Men's Health: Risks to Avoid

Avoid these behaviours and you can decrease your risk for these top threats to men’s health.

                                       

Avoiding the Doctor                                                                                                                                

Avoiding the doctor is one thing you should not do. Men are notorious for avoiding doctors' offices and brushing off unusual symptoms or problems. Seeking appropriate medical attention is not macho; it’s just dangerous. If you notice an unusual problem or find you are experiencing something that just will not go away, it’s important to see your doctor. In many cases, it may be no big deal, but knowing is certainly better than ignoring potential problems. Regular checkups ensure that you will get the preventive care you need, including vaccinations and screenings for common men’s health problems, such as hernia, prostate enlargement, high cholesterol levels, and more.

Modern medicine is often miraculous, but if you do not comply with your doctor’s instructions for dealing with a condition, you increase your risk of complications, as well as up the chances of making the situation worse. Take all medicines your doctor prescribes, even if you feel better before the entire prescription is gone. Specific diets may help your body cope naturally with certain conditions. Sticking with the plan improves your chances of success on your journey toward wellness.

Smoking

Smoking greatly increases your risk of heart disease, cancer, and stroke, among other serious ailments. Studies show that light or occasional smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke have the same effect on your lungs as chain smoking. No amount is safe. Consult your doctor for help if you are ready to quit. Studies show that smoking cessation aids, such as nicotine gum, lozenges, or patches, increase your chances of successfully quitting.

Eating Fatty, Salty, or Sugary Foods

Diets high in fat, sodium, and sugar can cause diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure. If left untreated, all these conditions can damage and weaken your heart’s muscles, increasing your chances for heart disease and heart attack. Plus, it’s thought that high blood pressure, heart disease, and high cholesterol may also increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Ignoring Chronic Stress

Although occasional stress is unavoidable, persistent or chronic stress can be harmful. It may tax your heart muscles, increase blood pressure, and elevate levels of the stress hormones cortisol and epinephrine. Seek constructive ways to manage and relieve stress. Consider engaging in exercise daily, take a yoga class, or try meditation.  

Drinking Heavily                                                                                                                               Two glasses of wine or two units of distilled spirits every day might cut your risk of heart disease. Men who are not alcoholic may benefit from consuming two units of alcohol daily, but more than that will increase your risk of several health problems. Excess alcohol use is bad for every single organ in your body and increases your chances of being involved in accidents.

Tanning

Limit your sun exposure, especially if you are not wearing sun-protective clothing or sunscreen. Unprotected exposure to the sun’s rays increases your risk of skin cancer. Total sun avoidance has been linked to vitamin D deficiency, however, so consider supplementing with vitamin D3.

Gaining Excess Weight

Being overweight is one of the most common risk factors for many health problems, including heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, and kidney disease. Maintaining a healthy weight is a positive step toward cutting your risks.

Dismissing Signs of Depression

Suicide is a leading cause of death in American men, and depression is a key indicator of suicide. Do not ignore signs of depression. Talk with your doctor if you are feeling sluggish or extra tired, if you experience loss of appetite, if you are irritable or easily agitated, or if you no longer have a sex drive. 

Agitation...and its causes

Agitation is a feeling of aggravation or restlessness brought on by provocation or a medical condition. It is normal for people to feel agitated from time to time. It is often a direct result of everyday stresses caused by work or school. However, if you have agitation that seems to occur for no reason, you should make an appointment to have it checked out by your doctor.

What Causes Someone to Become Agitated?

Agitation is a feeling experienced by everyone at least once in their lives. It is a normal emotion. In the majority of cases, it is not a cause for worry or concern.

Some common causes for agitation include:

·         work stress

·         grief

·         feeling ill

·         burn-out

·         peer pressure

·         school stress

When it is short-lived, agitation does not usually lead to significant complications. However, certain medical conditions can cause agitation. These include:

·         anxiety disorders

·         disorders or conditions that cause imbalances in your hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen

·         mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia

In some rare cases, a tumour—an abnormal growth—that is located in the brain can cause changes in your mood and attitude, such as unprovoked agitation.

Autistic children may also experience agitation if they are around the things that trigger them, such as bright colours or loud noises.

How Is Agitation Diagnosed?

During your appointment, your doctor will try to determine if your agitation is caused by a mental health disorder or a medical condition.

He or she will ask questions concerning your medical history and lifestyle. Then, he or she may take a blood sample to test for certain hormone levels.

If your doctor does not suspect a medical condition, he or she will refer you to a mental health specialist. This mental health specialist will go over your symptoms and your everyday activities, in order to determine a cause for the agitation.

If the cause still remains unknown, more in-depth testing may be necessary. You may need a computed tomography (CT) scan or a MRI of your head. Your doctor may also order a spinal tap or urine test.

Treating Agitation

Agitation is often a treatable symptom.

Hormonal Imbalances

If a medical condition is affecting how hormones are released from your brain, your hormone levels can generally be corrected through the use of certain medications. In some cases, this medication will need to be taken over an extended amount of time. These types of treatments are often prescribed to women going through menopause or people with imbalances in their thyroid glands.

Abnormal Growth in the Brain

A brain tumour that causes agitation will be treated according to its size and location. If the tumour is too difficult to remove with surgery, your doctor may choose to carefully monitor the growth. In some cases, he or she may use an aggressive treatment method, such as chemotherapy, to shrink it. If the growth can be removed safely, your doctor will refer you to a surgeon to perform the procedure.

Mental Illness

Agitation caused by mental illnesses can be treated in therapy. In a typical therapy session, you will go over your symptoms and develop efficient ways to deal with them. If therapy is not helping in your particular case, you may have to take a medication to help you to stay calm. These medications may be taken over a long course of time, or only when you feel agitated.

Stress

Agitation caused by stress at work or school may be relieved through deep breathing exercises. Deep breathing can help restore calm in that it allows you to focus on breathing rather than the situations causing you to feel agitated.

You may also discuss your stress with your boss or teacher to see if there are effective ways to reduce it. If you feel you are being overworked, discuss it with your supervisor. This may help you to feel less agitated.

Some people find meditation to be a soothing practice for relaxation and combating agitation. Meditation is also particularly helpful in preventing agitation.

Improving Your Smile

                                       

A 2008 study found that the whiteness of a person’s smile played a role in the way others perceived them. Specifically, the study found that people with white teeth were perceived to be more attractive and smarter than people with darker teeth.

There’s no question that a little additional attention to your smile and oral hygiene can pay off.

Bad Breath

Bad breath is usually caused by:

·         poor oral care habits

·         tooth infection

·         gum disease

·         mouth sores

·         infection or chronic inflammation of the nose or throat

·         smoking

·         dry mouth, which may be a side effect of some medications

·         certain foods, like garlic or onion

The best ways to combat bad breath is to stay hydrated, floss daily, and brush your teeth twice per day. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, too!

If you wear dentures or other mouth appliances, clean them daily. Use an alcohol-free mouthwash and artificial saliva or a spray or gel for dry mouth.

If your breath suddenly takes on an unpleasant or unusual odour, it may be a sign of a serious disorder, such as diabetes or a bowel obstruction. If this occurs, you should seek medical attention immediately. Chronic dry mouth that’s unrelated to medication use should also be investigated because it may indicate an autoimmune condition or other disorder.

Healthy Gums

Proper brushing and flossing will keep your gums healthy. Periodontal, or gum, disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. This type of infection is caused by a build-up of plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth.

Gum disease is often painless, but it makes gums red and puffy and causes them to recede and bleed. The infection can progress over time leading to more serious symptoms. In fact, gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults.

The good news is that gum disease is almost always preventable. Regular check-ups with your dentist combined with good oral hygiene, which means brushing and flossing twice daily, can keep plaque at bay.

Teeth Whitening

Many over-the-counter (OTC) toothpastes, mouth rinses, and chewing gums claim to have a whitening effect. You can also speak with your dentist about prescription whitening treatments or in-office treatments.

Proper Dental Hygiene

The easiest thing to try at home is simply following proper dental hygiene. That means using fluoride toothpaste and flossing every day. Many people can also benefit from mouth rinses.

You may be interested in trying a whitening toothpaste. Whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives that can help remove stains. However, whitening toothpastes cannot change the colour of your teeth because they only remove stains on the surface.

Bleaching Agents

Dentin is the bony tissue forming the bulk of the tooth under the enamel. The thickness of the enamel layer changes throughout our lives and gets thinner as we age. The thinner the enamel, the more yellow your teeth appear as the dentin layer dominates the final shade.

If your dentin has a yellowish tint, you’ll need to use a peroxide-bleaching agent to lighten the colouring. This, in turn, can help make your teeth appear whiter.

Some bleaching agents are available over the counter, such as paint-on whiteners or whitening strips. These are relatively cheap and effective. Be sure to look for a product that is at least 6 percent bleaching agent.

OTC treatments may not be effective if you have:

·         isolated stains, such as a single discoloured tooth

·         dark stains

·         crowns

·         dental implants or other restorations

You should consult a dentist to discuss your options. Dentists can prescribe bleaching kits for home use, or they can bleach your teeth in the office. This typically involves applying a bleaching agent to your teeth and then using a special light or laser to enhance the effect of the whitening agent.

The jury is still out on the safety of the bleaching process and whether the bleaching agent might be toxic if ingested. Long-term use of bleaches or abrasive toothpastes can increase sensitivity or gum irritation. If your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold, you may want to avoid whitening agents.

Bleaching During Pregnancy

While both home and prescription products can be considered safe at this time, you should not have a bleaching procedure during pregnancy. The American Pregnancy Association (APA) recommends postponing all unnecessary dental work, including whitening procedures, until after birth to prevent exposing the foetus to potentially dangerous chemicals or medications.

Teeth Straightening

Straightening crooked teeth can also have an effect on your smile. Some adults are candidates for Invisalign, which uses transparent trays, or aligners, to straighten the teeth.

If you have bite problems or more complex orthodontic issues, you may need traditional braces. Brackets made of tooth-coloured ceramic or polycarbonate are less noticeable than stainless steel brackets. Sometimes, the brackets can be mounted on the back surface of the teeth.

Fixing Imperfections

A missing, chipped, or stained tooth can be replaced with a crown or dental implant, which is an artificial tooth permanently anchored into the bone of the jaw. Porcelain veneers are pricey, but they can transform your smile after just a couple of visits to your dentist. See a cosmetic dentist to discuss your options.

Speak with Your Dentist

If you’re interested in improving your smile, speak with your dentist. They can recommend treatments you may want to try. Your dentist can also help you understand what’s covered if you have insurance.

Can Loneliness Shorten Your Life?

                                     

Being lonely can trigger cellular changes in your body that increase your chances of getting ill and not living as long as you could have, according to a new study.

The risk applies to older people, past research suggests.

A leading charity for people over 60 in the United Kingdom says the findings underline the importance of treating loneliness as a major health problem.

In the new study, researchers from the University of Chicago and the University of California found that loneliness can trigger the body's fight-or-flight response, which can affect the production of white blood cells and eventually undermine the immune system.

They based their research on 141 older people enrolled in a U.S. study on ageing and social relations, and on an examination of lonely rhesus macaque monkeys, a highly social species of primates.

The researchers say that, in essence, lonely people have a weaker immune system and higher levels of inflammation than people who aren't lonely. Their health is also more vulnerable because they feel threatened.

The study is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

"Contrary to what many people think, loneliness is not a normal part of ageing, and it not only makes life miserable, it can have a serious impact on your physical and mental health too,” says Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK.

“Research shows that more than a million older people say they haven't spoken to a friend, neighbour or family member for over a month, and unless we act, our rapidly ageing population means we’ll see ever greater numbers of lonely older people.

“...There is something that everyone can do to help, even if it’s checking in on older neighbours, relatives, and friends over the festive season and year round,” she says.

Erectile Dysfunction

                        

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. It is also sometimes also referred to as impotence.

Occasional ED is not uncommon. Many men experience it during times of stress. However, frequent ED can be a sign of health problems that need treatment. It can also be a sign of emotional or relationship difficulties that may need to be addressed by a professional.

Not all male sexual problems are caused by ED. Other types of male sexual dysfunction include:

·         premature ejaculation

·         delayed or absent ejaculation

·         lack of interest in sex

                 

                            

How Common Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Up to 30 million American men are affected by ED, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The prevalence of ED increases with age. ED affects only four percent of men in their 50s, but nearly 17 percent of men in their 60s. Furthermore, almost half of all men over the age of 75 will suffer from ED.

Although the risk of ED increases with age, ED is not an inevitable consequence of getting older. It may be more difficult to get an erection as you age, but that does not necessarily you mean you will develop ED. In general, the healthier a man is, the better his sexual function.

How Does a Man Get an Erection?

An erection is the result of increased blood flow into the penis. Blood flow is usually stimulated by either sexual thoughts or direct contact with the penis.

When a man becomes sexually excited, muscles in the penis relax. This relaxation allows for increased blood flow through the penile arteries. This blood fills two chambers inside the penis called the corpora cavernosa. As the chambers fill with blood, the penis grows rigid. Erection ends when the muscles contract and the accumulated blood can flow out through the penile veins. 

ED can occur because of problems at any stage of the erection process. For example, the penile arteries may be too damaged to open properly and allow blood in.

The potential causes of ED are numerous. They include:

·         cardiovascular disease

·         diabetes

·         damage from cancer or surgery

·         injuries

·         stress

·         anxiety

·         relationship problems

·         drug use

·         alcohol use

·         smoking

These factors can work singly or in combination.

What Are the Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction?

ED is defined by an inability to get or sustain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. It has no other symptoms.

What Is the Outlook for Erectile Dysfunction?

ED is a treatable condition. There are a number of ED treatments available. The type of treatment generally depends on the underlying cause of ED.

Treatments for ED range from counselling and lifestyle changes to drugs and surgery. If you suffer from ED, it is important to talk to your doctor. A doctor can help identify the cause of your ED and figure out the most appropriate treatment.

Because it can be embarrassing to discuss ED, many men look for treatment options online. However, not all treatments are safe for all men. You should not self-prescribe for ED. In addition, many of the treatments available on the Internet are scams. They may not help your ED, and could damage your health.

Emotional / mental stress may cause STEALING

                                             

What Is Stealing?

Stealing is the act of taking something that does not belong to you without permission. An example is removing an object from a store without paying for it (this is shoplifting).

Stealing does not have to be a physical act. It is also possible to steal another person’s thoughts or ideas. Although stealing is an inappropriate behaviour, it is relatively common in children. It often occurs before a child understands why it is wrong. Most children simply outgrow this behaviour. In other cases, stealing can be a sign of more serious problems and a precursor to other delinquency in a child or teen.

Stealing is a crime that can lead to punishments such as fines or jail time.

What Leads to Stealing?

Stealing becomes an issue when the person doing the stealing is old enough to know better. Sometimes children under the age of five take objects that interest them, not yet understanding that stealing is wrong. They might not have enough self-control to resist taking something they want.

For those old enough to know better, there are several reasons for stealing. Stealing may be caused by jealousy, low self-esteem, or peer-pressure. Social issues like feeling excluded or overlooked can also cause stealing. People may steal to prove their independence, to act out against family or friends, or because they do not respect others or themselves,

Sometimes, stealing is a compulsive disorder. This is called kleptomania. In other cases, a person may have come to believe that stealing is socially acceptable. Some people steal as a means to survive due to economic hardship. Others simply enjoy the rush of stealing, or steal to fill an emotional or physical void in their lives.

What Are the Effects of Stealing?

Stealing affects the people who steal, the people in their lives, and the victims of theft.

People who steal often suffer from guilt, shame, or embarrassment after stealing something. They might be afraid to tell anyone out of fear of punishment. If caught, they may be punished for their crime. Punishment depends on the item stolen, whether the person has been caught stealing before, and the wishes of the person who was stolen from.

Victims of theft can be angry, feel disrespected, and be afraid of future theft. Replacing the stolen item may be costly.

Victims of theft often feel less safe, are less trusting, and are worried about repeat theft. These feelings can cause paranoia or violent behaviour.

Prevention/Preventing Your Child from Stealing

Parents play a primary role in preventing stealing. They must teach their children about property rights and respect for others, and they must model good behaviour as positive role models.

If a child steals, he or she must first be taught that theft is wrong. Understanding the child’s motivation will help determine whether other actions are necessary. Sometimes a child will steal to get an adult’s attention or out of anger or jealousy. In such cases, an adult should find out how to work through such challenges.

The child should not benefit in any way from stealing. Parents should discuss how the child will pay for the item or return it to the owner. That stealing is not acceptable behaviour must be made clear.

Getting Help for Persistent Stealing

When theft is repetitive or is done without any remorse, guilt, or understanding of the impact, it can be a sign of other problems. These can include family trouble, mental health issues, or delinquency. Children who steal often have trouble making and keeping friends, have poor relationships with adults, or have issues with trust.

If emotional or mental health issues could be the reason for stealing, a child might benefit from seeing a therapist or mental health professional.

In adults, stealing is a punishable crime. If persistent stealing is a symptom of a mental health issue such as kleptomania, psychological care may be helpful.

What causes memory impairment? 18 possible conditions

                     

Memory change, or memory loss, is partial or complete loss of memory caused by a physical or psychological condition. Memory loss can be temporary or permanent. Memory loss ranges from temporarily forgetting a simple fact to not knowing your own name. A variety of different factors cause memory changes. It is important to know the underlying cause of memory loss so that the proper treatment can be given.

What Causes Memory Change?

Many people experience a mild form of memory change as they age. Signs of typical age-related memory change include:

·         forgetting to pay a monthly bill

·         forgetting what day of the week it is, but then remembering it later

·         losing things from time to time

·         sometimes forgetting which word to use

The causes of more serious memory change are divided into reversible and permanent causes. Reversible causes are temporary conditions that either resolve on their own or can be cured with the proper treatment.

Possible reversible causes of memory loss include:

·         Medications: One or more medications you are taking may cause you to develop memory changes.

·         Minor Head Trauma: Injuries to the head, even if you remain conscious, can result in memory problems.

·         Alcoholism: Consistent and long-term alcohol abuse may significantly impair memory.

·         Vitamin B-12 Deficiency: Vitamin B-12 helps maintain healthy nerve cells. A deficiency in vitamin B-12 may lead to memory loss.

·         Depression and Other Psychological Disorders: Depression, stress, and other mental health problems are linked with confusion, concentration lapses, and forgetfulness.

·         Tumours: Though rare, brain tumours can cause memory loss.

·         Hypothyroidism: Your thyroid produces a hormone that is essential for energy metabolism. If your body is unable to produce enough thyroid hormone, you may develop memory changes.

Irreversible causes of memory loss are often linked to dementia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dementia is a combination of deficiencies affecting memory, thinking, calculation, learning capacity, judgement, language, and emotional status.

.How Is Memory Change Diagnosed?

When memory changes begin to interfere with daily activities, contact a doctor. Prompt diagnosis can lead to a treatment regimen that may help limit or control memory loss. 

During the appointment, the doctor will ask the patient a number of questions a family member or another caregiver should be present in case the patient is unable to answer some of the questions.

The doctor may ask:

·         When did you start experiencing memory changes or memory loss?

·         What medications are you taking?

·         Have you recently started taking a new medication?

·         What have you done to cope with the memory problems?

·         Do you drink alcohol?

·         Have you recently been sick?

·         Are you depressed, or are you experiencing unusual levels of stress?

·         Have you injured your head?

·         What is your daily routine? Has that routine changed recently?

Answers to these questions, along with a physical exam and some other tests, will help your physician identify the cause of your memory changes.

How Is Memory Change Treated?

Without treatment, memory changes can decrease a person’s quality of life. Difficulty communicating, anger, and depression are common side effects. Memory loss may prevent people from eating at the right times, which can lead to malnutrition, and from properly taking care of their health. Patients who do not receive treatment for severe dementia are at a high risk for accidental death.

Treatment for memory changes depends on the underlying cause. If the memory changes are slight, trying new things that challenge the mind may help. Puzzles, learning a new language, or reading more may help reverse some normal age-related memory changes. Remember that severe memory loss is not a normal consequence of aging.

For reversible memory loss, doctors will attempt to treat the underlying condition. Once treated, patients usually recover from their memory changes.

Permanent memory loss is treated with medications and psychotherapy.