1st Mens Health

Viagra once described as the wonder drug for many men suffering from erectile dysfunction. Viagra has been used by more than 30 million men worldwide to treat erectile dysfunction. However, Viagra has been found to help in the treatment of more than a dozen diseases and health problem. Researchers have determined that Viagra may be just as versatile as Aspirin. Viagra was the first effective oral therapy available to men with erectile dysfunction. Prior to the release of Viagra, the typical therapies available were injections and vacuum erection devices. The nerves or blood vessels in men who suffer from erectile dysfunction do not work properly. Viagra works by increasing the blood flow to the penis. Viagra may combat impotence resulting from a wide variety of causes. Causes may include, but are not limited to psychological problems, aging, and diabetes, side effects from other drugs, depression, and kidney failure.

Viagra may also help to speed up recovery from jet lag. Viagra helps boost the enzyme call cGMP by stopping it from being broken down by another enzyme. In short, Viagra has been shown to speed up the time it takes the body clock to adapt to jet lag. Viagra has also been shown to help patients suffering from stroke. Doctors believe that if given within three days of a stroke, Viagra could help both men and women regain and improvement movement, speech, and thinking.

Doctors have also been using Viagra in trials with pregnant women as a therapy for intrauterine growth restrictions. This is when the fetus is smaller than expected for the duration of the pregnancy. Viagra is thought to increase blood supply to the womb and placenta so more nutrients and oxygen are able to get through to the fetus. This will help the fetus to continue growing in the womb so it is not born prematurely as it may have otherwise been. Viagra has also been found to protect against some degeneration caused by multiple sclerosis. Viagra studies also indicate that its usage may also boost memory and learning skills. One theory is that Viagra triggers increased blood flow and improved glucose processing in the brain.

Research has also suggested that Viagra improves the ability of patients with heart failure to exercise. The consensus is that Viagra increases oxygen uptake, reduced pressure in the arteries, and improved lung capacity. The drug does this by increasing the levels of nitric oxide. Viagra has also been shown to have incredible potential for the treatment of pain in both animals and humans. The drug has also helped diabetic patients tremendously, as it helps to improve glucose control. Viagra studies have indicated that it was able to lower levels of compounds associated with heart disease in patients with type-2 diabetes. Amazingly enough, Viagra has also helped to keep flowers from wilting. It is suspected that Viagra keeps flowers from wilting through its effects on nitric oxide. Viagra has proven to have dozens of uses in addition to its main purpose, to treat erectile dysfunction.

Gum disease is a progressive disease that does not have to take place if you do not let it. Excellent, above average oral hygiene is extremely important to ensure that the millions of bacteria that are living in the mouth are kept in check on a consistent basis. Faltering in how you take care of your teeth is never a good thing.

Not all bacteria in the mouth are bad but many can be harmless to the teeth and gums. These bacteria take up residence in the mouth in the form of plaque. That is why plaque must be removed from the teeth every day and not given the chance to harden and cause more damage. Plaque will continue to develop on teeth to the point where the gums will become red, swollen, sore, puffy and irritated and this can lead to bleeding. If left undiagnosed, both bone and connective tissue in the mouth can be destroyed and teeth will then loosen. In turn this could cause teeth to fall out on their own or have to be extracted by a dentist.

Diagnosing gum disease early is key to treating it. When you go to see your dentist he will closely examine your gums to see if they appear to be unhealthy in any way. A dental instrument known as a periodontal probe will be gently manoeuvred in your mouth to measure the depth of the spaces that exist between your teeth and the gum lines. The probe resembles a tiny ruler. 

At the edge of where the gum line starts, gum tissue that is healthy forms what amounts to a very “shallow V-shaped groove” known as sulcus. This is sulcus is located between the teeth and the gums. Sometimes they are also referred to as periodontal pockets or simply “pockets.” In a person with a healthy mouth and normal sulcus the depth is anywhere from one to three millimetres. In people who exhibit signs of gum disease, the sulcus causes deeper pockets to develop between the teeth and gums and they can then harbour bacteria from plaque that is difficult to get rid of with simple everyday brushing and flossing.

During the exam the dentist will check to see if the gums show any signs of weakness, bleeding, inflammation or swelling and whether they are firm or not. The teeth will also be carefully checked to see whether there is any sensitivity or whether any movement is noted. The dentist will also carefully look at a person bite by asking then to close their teeth together to see if it has changed at all since their last trip to the dentist.

The dentist might ask questions of the patient regarding their medical history and their lifestyle such as what prescription medication they have taken in the past and whether they smoke or drink. Full mouth x-rays could be done to help determine whether the bone surrounding the teeth and gums is showing any signs of breaking down. If the doctor believes that a very real concern exists then he is likely to refer the patient to a periodontist. 

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease in which skin cells replicate at an extremely rapid rate.  New skin cells are produced about eight times faster than normal which causes cells to build up on the skin’s surface.  This causes thick patches or plaques to form causing red sores covered with flaky, silvery-white dead skin cells.  Psoriasis at its mildest can be itchy and sore, but at its worst it is painful, debilitating, disfiguring.  Psoriasis can affect people at any age, but it most often strikes those between the ages of 15 and 35.  There are five forms of psoriasis, all of which occur most frequently on the scalp, among other places including the elbows, knees, back, face, palms, and soles of the feet.  Psoriasis may also affect the fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, discoloration, or tissue buildup around the nails. 

Scalp psoriasis is a skin disease that may cause itchy, red skin with silvery or powdery dry scales.  It can range from mild, with only light scaling to severe, with thick and crusted scales covering the entire scalp.  Scalp psoriasis can appear in small patches on the scalp or move down along the hairline from the forehead to the back of the neck.  It can also appear around the ears.  Psoriasis often first appears when a person is between the ages of 15 and 35 years of age.  Psoriasis is not contagious or life threatening, but it can be uncomfortable and make the sufferer feel self conscious about their appearance. 

While the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, it is suspected to be heredity.  This means that there isn’t anything the person suffering from the disease did to cause the condition.  Psoriasis may be caused by an abnormal immune response in the body, but it is still not known if psoriasis is a chronic condition and while it cannot be completely cured, it can be controlled.  Psoriasis of the scalp is sometimes confused with seborrhea dermatitis or dandruff.  Symptoms of scalp psoriasis may include red and raised scalp lesions, dry and silvery or powdery scales, scales and red lesions around the ears, and an itchy scalp. 

People with psoriasis are often plagued by others staring at their skin or asking insensitive questions.  They often also have scaly and silvery layers of dead skin cells clinging to the top of the lesions.  Unfortunately for sufferers it is more difficult to hide this condition when it appears on the scalp.  The type of psoriasis that most commonly appears on the scalp is psoriasis seborrhea.  This is the same strain that causes cradle cap in babies and minor dandruff in teenagers and adults.  Psoriasis symptoms of this kind include an intense itching of the scalp.  Scalp psoriasis can be treated, but the patient needs to be aware that it can be reappear at any time.  Sufferers of any type of psoriasis need to realize that support is essential.  Not only is psoriasis painful and unpleasant, the appearance of the skin often makes the patient experience feelings of depression.

Many people think that acne is a problem limited to teenagers and their raging hormones.  However, there are millions of adults that suffer from adult acne.  This embarrassing condition leaves many of them wondering what the best treatment options are and what they can do to get rid of it.  Every where you turn, there are advertisements for this or that acne product or treatment, with a flawless-skinned celebrity swearing that this option helped them when nothing else would.

When many adults wake up in the morning to a flashback of high school, they are often embarrassed.  The first thought it usually how they can hide the acne problem before someone notices.  Then of course they want to figure out how to treat it as soon as possible so it will go away.  Maybe they stop off at the local drugstore and stare in bewilderment at the shelves full of products promising quick and lasting results.

If this sounds like you, you can stop panicking.  While it may seem like, adult acne is not the end of the world.  And the solution to clearing up adult acne quickly and permanently is not the Holy Grail quest that it seems like it would be.  The problem is that many adults do not have a single idea of where to start looking, since the majority of acne medication advertisements are geared towards teenagers and adolescents. 

As you may have guessed, the best treatment for adult acne differs from the vast array of treatments out there that are targeted for teenagers.  In fact, the most popular and best working products for teenagers may not work on your adult skin at all, since the medications target for adult acne are totally different.  And while teenagers can take vitamins and try various home remedies to cure their acne problems, many of these are not effective at solving the problem of adult acne.  So that trip to the drug store may end up being nothing more than a drain on your finances, with very little improvement on your skin.

There are many reasons why adult acne occurs.  Often, it is a result of hormonal imbalances or blocked pores, not poor personal hygiene.  Trying out the first acne product on the shelf can actually cause more harm to your skin than good, making it harder to treat breakouts effectively.

Since adult acne is so different from teenage acne, it often requires stronger medication than what you can purchase over the counter.  So if you find yourself plagued with more than the occasional pimple, it may be time to give your dermatologist a call.  Your dermatologist will be able to determine the exact reason behind the acne, and figure out which prescription drug is right for you.

In the meantime, do not stress over your adult acne.  While it may seem like a glaring obvious problem at the moment, you are not alone.  Millions of other adults are around the world are suffering from the same problem.  The difference is that you know now how to solve it.

Men seeking relief from premature ejaculation have options, a number of them being found in the areas of herbal and vitamin therapies. Practitioners of Chinese and Indian medicine (known as Ayurdvedic), African herbalists, and traditional healers from a wide range of cultures have many centuries of knowledge regarding the use of herbal medicines to treat a wide variety of medical problems and to promote optimum health and functioning. Many of the maladies and conditions common to human beings have cures that have been known by herbalists for many centuries. The condition of premature ejaculation is no exception to this. Such ingredients 5-HTP, kava kava, damiana, cornus floida, cuscuta, schisandra, and epimedium are just a few of the herbs used in herbal treatment of premature ejaculation.

Of course, most herbal formulas created to treat premature ejaculation are combinations of various herbs. Particular combinations of herbs produce higher effects. Knowledgeable herbalists can give you particular combinations that enhance each ingredient to give you the results you want. Getting an expertly blended herbal remedy can help reduce the suffering of premature ejaculation.

The most prominent benefit from using herbs to treat premature ejaculation is the ability to avoid drugs. Many drugs have side effects, some of them unpleasant and some of them even dangerous. For example, a class of antidepressants known as SSRIs — which includes Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft have shown some evidence that they can delay ejaculation. However, these well known anti-depressent drugs also have known serious side effects. One of those side effects being decreased sexual desire and performance. Herbal remedies promise treatment for premature ejaculation without harsh drugs.
Herbs work in several ways. In a way, sexual health can be seen as a sort of ‘barometer’ of overall systemic and psychological health. Men who are healthy, fit and confident about themselves and about life usually report a vigorous and satisfying sex life, no matter what their age. In many cases, sexual dysfunction or sluggish sexual responses may be caused by poor systemic health, stress, the build up of toxins and unhealthy lifestyles. Simple herbal remedies or basic vitamin intake can increase general health and thus help with premature ejaculation. In addition, vitamins that promote general health and energy, such as the B vitamins and trace minerals, also will help with premature ejaculation.
In addition to this indirect or secondary therapies, there are direct therapies where specific herbs target the specific problems of premature ejaculation. For example in some areas of East Asia, SS Cream (a combination of nine herbal ingredients) has been shown to desensitize the penis, decrease the vibratory threshold, and help men with premature ejaculation to significantly delay their ejaculatory response. Unfortunately, SS Cream is not yet approved by the FDA here in the United States. Other herbal remedies are available however.
Combined with behavioral and mechanical techniques such as the Semans pause maneuver, or the Masters and Johnson pause-squeeze technique, herbal treatments can help with premature ejaculation symptoms. Such techniques are harmless, painless, and have high success rates ranging from 60% to 95%.

Traveling to foreign countries can be quite exciting and adventurous. Of course, with traveling comes a certain amount of responsibility in terms of not only travel logistics but also your health as well. Certain areas of the world, particularly the tropic and sub-tropic areas, are ripe with diseases that you can catch during your travels. Unless you are properly prepared health-wise, you could end up being sick and bring home one souvenir you wish you hadn’t – disease.

There are a number of factors that exacerbate tropical diseases, both from a native as well as a traveler’s standpoint. Most of these factors can be summed up into one word – poverty. With poverty comes little to no water treatment facilities for clean water. Poverty means there are no waste management services to avoid contact with human and animal waste. It also means inadequate health care facilities and health education programs.

When you travel to these poverty stricken areas like Africa where tropical diseases are prevalent, you are at risk of becoming ill yourself. You could contract a disease from infected insects, bugs and animals. Exposure to contaminated food and water sources are another possibility. And of course, direct contact with the any native people who harbor the bacteria, viruses and parasites that cause disease is another source of exposure.

While the poor hygiene and sanitation practices are expected and should be avoided due to disease, you may not think about a simple handshake or hug from a native being risky. However, the people from these poverty-stricken areas have not always had access to immunizations from the simplest of diseases like diphtheria, polio or tetanus. In addition, they are constantly exposed to viruses, parasites and bacteria that could be contracted from insect bites or even contaminated water, so they could be harboring disease.

Another thing that could exacerbate tropical diseases is the climate. Weather changes and natural disasters can play a big part in spreading disease. Excessive rainy seasons can bring more mosquitoes and other insects that find the wet conditions conducive to breeding. This means that these disease-harboring insects could exponentially multiply and potentially infect more people and even animals.

Natural disasters like tsunamis and earthquakes could interrupt water and waste management services to those foreign locations that actually have decent sanitation requirement. With these disasters, brings the potential for contaminated water and food and thus disease.

Of course, your own health plays a part in whether or not you contract a tropical disease as well as how well you recover from it. If you have a pre-existing condition like AIDS, cancer, diabetes, renal problems and more, these can all lower your resistance to disease as well as recovery time. In addition, if you don’t have the proper immunizations bolstering your immune system, this lowers your resistance to tropical disease too.

As mentioned above, there are a variety of factors that play into complicating tropical diseases – both in transmission and severity of the disease. When you travel to areas endemic of disease, it is important to always take the proper precautions against contamination of food and water as well as against insect bites. The responsibility lies with you in staying healthy.

Individuals who are 65 or older and diagnosed with clinical or major depression can be treated with a good outcome. Statistically 80% of those diagnosed with clinical depression have effectively been treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy and/or electro convulsive therapy (ECT) successfully at the age of 65 or older.

Medications used in the elderly who suffer from depression generally fall into one of four categories of antidepressant medications. These categories are tricyclics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), or norepinephrine & serotonin reuptake inhibitors (NSRIs). No matter the age of the individual with depression in order for the medication to be effective it must be taken at the correct dosage (quantity and timing) with no missed or skipped dosages. The pharmacist or doctor in charge of the individual should advise accidental dosages as to how to handle the next dose. The patient placed on antidepressant medication therapy should never take himself or herself off the medication without the supervision of a doctor. The elderly individual is especially at risk for failure to take medication properly and should have some kind of backup system (person who checks up on them) or a device that will remind them to take their medication. Statistically as much as 70% of those who are elderly and diagnosed with depression will fail to take their medications properly.

Medication in this category (antidepressants) does usually have side effects when taking them. The doctor prescribing the treatment should advise the patient of the side effects that may be experienced to prepare the elderly patient of the possibility and what to do when it occurs. This is a major reason for not taking medication properly. Side effects when experienced can be handled by the doctor prescribing the medication. The patient should immediately notify the doctor’s office so that they can be given instructions as to what to do. The patient should be initially instructed not to discontinue the medication unless instructed to do so. When side effects are a problem for the patient, the doctor can adjust the dosage or change the medication to another antidepressant. There may also be the possibility of splitting the dosage and taking half the required dosage in the morning and half at bedtime to lessen certain side effects.

Electro convulsive therapy (ECT) has also been shown to be an effective treatment in combination with medication therapy or psychotherapy in any combination of the 3 types. ECT can be used safely and with efficacy when administered by medical professionals. There is too much misinformation circulating about ECT. This misinformation is to partly to blame for this therapy being underused, unavailable or simply ignored.

Psychosocial treatment is used widely in all age groups to treat depression but is especially important when treating an elderly individual who has depression. Psychosocial therapy allow the individual to learn new coping skills for dealing with life crises, or to develop new social support systems that will benefit their ability to overcome the depression that has stymied their healthy well-being. An understandably large number of elderly live alone as a result of divorce, spousal death, adult children moving away etc. and this puts them at risk for not having an adequate support system in place for when illnesses befall them such as depression. Psychosocial treatment gives elderly patients the skills needed to grow their support system and to enable them to ask for help when it is needed instead of remaining in isolation and a state of suffering.

Erectile dysfunction is the consistent or recurrent inability of a man to attain or maintain a penile erection that is sufficient for sexual performance.  As erectile dysfunction is an extremely private matter, the topic is fast becoming less taboo and is talked about more often now than ever.  It is estimated that erectile dysfunction affects more than one half of all men over the age of 40, yet despite the high numbers, 9 out of 10 men in the United States have not yet sought treatment from a physician.  Erectile dysfunction has been found to be three times more prevalent among men diagnosed with diabetes than in the general population.  The onset of erectile dysfunction is found in half of men with diabetes within ten years of their diagnoses and it can occur in 9% of men with diabetes between the ages of 20 and 29 and rises to 95% by the age of 70.

The available drugs have slightly different chemical compositions that affect how well they work, how quickly it takes for them to work, and how long it takes for them to wear off.  No studies have been done to date to determine which drug works best for men of differing ages or with differing medical conditions. Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis all have potential side effects, including headaches, stuffy or runny nose, upset stomach, may cause dizziness, diarrhea, and muscle aches.  The medications include several warnings, which your doctor will discuss in further detail upon prescribing.  Several factors may affect your choice of medication, including how well your body may respond to one drug over another and how long you want the effects of each dose to last.  The best option is to discuss with your doctor your personal preferences which will help you to decide which of these medications may best work for you. 

When a man or woman loses a loving sexual relationship due to erectile dysfunction they may choose to withhold their partner from any other type of sexual experience.  Sometimes potency problems are a cover for more serious emotional or relationship issues and those issues may need to take priority before focusing on the erectile dysfunction issues.  Couples can benefit by opening the lines of communication about sex and learning how best to utilize their capabilities to communicate.  Counseling may be the best tool to rekindle the romance and redirect energies within the relationship.  Seeing a physician to discuss treatment options regarding erectile dysfunction may also be quite beneficial.  A man may find this emasculating, but discussing it with an objective party may help to assist both the man and the woman.

There are two types of cancer most likely to be associated with erectile dysfunction. These two types of cancer are prostate cancer and cancer of the lower bowel. It is more common for the cancer treatments for these cancers to cause erectile dysfunction than for the cancer itself to cause it. There are hundreds of different types of cancer and while there have been many treatments found, most men are most alarmed by the possibility of erectile dysfunction. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men and the frequency is increasing. During the initial period of anxiety caused by erectile dysfunction, some people find the intimacy of sex a comfort.

These days, when you go into the hospital, you should be worried about what you might bring home. When cleanliness is lax and proper protocol is not followed, many people end up with secondary infections while in the hospital; some of these infections are respiratory illnesses. Hospitals do have rules of etiquette when it comes to avoiding this scenario, but they sometimes fall by the wayside during late shifts or when there are not enough personnel to go around.

The best case for you is having someone with you when you enter the hospital, someone to act as your advocate and look out for your best interests. For the most part, hospitals do all that they can to avoid secondary infections but you should never let your guard down. Whether you are looking for yourself or you have someone with you, here are some things to scope out to ensure that the hospital is practicing proper infection control:

1.  Visual Cues – There should be adequate signage posted in hospitals, clinics and doctors offices which states that patients as well as their visitors should inform their doctor or healthcare personnel of possible respiratory illness. Sometimes, surgical procedures are postponed due to simple respiratory illness such as colds. In addition, family and friends with colds or respiratory illness should not be allowed to visit. Other things to look for include:

• Educational posters which illustrate ways to avoid infection spreading such as the proper way to cough or sneeze to prevent germs.
• Posters should be clearly displayed regarding the wearing of protective clothing and masks in the event of a possible respiratory illness.

2.  The Practice of Correct Coughing Behaviors and Respiratory Cleanliness – Many hospitals and clinical settings try and educate not only staff but also visitors to the proper way to cough and sneeze to avoid passing respiratory illness onto someone else. Here are some of the practices:

• Always use tissues when coughing and sneezing and immediately throw them away in the garbage.
• Always cover the mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing, preferably with a tissue.
• Always wash hands immediately after coughing or sneezing or coming into contact with someone who was doing so. Soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizers are best as killing germs.

Most hospitals and doctor offices readily provide tissues, trash receptacles and easily accessible ways to clean the hands through washing or even the use of a hand sanitizer. They are in the practice of healing people and do what they can to help prevent those secondary infections.

3.  Institution of Wearing Masks - Many doctor offices and hospitals will offer masks to those people who are coughing and sneezing, particularly during those times when cold and flu outbreaks are most prevalent. Whether you are a patient or a visitor, always ask for a mask if you have the slightest inkling that you are sick and ask others to wear one as a preventative measure.

Remember, you are your own best advocate. If you are in the hospital, you can ask your nurse or doctor to wear a mask if you feel that they should. In addition, bring up any concerns that you may have regarding respiratory illness and don’t forget to mention if you believe that you have a cold or other illness. This could make a huge difference in your treatment plans.

Many individuals are curious about this question. A skin disorder that is embarrassing and possibly disfiguring just begs to be asked this question. The answer unfortunately is no. Rosacea does not as yet, have a cure. It is a skin condition that does have treatment options that can bring relief for the symptoms that affect those who have the condition.

Things that trigger flare-ups of rosacea can be recognized and understood so that they can be used to control future flare-ups. Using triggers as a key to prevention, keeping your follow-up appointments with your doctor or dermatologist, following sensible non-irritating skin regimen and making sure that you use any medications as prescribed; all can help to control your rosacea.

Treatment for rosacea is usually a combination of medication, proper skincare regimen, oral and topical antibiotics, avoiding triggers, and if severe rosacea is present quite possibly laser surgery.

Topical antibiotic cream such as metronidazole reduces inflammation as well as the accompanying redness and should be applied and let dry before applying moisturizer or makeup.

Steroid topical preparations are usually not used except in severe cases of rosacea as it can actually induce rosacea. The most commonly used short-term topical steroid preparations are cortisone, Retin-A, Accutane or Elimite cream all of which are prescription strength.

Those who have rosacea can also bring relief by self-care methods such as the following:

Avoiding what triggers your rosacea may include being careful not be exposed to extreme cold or hot weather. Being careful when out in harsh and windy conditions. Exercising in cooler surroundings so you do not overheat and staying hydrated by drinking water before, during and after exercising. You can also avoid irritants in such products like hair spray, moisturizers, makeup and cleansers by reading labels for irritants.

Avoid greasy, drying, or perfumed products on your skin.

Be careful when doing your daily skincare regimen by avoiding hot water (use tepid water), use soft towels instead of rough ones, and do not use loofahs, toners, astringents or exfoliating products.

Some anti-redness creams or cover-up cosmetics are made for and safe to use when you have rosacea so check with your doctor to be sure the ones you select are safe to use and will not aggravate your rosacea.

Whenever medications are prescribed by other than your doctor caring for your rosacea tell them that you have rosacea and should not have any medication that are vasodilating drugs, or topical steroids.

So to answer the question, “Can rosacea be cured?” The answer is within your own understanding of the skin condition rosacea, and the triggers that can lead to another flare-up. Knowing what skin products are safe to use and contain skin irritants so that you can avoid them will help you to keep your rosacea under control. It is not as good as a cure, but knowing that you have some control over the level of relief you can feel can be comforting.

Scientists and researchers are still working on understanding rosacea so that perhaps one day the answer to that question will be yes.