late, please call ahead. Show me some basic respect. This is a business, not fun and games.

PLUS: What's your Life IQ? Play for a chance to win an iPod Touch worth $200 and download the Life IQ iPhone app

3. Don't ask me to "squeeze" you in when I'm already booked. I'd be taking time and effort away from other clients. You wouldn't like being treated that way.

4. Hairdresser school does not teach about counter transference, projection, negative reinforcement, or personality disorders. If you're looking for a therapist, all I have is a tail comb and an opinion.

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clipart.com

5. Some women think that if they keep their hair all one length the way it was in high school, everyone will think they're still in high school. Guess what? You're not. As you get older, you need to soften the lines around your face. Layers are the magic remedy.

6. Bodies and hair change as hormones change. If your hair is dry, listless, or brittle, or if it's not holding your color or style the way it used to, see a doctor. If your hair isn't overprocessed, you could be pregnant (surprise!) or menopausal (yes, I can tell).

PLUS: 7 Anti-Aging Secrets

7. A trim is not "just" a trim. It requires my expertise, skill, knowledge, and time. Would you say to your dentist, "It's just a tooth," or to your doctor, "It's just a leg"?

8. That single bill you stuff into the shampoo person's hands isn't doing her any favors. A dollar bill doesn't buy anything anymore. You should tip her at least $3—more if your hair is long.

PLUS: 20 Secrets Your Waiter Won't Tell You

9. If you want to buy a bottle of color and do your own hair to save a buck, you can live with the consequences.

10. Some clients will say, "Cut my hair just like you did last time." That always baffles me. The average time between appointments is six to eight weeks. I have hundreds of clients. How am I supposed to remember exactly how I did your hair the last time? If you want a carbon copy of a cut and style you loved, take a picture and show me.

PLUS: 13 Things Your Shoe Salesman Won't Tell You

11. Why do you think a child's haircut should cost less than yours? Kids don't sit still. Kids kick. It's an intense experience.

12. Standing all day and using scissors and a blow-dryer takes its toll—I have arthritis in my fingers, calcium deposits in my wrist, and 10 percent less hearing than I used to. I am a physical wreck.

13. We see women at their worst. Their hair is wet, they have foils on their hair, they have no makeup on. There's nothing for them to hide behind. So they tell us everything. The truth is, I really don't care what they do sexually. I'm only interested in their hair.

9 Exercises You Should Stop Doing Now

2010-03-18T21:57:00.000-07:00

Workout Not Working?
Who has time to waste on ineffective, risky exercises? Not you. So ditch these nine moves that may not deliver the results you want — and may even cause injury.

#1: Lat Pull-down Behind the Head
The problem: Only people with very mobile shoulder joints can keep their spines straight enough to do this exercise properly. So the move — done wrong — can lead to shoulder impingement or worse, a tear in the rotator cuff. And if the bar hits the back of the neck, it could injure cervical vertebrae.

A Safer Lat Pull-down
On the pull–down machine, lean back a few degrees, use a wider–than–shoulder grip, and bring the bar down in front of your body to the breastbone, pulling shoulder blades down and together. Contract your abdominals to stabilize the body, and avoid using momentum to swing the bar up and down. The lat pull–down works the muscles of the upper back.

#2: Military Press Behind the Head
This shoulder move, in which you lift weights or a barbell up and down behind the head, can cause the same problems as the lat pull–down behind the head.
A Safer Military Press
A safer shoulder alternative: When doing the military press, keep the bar or dumbbells in front of your head. Stand with the weight no lower than the collarbone and keep your upper body upright. The exercise can also be done seated. Always sit straight against a back support, and keep the natural curve in your spine, with upper back and glutes pressed to the chair.

#3: Upright Row
The problem: Pulling weights, a barbell, or a weighted cabled bar up under your chin is a big no-no because it can compress the nerves in the shoulder area, impinging the shoulder.
Safer Alternative to the Upright Row
Instead of doing an upright row, work your shoulders with a front or lateral shoulder raise, lifting weights out to the front or side of the b

#4: Lying Leg Press with Knees Bent Too Deeply
The problem: Lying on your back with your feet on a weighted plate, you push the plate up and bring it down, with the aim of working the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. The problem with this exercise comes when you bend your legs too far, which can hurt your back and knees.
Leg Press: Safer Moves
If you want to do a lying leg press, keep your butt from rotating off the back of the machine, and don't bend past 90 degrees at the knee

#5: Squats on the Smith Machine
The problem: The bar on the machine doesn't give, which can force the body into risky positions. Plus, people tend to put their feet farther in front of their bodies when doing squats on the machine, which makes matters worse.

Squats: A Safer Alternative
It's not necessary to use weights when doing a squat, but if you keep good form, adding weight will intensify the move. Standing straight with your feet shoulder–width apart, slowly lower your body, back straight. Move the hips back as if you were going to sit in a chair. Try to maintain your weight directly over your feet, keeping heels on the floor. Lower yourself to about a 90 degree bend in the knee. Slowly return to a standing position.

#6: Using Bad Form on Cardio Machines
The problem: Hunching over or using a death-grip on the handrail cheats your body and can throw off your alignment, jarring your spine, shoulders, and elbows.

Better Technique on Cardio Machines
Don't set the incline or resistance so high that it causes you to hang on to the machine too tightly. Use a natural gait with a light grip. For a more challenging workout, hold on lightly with one hand and move the other arm, switching arms periodically. And save the reading for after your workout so you can focus on good form.

#7: Exercises Done with Goal of Spot Reduction
People who do strengthening and toning exercises in an effort to trim fat from a certain area — thighs, hips, stomach, or arms — have the wrong idea. Although these exercises can help firm muscles, if the targeted area still carries an extra layer of fat, it won't look much different. You can't isolate fat loss to one part of the body

Effective Ways to Reshape Your Body
Cardiovascular exercise will torch calories, but resistance training is a big part of the equation if you want to burn fat. Boosting your muscle mass increases your metabolism, so you burn more calories all the time, even when you're not working out.

# 8: Always Lifting with a Weight Belt
The problem: Too many people wear weight belts too often. Unless you have a back injury or other medical reason — or are lifting a lot of weight — the weight belt may let your core muscles slack off — and you need your core muscles all the time in everyday life.

The solution: Back off the weight belt unless it's necessary.

#9: Any Exercise Done Wearing the Wrong Shoes
Even if you're doing everything else right, your efforts can be undermined by improper footwear. Working out with the wrong shoes increases pounding on the joints, and can lead to injuries like plantar fasciitis or tendinitis.

Shoe Solution
The key, experts say, is to choose a shoe that is specific to your activity and that suits your particular foot. They recommend shopping at stores specializing in athletic shoes, where you can seek advice from a knowledgeable salesperson. And don't forget to replace your shoes when they show signs of wear.

BY ABDULAZEEZ ADEOLA

Top 10 Ways to Control Your Blood Pressure

2010-03-18T21:37:00.000-07:00

Simple lifestyle changes make a difference

1. Lose weight. Get your BMI (body mass index, a measurement of weight in relation to height) into the range of 18.5-24.9, and you will be doing your heart and blood pressure a favor. Think of it this way: Extra weight you carry around is like bricks in a backpack, putting pressure on every part of your body.

2. Eat plenty of whole grains. Have seven to eight servings per day of grains and grain products (these can include breakfast cereal, whole grain bread, rice, pasta, etc.)

3. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Having at least eight to 10 servings of a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables will ensure you get all the healthy antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber you need.

4. Dairy up. Consuming two to three servings daily of low-fat or nonfat diary foods will also help build strong bones and teeth, and enhance weight loss.

5. Limit meat, fish, and poultry to two servings a day. Move the meat off the center of your plate, and enjoy more grains and produce. When you do have meats, fish, and poultry, always chose lean varieties.

6. Go nuts. Incorporate four to five servings a week of nuts, seeds, and legumes into your diet. They provide plenty of protein and healthful fats.

7. Limit fats and oil to two to three servings per day. Fats are the most concentrated source of calories. Limiting them will help you control your weight.

8. Hold the salt. Limit your sodium intake to approximately 2,400 milligrams a day (a moderate level). This means eating fewer canned and processed foods, and more fresh foods.

9. Get off the couch. Exercising at least 30 minutes per day can significantly reduce blood pressure. Any form of physical activity, done most days of the week, will do the trick.

10. Drink in moderation. If you do it at all limit yourself to two drinks per day.

BY ABDULAZEEZ ADEOLA

Good Health Boosts Sexual Life Expectancy

2010-03-18T21:33:00.000-07:00

Study Shows Better Health Linked to More Satisfying Sex Life in Older Years

March 9, 2010 -- Good health may not only help you live longer, but it could also help you enjoy a longer, more satisfying sex life.

A new study shows people who are in good health are nearly twice as likely to be interested in sex in middle and older age and also more likely to report having a busy and satisfying sex life.

Researchers say sexual activity has long been associated with health benefits and longevity, but this is the first study to look at how general health affects the quality of sex as people age and calculate what they call a person's "sexually active life expectancy."

Using information gathered from more than 6,000 men and women in midlife and later life, researchers estimate that at age 55, the average sexually active life expectancy is 15 years for men and 10.6 years for women.

"Although the period is longer for men, they lose more years of sexually active life as a result of poor health than women," write researcher Stacy Tessler Lindau, associate professor at the University of Chicago, and colleagues in the journal BMJ.

But the gender disparities don't stop there.

"Overall, the study found that men have a longer sexually active life expectancy and that most sexually active men report a good quality sex life. In contrast, only about half of sexually active women reported a good quality sex life," write the researchers. "This disparity, and its implication for health, requires further exploration."

Other findings of the study include:

At the age of 30, men have a sexually active life expectancy of nearly 35 years; women, almost 31 years. At 55, this average sexual life expectancy changes to almost 15 remaining years for men and 10 years for women.
By age 75, 17% of women and 39% of men were sexually active. But for those with a partner, these gender differences were much smaller.
About two-thirds of sexually active middle-aged men and women reported having a good-quality sex life. But only five out of 10 older women reported a good-quality sex life, compared with seven out of 10 older men.
Older men were three times as likely to be interested in sex as older women (62% vs. 21%).
People in very good health were 1.5 to 1.8 times more likely to report an interest in sex than those in poorer health.
Among those who were sexually active, good health was also associated with more frequent sex (once or more weekly) in men and with a good-quality sex life in men and women.
In an editorial that accompanies the study, Patricia Goodson, a professor at Texas University, says the news that adults in the U.S. can enjoy many years of sexual activity beyond age 55 is promising.

"Despite the spotlight this study shines on the sexual health of older adults in the US, less good news lies dormant in the shadows," writes Goodson. "Take the gender gap in sexually active life expectancy, for instance, which favours men: for men at age 55, sexually active life expectancy was eight to nine years less than demographic life expectancy, whereas for women this difference was 17 to 18 years."

BY ABDULAZEEZ ADEOLA

Does Bad Hair Mean Bad Health?

2010-03-15T11:46:00.000-07:00

White Flakes Pose No Health Risk
Dandruff isn’t contagious. So how do you get it? Doctors aren’t sure, but one theory is that it may be due to an overgrowth of a fungus. Other possible triggers include skin that’s either too dry or too oily, shampooing either too often or not often enough, and having eczema or psoriasis. While it’s embarrassing – and the itching can be bothersome -- dandruff isn’t harmful.
Tips for Dandruff Treatment
To decrease the buildup of dandruff’s dead skin cells, try using an anti-dandruff shampoo daily. Leave shampoo on for 5 minutes, then rinse well. You may need to try several dandruff shampoos to find one that works best for you. If one stops working, try another. If that doesn’t help, call your doctor.
Yellow Dandruff?
If the dandruff flakes you see are greasy and yellow, you may have seborrheic dermatitis. It’s an inflammatory skin condition that can occur where there are lots of oil glands, like the scalp and face. Though seborrheic dermatitis is related to hormones, fungus, and even some neurological problems, it’s treated the same as dandruff: with anti-dandruff shampoos. Severe cases may need a prescription steroid or antifungal medicine.
You May Shed More Than You Think
It’s not a perfect measure, but some experts estimate that we may shed up to 100 or more hairs a day. That’s not cause for alarm, nor does it mean you’re going bald. About 90% of your 100,000 hair follicles are growing at any given time. The other 10% are in a resting (telogen) phase, and the hair falls out after about 2 to 3 months. It’s replaced by new hair, and the growth cycle starts over again.
What Causes Telogen Effluvium?
A shock to your system -- surgery, giving birth, some medications, crash diets, severe stress, thyroid problems -- can push hair into its resting, or telogen, state. About 2 months later, you may see hair falling out -- a condition called telogen effluvium, sometimes described as hair “coming out in handfuls.” In most cases, new hair starts growing right away. Your doctor should determine if your telogen effluvium needs treatment.
An Attack on Hair Follicles
In alopecia areata, your immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing hair to fall out -- often suddenly. Most people will have one or two bald patches, but in some cases all body hair falls out. Alopecia areata isn’t harmful, but it can be tough psychologically. Hair may grow back on its own or with treatment. Unfortunately, some people don’t respond to treatment and may experience repeated hair loss and regrowth.
Genes Cause 90% of Male Hair Loss
Though hereditary, the trait may be more influenced by your mother’s family than your father’s. So a look at your maternal grandfather’s locks may give you a better clue about the future of yours. Male pattern baldness often starts with receding hair at the temples, then on the crown, leaving a horseshoe-shaped ring of hair around the sides of the head. Medications to slow hair loss include Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride).
How Female-Pattern Baldness Happens
Hair loss in women tends to mean hair thinning all over the head. Unlike men, women rarely go bald, and they tend to lose hair more slowly than men do. Other myths: Longer hair won’t put a strain on the roots, causing more to fall out. Nor will shampooing pull hair out -- it just gets the ones that were falling out already. Women’s Rogaine (minoxidil) or prescription medications may help preserve hair.
Avoid Sun Damage to Hair
Too much sun can turn your hair into a brittle, dry mop that breaks and splits easily. And if you already have thinning hair, you risk a sunburn on your scalp. Choosing hair care products with sunscreen provides some protection, although it can be hard to coat your hair evenly. That’s why it’s a good idea to wear a hat when you’re out in the sun -- especially if your scalp is exposed.
Luscious Locks Need Nutrients
Could a crash diet cost you your hair? In extreme cases, it could. Your hair needs protein and iron to stay healthy, along with omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamin A. Very low-cal diets are often lacking in these nutrients and can stunt hair growth or leave hair dull and limp. If the nutritional deficiency is big enough -- like for someone with an eating disorder -- hair can fall out.
A Hair- and Heart-Healthy Diet
Keep hair shiny by eating salmon for omega-3 fatty acids; spinach and carrots for vitamin A; brazil nuts for selenium; and oysters and walnuts for zinc. All help maintain scalp and hair health, as do low-fat dairy, whole grains, and vegetables. Double the results: foods good for your hair are also good for your heart.
Premature Gray Hair Is Genetic
Going gray isn’t always related to aging. If you’re not yet 40 and see more than a few gray hairs, chances are it runs in your family. Gray usually isn’t a sign of poor health, though anemia, thyroid issues, vitamin B12 deficiency, and vitiligo can cause premature graying. You can highlight or color hair to cover the gray, but beware: some people are sensitive to the dye’s chemicals. The result is an itchy, burning scalp.
Traction Alopecia Damages Follicles
Pulling hair too tight -- as can happen with ponytails, braids, and cornrows -- can damage hair roots and cause hair to break or fall out. Hair extensions and hairpieces can sometimes cause traction alopecia, too, because their extra weight pulls on existing hair. Changing your hairstyle usually lets hair grow back. Pulling hair back tightly for a long time, though, can lead to permanent hair loss.
Overstyling Weakens Your Hair
Blow drying, using a flat iron, bleaching, even over-brushing -- all can damage the outer layer (cuticle) of your hair. When the inner core of hair is exposed, your locks become dry and dull. Although it doesn’t cause any permanent health damage, you can overstyle to the point that your only option for healthy hair is to cut it off and start over. When it comes to your hair, doing less leads to healthier tresses.
A Surprising Side Effect
Among the medications that list hair loss as a side effect: Coumadin (warfarin); Lopid (gemfibrozil); antidepressants; beta-blockers; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); and drugs for gout, arthritis, birth control, and high blood pressure. Usually, hair grows back when the medication is stopped, but some drugs may cause permanent hair loss, or trigger male or female pattern hair loss. Ask your doctor about possible side effects.
Scalp Massage Feels So Good
There’s no evidence that massaging your scalp will slow hair loss or improve any scalp conditions -- but it can do wonders for your brain. Your scalp is covered with nerve endings that make it super-sensitive to touch. Rubbing your scalp increases blood flow and releases tension. It also triggers your brain to release feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin.
Hair Analysis Not Reliable
Some companies claim they can analyze hair clippings to see if you are deficient in vitamins or have health problems. While hair analysis can detect some poisons like lead or arsenic, there are no testing standards. Labs may report different findings from the same hair sample. And everything from air pollution to shampoo can change your hair’s mineral makeup. The American Medical Association is against hair analysis to determine treatment.

BY ABDULAZEEZ ADEOLA
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