MY HEALTH TIPS

Silent Hypertension in Young Adults: Why More People Under 40 Are at Risk Than Ever

2026-04-28T20:58:00.000-07:00

The Illness You Don’t Feel, Until It’s Too Late

Chinedu is 29, works in Lagos, and barely has time to breathe between traffic, deadlines, and side hustles. He feels “fine”, no headaches, no dizziness, nothing alarming. Then one day, during a routine check at a pharmacy, his blood pressure reads 160/100 mmHg.

He laughs it off at first. “I’m too young for that.” But he isn’t. Across cities like Lagos, London, Mumbai, and New York, a quiet shift is happening. High blood pressure, once associated with older adults, is increasingly affecting people in their 20s and 30s. And the most dangerous part? It often comes with no warning signs. This is why it’s called silent hypertension.

What Is Silent Hypertension?

Silent hypertension refers to consistently elevated blood pressure without noticeable symptoms. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023), hypertension is defined as blood pressure readings of 140/90 mmHg or higher.

Why “silent” matters

Most young adults expect illness to come with clear signals, pain, fatigue, or discomfort. But hypertension can quietly damage the body for years before complications appear.

By the time symptoms show, the damage may already include:

Heart disease
Stroke
Kidney failure

Why Young Adults Are Now at Risk

1. Urban Stress Is Becoming a Global Health Hazard

From Lagos traffic congestion to high-pressure corporate life in the UK or US, stress is no longer occasional, it’s constant.

In Nigeria: Long commutes, unstable power supply, financial pressure
In the US/UK: Job insecurity, burnout culture
In Asia: Competitive work environments and long working hours

Chronic stress triggers hormonal responses that raise blood pressure over time (American Heart Association, 2022).

2. Diets Are Changing, But Not for the Better

One major driver of hypertension is excess sodium intake.

Regional realities:

Nigeria & West Africa: Heavy use of seasoning cubes, processed foods, and salty snacks
US/UK: Ultra-processed meals, fast food culture
Asia: High-sodium sauces like soy and fermented condiments

The WHO recommends less than 5 grams of salt per day, yet most people consume nearly double that (WHO, 2023).

What people get wrong

Many assume “home-cooked food” is always healthy. But if it’s loaded with salt, it can still raise blood pressure significantly.

3. Sedentary Lifestyles Are the New Normal

Even in regions where physical labor was once common, lifestyles are shifting.

Desk jobs replacing active work
Increased screen time globally
Reduced walking due to transport dependence

The CDC (2023) links physical inactivity directly to increased hypertension risk.

4. Alcohol, Smoking, and Energy Drinks

Young adults are increasingly exposed to:

Alcohol consumption culture
Smoking and vaping
High caffeine/energy drink intake

These habits contribute to temporary spikes and long-term elevation in blood pressure.

5. The “I’m Too Young” Mindset

This may be the most dangerous factor.

Many young adults:

Don’t check their blood pressure
Ignore early warnings
Avoid hospitals unless seriously ill

In parts of Africa, healthcare access and cost also delay routine check-ups.

What Does Hypertension Feel Like? (Spoiler: Often Nothing)

Here’s the reality:
You may feel completely normal.

In some cases, people report:

Mild headaches
Fatigue
Nosebleeds

But these are inconsistent and unreliable.

This is why routine screening is critical.

Real-Life Impact: Different Regions, Same Problem

Nigeria & Africa

Late diagnosis due to limited routine screening
High salt intake from local cooking habits
Financial barriers to healthcare

US & UK

Early detection is more common
But lifestyle diseases driven by obesity and processed foods

Asia

High sodium diets combined with intense work culture
Rising hypertension rates in urban populations

Despite different environments, the outcome is the same:
More young adults living with unmanaged hypertension.

How to Prevent Silent Hypertension (Practical and Realistic)

You don’t need expensive solutions. Small, consistent habits can make a big difference.

1. Check Your Blood Pressure Regularly

Use pharmacies or clinics offering affordable checks
Consider home monitors if accessible

Tip: Even once every 3–6 months is better than never.

2. Reduce Salt, Without Losing Taste

Instead of drastic changes:

Gradually reduce seasoning cube usage
Use natural spices (garlic, ginger, herbs)
Limit processed snacks

3. Move More, Even Without a Gym

You don’t need a fitness subscription.

Try:

30-minute daily walks
Taking stairs instead of elevators
Active chores (cleaning, errands)

WHO recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly (WHO, 2020).

4. Manage Stress Intentionally

This looks different depending on your environment.

In busy cities: Schedule downtime
In high-pressure jobs: Set boundaries
In low-resource settings: Use community support, social interaction

Simple tools:

Deep breathing
Journaling
Reducing overload where possible

5. Rethink Your Drink Choices

Cut down on:

Sugary sodas
Energy drinks
Excess alcohol

Replace with:

Water
Unsweetened beverages

6. Sleep Is Not Optional

Across regions, sleep is often sacrificed.

But poor sleep is linked to hypertension (NHS, 2022).

Aim for:

6–8 hours per night
Reduced screen time before bed

Common Misconceptions About Hypertension

❌ “I’m young, so I’m safe”

➡️ False. Rates are rising among people under 40 globally.

❌ “I’ll feel it if something is wrong”

➡️ Not true. It’s often symptomless.

❌ “Only unhealthy people get hypertension”

➡️ Even slim, active individuals can develop it.

Conclusion: The Earlier You Act, the Better

Silent hypertension doesn’t announce itself. It builds quietly, through daily habits, stress, and small lifestyle choices.

The good news?
It’s one of the most preventable health conditions.

Whether you’re in Lagos, London, or anywhere else, the steps are simple:

Check your numbers
Adjust your habits
Stay consistent

Because when it comes to blood pressure, what you don’t feel can still harm you.

When was the last time you checked your blood pressure?

Make it a priority this week. Encourage a friend or family member to do the same, because awareness could save a life.

References

American Heart Association. (2022). Stress and blood pressure. https://www.heart.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Facts about hypertension. https://www.cdc.gov

National Health Service (NHS). (2022). High blood pressure (hypertension). https://www.nhs.uk

World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Geneva: WHO.

World Health Organization (WHO). (2023). Hypertension fact sheet. https://www.who.int

Journal of Hypertension. (2024). Global trends in hypertension among young adults.

Addiction: Symtoms, Possible Causes and Cure

2016-04-29T00:28:00.003-07:00

"Addiction" is utilized more frequently today than any other time in recent memory. We hear it connected to the even the most amiable practices, similar to a most loved TV appear or nibble nourishment. However, the term can likewise allude to a risky infection. Genuine compulsion is more than a negative behaviour pattern. It is a fixation on a self-dangerous substance or conduct.

According to Psychology Today, Addiction is a condition that results when a person ingests a substance (e.g., alcohol, cocaine, nicotine) or engages in an activity (e.g., gambling, sex, shopping) that can be pleasurable but the continued use/act of which becomes compulsive and interferes with ordinary life responsibilities, such as work, relationships, or health.

It is characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli, despite adverse consequences. Users may not be aware that their behaviour is out of control and causing problems for themselves and others.

People with an addiction do not have control over what they are doing, taking or using. Their addiction may reach a point at which it is harmful. The subject matter of addiction is questionable. As a result of this, it's not difficult to see why the truth of addiction stays unclear. Is addiction a physical problem? How does it come to stay? Is it genetic? Can it be cured? These are habitual inquiries that frequently have complex answers, but the lack of concrete resolution does not prevent successful cure.

When a person is addicted to something they cannot control how they use it, and become dependent on it to cope with daily life. It is also noted that some habits eventually leads to addiction. Habits are controlled but addiction takes control of you.

At the point when referring to any sort of addiction, recognize that it is not just a quest for delight and that addiction has nothing to do with one's ethical quality or quality of character.

There are different types of addictions. According to Stedman’s Medical Dictionary “habitual psychological or physiological dependence on a substance or practice that is beyond voluntary control,” An individual can be addicted to a number of things; some may be more dangerous compared to the others. The following are common addictions, they include:

Drug or Alcohol Addiction
Tobacco Addiction
Sex Addiction
Food Addiction
Gambling Addiction
Caffeine Addiction
Shopping Addiction
Exercise Addiction
Tanning Addiction

Addiction is usually destructive in nature and often gets worse with time.

How do we know the symptoms of Addiction?

The symptoms of addiction may vary from person to person. Though, most addictions have a set of features that may arise either unexpectedly or over a phase of time and they may include:

increased use of or obsession with the substance
change of lifestyle, social activities, or friendships in order to accommodate use or behavior
loss of interest in hobbies, goals, or activities that used to bring joy
pushing away close family members and friends who may be able to detect a problem
loss of employment or other negative work-related problems
extreme changes in personality—someone who was once outgoing and social may become withdrawn, or vice versa
loss of control over frequency or quantity of use
repeated failed attempts to control or stop the addiction

This is just to mention a few. Addicts become expert at hiding their behaviour which allows them to maintain access to their addiction without discovery. As a result, it’s not always easy to spot addiction from the outside.

What Causes Addiction?

Science has revealed that an addicted person’s brain follows certain patterns that can cause both a physiological and psychological dependence.

Most addiction experts also agree, conversely, that addiction is typically caused not just by physiological responses in the brain. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), factors like heredity, environment, mental health, and diet may also play a role in the onset and development of addiction. In fact, several factors are usually involved, which can make addiction a complex condition both to prevent and treat.

Treatment / Cure for Addiction

Since addiction is a mental and physical problem, it is commonly regarded with customary strategies, for example, drug therapy and counseling. Rehabilitation centre with effective programs are the way forward for many addicts. Most doctors utilize support groups led by addicts to assist other addicts which they call the 12-step program.

When it comes to drug addiction and other related substance, some medications are available to treat drug addictions which are strictly to be taken under the supervision of the doctor. Other non traditional method may include brain simulations therapies that are targeted to people with more than one disorder like drug addiction and depression.

Finally, professionals believe addiction cannot be cured but can only be managed. Recovery from addiction is an ongoing process; therefore it may take a lifetime for a chronic addict to recover from such habit. According to Health Line, for best results, doctors usually recommend a combination of lifestyle and behaviour changes in addition to medical-based therapies. Also, an addict must be willing to change his or her behaviour, stop using drugs or engaging in the addictive behaviour, and seek help before the process of recovery can even begin.

Cookies Policy

2015-07-27T00:15:00.000-07:00

How We Use Cookies

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Vitamins You're Not Getting Enough Of

2015-06-03T08:38:00.000-07:00

Despite all the food we consume, we would think we are getting all the nutrients we need, but its not so. Below are the vitamins you're most likely short on, plus easy ways to boost your intake.

Vitamin B6

This important vitamin helps the body produce serotonin and norepinephrine, two chemicals that facilitate communication between the brain and nerve cells, which is crucial for keeping body processes like the immune system and metabolism humming along. Some studies show that a B6 deficiency can cause problems that affect the nerves, skin, and circulation; other research shows supplementing can improve memory loss, diabetes, asthma, ADHD and acne.

How to tell if you're lacking: Deficiency is more common in alcoholics and people with liver and kidney issues or an overactive thyroid. You're also more likely to lack B6 if you're a vegetarian, vegan, or lactose-intolerant, as this vitamin is found in poultry, lean meat, seafood, milk, and yogurt.

How much you need: Adults ages 19 to 50 need 1.3 milligrams every day; older women need 1.5 milligrams and older men need 1.7 milligrams.

Get more: legumes, carrots, spinach, peas, potatoes, milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, fish, liver, meat, and fortified flour and cereal grains

Vitamin D

Known as the "sunshine vitamin," D is produced when the skin is exposed to the sun. Considering the amount of vitamin D we get from food sources is minimal—and the amount of time we're spending outside, without sunscreen, is at an all-time low—it's no surprise that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that 32% of both children and adults in the U.S. are deficient. Experts are concerned about this, as too little D has been linked to everything from increased risk of cancer and heart disease to severe asthma in children.

How to tell if you're lacking: Signs of too little vitamin D may include bone pain, muscle weakness and feeling down (one study found that those who were low on vitamin D were 11 times more likely to be depressed than those with normal levels). Another sign, says Brown: Getting sick more often than usual. "Vitamin D is a key player in a healthy immune system," she says.

How much you need: A blood test is the best way to check your vitamin D levels, and the target range is somewhere around 45 to 50 ng/mL; the amount you'll need to supplement depends on how close or not you are to that target. While the official recommendations are 600 IU for those age 1 to 70 and 800 IU for those older than 70, many experts believe that recommendation should be somewhere in the 1,000 IU to 6,000 IU range, so it's important to work with your doctor on finding the right dose for you.

Get more: fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel), beef liver, cheese, egg yolks, and vitamin D-fortified milk and orange juice

Vitamin C

This vitamin does double-duty as an antioxidant: It helps block cell mutations triggered by dangerous free radical molecules; C also aids wound healing, cartilage repair, and the maintenance of strong bones and teeth. Research suggests it's a powerhouse in battling the common cold. Studies show that people who take vitamin C supplements on a regular basis have milder symptoms and shorter colds.

How to tell if you're lacking: First signs tend to be fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and easy bruising; dry skin, swollen or discolored gums, and poor wound healing can also clue you in to a lack of C. Chronic deficiency (that lasts three months or more) can lead to an illness called scurvy, which can cause lethargy and in advanced cases, jaundice and fever.

How much you need: Women need 75 milligrams a day; men need 90 milligrams.

Get more: citrus fruits, cantaloupe, kiwi, mango, papaya, pineapple, berries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, and winter squash.

Vitamin B12

Like B6 and other B vitamins, B12 plays an important role in keeping the metabolism humming. It's also crucial in the formation of red blood cells and DNA, says Brown, as well as supporting the health of the central nervous system.

How to tell if you're lacking: Studies have shown that not enough vitamin B12 can lead to mental disorders such as depression and anxiety, muscle weakness or stiffness, incontinence, low blood pressure, and vision problems. Also, if you're a vegetarian or vegan (or have simply scaled back on the amount of animal products you eat for health reasons), there's a greater chance you'll be deficient thanks to the fact that, like vitamin B6, most food-based sources of B12 come from animal products.

How much you need: Those 14 years old and up need 2.4 micrograms a day; pregnant women need 2.6 micrograms daily and breastfeeding women need 2.8 micrograms a day.

Get more: organ meats, shellfish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and other dairy foods, some fortified breakfast cereals and nutritional yeasts

As we have seen, these vitamins are very essential to the function of the body. But our body lack these vitamins on regular basis, therefore we should replenish ASAP before they are completely used.

MY HEALTH TIPS: Cheap Sources of Available Proteins

2015-04-28T11:01:00.001-07:00

MY HEALTH TIPS: Cheap Sources of Available Proteins: P roteins are the building blocks of life. Every cell in the human body contains protein. The basic structure of protein is a chain of...

Cheap Sources of Available Proteins

2015-04-28T10:54:00.003-07:00

Proteins are the building blocks of life. Every cell in the human body contains protein. The basic structure of protein is a chain of amino acids.

You need protein in your diet to help your body repair cells and make new ones. Protein is also important for growth and development in children, teens, and pregnant women. Protein foods are broken down into parts called amino acids during digestion. The human body needs a number of amino acids in large enough amounts to maintain good health.

Amino acids are found in animal sources such as meats, milk, fish, and eggs. They are also found in plant sources such as soy, beans, legumes, nut butters, and some grains (such as wheat germ and quinoa). You do not need to eat animal products to get all the protein you need in your diet. Some of the best sources of protein include:

Eggs

Eggs are Loaded with high-quality protein and cheap, eggs certainly deserve mentioning. Just one egg provides 6 grams of protein (11% of the daily value). The composition of vital amino acids, branched chain amino acids and glutamic acid make egg protein the ultimate source for helping your muscles recover after a workout.

Canned Tuna

If you still want your meat, (and its high protein content) but can’t afford the stuff behind the seafood or meat counter, here’s your best option. A single, five-ounce can of tuna yields almost 30 grams of protein. However, studies have shown that mercury found in tuna can be harmful to your health. According to the

FDA you can safely eat 5.6 ounces of Albacore tuna per week and 16.4 ounces of light tuna.

Whey

Perhaps the most cost-effective method to increase protein in your diet, whey provides the body with the ideal amino acid profile for muscle building, strength and recovery. Because whey is also fast digesting, it’s well suited as a post-workout nutrition source when your body needs a quick fix of protein. However, because whey protein is isolated from whey, it contains lactose–the natural sugar found in dairy products. If you are lactose intolerant, your body will likely be unable to metabolize the lactose and show signs of allergies.

Soya Bean

Soya bean is the richest plant source of protein. It contains 43 percent protein as compared to other legumes which contain 20 to 25 percent protein. Soy protein is also of the highest quality amongst all legumes.

“Soy protein” refers to the protein found in soybeans. As animal protein contains all the essential amino acids, lacking in pulse protein, soy is often used to replace the animal proteins in an individual's diet. Soybean is the only vegetable food that contains all eight essential amino acids. Soyabeans are processed to various soya products namely soy flour, soy milk, cottage cheese like tofu, fermented products like tempeh and miso etc.

Beans

Everyone knows beans are typically low in cost and high in nutritious fiber, but they’re also loaded with protein. Depending on the type of bean, protein amounts range from about 15 to 25 grams per cup. So chose the ones you like and go to town. One pitfall, if you’ve ever seen the movie Blazing Saddles, or have been in a poorly ventilated room with a bunch of guys after a barbecue, you know the potent effect beans can have on the digestive system.

Plain Yogurt

With twice as much protein as regular yogurt, this European version is the smarter choice. While one eight-ounce cup of plain, low-fat yogurt will get you 11 grams of protein, the same size Greek yogurt will give you about 20 grams of protein. Plus it’s richer, fattier (the good fat), more nutritious and lower in sugar.

Tempeh

Tempeh is the most nutritious of all soy products. Just 4 ounces of this fermented food provides 41% of the daily value for protein and only 3.7 grams of saturated fat. As an added advantage, the soy protein in tempeh tends to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Groundnut or Peanuts

Protein, fats, and fiber are the major components that make up peanuts or groundnuts. Peanuts or groundnuts have been recognized as a protein source and the protein in peanut or groundnuts is plant-based. A one-ounce serving, about a handful, is considered an excellent source of protein by the Food and Drug Administration and provides 7 grams to your diet. Peanuts are actually a legume and have more protein than any other nut with levels comparable to or better than a serving of beans. Since the protein in peanuts is plant-based, it carries with it additional components that have positive health benefits like fiber and unique bioactives, unlike animal protein. Peanuts are high in arginine, and amino acid, which is one of the building blocks of protein. This amino acid is a precursor to nitric oxide, a compound that expands your blood vessels. It has been thought to help in decreasing blood pressure and is easy to obtain anywhere.

WRINKLE: Causes and Treatment Option

2015-03-18T11:35:00.000-07:00

Wrinkles are creases, folds or ridges in the skin. Most commonly, wrinkles appear as we get older. However, they may develop after our skin has been immersed in water for a long time. The first wrinkles to appear on our face tend to occur as a result of facial expressions. Sun damage, smoking, dehydration, some medications, as well as a number of other factors may also cause wrinkles to develop.

Wrinkles are an inevitable part of the natural aging process. As we become older our skin gets thinner, drier and less elastic. Our skin's ability to protect itself from damage is also reduced as we age. Eventually, wrinkles, creases and lines form on our skin. Apart from the factors mentioned above, a person's genetic makeup also influences how wrinkly we become, and when and where wrinkles start appearing.

Sure, some wrinkles are inevitable, but experts say you can reduce the number of fine lines you develop over time by scaling back on these regular habits:

Most wrinkles tend to appear in the parts of the body which receive the most sun exposure, including the:
    1. Backs of hands
    2. Face
    3. Neck
    4. Tops of forearms.

There are two main types of wrinkles:
    1. Surface lines
    2. Deep furrows.

Main Factors that Cause Wrinkles

Apart from the normal aging process, the following factors are known to promote the development of wrinkles:

1. Smoking:

Experts say that the link between regular smoking and the accelerated aging of skin is due to a reduced blood supply to the skin.

2. Light Skin / Exposure to UV (ultraviolet light):

People with light skin tend to experience a higher level of sun damage, which usually accelerates the development of wrinkles. Also, apart from those mentioned above who have jobs that expose them to more sunlight, people who spend considerable time out in the sun during their leisure hours are more likely to develop wrinkles earlier.

3. Genetic Factors:

If your parents developed wrinkles earlier than other people, your chances of also doing so are significantly higher than somebody whose parents developed wrinkles later than others.

4. Hair

Some hairstyles provide more shade for the face than others.

5. Clothes / Attires

People who tend to wear hats and long sleeves usually develop wrinkles later in life compared to other people of the same skin type.

6. Facial expressions

People who repeatedly smile, frown, or squint will develop fine lines and wrinkles earlier than other who do not do these facial expressions so often. According to the Mayo Clinic, each time we use a facial muscle a groove forms under the surface of the skin. When you are young the skin springs back, but as it gets older and loses its flexibility springing back becomes harder and less frequent, resulting in more permanent grooves.

7. Drinking Through A Straw

Frequently sipping of drinks through a straw can cause wrinkles to form around your mouth. This occurs When you drink through a straw, you end up pursing your lips. This repetitive muscle motion breaks down the collagen around your mouth, creating permanent creases in your skin.

8. Cranking Up The Heat Or Air Conditioner

It makes sense to turn up the heat in your place when it’s cold out, and the air conditioning when it’s hot. Unfortunately, central air can severely dry out your skin, leading to premature aging and wrinkles around your eyes and face.

9. Chewing Gum

Chewing gum requires an excessive amount of muscle activity in the cheeks. When that muscle activity is done repeatedly, it breaks down your skin’s collagen, causing wrinkles around your lips and cheeks. If you chew gum for fresh breath, try carrying a travel-size bottle of mouthwash in your bag instead and using it as needed.

10. Resting Your Face In Your Hands

Frequently rest your face in your hands? It might be time to stop. Propping your face up in your hands can
create wrinkles in that exact spot. The action actually breaks down the collagen and elastic tissue by the pressure

11. Sleeping On Your Side

According to research, 41 percent of people sleep in the fetal position, and women are twice as likely as men to snooze in this position. But sleeping on your side can cause wrinkles between the breasts.

12. Eating Too Much Refined Sugar

Refined sugar isn’t just bad for your health — it’s bad for your skin, too. Eating too much sugar causes glycation, a process that occurs when your body has excessive amount of sugar. This affects the normal function of your cells as the excess sugar molecules join together with protein molecules to create products that are foreign to your body, also known as advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Theses AGEs affect collagen and elastin, causing them to break down. As a result, wrinkles and lines form on your face. The bottom line: It’s best to skip the refined sugar whenever possible.

Treatment Options for Wrinkles?

Getting rid of wrinkles or taking steps to postpone their development are nearly always optional measures, because wrinkles are not usually considered as medical conditions or diseases - they are not generally life-threatening or harmful to physical health. It is important for the individual to bear this in mind when considering treatment options.

1. Medications

Topical Retinoids - these are said to help reduce fine wrinkles, some pigmentations and skin roughness. Topical renitoids are derived from vitamin A. As this medication can make the skin more susceptible to burning from sunlight exposure, the patient needs to use it with a skin-care program to protect the skin. Topical retinoids may sometimes cause dryness, itching, a burning sensation, a tingling sensation and redness.

OTC (Over the Counter, no prescription required) wrinkle creams - the effectiveness of OTC wrinkle creams varies considerably, and depends mainly on what its active ingredient is.

Slight to modest results may sometimes be obtained from retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, kinetin, coenzyme Q10, copper peptides and antioxidants. The active ingredient concentration in an OTC wrinkle cream will be significantly lower than a prescription one. In most cases if any results are noticed, they do not usually last long.

2. Surgery and Other Medical Procedures

Dermabrasion - a surgical procedure involving the controlled wearing away (abrasion) of the upper layers of skin with sandpaper or some other mechanical means. Dermabrasion is used for the removal of fine wrinkles, tattoos, nevi (moles), and scars (such as acne ones). There will be some scabbing, swelling and redness, which generally go away after a couple of weeks. The pinkness may take several months to fade. Desired results are not immediate and may take several months too.

Microdermabrasion - a powerful vacuum is used to spray microcrystals of aluminum oxide across the surface of the skin. The procedure removes the outermost layers of skin cells - part of the stratum corneum - as well as stimulating cell growth in the underlying dermis. Microdermabrasion is said to help give a fresher and smoother appearance to the skin, as well as diminishing the appearance of lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores, coarse skin, and sun damage. The patient may have slight redness in the areas of treated skin. Repeated treatments are required because results are temporary.

Laser, Light Source and Radio-frequency - in wounding (ablative) laser resurfacing, the epidermis (the outer layer of skin) is destroyed by a laser beam, while the dermis (underlying skin) is heated up - this stimulates the development of new collagen fibers. When the wound heals, new smoother and tighter skin is formed. Ablative laser resurfacing can take several months to heal up. Newer therapies using laser technology may result in faster healing times. Non-ablative lasers, radiofrequency devices and pulsed light sources do not damage the epidermis - the dermis is heated, triggering the formation of new collagen and elastin. The skin feels firmer and appears refreshed after several treatments, resulting in faster recovery times; while at the same time more treatments are required and results are subtler.

Botox - (Botulinum Toxin Type A) - Botox blocks the chemical signals that cause muscles to contract. It is injected in small doses into targeted muscles. If the muscles can no longer tighten the skin flattens, giving a less wrinkled and smoother appearance. Botox is effective for lines on the forehead and between the eyes (frown lines), as well as crow's feet (around the corners of the eyes). As treatments generally last about three to four months, repeated injections are required.

Chemical Peel - a chemical solution is applied to wrinkly areas, causing dead skin to slough off and eventually peel off, hence the name. The regenerated skin is generally smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. Some types of chemical peels can be bought and administered without a medical license. However, patients are advised have a medical health care professional perform the treatment.

Face Lift - also known as a rhytidectomy, this is a type of cosmetic surgery aimed at giving a more youthful appearance. A rhytidectomy usually involves removal of excess facial skin and fat, with or without tightening of underlying tissues. The skin of the patient's face and/or neck is redraped. According to the Mayo Clinic, USA, treatments usually last from 5 to 10 years. Healing times may be lengthy and the patient will experience bruising and swelling for a few weeks after surgery.

Soft Tissue Fillers - these may include collagen, hyaluronic acid, or fat. They are injected into deeper face wrinkles, plumping and smoothing them out, giving the skin more volume. Patients may sometimes experience swelling, redness and bruising in the treated areas for a short period. As with Botox treatment, for lasting results the treatments will need to be repeated every few months.

How good the results are depend on several factors, including where the wrinkles are, as well as their depth. There is no current treatment that can stop the ageing process.

3. Preventing Wrinkles and Lines

There is nothing we can do to stop the ageing process; eventually everybody will have wrinkles and lines, which become more prominent over time. However, the following steps may help slow the process down:

The Skin and Sunlight - the more the skin is exposed to the sun the faster it will age. Protecting your skin by wearing hats, protective clothing and sun screens will reduce sunlight damage, and consequent developing of wrinkles. Remember that sunlight is a vital source of vitamin D for humans. A growing number of experts today are recommending a healthy balance of some sunlight skin exposure, while at the same time avoiding excess.

Moisturizers - these will not prevent the wrinkling process, but may help temporarily make tiny lines and creases less evident.

Smoking - smoking accelerates the ageing of skin. Even if you have been a long-term heavy smoker, giving up will help slow down the current ageing rate of your skin.

Sleep - although this has not been extensively clinically proven, many experts say that people who get at least 7 hours good quality sleep each day will over the long-term enjoy better physical and mental health, as well as protecting the quality of their skin.

References

https://www.yahoo.com/health/7-ways-youre-giving-yourself-wrinkles-without-113796243147.html

Nordqvist, C. (2009). "What are wrinkles? What causes wrinkles?." Medical News Today. Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/174852.php

COFFEE: Benefits and Side Effects

2015-03-18T10:18:00.000-07:00

Coffee is a brewed drink with a distinct aroma and flavor, prepared from roasted coffee beans, the seeds found inside "berries" of the Coffea plant. Coffee is slightly acidic (pH 5.0–5.1) and can have a stimulating effect on humans because of its caffeine content. Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world. It can be prepared and presented in a variety of ways. The effect of coffee on human health has been a subject of many studies; however, results have varied in terms of coffee's relative benefit.

Coffee is actually very healthy. It is loaded with antioxidants and beneficial nutrients that can improve your health. Studies show that coffee drinkers have a much lower risk of several serious diseases. Coffee may sport lots of health benefits, but when drinkers take it too far, they may be putting themselves at risk for these known and lesser-known effects.

Caffeine, the most widely consumed psychoactive substance in the world, is the best known ingredient of coffee. Its beneficial effects on the human body has been researched quite well, but coffee as a whole is a complex beverage with a thousand different substances.

Research on coffee and it's Benefits and Side Effects for humans is nowhere near finished, but here is a list of what can be ascribed at the moment:

Benefits of Drinking Coffee

1. Coffee Can Improve Energy Levels and Make You Smarter

Coffee can help people feel less tired and increase energy levels. This is because it contains a stimulant called caffeine, this caffeine is absorbed into the bloodstream. From there, it travels into the brain.

Coffee’s effects on the brain are actually quite profound, in the brain, caffeine blocks an inhibitory neurotransmitter called Adenosine. When that happens, the amount of other neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine actually increases, leading to enhanced firing of neurons. Many controlled trials in humans show that coffee improves various aspects of brain function. This includes memory, mood, vigilance, energy levels, reaction times and general cognitive function.

2. Coffee Can Help You Burn Fat

Caffeine which is found in coffee is one of the very few natural substances that have actually been proven to aid fat burning. Several studies show that caffeine can boost the metabolic rate by 3-11%. Other studies show that caffeine can specifically increase the burning of fat, by as much as 10% in obese individuals and 29% in lean people. However, it is possible that these effects will diminish in long-term coffee drinkers. The Bottom Line is that, several studies show that caffeine can increase fat burning in the body and boost the metabolic rate.

3. The Caffeine Can Drastically Improve Physical Performance

Caffeine stimulates the nervous system, causing it to send signals to the fat cells to break down body fat, it also increases Epinephrine (Adrenaline) levels in the blood. Adrenaline This is the “fight or flight” hormone, designed to make our bodies ready for intense physical exertion.

Caffeine makes the fat cells break down body fat, releasing them into the blood as free fatty acids and making them available as fuel. Given these effects, it is not surprising to see that caffeine can improve physical performance by 11-12%, on average. Because of this, it makes sense to have a strong cup of coffee about a half an hour before you head to the gym. It also leads to significant improvements in physical performance.

4. There Are Essential Nutrients in Coffee

Coffee is more than just black water. Many of the nutrients in the coffee beans do make it into the final drink.
A single cup of coffee contains the following:

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): 11% of the RDA.
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5): 6% of the RDA.
Manganese and Potassium: 3% of the RDA.
Magnesium and Niacin (B3): 2% of the RDA.

Although it may not seem like a big deal, But most people are drinking more than one cup per day. If you drink 3-4, then these amounts quickly add up.

5. Coffee May Lower Your Risk of Type II Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes is a gigantic health problem, currently afflicting about 300 million people worldwide. It is always characterized by elevated blood sugars in the context of insulin resistance or an inability to secrete insulin. For some reason, coffee drinkers have a significantly reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The studies show that people who drink the most coffee have a 23-50% lower risk of getting this disease, one study showing a reduction as high as 67%. According to a massive review that looked at data from 18 studies with a total of 457,922 individuals, each daily cup of coffee was associated with a 7% reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

6. Coffee May Protect You From Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease and the leading cause of dementia worldwide. This disease usually affects people over 65 years of age. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s. However, there are several things you can do to prevent the disease from showing up in the first place. This includes the usual suspects like eating healthy and exercising, but drinking coffee may be incredibly effective as well. Several studies show that coffee drinkers have up to a 65% lower risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease.

7. Caffeine May Lower The Risk of Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, right after Alzheimer’s. It is caused by death of dopamine-generating neurons in the brain. This is the Same as with Alzheimer’s, there is no known cure, which makes it that much more important to focus on prevention.

In studies, coffee drinkers have a much lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, with a reduction in risk ranging from 32-60%. In this case, it appears to be the caffeine itself that is causing the effect. People who drink decaf don’t have a lower risk of Parkinson’s.

8. Coffee Appears to Have Protective Effects on The Liver

The liver is an amazing organ that carries out hundreds of important functions in the body. Several common diseases primarily affect the liver, including hepatitis, fatty liver disease and others. Many of these diseases can lead to a condition called cirrhosis, in which the liver has been largely replaced by scar tissue. It turns out that coffee may protect against cirrhosis. People who drink 4 or more cups per day have up to an 80% lower risk. Coffee drinkers have a much lower risk of developing cirrhosis, which can be caused by several diseases that affect the liver.

9. Coffee Can Fight Depression and Make You Happier

Depression is a serious mental disorder that causes a significantly reduced quality of life. It is incredibly common and about 4.1% of people in the U.S. currently meet the criteria for clinical depression. In a Harvard study published in 2011, women who drank 4 or more cups per day had a 20% lower risk of becoming depressed.

Another study with 208,424 individuals found that those who drank 4 or more cups per day were 53% less likely to commit suicide. According to studies, coffee appears to lower the risk of developing depression and may dramatically reduce the risk of suicide.

10. Coffee Drinkers Have a Lower Risk of Some Types of Cancer

Cancer is one of the world’s leading causes of death and is characterized by uncontrolled growth of cells in the body. Coffee appears to be protective against two types of cancer which includes: liver cancer and colorectal cancer.

Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the world, while colorectal cancer ranks fourth. Studies have also shown that coffee drinkers have up to a 40% lower risk of liver cancer. One study of 489,706 individuals found that those who drank 4-5 cups of coffee per day had a 15% lower risk of colorectal cancer.

11. Coffee Does Not Cause Heart Disease and May Lower The Risk of Stroke

It is often claimed that caffeine can increase blood pressure. This is true, but the effect is small (3-4 mm/Hg) and usually goes away if you drink coffee regularly. However, the effect may persist in some people, so keep that in mind if you have elevated blood pressure.

That being said, the studies do NOT support the myth that coffee raises the risk of heart disease. In fact, there is some evidence that women who drink coffee have a reduced risk of heart disease. Some studies also show that coffee drinkers have a 20% lower risk of stroke.

12. Coffee May Help You Live Longer

Given that coffee drinkers are less likely to get many diseases, it makes sense that coffee could help you live longer. There are actually several observational studies showing that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of death. In two very large studies, drinking coffee was associated with a 20% lower risk of death in men and a 26% lower risk of death in women, over a period of 18-24 years.

This effect appears to be particularly strong in type II diabetics. In one study, diabetics who drank coffee had a 30% lower risk of death during a 20 year study period.

13. Coffee is The Biggest Source of Antioxidants in The Western Diet

For people who eat a standard Western diet, coffee may actually be the healthiest aspect of the diet. That’s because coffee contains a massive amount of antioxidants. In fact, studies show that most people get more antioxidants from coffee than both fruits and vegetables combined. Finally on benefits, coffee is one of the healthiest beverages on the planet. Period.

Side Effects and Risks of Coffee

There are several but few side effects of consuming coffee. Some just as explained by researches includes:

Drinking

1. Bad Coffee can be Toxic:

Bad quality coffee can have a lot of impurities in it, which can cause sickness, headache or a general bad feeling. This can happen if your coffee is made from beans that have been over ripped or otherwise ruined. Even one ruined bean can make your cup toxic. If you invest and buy high quality, speciality coffee you don’t have to worry about this. This article will help you tell the difference between the two.

2. Coffee can Lead to Death:

Note if 80-100 (23 litres Appx.)cups of coffee is consumed in a short session. This dose is lethal and will amount in 10-13 grams of caffeine within your body. Before you reach this point, however, you'll be vomiting most of it out since 23 litres of any liquid is a lot. Even drinking 23 litres of water can kill you.

3. Coffee can Cause Insomnia and Restlessness:

Again, it's the caffeine that works here. Your recommended maximum amount of caffeine is 400 milligrams, roughly the amount that you’ll get from 4 cups of coffee. If you’re caffeine-sensitive, be careful with coffee. You are probably already aware what amount and what kind of coffee suits, or doesn't suit you. The amount of caffeine that is safe for human consumption is actually written in our DNA.

4. Coffee Has Effect on Pregnant Women

Studies on coffee's effect on a fetus have been controversial, but one thing is sure: if you drink coffee when pregnant, caffeine will also reach the fetus, and your baby is highly sensitive to caffeine. So, if you’re a heavyweight coffee drinker and can’t stop drinking it while pregnant, at least reduce your coffee intake to one cup a day. Caffeine during pregnancy first trimester is certainly harmful for your baby. Studies also suggest that the weight of your baby may get reduced due to the intake of coffee every day while pregnant.

Caffeine increases the gestation period thereby making pregnancy period to be a longer one if you are addicted to coffee. Still on pregnancy, studies suggest that caffeine can create certain long-term health problems for your baby. If you care for the health of your baby, cut your intake soon.

5. Increase in Cholesterol:

Coffee beans contain cafestol and kahweol, two ingredients that appear to raise LDL cholesterol levels. Filtering the coffee traps most of the LDL, but cafestol and kahweol are found in espresso, Turkish coffee, french press and Scandinavian style “cooked coffee”. The intake of LDL from a cup of espresso is still so small, that for people with normal cholesterol levels, won't be at risk. There are also some studies at preliminary stages of diagnosis that have found marks that cafestol and kahweol may have some beneficial anti-cancer effects, and be good for your liver.

6. Increase in Bed-wetting:

One survey reported that caffeine consumption of 5-7 year old kids may increase enuresis a.k.a. bed-wetting.

7. Sleep Interference:

Coffee can interfere with your sleep patterns. You might become restless and lack of sleep can affect your health too. This is one of the effects of caffeine during pregnancy.

8. Iron Absorption:

Do you know the fact that excessive intake of caffeine can also interfere with the absorption of iron in your body? If you are pregnant, then you must ensure that your body absorbs iron well.

9. Dehydration:

Caffeine can also dehydrate you as you have to urinate more often when you consume coffee.

It’s pertinent to keep in mind that many of the studies in the article above are observational studies, which can not prove that coffee caused the beneficial effects. But given the facts that the effects are strong and consistent among studies, it is a fairly strong indicator that coffee does in fact play a role. Despite having been criticized in the past, the evidence points to coffee being very health, at least for some people.

Finally, If you have high cholesterol or you are caffeine sensitive, pregnant or a child (or a parent of one), you should pay little attention to coffee drinking.

For others, reasonable amounts (1-6 cups a day) coffee can be good for you. It can prevent serious diseases, boost your mind and muscles, and even help you with weight loss. Remember, as long as you drink toxin free, specialty coffee and brew it with care, you can and should be enjoying it knowing it's good for you. If you took the time to read this whole article (Stay Blessed and Thanks!), please endeavor to share it so your friends will get it right, too.

References

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/coffee/

http://authoritynutrition.com/why-is-coffee-good-for-you/

http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-02/why-coffee-good-you-here-are-7-reasons

http://time.com/3145435/is-coffee-bad-for-you/

http://www.nurturepod.com/uncategorized/coffee-10-shocking-reasons-why-its-soooo-bad-for-you/

http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Health_Letter/2012/January/what-is-it-about-coffee

http://authoritynutrition.com/why-is-coffee-good-for-you/

http://www.boldsky.com/pregnancy-parenting/prenatal/2015/effects-of-caffeine-during-pregnancy-060863.html

Lemon Water: Importance/Benefits

2015-02-22T17:08:00.000-08:00

Lemons are packed with nutrients, including vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and fiber.

Because of how hard lemon juice can be on the enamel of your teeth, it’s important to dilute it with water of any temperature (though lukewarm is recommended). Drink it first thing in the morning, and wait 15 to 30 minutes to have breakfast. This will help you fully receive the benefits of lemon water.

The acid in lemon juice “works with the body to nourish and to enhance proper function. By drinking lemon water, you’re giving your body more time to take in and process the nutrients in the foods you eat afterward. This slow absorption is good for two reasons: It conserves the stores of insulin in your body (insulin is important in regulating the amount of glucose in the blood), and also helps your body get more out of the food you eat. Plus, quick absorption of certain “stripped” carbs — such as white flour, corn starch, and corn syrup — can be a digestive nightmare.

Aside from aiding digestion, there are other benefits to lemon juice itself. “It’s a good way to consume vitamin C without the higher levels of sugar that may be found in other citrus fruits, like oranges. And if you’re used to swigging a glass of OJ with your first meal of the day, try swapping in lemon water instead. It provides that same tangy jolt, without the crash that comes from downing a fiber-less juice.

Also, While lemon water may be good for digestion, it can do a little damage en route to your belly. “By adding [acidic] lemon to water, you are increasing your risk of eroding the enamel away, which can cause issues over time, “Once enamel is eroded away, it can’t be replaced.” (Dentist Matthew Messina, DDS)

Some of the Benefits of Lemon Water are as follows below:

Gives your immune system a boost.
Excellent source of potassium, which is good for heart health, as well as brain and nerve function.
Cleanses your system by flushing out the toxins in your body by enhancing enzyme function, stimulating your liver.
Freshens your breath,Because the citric acid can erode tooth enamel, either hold off on brushing your teeth after drinking lemon water or brush your teeth before drinking it.
Keeps your skin blemish-free because the antioxidants in lemon juice help to not only decrease blemishes, but wrinkles too! It can also be applied to scars and age spots to reduce their appearance, and because it’s detoxifying your blood, it will maintain your skin’s radiance.
Helps you lose weight,by using the pectin fiber present in it in fighting hunger cravings.
Reduces inflammation, by decreasing the acidity in your body, which is where disease states occur. It removes uric acid in your joints, which is one of the main causes of inflammation
Gives you an energy boost when it enters your digestive tract, and it also helps reduce anxiety and depression.
Helps to cut out caffeine on daily basis.
Helps fight viral infections, Warm lemon water is the most effective way to diminish viral infections and their subsequent sore throats. Plus, with the lemon juice also boosting your immune system, you’ll simultaneously fight off the infection completely.

There are sound health reasons to imbibe lemon water, especially if you typically have a finicky digestive system. But it’s wise to take a few extra steps to save your smile:

“Drink it as part of a meal, not by itself, to help stimulate saliva production,” Messina advises. Saliva “washes harmful acids and food particles away from teeth and helps neutralize acid, protecting teeth from decay.”
If you want to drink warm lemon water first thing in the morning, try waiting until it cools a bit, and then use a straw. This “may help to push the liquid past teeth,” Messina says.
Drink lemon water before brushing your teeth, so the acid isn’t hitting enamel directly (morning tooth scuzz has purpose!). Then, “it’s best to wait a little while to brush your teeth, approximately 30 to 60 minutes.

Warning Signs of Cancer

2015-02-09T04:25:00.003-08:00

"One in two people will develop cancer over the course of their lives, according to a new report from Cancer Research UK."

This number is creeping higher than past estimates, which have often cited a one-in-three figure. According to the new study published in the British Journal of Cancer, the odds of getting cancer over the course of one’s life jumped from 38.5 percent for men born in 1930 to 53.5 percent for men born in 1960. The hike was from 36.7 percent

to 47.5 percent in women.

According to the American Cancer Society, the United States has very similar figures. Although health care is actually improving — in the UK, for instance, researchers note the cancer survival rate has doubled over the past 40 years — there’s an uptick in disease incidence because of the aging population.

“Cancer is primarily a disease of old age, with more than 60 percent of all cases diagnosed in people aged over 65,” says study author Peter Sesieni, a professor of Biostatistics & Cancer Epidemiology and Deputy Director of the Centre for Cancer Prevention at Queen Mary University of London, in a statement. “If people live long enough then most will get cancer at some point.”

This, the researchers say, is why education on cancer prevention is so necessary. “There’s a lot we can do to make it less likely — like giving up smoking, being more active, drinking less alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight,” Sesieni says. “If we want to reduce the risk of developing the disease we must redouble our efforts and take action now to better prevent the disease for future generations.”

Most experts also agree that spotting the disease early gives a person the best chance of beating it. However, many blow off symptoms as bodily quirks — and some may well be, but it’s best to talk to a doctor if there’s an unexplained issue.

According to Cancer Research UK, which conducted the latest study, these are the most common signs of cancer:

Signs of cancer for men and women:

An unusual lump or swelling anywhere on your body
A change in the size, shape or colour of a mole
A sore that won’t heal after several weeks
A mouth or tongue ulcer that lasts longer than three weeks
A cough or croaky voice that lasts longer than three weeks
Persistent difficulty swallowing or indigestion
Problems passing urine
Blood in your urine
Blood in your bowel motions
A change to more frequent bowel motions that lasts longer than four to six weeks
Unexplained weight loss or heavy night sweats
An unexplained pain or ache that lasts longer than four weeks
Breathlessness
Coughing up blood

Signs of cancer for women:

An unusual breast change
Bleeding from the vagina after the menopause or between periods
Persistent bloating

Now, remember: This news should not cause mass panic, according to the UK’s Chief Medical Officer Dame Sally Davies. People are living longer, which is why we’re seeing more cancer. “Cancer survival rates have improved to record levels in this country and we are working to raise awareness of cancer symptoms so it can be diagnosed earlier, improving cancer outcomes,” she says in the press release. “Leading a healthy lifestyle is easily the most effective thing you can do to reduce your risk, this means being active, quitting smoking, drinking less alcohol, and having a balanced diet.”

Original Post Found Here:
https://www.yahoo.com/health/17-red-flag-signs-of-cancer-110161560812.html

The Health Benefits of Tomatoes

2015-01-17T21:25:00.000-08:00

Tomatoes contain the antioxidant lycopene.

Whether you love sliced beef tomatoes, drizzled with olive oil, or tomato sauce on your linguine pasta – eating tomatoes regularly is good for your heath, as well as your palate.

Here we look at the different health benefits of tomatoes.

Wonder fruit?

Tomatoes are native to South America, but they have been grown and enjoyed in Europe for hundreds of years.

Recently, they have been linked to all kinds of health benefits. One US study found that eating tomatoes regularly could reduce the risk of men getting prostate cancer. The glossy red fruits (which actually come in all kinds of colours, including yellow and deep purple) are packed full of vitamins – including vitamins A, C and E.

They also contain flavonoids (natural anti-inflammatories), potassium and other mineral salts.

Tomatoes contain a high volume of water, and they're refreshing in salads on hot days. They're low in calories too, with around 14 kilocalories per 100g – approximately one and a half classic tomatoes, or five to six cherry tomatoes.

Lycopene

Lycopene may help to ward against prostate cancer.

Much of the interest in tomatoes has been due to the antioxidant lycopene – which helps to mop up damaging free radicals in the body that can harm our cells.

In fact, people living in the West get 85 per cent of this nutrient from tomatoes. Lycopene may help to ward against:

And it could boost the skins ability to protect itself against UV rays. Some studies have suggested lycopene may play a role in reducing bad cholesterol.

Lycopene is even one of the main ingredients in new 'beauty pills'. A study carried out by the dermatology department at Charite University, in Berlin, discovered a link between lycopene based supplements and smoother, less-wrinkled skin.

Tomatoes should be eaten whole to get the full healthy effect.

'The important thing to remember is that you need the whole of the tomato to get its goodness,' says Dr Thomas Stuttaford, an expert in prostate cancer and vice-president of Prostate UK. 'Lycopene is best when combined with other bioflavonoids in tomatoes, which make the lycopene much more effective,' he says.

Sian Porter, a dietician at the British Dietetic Association, adds, 'It's important to remember that lycopene has to be taken as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.

'It's not a magic bullet, so you can't drink, smoke and eat saturated fats and say it's OK because I'm eating tomatoes. 'It's best to eat tomatoes as part of a Mediterranean diet, with plenty of fruits and vegetables,' she says.

Which tomatoes?

Ripe, red tomatoes are likely to contain more lycopene than paler, watery ones. This is because it's the lycopene that gives them their colour.

Gerry Hayman, spokesperson for the British Tomato Growers' Association, has investigated the lycopene content in different varieties.

'Slow-ripening, imported types of tomatoes tend to have lower levels of lycopene,' says Gerry Hayman.

'They have been bred for long-life, and this interferes with the ripening process,' he says. 'The important thing is to enjoy tomatoes – especially when you're trying to encourage children to eat them.

'Small tomatoes – such as baby plum tomatoes, cherry tomatoes and the piccolo type – tend to be sweeter. Ferrari, cocktail tomatoes and Jack Hawkins tomatoes are also good for lycopene,' he says.

Cook your tomatoes to boost the healthy effect

Lycopene is found in the cell walls of the tomato.

By cooking it, more lycopene is fully released.

Lycopene is fat soluble, so it helps to cook it in oil, such as olive oil.

'Eating tomato ketchup and pizza topping counts towards lycopene intake,' says Sian Porter.

'Of course that has to be weighed against additives, such as sugar and salt – and it might be better to consume tomato purée,' she says.

Since cooking reduces vitamin C, however, the British Tomato Growers’ Association suggest eating a range of fresh and cooked tomatoes.

Tomato based sauces can be eaten as a soup, added to pasta, stews, bolognese, tomato-based curries, used as a pizza topping or made into a spicy sauce to top falafels or meatballs. Fresh tomatoes can be added to salads, sandwiches or as garnishes to a main meal

'Taste-tastic' recipes

Basic tomato sauce

Start by lightly frying onion and garlic.
Add tomatoes (fresh or tinned), tomato purée, oregano and basil and season.
Cook on a gentle heat until the sauce is deep red and sticks to the back of a spoon.

This can be stored, and often tastes better the next day.
Use as a base for other dishes, such as bolognese, or add chilli for a spicy arrabiata sauce.

For a delicious bruschetta

Chop up ripe, flavoursome fresh tomatoes with garlic, fresh herbs and season.
Brush sliced ciabatta or French bread with olive oil, and toast in the oven.
Top with the tomatoes when done.

Written by

Natasha Mann,

Health Journalist

Original Post Found Here:

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diet-and-nutrition/health-benefits-of-tomatoes.htm#ixzz3P95xyCZR

Is My Penis Too Small?

2015-01-17T11:25:00.004-08:00

Micropenis, Inconspicuous Penis Less Common Than Small Penis Syndrome

Penis Size: What's Normal, What's Not

You might think that as long a man's penis works, he would have no problem with it. You would be wrong.

Penis size is a key element of a man's self-image. Yet when he's not boasting to other men, the average man significantly underestimates the relative size of his penis.

Here's an example: Over a two-year period, 67 men asked an Italian hospital for surgical correction of a small penis. All turned out to have normal-size penises. "A few days ago, I had a patient who spent an hour taking measurements of his penis and thinking it is too small," Gilbert says. "Yet it was normal." That man isn't alone. About 45% of his brethren want a bigger penis. Never mind that 85% of heterosexual women say they are satisfied with their partners' penis parameters.

Many men worry about the size of their erections. Many more worry about how their penis looks when it's limp, studies find. So how can a man know if he's normal, super-sized, or small? Not by his shoe size, a common and disproved myth about estimating penis length. Like so much else in life, direct measurement is the key.

How to Measure a Penis

Men may be surprised to learn that penis length isn't measured on the erect penis. Too many variables are involved.

Instead, the most reliable penis measurement is called SPL -- stretched penis length. The longer a man's SPL, the longer his erect penis length, according to studies done on brave young men who volunteered to have erection-stimulating penis injections.

To learn your SPL, measure the penis while it's flaccid. Press the ruler tight against the pubic bone at the base of the penis. Don't just measure from where the penis separates from the scrotum, or you'll lose precious centimeters. Now gently, but very firmly, stretch the penis as far as it will go. Measure from the pubic bone to the tip of the stretched penis.

Did you get five and a quarter inches? If so, you are exactly normal. Most adult men are within about a half inch of 5.24 inches, according to statistics Palmer has compiled. Nearly all studies of penis length come up with a similar measure.

If you're a little smaller than that, you've got lots of company. Just as many men are below average penis size as above it.

How big is big? According to Palmer's statistics, only 0.6% of men have an SPL of 6.8 inches or more. But too big isn't what men tend to worry about.

Micropenis: When a Penis Really Is Too Small

There is, of course, such a thing as a very small penis. The medical term "micropenis" applies to the 0.6% of men with the smallest penises. According to Palmer's statistics, an SPL of three and two-thirds inches or less indicates a micropenis. Even then, U.S. doctors hesitate to recommend surgery for a man whose SPL is longer than three inches. That's because surgery is controversial and risky.

Micropenis isn't usually something a man discovers when he's an adult. It's usually caused by genetic or hormonal abnormalities that cause other, more serious health problems early in life. That's because the penis starts to develop when a fetus is just 8 weeks old. By week 12, the penis has developed and begins to grow. During the second and third trimesters, male sex hormones cause the penis to grow to normal length. Factors that interfere with hormone production and hormone action stunt penis growth.

When discovered in infancy, micropenis can be treated with testosterone, which can stimulate penis growth in childhood, even after puberty. While the safety and long-term efficacy of this treatment remains to be proved, available data suggest the treatment does not affect normal development during puberty.

For adults with micropenis, the options are few.

"For true micropenis, there is not much you can do that is adequate for the adult patient, except for putting in a penile prosthesis," Gilbert says.

Fortunately, micropenis is a rare condition. Far more common is what Palmer and colleagues call "the constellation of conditions that make the penis look diminutive and small" -- inconspicuous penis.

Inconspicuous Penis: When Size Isn't the Only Issue

"Inconspicuous penis means a penis that is hard to see," Palmer says.

Micropenis -- a truly tiny penile shaft -- is the rarest of the conditions under the umbrella term "inconspicuous penis." Other forms of inconspicuous penis that may have remained untreated until adulthood are webbed penis and buried penis.

"The webbed penis indicates the scrotum has connected to the underside of the penis so it pulls the penis inward," Palmer says. "Usually the penis is at right angles to the scrotum. But in webbed penis, the scrotum is high riding and the separation from the penis is not clear."

Buried penis occurs when the penis is hidden below the skin. This can happen because of excessive belly fat in the front of the abdominal wall droops down to conceal the penis. It can also happen when the connection to the scrotum is absent and the penis withdraws inward toward the pelvis. Another form of buried penis occurs when a too-large foreskin makes the penis look buried.

Webbed penis can be addressed via surgery. Buried penis may require only weight loss, and perhaps liposuction. There are also surgical procedures that can correct the problem.

Small Penis Syndrome

It's been dubbed small penis syndrome: the belief that you aren't a real man because you don't have a big penis. Perhaps one reason men often believe this is that most men have no idea what a normal-size penis looks like. When asked to guess, most guess wrong. About 15% of men just throw up their hands and admit they don't know, one study found.

Another reason is pornography. Palmer tells the story of a teen patient who was in agony over his small penis size. But examination showed he was perfectly normal. It turned out that the boy had been viewing Internet pornography, from which he got a distorted picture of normal male anatomy. And because penis size is such a major part of a man's body image, men suffering from body dysmorphic disorder often focus on the size of their penises.

Body dysmorphic disorder and other psychiatric issues that may underlie small penis syndrome may require professional psychological help. But Palmer and Gilbert say that most men need only reassurance that they really are normal.

"I give the patient a physical and get his personal history and social history," Gilbert says. "If he has no medical problem, I speak positively. I tell him that he has a normal phallus that is no different in function from any other healthy man. I give him confidence."

Palmer notes that the law of averages dictates that some men will have smaller penises than others. This does not make them abnormal. "If a man has perfectly normal penis function, he must reconcile with the fact that his penis is what it is," he says. "You cannot make a short person tall. People have to accommodate to their own anatomy."

Can Surgery Make a Small Penis Larger?

It's hard for a man to open his email without encountering an offer of a drug, device, or surgical procedure that will give him a bigger penis.

Sure, that stuff is just spam. But are there legitimate ways to lengthen a penis? "There isn't much to make the penis larger," Palmer says. "Surgically, there is not much to significantly increase penis size or girth that is not fraught with significant complications."

Procedures known as "augmentative phalloplasty" promise to make a penis wider in girth. And because these procedures add weight to the penis -- by grafting fat from another part of the body -- they make the penis a half-inch or so longer when flaccid.

"Getting a uniformly even expansion of girth is unpredictable and often does not lead to a good outcome," Palmer says. "You have to hope you do not get a lumpy penis. This is not an easy thing to do."

Most men do not know that only about two-thirds of their penis protrudes from their bodies. The other third, held in place with ligaments, provides the leverage for sexual function.

One surgical technique cuts these tendons and allows the penis to protrude another inch or two. Gilbert takes a dim view of the technique, because the penis loses its leverage.

"When surgeons take the inside part of the penis and move it out, the most common outcome is their erection no longer goes up but down," he says. "If a man is unhappy with his penis length, he is going to be unhappy with a penis he has to pick up and insert. I've had men ask me, 'Can you put it back the way it was?'" Gilbert says that because of the high complication rate, malpractice insurance rarely covers penis-lengthening procedures.

All of these procedures are considered "experimental surgery." Severe complications include -- but are not limited to -- penis shortening, a lumpy or uneven appearance, scarring, sexual dysfunction, and curvature of the penis. These complications often cannot be corrected.

Can Devices Make a Small Penis Larger?

Traction devices that stretch the penis may actually add an inch or so to penis length, based on small studies and anecdotal reports. Gilbert says he is following two patients who are using these devices in an effort to make their penises longer.

"These devices have to be worn for several hours a day, for many months," he says. "Most people, even if they are highly motivated, don't have that kind of time. So I'm not sure a lot of patients have the time or energy or perseverance to do that."

Vacuum devices may help men with erectile dysfunction achieve an erection -- but they do not make the penis larger.

Can Regenerative Medicine Make a Small Penis Larger?

However, there is one area of research with intriguing possibilities: regenerative medicine. Scientists have been able to grow animal penises in the laboratory by seeding scaffolds with the animals' own cells. These penises then were successfully transplanted.

Already a group of researchers in Beijing, China, have reported using a similar technique to treat 69 patients with what they called small penis syndrome. In this case, the tissues were grown from the patients' own scrotal skin and grafted to their penises to increase their girth.

"With regenerative medicine, the sky is the limit," Palmer says. "We might have this as an option down the line."

"Regenerative medicine is still not ready for prime time," Gilbert says. "These things have a lot of potential, but nothing we can offer to patients in the near future."

By Daniel J. DeNoon
WebMD Feature

Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD

Original Post Found Here:

www.webmd.com/men/guide/is-my-penis-too-small?

Insomnia - The Symptoms, Affects, and Treatments

2015-01-16T13:37:00.001-08:00

Insomnia - The Symptoms, Affects, and Treatments

Do you lie awake at night spending more time staring at the ceiling than sleeping? You are not alone! Millions of other people are experiencing the same thing all across the world. They wake up in the middle of the night, can't fall back to sleep and rise before dawn.

Forms Of Insomnia

Insomnia comes in many forms, not just in the form of sleeplessness:

Difficulty falling asleep

Having problems staying asleep after falling asleep. Waking up many times

during the night.

Waking up too early.

Not feeling refreshed after waking up.

The Symptoms Of Insomnia

Insomnia can have a serious affect on a person’s daily life style. Symptoms of insomnia can include all of the following:

Feeling sleepy during the day

Having poor or slow judgment

Inability to pay attention to detail

Inability to remember things - even things that happened only minutes before.

Easily irritated by minor things

Types Of Insomnia

Transient Insomnia - a temporary effect that lasts just a few days.

Short-Term Insomnia - lasts for between two to four weeks.

Chronic Insomnia - lasts for a month or longer.

Causes Of Insomnia

There are many causes for insomnia. Below are some of the most common reasons people suffer from insomnia.

Stress - There are many stress management aides available to assist you in reducing your stress.

Noise in the sleeping environment

Extreme temperatures - too hot or too cold

Changes in your surrounding environment

Worrying about not being able to sleep

Excessive napping during the day time

Too much caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol before bedtime. Smoking contributes to many health related problems and you should try to quit smoking..

Tips For Getting A Good Night’s Sleep

Following some of the helpful guidelines below can help you get a better night’s sleep:

Set A Schedule

Go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning. This will help your body get used to a sleeping pattern. "Sleeping in" on the weekends can cause insomnia because it is interrupting the sleep cycle that your body is used to.

Get Some Exercise

Try to get 20 to 30 minutes of exercise no sooner than 6 hours before bedtime- any exercise just before bed may cause you not to sleep that well.

Avoid Caffeine, Nicotine, and Alcohol

Avoid things that contain any caffeine such as coffee, soda pop, teas, and candy. Smokers usually sleep very lightly at night and will wake up at the slightest noise, sometimes not being able to fall back asleep. The same goes for people that drink alcohol just before going to bed.

Do Something Relaxing Before Going To Bed

Doing something that relaxes you before bed is good such as a warm bath, reading a book, or watching your favorite TV show.

Do Not Over Sleep

Be sure to wake up and get out of bed at your normal time frame. Sleeping more hours than you are used to will throw off your sleep cycle and cause sleeping problems. It may cause you to not be tired at night and then go to bed later, thus resulting in sleeping in even later the next morning.

Control Your Room Temperature

Extreme cold or warmth can cause you to sleep poorly. Be sure to maintain a comfortable room temperature that won't aggravate you during the night. If you have a waterbed be sure to set the water temperature at a comfortable temperature as well.

When It Is Time To See A Doctor

If your sleeping problem persists for more than one month then it may be time to visit your family doctor. Your doctor will be able to give you advice for your particular needs and can prescribe stronger sleeping aides that are not available over the counter.

For more information about insomnia treatments please visit eVitamins.

How to Recognize the Warning Signs of Prostate Trouble

2015-01-07T19:49:00.002-08:00

Prostate cancer is the most prevalent male cancer aside from skin cancer. After age 40, an annual prostate exam is highly recommended. A commonplace process of benign enlargement (benign prostate hyperplasia, or BPH) often causes urinary troubles; inflammation or infection of the prostate (prostatitis) is a not infrequent male affliction.

Prostate Cancer Statistics
1. One man in seven will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime, but only 3 percent of men will die of the disease. There are 2.5 million American men diagnosed with prostate cancer who are alive today.
2. In 2014, an estimated 233,000 American men will be diagnosed, and about 30,000 men will die of the disease.
3. The average age at diagnosis is the mid-60s.
4. Although many with low-risk prostate cancer can be managed with observation, those with high-risk disease need more aggressive treatment.
5. The number one cause of death in men with prostate cancer is heart disease, just as it is in the rest of the population.

Lower Urinary-Tract Symptoms (LUTS) That May Indicate Trouble
It is vital to understand that the absence of symptoms is not the absence of disease. In fact, prostate cancer often causes no symptoms in its earliest stages, and clues to its presence are often revealed by a simple prostate exam and PSA blood test.
LUTS are symptoms that can appear because of BPH or adaptive changes in the bladder muscle as a result of the resistance from the BPH. LUTS can run the gamut from urinary incontinence to urinary retention. Between these extremes there are many possibilities, broadly classified into "irritative" and "obstructive" symptoms:

Irritative Symptoms
* frequency -- urinating much more often than normal
* nocturia -- waking to urinate
* urgency -- sudden and strong desire to urinate
* urgency incontinence -- sudden desire to urinate with the inability to get to the bathroom in time

Obstructive Symptoms
* hesitancy -- stream that is slow to start
* weak stream -- stream that lacks force
* narrow caliber stream -- thin stream
* spraying stream -- imprecise, multidirectional, splattering stream
* intermittency -- stream that starts and stops
* straining -- need to use abdominal muscles to urinate
* prolonged emptying time -- excessive voiding time
* incomplete emptying -- sensation of urgency after completing urination
* double voiding -- need to urinate a second time to empty completely

Other Symptoms
* inability to urinate
* blood in the urine or semen
* pain with urination, often indicative of a urinary infection
* bedwetting
* post-void dribbling

Not all men with BPH need to be treated; in fact, many can be observed if the symptoms are tolerable. There are several classes of effective medications for BPH and numerous surgical means of treating BPH.

The Secrets to Prostate Health
Exercise has been shown to lessen one's risk of developing BPH and prostate cancer[2] and in decreasing the death rate of those who do develop prostate cancer.
Exercise in general and pelvic-floor muscle exercises in particular benefit prostate health by increasing pelvic blood flow and minimizing inflammatory chemicals and the tone of the sympathetic nervous system (the part of the nervous system that is stimulated by stress), which can aggravate BPH.
In terms of diet, vegetables are exceptionally anti-inflammatory and consumption of those that are rich in lutein (including kale, spinach, broccoli and peas), those that are rich in beta-carotene (including carrots, sweet potatoes and spinach) and those rich in lycopene (including tomatoes) can lower the risk of BPH.
The bottom line is that a healthy lifestyle, including a heart-healthy diet and exercise program, can lessen one's risk of chronic diseases, including prostate cancer[4].
--Dr. Siegel
Readers -- Do you or anyone you know suffer from prostate issues? Have you experienced any of the symptoms above? Have you gotten your prostate checked? Have you talked to your doctor about how to maintain a healthy prostate? Leave a comment below and let us know. Want more content like this? Sign up for the LIVESTRONG.COM newsletter.

Dr. Andrew Siegel is board-certified in urology and female pelvic medicine/reconstructive surgery and is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at the Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School. He lives in the New York metropolitan area with his wife, children and English Springer Spaniel. He is an avid reader and writer and enjoys tennis, cycling, golf, Pilates and fitness training. He is the author of several books, including Male Pelvic Fitness: Optimizing Sexual and Urinary Health (MalePelvicFitness.com) and the co-creator of the Private Gym pelvic-floor exercise program for men. One of his favorite quotes is: "Genes load the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trigger."
For more information, visit his website and blog.

References
1. JA Antonelli et al. Exercise and Prostate Cancer Risk in a Cohort of Veterans Undergoing Prostate Needle Biopsy. J. Urology Vol. 182, 2226-2231, November 2009
2. J Colli. Can Men Reduce the Risk of Prostate Cancer Through Lifestyle Changes? J. Urology Vol. 182, 2101-2102, November 2009

By DR. ANDREW SIEGEL

Original Post Found Here:
http://www.livestrong.com/blog/recognize-warning-signs-prostate-trouble/

How to Remove Dark Spots From the Face Naturally

2015-01-07T19:42:00.000-08:00

How to Remove Dark Spots From the Face Naturally Photo Credit Diane Shear/Demand Media

You do not have to hide dark spots on your face with heavy makeup or subject your delicate skin to harsh chemical peels or laser treatments to remove annoying marks. Whether they are age-related "liver spots" or stubborn acne and insect bite scars, nature's warehouse holds effective options for removing most dark spots from your face. For starters, you only need to look in your kitchen or the grocery. Always check with a health professional about face spots that do not respond to simple home remedies.