Men's Health + Original Articles

When It Comes to Super Foods, Are You Super Smart?

While there's no single food that meets every nutritional requirement a person needs, doctors and researchers have pinpointed a handful of edibles as standouts in the field. These so-called "super foods," as certain experts call them, are nutritionally dense and provide boatloads of vitamins and minerals along with excellent calorie and fat profiles. Make it a point to include at least a few of these in your diet every day: Salmon.

Best Ingredients for Health-Boosting Smoothies

Watching your weight or looking to up your nutrients? Smoothies are a delicious and easy way to add fruits and vegetables to your diet. Try some of these. The beauty of smoothies is that they can be customized and made out of almost anything you have in your produce bin. If you're watching your weight: Use in-season fruit. Whether fresh or frozen, fruit that's being grown tends to be sweeter than its out-of-season counterparts, meaning you don't need to add extra sugar or honey.

How Safe Are Food Preservatives?

Food manufacturers use both natural and synthetic preservatives to extend the life of many of the food products we eat. Government regulations limit the use of some of them. Here’s why. Preservatives keep food products fresh long enough for them to get from the factory to the supermarket and eventually find a place on your dining table. They do this by slowing down the natural breakdown of fats, delaying the ripening process of fresh foods, and destroying or slowing down the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that would otherwise grow on food.

Just a Kiss? 4 Infections Transmitted Through Kissing

While your intentions may be innocent, the illnesses that can be transmitted through a simple smooch are not. Watch out for these. You may think a kiss is just a kiss, but in reality, it can be much more. Smooching can be romantic, but it can also transmit a variety of infections. "When I think of the infectious risk of kissing, what comes to mind are viral infections," says Bruce Hirsch, MD, attending physician in infectious diseases at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York.

How to Interpret Cancer Study Results

When you read the headlines about the latest advancements in cancer treatments, do you find yourself wondering, "What does this really mean?" Here's a guide to understanding the meaning behind the numbers. Consider these two headlines, which announce the same study results: New drug cuts cancer risk by 50% Drug results in 2% drop in cancer risk In this hypothetical study described by the Annie Appleseed project, 100 women take a new drug for cancer and 100 women take a placebo.

Keep Hydrated While Working Out: 7 How-To Tips

Make hydration a priority before, during, and after your workout to keep your body nourished and replenished. You've been told your whole life that you need your eight glasses of water a day, and while how much one needs to take in is still up for debate, the truth remains that for optimal functioning, the body needs a consistent intake of water. For the average person, thirst should be your guide.

Well-Done Meat Linked to Aggressive Prostate Cancer

Sorry grill-lovers, there's some bad news: New research supports the connection between consuming grilled, well-done red meat and an aggressive type of prostate cancer. In the study, lead author John Witte, PhD, professor at UCSF medical school and his colleagues compared about 500 men who recently had been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer to a cancer-free group. "Each participant filled out detailed questionnaires about their diets over the previous year, including the amount of meat they ate and how it was prepared," Witte wrote in an email.

Can a Heart Attack Occur Without Chest Pain?

If you're used to the dramatic representations of heart attacks on TV, you may be surprised to learn about real-life scenarios. How many times have you seen this act on TV? The character on the screen gets a glazed look in his eyes, stumbles, and clutches his chest as he slowly (and dramatically) falls to the ground. This is the classic Hollywood depiction of a heart attack. And while this scenario might accurately describe some heart attacks, it's not representative.

Cancer Care Guide: Who Are the Doctors?

The diagnosis and treatment of cancer is complex, and multiple healthcare professionals play key roles in providing comprehensive care. Your team of doctors might include... The diagnosis and treatment of cancer is complex and multiple healthcare professionals play a role in providing comprehensive care to patients. Oncology physicians Physicians are either medical doctors (MDs) or osteopathic doctors (OD) and many complete additional training in specific medical conditions, such as oncology.

Can Type 1 Diabetes Be Reversed?

A vaccine originally developed to prevent tuberculosis may be the key contender when it comes to reversing type 1 diabetes. Preliminary findings are promising. Individuals with Type 2 diabetes are fortunate in that it's possible, with diet and lifestyle changes, to actually reverse the course of the disease. Even if they're unable to reverse Type 2, it's possible for them to avoid going on insulin by losing weight, watching carbs, and getting moderate exercise.

Vitamin E and Prostate Cancer: Is There a Connection?

When it comes to prostate cancer, does taking a supplement like Vitamin E help or hurt your chances of dodging the disease? A new study provides some answers. The large federal study which investigated the role of vitamin E and selenium (a mineral supplement) on prostate cancer was funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and was published in the journal of American Medical Association. It found that men who take vitamin E may be increasing their risk for prostate cancer by up to 17 percent.

How to Use 10 Powerful Herbs

Suffering from anxiety? Stomach issues? A cold that won’t quit? There’s an herb for you. Herbs and spices are as at-home in your medicine chest as they are in your pantry.  That's because they possess powerful healing properties that have been used as medicinals for thousands of years.  Check out these 10 common herbs you may already have growing in your yard or sitting in your spice rack.

How to Train for a Marathon

Whether you're an avid runner or a beginner, running a marathon is an attainable goal with the right training, attitude, and strategy. According to MarathonGuide.com, 503,000 people ran a marathon in 2010. With more and more Americans endeavoring the 26.2 mile trek, you may be wondering how you, too, can join the trend. Though much of how you train will be based on your previous experience and personal training preferences, there are a few tips that anyone willing to tackle the challenge of a marathon should follow.

Breakfast Cereal Basics: Nutritional Dos and Don’ts

The dietary choices you make during breakfast can set your course for the rest of the day. Let this go-to guide help you bring a wholesome cereal selection to the table each morning. It's been said time and again: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And cereal is a great morning choice, right? Well, not necessarily. The grocery store is filled with a barrage of cereal selections, and many are downright unhealthy. So how can you determine if the cereal's worthy of a place in your cart or if it should go right back on the shelf? Take a look at the label: If sugar is the first ingredient on the list, put it back on the shelf.

Anemia: Causes, Types, and Symptoms

From the most common forms to the obvious (and not-so-obvious) signs, here's your overview of this common condition. Anemia affects nearly 9 percent of the population, yet most people don't understand what it is. Even the term anemia is confusing because it indicates several distinct health conditions with different symptoms, causes, and treatments. So what exactly is anemia? Most of the time, when someone is diagnosed with anemia, she has a condition called Iron-Deficiency anemia.

Does Candy Affect Your Personality?

If you have a "sweet tooth," research suggests this preference could actually affect your personality. But does it make you sweeter or does it make you sour? "You are what you eat." A platitude used by parents and high school health teachers alike. And a new report published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology has added credence to this adage. Research conducted by psychologists at the North Dakota State University in Fargo suggests that individuals who regularly eat sweets are more likely to help another person in need.

Pick a Pepper for Nutrition

Rich in color, flavor, and nutrients, these versatile vegetables star in a variety of international cuisines. Here's a bushel of ways to add them to your diet. Whether eaten raw with your favorite dip, jarred and pickled, or cooked up as part of a savory dinner entrée, peppers deserve a place at your table. By far, the most popular variety of pepper eaten in the U.S. is the bell pepper. Here's a guide to the differences between these bell peppers: Green Peppers The least expensive of the bell peppers and the least sweet, this pepper is picked before achieving full ripeness.

Your Guide to Sensible Shoes

For injury prevention and the sheer sake of comfort, the right pair of shoes are essential. Let this guide point you in the right direction. Falling and hurting yourself becomes a real danger as you get older, especially if you don't get enough exercise, have vision problems, take sedating medications, suffer from osteoporosis or other bone-weakening conditions, or there are environmental hazards in your home, such as loose rugs, poor lighting, or unstable furniture or fixtures.

When Is It Time to Switch to a Geriatrician?

If you're heading into your senior years sometime in the next decade, or you're already there, it's important to consider the type of doctor who can best serve your physical and emotional needs as you age. A geriatrician is typically an internist or family practitioner who has had additional training in the medical and psychological care of men and women age 65 and older. Geriatricians develop a special understanding of what happens to the body as it ages and what aging means with respect to your health.

Moderate Exercise: Good for You and Good for Your Sperm

Having too much or too little of something can be harmful. Learn how having a balancing act with exercise can create optimal health for your sperm. Male infertility is a significant problem in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4.7 million men are affected by it and 40 percent of couples attempting conception fail because of it. Genital defects, sperm transportation issues (motility), erection and ejaculatory failure, low sperm production or function issues, complications from surgery, and exposure to toxic agents are all factors that cause male infertility.

Men, Show More Emotion: It Makes You Healthier

Contrary to popular belief, it's not weak for men to show emotions. As a matter of fact, research found that the more "macho" a man is, the less likely he is to be healthy. Diet and exercise aren't the only parts of overall health. Here's how to sharpen your mental and emotional skills. Lack of emotion has long been considered a sign of strength. The most masculine—or macho—men don't reveal or discuss their feelings and are admired for their toughness. Real men don't ask for directions, don't go to the doctor, and rarely (if ever) shed a tear.

Coping With Today's Work Climate

Work-related stress due to underemployment or workplace competition is taking a toll on men. Don't ignore the symptoms associated with this kind of stress. Here's how to deal with a high-demand job or a non-challenging work environment. Not all stress is bad. In fact, some level of stress at the workplace is normal—even productive. Feeling stressed means you care and that can actually be motivating. Too much stress, however, can be counterproductive and have a negative impact on your emotional and physical well-being.

9 Causes and Fixes for Differences in Sex Drive

If you and your partner don't have the same sexual appetite, worry not. We'll provide the insight to diagnose the issue and 9 exciting ways to get you seeing eye-to-eye. Getting older can take a toll on your sexual appetite. And if you're in a relationship where you and your partner have different sexual needs, frustration and tension can result. Often, it's the woman who experiences a diminished sexual appetite, experts say.

3 Ways to Put More Fun in Your Workout

When you consider all the different ways you can add exercise to your life, it's really not that difficult to make exercise fun, easy, and something that enriches you. People have a million excuses for why they slack off on fitness: I don't have time, It's too much work It's boring I'd rather be with my friends But what if exercise was fun? What if you enjoyed it so much you made the time,...

White Foods May Reduce Stroke Risk

White fruits and vegetables contain as many essential nutrients and other health-promoting substances as do red, yellow, and green foods. And some of these substances may be especially important for aging adults. Don't be fooled by their lack of color—white fruits and vegetables contain as many essential nutrients and other health-promoting substances as do red, yellow, and green foods.  And some of these substances may be especially important for aging adults.

New Study Shows 50 May Be the New 20

Being “old” just got younger. However, to achieve that there's something you need to do. Being "old" just got younger, according to a new study in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise—that is if you hit the gym regularly. After administering fitness tests to 4,500 volunteers ages 20 to 90, scientists reported that the fitness levels/indicators of active middle-aged participants were nearly identical to that of inactive 20-year-olds.

The Link Between Nerve Damage and ED

Nerve damage doesn't only affect the legs, fingers, and the toes. It can also result in erectile dysfunction (ED), or impotence. Read on to find out how you can prevent ED from affecting you. Nerve damage can wreak havoc with a man's sex life. Also called neuropathy, nerve damage is not uncommon in individuals with type 2 diabetes, especially when it's poorly controlled. About half of all individuals with diabetes develop some form of neuropathy.

Why Cancer Is More Dangerous in Men

When it comes to getting regular checkups, men have a poor track record. But many health conditions can be better treated if detected early. Here’s a list of the four deadliest cancers that affect men—plus useful tips on how to recognize the early signs. Men are notoriously bad guardians of their health. A survey of more than 2,000 men conducted by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) in 2007 revealed that 55 percent of all men have not seen their primary care physician for a physical exam within the past year.

Facebook Friends and Brain Function: A Positive Relationship?

The debate rages on as to whether social networking sites isolate people or contribute to global connectedness. One new study's results offer an interesting perspective. Much has been made of the social, emotional, and intellectual implications of social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Some studies suggest that they can contribute to depressive symptoms while others feel they foster a sense of a global community.

5 Natural Ways to Whiten Your Teeth

Brighten your smile without breaking the bank with these at-home, do-it-yourself ingredients. According to the American Dental Association, tooth whitening can be achieved by either bleaching the color of your teeth, or by physically abrading surface stains to make them lighten or disappear. There are hundreds of teeth whitening products you can buy that use these techniques, but combining natural products can save you the expense.

The Truth About Mouthwash

There are many known benefits to using mouthwash, but if yours has too much of this common ingredient, this daily routine can reverse the health of your teeth and gums. Four out of five dentists may recommend you use it, but have you ever wondered how mouthwash affects your mouth? Many brands tout the bacteria and bad breath (also known as halitosis) eliminating benefits of their products. The secret ingredient? Alcohol.

Why You Should Get Travel Insurance for Asthma

Don't just plan the itinerary of your next vacation, plan on having travel insurance to protect you against asthma gone haywire. Here's what you need to consider. So you finally booked that vacation you've been dreaming about for years. But if you're traveling to a new place, it's important to remember that you will still be exposed to a range of asthma triggers, which is why it's a good idea to invest in a good travel insurance protection plan.

Common Lifestyle Drugs: The Pros and Cons

Nonmedical or non-health-related drugs have become very popular. But before you decide to try these kinds of drugs and procedures, proceed with caution. According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), defining what is a "lifestyle drug" actually is a subject of much debate. However, according to the NLM it's typically thought of as a drug taken to satisfy a non-medical or non-health-related goal.

The Best Way to Store Groceries at Home

Learn how to keep the food you buy fresh and safe to eat. If your kitchen cabinets hold cans dating back to the last century and your freezer is home to unrecognizable lumps of ice-coated leftovers, you may be due for a crash course on food storage. Knowing where and how to store food is tricky. Some produce thrives in the refrigerator, while other types wilt and lose flavor.

An Apple Peel a Day

Studies have found that the skin on an apple contains a substance that not only promotes muscle growth and prevents the loss of muscle that comes with aging, but may also lower blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Laboratory studies have found that the skin on an apple contains a substance that not only promotes muscle growth and prevents the loss of muscle that comes with aging, but may also lower blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides. In addition to vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other substances such as antioxidants and phytochemicals that are known to protect against cancer and other forms of chronic disease, apples contain a chemical called ursolic acid.

Depression and Physical Insecurities: How to Cope and Overcome

In a society obsessed with beauty, most of us don't want to stand out because of our appearance. Whether you have a physical deformity, or are just unhappy with some aspect of how you look, follow these tips to over come your insecurities. In a society obsessed with beauty, most of us don't want to stand out because of our appearance. Whether you have a physical deformity, or are just unhappy with some aspect of how you look, insecurities about your appearance can negatively affect your quality of life and mental well-being.

The Link Between Your Protein Intake and Your Sex Drive

Guys whose sex life isn't exactly red-hot may want to examine their diet as a possible culprit. According to recent research, Individuals who don't consume enough protein actually risk having a low testosterone level. Guys whose sex life isn't exactly red-hot may want to examine their diet as a possible culprit. Individuals who don't consume enough protein actually risk having a low testosterone level, according to recent research. And low levels of this important hormone can cause not just poor sexual function, but muscle loss, damage to bones, and reduced red blood cells, according to the research, reported by the BBC.

The Sexual Downsides for Dads

Most men cite becoming a dad as one of the best moments of their lives. That said, research shows that fatherhood has a definite sexual downside. Read on to find out what it is and how to avoid it. Becoming a dad has a definite sexual downside, research shows. Fatherhood causes a drop in testosterone, according to the study, which was reported in The New York Times. Researchers measured the testosterone levels of single men at the age of 21, and again some years later.

Broken Hearts: How Your Relationship Affects Your Heart Health

The ups and downs associated with relationships don't pertain only to emotions. In fact, your partnership, good or bad, can have a real effect on your body. When you and your partner or significant other are happy together, your stress level plummets, and your heart thanks you for it. Conversely, a toxic relationship puts considerable stress and unhappiness on a couple, and their hearts can show the strain, experts say.

8 Habits That Contribute to Erectile Dysfunction

If you have Erectile Dysfunction (ED), getting your sex life back on track is probably a top priority. As a first step, consider whether these lifestyle changes are at the root of your sexual woes. If you have Erectile Dysfunction (ED), getting your sex life back on track is probably a big concern. The condition often has a lot to do with lifestyle, experts say, so don't be too quick to decide you need medication to get things going again. "Erectile dysfunction is a subject that is near and dear to our hearts," says Carol Ash, a hospitalist at Meridian Health New Jersey in Red Bank, NJ.

The Perks of Protein

While java will give you a jolt, you have other pick-me-up options that may be less jarring to your system. Consider forgoing the caffeine for a protein-rich snack. If you've ever been hit with the 3 p.m. sleepies (and who hasn't?), you may have been tempted to head to the nearest coffee bar for a caffeine infusion. But while java will give you a jolt, you have other pick-me-up options that may be less jarring to your system.

5 Ways to Spot a Bad Fad Diet

There's nothing wrong with trying to slim down, but watch out for these red flags. So you've got a high-school reunion coming up in three weeks, or a Caribbean vacation planned, or a wedding to go to. You absolutely have to drop 10 pounds immediately. There's nothing wrong with trying to slim down, but make sure you're doing it in a healthy way.

American Idol's Casey Abrams: Living Well With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

QualityHealth sat down with American Idol's Casey Abrams to talk about his experience living with ulcerative colitis. Here's what you should know about this chronic, but manageable inflammatory bowel disease. American Idol contestant Casey Abrams was a freshman at a large college who was slowly adjusting from a small high school when he developed worrisome and painful symptoms in his stomach. He was losing weight, running to the bathroom up to a dozen times a day, and was generally feeling unwell.

Ryan Schafer: Bowling for Diabetes

Learn how pro-bowler Ryan Schafer, who has type 1 diabetes, shares his time and talents to help others with the disease. Pro-bowler Ryan Shafer, who's had type 1 diabetes since age 19, shares his time and talents to help others with this disorder. As part of National Diabetes Month for November, he's hosting a tournament at a bowling alley in his hometown of Horseheads, NY as part of an effort called Reason to Believe, and he'll also be out in Vegas for a national bowling tournament.

Alzheimer’s Disease: Genetic or Environmental?

Can you control whether you get Alzheimer's disease? The answer is...maybe. In some cases, there is nothing a person can do to stop the illness. In other instances, lifestyle and environment may play a part. Can you control whether you get Alzheimer's disease? The answer is...maybe. In some cases, there is nothing a person can do to stop the illness. In other instances, lifestyle and environment may play a part. Here's what you need to know about the factors that increase your Alzheimer's risk.

7 Things Not to Say to Someone in Pain (and 1 Thing You Should Say)

It can be difficult to see someone you care about suffering from pain. You want to help, but you're not sure how. So you cast about for something to say...and you end up making your loved one more upset than before. How did your comment get taken so wrongly? And what should you have said instead? It can be difficult to see someone you care about suffering from pain. You want to help, but you're not sure how. So you cast about for something to say...and you end up making your loved one more upset than before. How did your comment get taken so wrongly? And what should you have said instead? "It can't be that bad.

Get the Most From Your Vaccines

More than any other time, vaccines are extremely crucial to senior health. They can help you ward off sicknesses that are now harder to tackle. It's especially important to keep up with vaccinations when you're older because certain infections and diseases hit seniors more heavily than they do on younger people. The flu is one example. While normally influenza is not fatal, it does take a number of lives every year, and 90 percent of those it kills are 65 years old or older.

Scientists Find a New Way to Measure Pain

New research has uncovered a tool that lets doctors accurately assess your pain without needing your input. When you tell a doctor you're having pain, he or she will typically ask you to rank it on a scale of one to ten. But if you say "five," does the doctor really know what you're feeling? Is your five the same as someone else's five? And what if you aren't able to verbally communicate? How will your physician know what you're feeling without your saying anything? New research has uncovered a tool that lets doctors accurately assess your pain without needing your input.

Get More Vitamin C to Lower Gout Risk

One study of nearly 47,000 men found that for every 500 mg increase of vitamin C consumption, the risk of gout declined by 17 percent. If you want to avoid gout (and who doesn't?), look for ways to increase your intake of Vitamin C. One study of nearly 47,000 men found that for every 500 mg increase of vitamin C consumption, the risk of gout declined by 17 percent. Men who took more than 1,500 milligrams of C each day had a 45 percent lower risk of having gout than men who never managed to get the vitamin into their diets.

Low B12 Levels and Brain Shrinkage: Is There a Link?

A recent study showed that a lack of B12 can not only result in lower scores on tests of cognitive ability; it actually can correlate with smaller total brain volume. Want to stave off cognitive problems as you get older? Consider making a special effort to get enough Vitamin B12. A recent study showed that a lack of B12 can not only result in lower scores on tests of cognitive ability; it actually can correlate with smaller total brain volume.

Top 3 Anger Triggers and Ways to Deal With Them

Although the act of men expressing their anger is typically accepted as normal, the truth is that venting one's anger in an unhealthy manner can be a burden on your relationships. We've all felt it before. Your blood begins to boil; your fists clench; and your brow furrows. Anger is a powerful and natural reaction that can range from being irritated to feeling enraged. Anger is often associated with men. A study conducted by researchers at Southwest Missouri State University (SMSU) suggest that, while anger is part of both male and female experiences, men will express their anger "outwardly and directly.

Can Baldness Be Cured?

There's one place on the body where having fat actually helps you look better, the head. It turns out hair growth isn't possible without fat. Muffin top middles look awful and signal poor health. Back fat is unsightly too and nobody wants flabby arms that wriggle. The good news is there's one place on the body where having fat actually helps you look better—the head. It turns out hair growth isn't possible without fat.

Your Physical Body Can Determine the Health of Your Digestion

Discover which parts of your body hold clues to how well your digestive tract is functioning. Feeling sluggish? Stick out your tongue. It holds clues to how efficient your body's digestive tract is running, says Brent Barlow, ND, Okanagan Naturopathic Healthcare in Kelowna, British Columbia. But this isn't the only secret your body has to share.

Digestive Problems Could Stifle Your Weight Loss Goals

If you feel that you've been exercising and no results ensue, it may be time to consider whether digestive problems could be getting in the way. The basic rule of weight loss says that if you take in fewer calories than you use, you'll shed pounds. But sometimes, no matter how hard you try it seems that the scale just won't budge. If you feel that you've been exercising and no results ensue, it may be time to consider whether digestive problems could be getting in the way.

How to Cope With Adult Sibling Jealousy

Whether you're the jealous one or the recipient, sibling rivalries are never easy to cope with. Here, tips on how to get past the green-eyed monster and rebuild your relationship. Jealous of your brother's great job? Envious that your sister's kids are always so beautifully behaved that your parents compliment her constantly? Whether you're the jealous one, always feeling like your sibling has a better job/house/car/kids than you, or you're the sibling that others in your family are jealous of, envy can be stressful and draining.

What Your Muscle Pain Is Telling You

Typically when you have muscle pain it's equated to soreness from working out or maybe an injury. But what most don't consider is how muscle pain is often associated with chronic health conditions. Typically when you have muscle pain it's equate to soreness from working out or maybe an injury. But what most don't consider is how muscle pain is often associated with chronic health conditions. Muscle pain tops the symptom list for many illnesses and health conditions from the flu to fibromyalgia.

Is Sleep Loss Leaving You Depressed?

Several studies have shown that lack of sleep has a profound effect on your mental well-being and that, for some people, chronic insomnia increases the risk of developing a psychological disorder such as depression or anxiety. You know how you feel after a restless or sleepless night—grouchy, stressed out, and just plain awful! The longer you go without a good night's sleep, the worse you feel. Here's what you can do to get your sleep habits—and your mood—back on track.

Best Foods to Prevent Bowel Cancers

Fresh fruits and vegetables can help fight cancer, but do you know which ones are best for your bowel? Fresh fruits and vegetables can help fight cancer, but do you know which ones are best for your bowel? Your gastrointestinal tract is actually one long tube that stretches from your mouth to your rectum, with lots of twists, turns, bulges, and folds in between.

Gassy at Night? 9 Steps to Take

If diet or lifestyle habits are at the root of your bloating or gas overload, there are steps you can take during the day to avoid having problems at night. Everyone produces gas while digesting food and, once formed, and that gas has to go somewhere. Throughout the day and night, normal amounts of gas pass through your body unnoticed, but any build-up of excess gas usually makes itself known. If it passes through your mouth, you burp.

Antibiotics Making You Sick? Foods to Eat and Avoid

If antibiotics are making you nauseous, eating the right foods and staying away from the wrong ones can help you feel better. If antibiotics are making you nauseous, eating the right foods and avoiding the wrong ones can help you feel better. When you take antibiotics to kill the bacteria that are causing an infection, the drug has a "take no prisoners" effect on your body: It wipes out all bacteria, good and bad.

Can Sleep Deprivation Change Your Personality?

When you don't get enough sleep, it becomes difficult to focus your attention and manage your emotions. You lose perspective. It is as if you become a different person than who you are when you are well rested. No one knows exactly why we are designed to sleep, but just about everyone knows what happens when we don't. If you are one of the estimated 50 to 70 million Americans who suffer from chronic sleep loss, you are probably feeling the consequences right now.

Caffeine in Your Genes?

If you drink a bit more coffee or tea than most people you know, scientists say it may be thanks to your DNA. If you drink a bit more coffee or tea than most people you know, scientists say it may be thanks to your DNA. Ah, caffeine. It wakes you up in the morning, helps you get your work done throughout the day and, after a long night, may be the only thing that can get you through the next day.

For Better Sleep, Take a Warm Bath

Taking a hot bath every evening is a natural way to decrease stress and anxiety, and ease yourself into a good night's sleep. Here's how to make this pre-bedtime ritual work for you. Taking a hot bath every evening is a natural way to decrease stress and anxiety, and ease yourself into a good night's sleep. Here's how to make this pre-bedtime ritual work for you. Timing is Everything Figure out how much sleep you need and what time you need to go to bed to get that amount.

What Is Lewy Body Dementia?

Here's what you need to know about this neurological condition, from symptoms to treatment options. You may not have heard of Lewy Body Dementia because it tends to be overshadowed by its close relations, Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease. But experts say that this neurological disorder is woefully underdiagnosed, with many doctors uninformed about it.

More Plant-Based Foods May Mean Fewer Cataracts

Want to save your eyesight as you get older? Consider forgoing that juicy steak in favor of a green salad. Want to save your eyesight as you get older? Consider forgoing that juicy steak in favor of a green salad. A recent study out of England has found a positive correlation between the amount of meat a person consumes and his or her risk of developing cataracts.

Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments of 4 Common Foot Problems

When your feet have problems, it's hard to feel good about anything else. Here's a rundown of four common foot problems, from bunions to plantar fasciitis. Your feet create the foundation for the rest of your body. When your feet have problems, it's hard to feel good about anything else. Millions of Americans suffer with foot problems that can often be prevented or easily treated. Learn what you can do about these four common foot problems: 1) Bunions form when your big toe points toward your second toe and causes a bump to form on the outside edge of your toe.

Exercise: Just What the Doctor Ordered?

Physicians and fitness experts are teaming up to help patients exercise their way to wellness. One of the top fitness trends of 2011 is teaming physicians with fitness experts to bring the power of exercise to health care. That's because exercise is often the best medicine. Studies say that physical inactivity costs the U.S. health care system about $102 billion dollars per year.

5 Tips for Buying Safe, High-Quality Food

Food safety issues make headlines far too often. Here's how to help ensure you're feeding your family safe, high-quality food. Food safety issues make headlines far too often. Even "healthy" foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean meats have been connected with serious illnesses caused by contamination with bacteria, parasites, and chemicals. This has many Americans wondering, "What's safe to eat?" The answer may depend on the quality of the foods you choose and whether or not you follow common sense safety-precautions.

5 Ways to Become a Morning Person

Some experts say that even if you are a night owl by nature, you can transform yourself into a morning lark and be more productive during the day. Here's how. Some experts say that even if you are a night owl by nature, you can transform yourself into a morning lark and be more productive during the day. These tips for changing your sleep habits may seem obvious, and you may have tried some of them from time to time to no avail.

Fortified or Natural: What's Better?

Like supplements, fortified foods offer insurance against the health problems associated with nutritional deficiencies. But are they an ideal replacement? Fortified foods provide an alternative source of nutrients for people who don't consume enough of the foods that naturally supply those nutrients. Like supplements, fortified foods offer insurance against the health problems associated with nutritional deficiencies.

Want a Good Night's Sleep? Avoid These 5 Things

If you have a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep, there may be a simple solution. If you have primary insomnia, that is, if you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep and it's not due to a medical problem, it is quite possible that one of your routine habits is to blame. Eating big dinners, drinking alcoholic beverages, sleeping in a hot room, exercising late in the day, and smoking cigarettes can all prevent you from getting a good night's sleep.

Sleep Apnea or Simple Snoring?

If you're sawing logs at night, it's important to find out if it's just a noisy nuisance or a sign of a serious sleep disorder. Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, but everyone who has sleep apnea snores. If you're sawing logs at night, it's important to find out if it's just a noisy nuisance or a sign of a serious sleep disorder. Snoring is a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, a serious medical condition that results in blocked airflow while you sleep.

Can Burning the Midnight Oil Make You Gain Weight?

Researchers have found that night owls tend to eat twice as much junk food and weigh more than people who go to bed on the early side and wake up with the sun. Yes, it can. Researchers have found that night owls—people who routinely stay up late and sleep in the next morning—tend to eat twice as much junk food and weigh more than people who go to bed on the early side and wake up with the sun. For some people, "early to bed, early to rise" just doesn't cut it.

Does Clenching Your Fist Really Make You Feel Better?

While clenched fists and gritted teeth may seem like the anger response of a toddler, new research suggests this reaction can set you at ease. While clenched fists and gritted teeth may seem like the anger response of a toddler, new research suggests this reaction can set you at ease. In a study published in the Journal of Consumer Research that was conducted at National University of Singapore and the University of Chicago, participants were better able to withstand physical pain when clenching their muscles—squeezing their fists, clenching their teeth, or scrunching facial muscles.

7 Tips for Proper Oral Care

While a set of pearly whites is certainly aesthetically pleasing, poor oral health can put you at risk for a variety of chronic conditions. Poll your friends about what physical characteristics they find most attractive. The majority will include a "nice smile" at the top of the list. While a set of pearly whites is certainly aesthetically pleasing, poor oral health can put you at risk for a variety of chronic conditions.

Many Seniors Leave Hospital Without Their Regular Meds

An alarming number of older patients fail to continue taking their regular medications after they return home, particularly if they spent time in intensive care. While hospitals can be lifesavers, especially for the elderly, an alarming number of older patients fail to continue taking their regular medications after they return home—particularly if they spent time in intensive care. Why? Mainly because they neglect to renew their prescriptions.

Are You Ready to Aero Jump?

Aero Jump is a jump rope-based workout developed by ex-boxer Michael Olajide, Jr. It's fun and fast-paced, but it's anything but child's play. Jump ropes made their way from the playground to the boxing ring long ago, but now they're turning up in gyms and fitness centers all over the world. Aero Jump is a jump rope-based workout developed by ex-boxer Michael Olajide, Jr.  It's fun and fast-paced, but it's anything but child's play.

5 Tips to Avoid Break-Up Weight Gain

Nothing terrible will happen to your figure if you spend a night indulging in your favorite comfort foods. But unfortunately, if you get into the habit of noshing as a way to numb the pain of a breakup, you may be horrified the next time you hop on the scale. Everyone knows digging into a carton of ice cream or polishing off a bag of cookies spells contentment, even if it's fleeting. After a traumatic breakup, turning to food for solace seems like a great solution. Nothing terrible will happen to your figure if you spend a night or two indulging in your favorite comfort foods.

Getting Along With In-Laws: When Her Parents Become Your Problem

Despite the proliferation of in-law jokes, when in-laws come between husband and wife, it's no laughing matter. In-laws...love 'em or hate 'em. Unlike choosing a spouse, you didn't have a hand in selecting them. Your wife loves them and they're part of your life—like it or not. Of course not all in-law relationships are fraught with tension, but if yours is, learning how to peacefully co-exist can improve your marriage as well as your emotional well-being.

Why Men Are More Likely to Die of Cancer Than Women

While cancer is one of the leading causes of death in both men and women, there are particular factors unique to men that make them more susceptible of ending the battle against cancer sooner than in women. Cancer—especially late in life—can be deadly, but a new report from the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) reveals that the often precarious disease prefers men. Lead researcher Michael B. Cook, an epidemiologist with NCI explains that differences in "carcinogenic exposures, metabolism, and susceptibility," seem to be the cause.

10 Best Foods for Men

While the quickest way to a man's heart may be through his stomach, the easiest way to prevent chronic conditions and improve longevity is through his diet. These 10 foods are particularly beneficial for those with the Y-chromosome. While the quickest way to a man's heart may be through his stomach, the easiest way to prevent chronic conditions and improve longevity is through his diet. Following a balanced diet that is low in fat and simple carbohydrates and high in lean protein and whole grains is beneficial for both sexes; however, these 10 foods are particularly beneficial for those with the Y-chromosome.

Popcorn, Peanuts, and Pretzels: Healthy Snacks or Harmful Nibbles?

How do you define a healthy snack? Low-fat? Low-calorie? Low-carb? Foods that fit into those categories may be good choices, but a better approach might be to choose snacks that are also high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. How do you define a healthy snack? Low-fat? Low-calorie? Low-carb? Foods that fit into those categories may be good choices, but a better approach might be to choose snacks that are also high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Snacks are healthy when they fill in any nutritional gaps in your diet without adding excess calories.

Do You Drool in Your Sleep?

If you wake up with a wet pillow, it may just be a normal effect of sleeping on your stomach or your side. In some cases, however, it could be a sign of a more serious problem. If you wake up with a wet pillow, it may just be a normal effect of sleeping on your stomach or your side. In some cases, however, it could be a sign of a more serious problem. Saliva coats your mouth and throat, makes it easier to swallow, helps food taste better, and keeps the area clean by washing away leftover food particles.

Why Starchy and Fatty Foods Are Hard to Digest

Starchy foods are essential for energy, and fatty foods can make you feel fuller. But there are a host of health complications that can ensue of you consume too much of both. Learn how eating the right combination of foods can help your digestive system function at its best. Did you know that your gut contains 500 species of bacteria and that altogether, they weigh about three pounds? These bacteria play a critical role in digestion and other important health-related functions. Eating the wrong foods can throw off the delicate balance of good and bad bacteria and cause a host of digestive (and other) health problems.

7 Essential Safe Driving Tips

Remaining safe behind the wheel is a complicated endeavor and there is a lot to be aware of in different situations. However, the following tips will provide you with the toolbox you need to keep yourself, your family, and your fellow drivers secure. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 30,000 Americans are killed in car accidents each year. Though there are a variety of causes linked to motor vehicle accidents—drunk driving, distracted driving, and speeding to name a few—the statistics prove that starting your car and pulling out onto the road is a dangerous task.

Can Male Hormones Protect Against Allergies?

If you think women get the short end of the stick when it comes to experiencing allergy symptoms, you may be right. The latest research confirms that women have a higher incidence of allergies than their male counterparts and it's due to hormonal differences. If you think women get the short end of the stick when it comes to experiencing allergy symptoms, you may be right. The latest research confirms that women have a higher incidence of allergies than their male counterparts and it may boil down to hormonal differences.

How to Deal With the Jerk From Work

Nearly every workplace has one, yet few know how to deal with him effectively. Follow these 6 tips to make your day go more smoothly. Nearly every workplace has one: a truly annoying employee who gets under everyone's skin and who puts everyone into a bad mood. You may actually have entertained fantasies about him being transferred to another branch office. The office jerk is likely...

Why Men Have Difficulty Discussing Their Problems

A new observational study uncovered why men seem to struggle when it comes to talking about their problems. Read on to get the scoop. The media and popular books, such as John Gray's Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, lead us to believe that men and women have very different communication styles. This is only partially true. Men and women are actually more similar than not in how they communicate in close, personal relationships.

How to Cope With the Loss of a Pet

A study conducted at the University of Hawaii's animal science department of 106 pet owners found that almost a third experienced grief that lasted six months or more after their pet's death. Twelve percent reported that their grief caused major disruptions in their lives. For many of us, a pet is a valued member of the family. In honor of the love, support, companionship and acceptance they show us, we celebrate their birthdays, buy them gifts, and provide top-notch medical care. We brag about their accomplishments, keep photos of them on our desks, and add their names to the holiday cards we send.

The Benefits of Small Group Fitness Training

If you're tired of exercising in a crowd and can't afford one-on-one sessions with a fitness instructor, then small group training might be just what you need to kick your workout into high gear. Everyone needs a little push every now and then. That's what personal trainers and group exercise classes are for. But if you're tired of exercising in a crowd and can't afford one-on-one sessions with a fitness instructor, then small group training might be just what you need to kick your workout into high gear.

Coping With Modern Evolutions in Dating

If you're a new divorcee, you may be surprised to find the dating game has changed—drastically. In order to navigate the rules of courtship, follow these tips. If you've recently split from your partner and are about to dip your toe into the dating pool once again, you may be surprised at how technology has changed it. Texting, online dating, and social networking sites have made old-fashioned dating seem, well, outdated.

Young and Have a Low Sex Drive? Causes and Fixes

A great sex life might seem like one of life's perks for young people. But these days, it’s not uncommon for younger as well as older individuals to suffer from a low libido. Here, common causes and how to address them. A great sex life might seem like one of life's perks for young people. But these days, it's not uncommon for younger as well as older individuals to suffer from a low libido, says Michael Krychman, MD, executive director of the Southern California Center for Sexual Health and an associate clinical professor at USC Medical School in Los Angeles.

Cancer Trends Today

While cancer treatments continue to become more effective and targeted, the number of people diagnosed with cancer is on the rise. Understand the high-level trends and how they could affect you. Cancer has become a serious personal and public health problem. The mortality rate of cancer has declined over the past several decades due to advances in treatment. At the same time, the number of people diagnosed with cancer is on the rise. While humans have always faced cancer, it's become increasingly prevalent over the past century.

Atrial Fibrillation: Know the Signs, Prevent Complications

During atrial fibrillation, the heart's two upper chambers beat out of sync with the two lower chambers. Learn about the potential causes and complications of this condition. If you've ever experienced heart palpitations (a feeling of rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeats), shortness of breath, and weakness, you could have atrial fibrillation, an irregular and often rapid heartbeat that causes poor blood flow to the body.

Can't Sleep? Up the Intimacy

If you're caught up in a cycle of sleepless nights, there's a drug-free way to get back on track: Make love more often. If you're caught up in a cycle of sleepless nights, there's a drug-free way to get back on track: Make love more often. Whenever you read tips for beating insomnia, you probably see the advice to use your bed (and bedroom) only for sleeping and sex.

The Healing Powers of 5 Everyday Spices

Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves do more than flavor some of your favorite foods. These and others have medicinal properties and are most effective as healers when used on a regular basis. Here's how to get more of them into your diet. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves do more than flavor some of your favorite foods. These and other "sweet" spices have medicinal properties and are most effective as healers when used on a regular basis. Here's how to get more of them into your diet. Cinnamon In addition to treating stomach and intestinal problems such as bloating, gas, and spasms, cinnamon has been found to reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol levels.

Abdominal Fat Linked to Alzheimer's Risk

Not that you need another reason to trim excess flab, but here it is: Scientists have linked extra pounds in midlife to an increased incidence of Alzheimer's disease later on. Not that you need another reason to trim excess flab, but here it is: Scientists have linked extra pounds in midlife to an increased incidence of Alzheimer's disease later on. This finding comes on the heels of a previous study that found that modest weight gain during middle age, particularly around the middle, is linked to a higher rate of cardiovascular disease.

The Most Popular Types of Yoga

Among the many popular types of yoga offered at studios and gyms, one style might make you break a sweat in a super-hot room, while another might be mellow and cool. Do you know what you're getting into when you sign up for a yoga class? Among the many popular styles offered in gyms and studios these days, one might make you break a sweat in a super-hot room, while another might be mellow and cool. The word yoga means to yoke or unify the mind, bod,y and spirit.

12 Tips for Traveling With Food Allergies

Unfortunately, no matter where you plan to travel, your food allergies will always be with you. So don't just plan your vacation itinerary, plan on ways you can stay safe on your trip, too. Unfortunately, no matter where you plan to travel, your food allergies will always be with you. So don't just plan your vacation itinerary, plan on ways you can stay safe on your trip, too. Whether you're heading to the beach, the countryside, or the mountains, be mindful that you could come on contact with your allergens.

Easy Bruising: Cause for Concern?

Bruising occurs when small blood vessels called capillaries are broken because of impact. While rarely serious, they can sometimes be a sign of underlying disease. Have you ever stepped out of the shower, caught a glimpse of yourself in a full-length mirror, and wondered, "How in the world did I get that?" That would be a bruise, shining purply through your skin in all its glory. You don't remember bumping into or hitting anything.

What a Life Coach Can Do for You

Everyone has life goals and dreams, but many people have no idea how to achieve them. That's where a life coach can help. Life coaches help you create the blueprint to become your best self. Everyone has life goals and dreams, but many people have no idea how to achieve them. That's where a life coach can help. Life coaches help you create the blueprint to become your best self.  What is a life coach? Life coaches are trained professionals who help clients realize their personal, professional, and physical goals.

Depression Fallout: Managing Depression in Your Relationship

If you're the partner of someone who is depressed, it can take a toll on your relationship and your own mental health. Here, a guide to keeping your relationship intact in the face of mental illness. Suffering from depression is emotionally frustrating. So is living with someone who suffers from depression. Unfortunately, this is more common than you may imagine. In a Reader's Digest survey, 42 percent of respondents said depression was a major challenge in their relationship.

5 Fixes for Post-Meal Fatigue

A good meal should boost your energy, not leave you feeling sapped. A good meal should boost your energy, not leave you feeling sapped. Here's what you can do to avoid post-meal fatigue. 1. Eat light.  Heavy meals, especially those rich in carbohydrates, help boost your levels of the brain chemical serotonin, which is responsible for the "tired but content" feeling that often comes after a holiday dinner, but can occur after any big meal.

Allergies at Work? 7 High-Risk Settings

Whether you work in a controlled setting like an office, spend your days in a laboratory or manufacturing plant, or are outdoors working with animals or plants, there are many allergens that, with repeated exposure, can make you feel quite sick. Does your workplace do a real job on your health? Your place of employment may expose you to substances that can trigger an array of symptoms. Whether you work in the controlled setting like an office, spend your days in a laboratory or manufacturing plant, or are outdoors working with animals or plants, there are many allergens that, with repeated exposure, can make you feel quite sick.

The Risks of Cell Phone Obsession

The typical smartphone user checks his phone an average of 34 times per day. What’s more, many people who compulsively check their cellphones are unaware that they are doing it. If you haven't done it yourself, you've certainly seen it: A group of people at a social gathering who, instead of conversing with each other, are pecking away at their cell phones. While this situation may sound strange, it's actually very common. A recent study in the journal Personal and Ubiquitous Computing found that the typical smartphone user checked their phone an average of 34 times per day.

7 Tips for Talking to Your Partner About Erectile Dysfunction

Getting comfortable discussing an uncomfortable topic is never easy to do; however, it may save your relationship. You're in a new relationship that's so wonderful it feels as if you'll be happy together forever. Everything's perfect, except for one problem. You have erectile dysfunction (ED), and are wondering when you should tell your partner about it. And if you've decided to share the news with her, you may wonder how best to broach it.

Could You Be in a Codependent Relationship?

A healthy dependency is a two-way relationship; both parties contribute to it in positive ways. A codependent relationship, in contrast, is an unhealthy, dysfunctional, perhaps even abusive, one-sided relationship. We depend on family and friends to fill some of our needs for love, companionship, and security. A healthy dependency is a two-way relationship; both parties contribute to it in positive ways. A codependent relationship, in contrast, is an unhealthy, dysfunctional, perhaps even abusive, one-sided relationship.

Scars: Causes, Types, Prevention, and Treatment

Whether you have a newly developed scar or you're trying to stop a wound from turning into a prominent scar, there are ways you can minimize its appearance. We all have scars, whether they're extremely noticeable or barely visible. Scars can result from simple accidents like getting too close to an iron or from bad habits like picking at pimples. Whether you have a newly developed scar or you're trying to stop a wound from turning into a prominent scar, there are ways you can minimize its appearance.

Senior Driving: Knowing When to Stop

How do you know if you or a loved one is becoming an unsafe driver? It can be difficult to assess one's driving skills but these factors can help you figure it out. We've all seen it: The little old man or woman hunched over the steering wheel, squinting ahead while doing 20 miles an hour in a 40 mile an hour zone. And it's not uncommon to hear about accidents caused by elderly drivers who step on the gas pedal instead of the brake.

How to Handle National Grief

Here are tips for working through grief in a healthy way when it involves an entire community. Everyone handles personal grief in an individual way, processing it at a different pace as they struggle to cope. But nationwide grief following a horrific tragedy such as the events of 9/11 is anything but private. National grief and mourning like what gripped the country after 9/11 is different from grief experienced on a personal scale.

Menu Diversity May Be a Recipe for Obesity

They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, but perhaps menu monotony is the way to keep his heart healthy. They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, but perhaps menu monotony is the way to keep his heart healthy. New research suggests repeated exposure to a food may be what's needed to reduce excess consumption of it. A study conducted by researchers from the University of Buffalo and the University of Florida compared the behavior of two groups of obese and non-obese women.

How to Find Your Body's Best Bedtime

The best time to go to bed is the time that ensures you get enough sleep before you have to get up each day to go to work or school or take care of your home life. Early to bed, early to rise? That's good. Late to bed, late to rise? For some people, that's good too. Your body's best bedtime is the time that works best for you. The best time to go to bed is the time that ensures you get enough sleep before you have to get up each day to go to work or school or take care of your home life.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments

The good news is that it's rarely serious, but the bad news is that it can make getting out of bed and going about your day an exercise in fighting nausea and trying to keep your balance. If the room is spinning and you don't know why, you may have a condition known as BPPV, or Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. This unpleasant malady strikes many in middle age, and the cause isn't always known. The good news is that it's rarely serious, but the bad news is that it can make getting out of bed and going about your day an exercise in fighting nausea and trying to keep your balance.

Wheatgrass Juice: Contender or Pretender?

Touted as a "living food," wheatgrass juice first became popular when a self-proclaimed "natural healer" began to promote the benefits of consuming green vegetables, herbs, and wild weeds. Since then, wheatgrass has been analyzed, studied, and sold as a health remedy. Wheatgrass is sold as a juice, a pill, a powder and, in some greenmarkets and natural foods stores, a potted plant. Touted as a "living food," wheatgrass juice first became popular in the 1950's, when a self-proclaimed "natural healer" began to promote the benefits of consuming green vegetables, herbs, and wild weeds.

Shop More, Live Longer?

Need an excuse to go shopping? How about this one? Recent research suggests it may actually be good for you. Need an excuse to go shopping? How about this one? Recent research suggests it may actually be good for you. Taiwanese researchers published a study in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health that states people who shop frequently may live longer than people who don't shop at all or shop infrequently.

Do You Really Need to Drink 8 Glasses of Water a Day?

For years now, the conventional wisdom has been to drink eight glasses of water a day if you want to maintain good health. But is that really true? According to one doctor, the answer is no. For years now, the conventional wisdom has been to drink eight glasses of water a day if you want to maintain good health. But is that really true? According to Heinz Valtin, MD, a retired professor of physiology from Dartmouth Medical School, the answer is no.

Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer? Your Treatments Options

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men. In 2011, almost 241,000 men will be diagnosed with this disease. Before you make decisions about treatment, it's important to understand your options. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men. In 2011, almost 241,000 men will be diagnosed with this disease. Before you make decisions about treatment, it's important to understand your options. Standard Treatment When deciding which treatment is best, oncologists consider several factors: your age, the stage of cancer at diagnosis, whether it's causing symptoms, your overall health, and your personal preferences.

REM: What It Is and Why You Need It

Also known as "dream sleep," REM (rapid eye movement) is the stage of sleep when your brain processes your thoughts and memories from the day. Also known as "dream sleep," REM (rapid eye movement) is the stage of sleep when your brain processes your thoughts and memories from the day. While you are sleeping, your brain moves through a series of sleep cycles that repeat themselves about every hour and a half, or five times, throughout the night.

How Smoking Causes Cancer

You know it does, but do you know how and why smoking is one of the greatest health risks out there? Understanding what's behind the risk might help you or a loved one give them up for good. There's no question about it: smoking causes cancer. In fact, smoking is responsible for almost 90 percent of all lung cancer deaths, and lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Roughly 22 percent of cancer deaths in women, and 45 percent in men, are directly attributable to personal smoking habits.

Full vs. Empty Stomach: Which is Better for Exercise?

Some experts say you'll burn more fat if you exercise on an empty stomach. Others assert your athletic performance will suffer if you don't fuel it with the right food. Who's right? Which is better: running on full or running on empty? We're talking about the fuel you put in your body. There's a lot of confusion about eating and exercise. Some studies say you'll burn more fat if you exercise on an empty stomach.  Others assert your athletic performance will suffer if you don't fuel it with the right food.

Just Separated? A Step You Must Take

If you're newly single, you may be feeling a whole range of emotions, both negative and positive. Still, assessing yourself honestly is an essential step to avoiding future relationship blunders. If you're newly single, you may be feeling a whole range of emotions, both negative and positive. On the negative side, you may be lonely. On a positive note, you may be relieved that the constant fighting between you and your partner has stopped. You also may be experiencing such emotional overload that you're resistant to the idea of stopping and taking stock of where you are--and where you're going.

Your Guide to Hearing Aids

The variety of hearing aids can be overwhelming, and you may not be sure where to start. Fortunately, the Food and Drug Administration has created an online guide to help you make an informed decision. If you're one of the 35 million Americans with some degree of hearing loss, you may be considering getting a hearing aid. But the variety of hearing aids can be overwhelming, and you may not be sure where to start. Fortunately, the Food and Drug Administration has created an online guide to help you make an informed decision.

Tooth Sensitivity: Getting to the Root of It

Learn about the most common causes, plus get tips on how to fix this common problem. If you frequently get that "zing" feeling while biting into something sweet, cold, hot, or sour, you could have sensitive teeth. Although it can quite comfortable, it's pretty common—and there are some easy fixes. What causes tooth sensitivity in the first place? Common triggers include a cavity or crack in the tooth, but it might also be due to the erosion of tooth enamel.

3 Heart-Healthy Habits With Zero Deprivation

Pizza? Drinks? TV? Your favorite indulgences can be made heart healthy, if you do them right. Making sure you get your daily dose of nutritious foods and plenty of exercise is crucial to maintaining a healthy heart, but that doesn't mean you have to completely cut yourself off from your favorite indulgences. Here are three ways you can stay heart-healthy without feeling deprived.

BAI: Better Than BMI?

Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California have proposed a new formula for measuring body fat using hip circumference and height. This formula is known as body adiposity index, or BAI. The more body fat you have, the higher your chances of developing chronic health problems. Now there's a new way to measure your risk. If you are overweight, you are actually "overfat." You are carrying around too much body fat. The body mass index (BMI) is a formula based on height and weight that is used by health professionals and fitness experts to calculate body fat.

5 Ways to Keep Asthma From Making You Sick

The cool, crisp days of autumn can be a refreshing treat after a hot, humid summer. Yet with the change of season also comes an increased risk of illness that can lead to fall asthma. The cool, crisp days of autumn can be a refreshing treat after a hot, humid summer. Yet with the change of season also comes an increased risk of illness that can lead to fall asthma. It's no coincidence that many asthmatics visit the emergency room in the fall and early winter.

7 Exercises for an Improved Sex Life

If your sex life feels limp and lackluster these days, resolve to spice it up. No, not with dietary supplements or prescription pills, but by exercising with a purpose. If your sex life feels limp and lackluster these days, resolve to spice it up. No, not with dietary supplements or prescription pills, but by exercising with a purpose. Certain exercises can help rev-up your performance and level of satisfaction, experts say.

Potential Risks of Common Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

While over-the-counter pain relievers are convenient and readily available, they still come with certain risks. Aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen are readily available on your grocery and drug store shelves. No prescription is needed. Pop a couple and your pain, fever or headache disappear. While these common over-the-ounter (OTC) medications are generally safe, they're still powerful chemicals.

Post-Workout Fatigue: What's Normal, What's Not?

It's normal to feel tired after a workout. Mild muscle ache is common, too. But what if you're completely exhausted? It's normal to feel tired after a workout. Mild muscle ache is common, too. But what if you're completely exhausted? Post-workout fatigue that persists after you cool down or interferes with your lifestyle is not normal. Vigorous exercise is a healthy challenge for every body.

4 Ways Smoking Kills Your Looks

Actors may appear sultry and glamorous when lighting up on-screen, but in real life, the tobacco habit can downgrade you from hot to "not." Here's a rundown of just some of the ways smoking is a blight on beauty. It's been well-documented that smoking ruins your health, affecting everything from your lungs to your taste buds to your heart. A persistent smoking habit might even kill you. But did you know that puffing on cigarettes can also wreak havoc on your looks? Actors may appear sultry and glamorous when lighting up on-screen, but in real life, the tobacco habit can downgrade you from hot to "not.

7 Causes of Nocturnal Asthma Attacks

A number of possible factors can make you more susceptible to having an asthma attack at night. Read on to find out what they are and what you can do about them. If you battle your worst asthma symptoms at night and wake up many mornings still feeling tired and out of sorts, you could have nocturnal asthma. As the name implies, this is when asthma strikes at night causing shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and/or chest pressure.

What You Should Know About Genetically Modified Foods

Genetically modified (GM) or engineered, foods have been scientifically altered to develop more desirable traits. These traits might include better resistance to destructive insects in the field, or increased nutritional value. You have the right to know what's in the food products you buy, but you can't know if it's not on the label. Genetically modified (GM) or engineered, foods have been scientifically altered to develop more desirable traits. These traits might include better resistance to destructive insects in the field, or increased nutritional value.

What Stomach Pain in Older Adults May Mean

Digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are common occurrences among those over the age of 50. Take inventory of the digestive symptoms you may have and measure them against these potential digestive conditions. Digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) disorders can cause a variety of stomachaches and are common occurrences—especially among those over the age of 50. Although the GI system usually does its job without any glitches, as you get older, the risk for digestive disorders that affect the stomach and small or large intestine can increase.

Men Get Breast Cancer, Too

Many men may find this to be startling news, but breast cancer doesn't happen only in women. Although men don't have breasts in the sense that women do, they do have breast tissue and enough of it to make breast cancer possible. Many men may find this to be startling news, but breast cancer doesn't happen only in women. Although men don't have breasts in the sense that women do, they do have breast tissue and enough of it to make breast cancer possible. In men, breast tissue is primarily composed of tubular passages called ducts which are located under the nipple and in the areas surrounding it.

What Can Reiki Do for You?

While acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic garner most of the attention, Reiki quietly benefits patients in its own gentle way. Complementary and alternative healing practices are becoming mainstream as people search for ways to support health naturally. While acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic garner most of the attention, Reiki quietly benefits patients in its own gentle way.

Hula-Hooping: Not Just Child's Play

Hula-hooping isn't just for kids anymore. Fitness experts say it can provide boot camp-quality exercise. Wish you could play like a child again? Then hula-hooping might be the perfect workout for you. It's not just kids' stuff, though. Hula-hooping provides boot camp-quality exercise.  Hula-hoops have been popular since they were invented in the 1950s.

Could You Suffer From One-itis?

Are you hyper-focused on one particular person? Can't resist calling him several times a day? Do you analyze his every action? If you've answered "yes," you may have one-itis. If you're hyperfocused on one particular person, cannot resist calling him several times a day, and analyze his every action, you may have one-itis. If this sounds like you, you may have one-itis, and it's worth curing. "When someone is so focused on another person, it's obvious that she is trying to compensate for, or make up for, not feeling whole herself," says Karin Anderson, Ph.

20 Ways to Drink More Water

Set an alarm. Use a fancy glass. Hang a sign on your fridge. These are just a few ways to ensure you get your daily dose of H20. If there is one magical elixir that can help promote good health, it's water. Here's how to make sure you get enough each day. 1. Set goals. For instance, first thing in the morning, fill a large pitcher with 8 cups of water and set a goal to finish it by the end of the day.

Improve Prostate Cancer Recovery

When you have prostate cancer, you want to get better as quickly as possible. Fortunately, you can improve your chances of a successful recovery. When you have prostate cancer, you want to get better as quickly as possible. Fortunately, you can improve your chances of a successful recovery. Here are some four areas of focus: 1. Healthy diet. Diet and cancer go hand in hand. For example, high-fat diets increase your risk for prostate cancer recurrence.

Body Pillow Basics

More than a snuggle buddy, a body-length pillow can improve your bedtime posture and help you get a better night's sleep by relieving common aches and pains that are keeping you awake. Have you hugged your pillow lately? More than a snuggle buddy, a body-length pillow can improve your bedtime posture and help you get a better night's sleep by relieving common aches and pains that are keeping you awake. If you're pregnant, or suffer from arthritis, back pain, or sore muscles resulting from an injury or pain after surgery, a full-length body pillow can provide support to your entire body and help keep your spine aligned while you sleep.

Hugging, Touching, Kissing: The Key to Happiness?

Sure, there may be a laundry list of activities that make you happy, but when it comes to reconnecting with your partner, these are key (and the reason is chemical). You smooch your pooch, cuddle with your baby, and engage in all manner of close physical contact with your partner. And afterwards, no matter how stressful and exhausting your day was, you find yourself feeling lighter and more relaxed. Well, there's a reason cuddling and other forms of physical touch have a positive effect on you.

The Link Between the State of the Economy and Suicide Rates

During the Great Depression, suicide rates hit their highest level ever, increasing almost 23 percent over the four years of the depression. Since then, suicide rates have consistently risen during times of economic downturns. During the Great Depression, suicide rates hit their highest level ever, increasing almost 23 percent over the four years of the depression (1929 to 1933). Since then, suicide rates have consistently risen during times of economic downturns. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently released a study, Impact of Business Cycles on the U.

7 Ways to Strengthen Your Sperm

If you and your partner are planning to grow your family, the issue of fertility may come up. And while it's commonly looked at as a woman's issue, the U.S. National Library of Medicine reports that male infertility is the root of the problem approximately one third of the time. If you and your partner are planning to grow your family, the issue of fertility may come up. And while it's commonly looked at as a feminine issue, the U.S. National Library of Medicine reports that male infertility is the problem approximately one third of the time.

BPA in Canned Foods: What You Should Know

BPA is used in the production of some hard plastics and the plastic-like linings of many metal cans used to package foods and beverages. Since BPA leaches out of the plastic and into the contents of the can when exposed to heat, there is wide concern about its toxic effect. Although canned foods rarely make it to any "top ten" list of great-tasting or especially nutritious foods, the only real concern has ever been the loss of certain nutrients during the canning process and over time. All that changed when toxic chemicals were found in the food.

Understanding Psoriasis: Causes, Prevention, Treatment

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that can debilitate your skin, self-esteem, and overall health. What's worse is that it can lead to more serious health complications. Learn about how to detect, treat, and cope with this disease. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that can debilitate your skin, self-esteem, and overall health. An estimated two million people have this disease and don't even know it. What's worse is that it can lead to more serious health complications. Learn about how to detect, treat, and cope with this disease.

Running to the Bathroom During Workouts? What to Do

If urges to go to the bathroom when exercising are keeping you from getting a good workout, here are some tips to keep in mind. There's nothing better you can do for your health than to get moving. Exercise revs the whole body up, including your digestive and urinary tract. If urges to go to the bathroom when exercising are keeping you from getting a good workout, here are some tips to keep in mind.

Give the Gift of Life: Register as an Organ Donor

Every day, people die waiting for organ transplants. Whether they need a new heart, lung, liver, or kidney, these patients know their lives depend on the availability of healthy organs. Every day, people die waiting for organ transplants. Whether they need a new heart, lung, liver, or kidney, these patients know their lives depend on the availability of healthy organs. Unfortunately, there are never enough organs to meet the needs of the sick.

Protein in Spinal Fluid: An Alzheimer's Marker?

A simple spinal tap may be the key to identifying those who are heading toward Alzheimer's disease. What if we could identify Alzheimer's patients even before they started forgetting words, getting lost in familiar places, and not recognizing friends and loved ones? Would we be able to prevent the disease from progressing or even occurring? That scenario is looking more and more likely, according to scientists, who are busy testing hundreds of new Alzheimer's drugs.

10 Tips to Simplify Conflict Resolution

Resolving conflicts doesn't have to be difficult. In fact, you can make the process easy on the both of you by following these ten tips. You and your partner are becoming seasoned experts at sniping, bickering, and arguing. And yet all too often, you're no closer to resolving your differences even after hours of butting heads. It's possible to resolve things in a less stressful way, experts say, when both partners are willing to work things out - and to learn the art of compromise.

Twitching in Your Sleep: Why Does It Happen?

There are you, peacefully dozing off, and then, whoa! Your body does a sudden jerk and you're awake again. For the most part, these body spasms are considered normal. But sometimes they're not. There are you, peacefully dozing off, and then, whoa! Your body does a sudden jerk and you're awake again. For the most part, these body spasms are considered normal. But sometimes they're not. Hypnic jerks, or sleep starts, are normal leg, arm, or full-body twitches that occur just as you're about to fall asleep.

10 Ways to Spruce Up Your Salad

If you find yourself munching on the same old lettuce and tomatoes day in and day out, maybe it's time for a salad makeover. If you find yourself munching on the same old lettuce and tomatoes day in and day out, maybe it's time for a makeover. Here are 10 tips for building a better salad: 1. Mix up your greens. There's nothing wrong with lettuce, but with so many varieties of salad-ready greens available, why be boring? Toss together a combination of Swiss chard, baby spinach, radicchio, arugula, and/or watercress and discover the sweet, bitter, and peppery differences in flavor.

How to Successfully Donate Blood

Giving blood is straightforward, safe, and infinitely helpful to those in need. So if you want to join the effort, here are six steps you can take to ensure the process is as easy as possible. Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood, according to the American Red Cross. What's more, nearly 38,000 blood donations are needed every day. Needless to say, the demand for blood is high. But blood donations are very popular among many Americans.

Do Cell Phones Cause Cancer?

You've heard they do. You've heard they don't. So, what are the experts saying about the real risk? Cell phones have become ubiquitous worldwide, even in developing countries, so the very thought they might cause harm is hard to believe. While the data on a possible link between cell phone use and cancer has been inconsistent-and definitely controversial-the evidence is finally starting to accumulate.

How to Eat Healthy at the Airport

There's always something to eat at the airport, especially if you're at one of the larger "hub" airports. Unfortunately, where there are more food vendors, there are more opportunities for unhealthy options and food safety violations. Eating at airports, especially when you're in a hurry, is pretty much the nutritional equivalent of eating at a truck stop. But the problem is not just finding and choosing healthier foods or piecing together something that resembles a balanced meal. It's also about finding food that's safe to eat.

Health Advice at the Hair Salon

Over the last few years, some hair salons and barbers have been dispensing more than just trims. They've been giving out health advice, too. In some communities, particularly where many African-Americans live, the local salon or barber shop is a cultural institution. Men and women alike visit these social hubs on a regular basis not only to get their hair done but to connect with friends and neighbors in a familiar, comforting environment where they can talk, share, vent, and just be themselves.

Considering a Clinical Trial? What You Should Know

You may have considered participating in a clinical trial. But are you a good candidate? And what's in it for you? Reading about the latest miracle medication to hit the market after success in clinical trials, you may have wondered who are these people who offer themselves up to science? You may even have considered participating in a clinical trial yourself. But are you a good candidate? And what's in it for you? Advantages 1.

How Hammocks Help You Sleep

Tempted to sleep out in a hammock on a warm summer night? Or take a hammock nap in the late afternoon? It may turn out to be the best sleep you ever got. Tempted to sleep out in a hammock on a warm summer night? Or take a hammock nap in the late afternoon? It may turn out to be the best sleep you ever got. If you're a parent, you know that rocking a baby is the best way to get him to sleep. If you have a grandmother, you may have seen how quickly she falls asleep in a rocking chair.

5 Easy Tips to Avoid Vacation Weight Gain

You can take a vacation from day-to-day living without forfeiting daily exercise and healthy eating. These practical tips will help you stave off the extra pounds without needing to give up festive foods and unforgettable fun. The purpose of going on vacation is simple—to take a break from the rigors of day-to-day living. However, we also tend to take a break from daily exercise and healthy eating as we launch into local cuisine with little, if any, mind to the damage it's doing to our diets.

UVA and UVB Rays: What's the Difference?

What is it about these rays that makes them so harmful? And how can you tell if you're taking the proper safety precautions? We all require some sun exposure. In fact, it's the body's primary source of vitamin D. But the problem lies in repeated, unprotected exposure to the sun's ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. What is it about these rays, though, that makes them so harmful? And how can you tell if you're taking the proper safety precautions? UVA Rays: Think "A" for Aging UVA wavelengths deeply penetrate the dermis and subcutaneous layers of your skin.

All About Egg Yolks, Whites, and Substitutes

Whole or separated, in recipes or on their own, eggs are an important part of most people's diets. But if you're concerned about heart disease, shouldn't you worry about the fat and cholesterol in eggs? Not when you know which parts of the egg to use, and when to use them. Whole or separated, in recipes or on their own, eggs are an important part of most people's diets. But if you're concerned about heart disease, shouldn't you worry about the fat and cholesterol in eggs? Not if you know which parts of the egg to use, and when to use them.

What Is a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)?

The MSLT helps confirm a diagnosis of narcolepsy, a condition in which a person suddenly loses muscle control and falls asleep, or idiopathic hypersomnia, which is excess or inappropriate daytime sleepiness without an apparent cause. Most sleep studies are performed overnight so your doctor can monitor your sleep patterns and behavior. But you may also benefit from another test that assesses just how sleepy you are during daytime hours. The Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) looks at how overtired you are during the day.

Hypersomnia: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments

Hypersomnia is a word used to describe excessive sleepiness at times when you should actually be feeling well rested. If you consistently feel drowsy in spite of a good night's sleep, there are several possible causes and many potential treatments. Hypersomnia is a word used to describe excessive sleepiness at times when you should actually be feeling well rested. If you consistently feel drowsy in spite of a good night's sleep, there are several possible causes and many potential treatments. It makes sense to feel tired and feel the need for a nap if you didn't sleep well or at all the night before.

Enrich Your Life: How to Become a Volunteer

Volunteering can be one of the most enriching and satisfying experiences of your life. Here's how to get started. A popular option for people young and old is to volunteer. Not only are you doing something good for the community, volunteering has been shown to be good for your mental and physical health. But perhaps you've never offered your time and skills before and aren't sure what to expect.

High Altitudes May Lead to Weight Loss

New research suggests you can lose weight—and keep it off—just by spending a week in the mountains. Weight loss is a natural phenomenon for anyone who travels from sea level to extreme altitudes. The amount of weight lost depends on how high you go and how long you stay, and has always been thought to be temporary. In addition, high-altitude weight loss has always been associated with active people who spend time hiking and skiing in mountainous areas.

How Your Body Uses Nutrients

Have you thought about how your digestive system actually converts the meals you eat into fuel? Here's a quick survey of how your organs break down nutrients to keep your body in motion. Have you ever thought about how your digestive system—a complex network of hollow organs and long, twisting tubes—actually converts your meals into fuel to keep your body functioning well? Here's a quick survey of how your organs break down nutrients, including carbohydrates, protein, fats, and vitamins, to keep your body in motion.

5 Inexpensive Workouts

Try these creative ways to exercise that are good for your body and easy on your wallet. Don't let high gym prices keep you from getting into the best shape of your life. We've got five great exercise idea that work your body hard, but go easy on your wallet. The key to designing a great workout is to focus on the three pillars of fitness: cardio, strength, and flexibility.

Temporary Blood Pressure Spikes: How to Handle Them

While an occasional increase in blood pressure above your average reading is not usually a cause for alarm, over time, if those spikes in your blood pressure occur frequently enough, say every day, they can cause damage to your blood vessels, heart, and kidneys the same way having chronically high blood pressure can. Blood pressure follows a normal daily pattern. It's usually lower at night while you're asleep and when you first wake up than it is during the day. But episodes of anxiety, for example, a visit to your doctor's office for a checkup, can cause your blood pressure to spike, often called white-coat hypertension.

12 Best Bets for Healthy Beer Options

If you're looking for a "healthy" beer, unfortunately, you won't find one. But that doesn't mean you should skip out entirely. If you choose to indulge in a beer, make the best choice for your health. If you’re looking for a “healthy” beer, unfortunately, you won’t find one. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), one of the best ways to avoiding weight gain is to consume a variety of nutrient-dense foods. Nutrient-dense foods have a high micro-nutrient (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc.

BPA Plastic: 7 Safety Steps

Keeping safe from toxic chemicals is no easy task these days. Here are practical steps you can take to minimize exposure. Keeping children safe from toxic chemicals is no easy task these days. The current offender: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic chemical used to make plastic clear and hard. It also keeps bacteria from contaminating foods and prevents cans from rusting.

How to Choose a Safe and Reusable Water Bottle

Drinking plenty of water is among the best things you can do for your health. Switching from a disposable water bottle to a reusable one is among the best things you can do for the planet. Drinking plenty of water is among the best things you can do for your health. Switching from a disposable to reusable water bottle is among the best things you can do for the planet. How do you choose the best water bottle?  Check out our tips before you go shopping.

Papaya for Digestive Health

This nutrient-powerhouse can aid an assortment of digestive woes, and there are many ways you can enjoy it. Whether you cook it, eat it raw, or put it in a smoothie, incorporate papaya into your healthy digestion plan. Papaya is a super food that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It contains vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, potassium, magnesium, and fiber. Additionally, this tropical fruit contains papain, a proteolytic enzyme that helps promote digestion. In fact, in laboratory studies, papaya extract was shown to alleviate induced gastric ulcers in rats, leading researchers to believe that the fruit may be useful in treating gastric ulcers in humans.

Are You at Risk for a Drug Allergy?

Have you ever grappled with the unexpected side effects from a medication? It's important to pinpoint the cause of these surprising reactions. Here's the right way to know if it's a true drug allergy. When you end up grappling with unexpected side effects from your medication, such as a rash, nausea, or stomach distress, you might think you're allergic to the drug. However, most of the time, the reaction is caused by a drug sensitivity and not a true allergy.

Relationship Cold Feet? 5 Coping Tips

We all know what pressure feels like. But when it comes to making a long-term commitment, are you prepared to overcome cold feet? Many people know what it feels like to have "cold feet." You may experience pressure in your chest, butterflies in your stomach, confusion in your heart—and ambivalence about just what the future holds. All the uncertainty can be unnerving, to say the least.

How to Choose a Medical Alert System

If the thought of your elderly loved one falling and not being able to get help is a real concern, it may be time to invest in a personal medical-alert system. If the thought of your elderly loved one falling and not being able to get help is a real concern, it may be time to invest in a personal medical-alert system. Also known as emergency-alert systems, or medical-alarm systems, these let someone in trouble send out an alarm to a monitoring center, 911, or other emergency-assistance provider such as a family member at the touch of a button.

Cut the Cancer Risk From Your Backyard Barbeque

Numerous studies have linked the consumption of red meat (beef, port, and lamb) and processed meats to an increased risk for a wide range of cancers. Backyard barbeques are the quintessential American summertime activity. They're a great way to spend time with family and friends and enjoy fresh, seasonal food cooked outdoors. However, it pays to be cautious when grilling meat. Scientists have linked barbequed meat to an increased risk of developing cancer.

The Benefits of Waiting Until After Marriage

Can waiting until after you tie the knot mean better sex in the long-term? Waiting until after the wedding to have sex—and being in a monogamous long term relationship—has definite benefits. One is that your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease is lower than if you had many partners. Another is not having to worry about an unwanted pregnancy.

The Latest Sunscreen Guidelines

When you apply sunscreens that say "broad spectrum," "sweat-resistant," or "SPF 100," are you truly getting the protection you paid for? These new sunscreen regulations can help you make the right choice to protect yourself. Broad-spectrum. Sweat-resistant. Sunblock. SPF 100. What do all of these terms really mean? Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stepped up to clearly define what makes an effective sunscreen. And manufacturers are being held accountable to these new standards.

6 Tips to Make Your Doctor's Appointment More Productive

Taking an active role in your treatment is essential to receiving the care you need and deserve. Here's how you can guarantee a quality doctor's visit every time you enter the office. Taking an active role in your treatment is essential to receiving the care you need and deserve. Julie Silver, M.D., Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School and author of What Helped Me Get Through: Cancer Survivors Share Wisdom and Hope and After Cancer Treatment: Heal Faster, Stronger, Better weighs in on how you can guarantee a quality doctor's visit every time you enter the office.

How to Pack Your Products for Air Travel

Whether traveling on business or vacationing with family or friends, looking your best will likely be on your itinerary. But packing your favorite skin and hair care products can be complicated. Whether traveling on business, vacationing with the family or friends, looking your best will likely be on your itinerary. But packing your favorite skin and hair care products can be complicated. Thanks to security threats courtesy of Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)-as well as individual airlines-has imposed restrictions aimed at keeping travelers safe.

Why Fiber Is Essential to Your Digestive (and Overall) Health

Although dietary fiber is probably best known as a remedy to prevent or relieve constipation, it provides other important health benefits as well, including lowering your risk of diabetes and heart disease. Although dietary fiber is probably best known as a remedy to prevent or relieve constipation, it also provides other important health benefits as well, including lowering your risk of diabetes and heart disease. Dietary fiber includes all parts of plant foods that your body can't digest or absorb.

How Climate Change is Affecting Allergies

The number of people affected by severe allergies has been on the rise recently, and the experts say that global warming could be to blame. The number of people affected by severe allergies has been on the rise recently, and the experts say that global warming could be to blame for the worsening allergies. The Effect of Climate Change on Allergies Global climate changes have led to an earlier onset of spring weather over the past few years.

Give the Gift of Life: Become a Bone Marrow Donor

Thinking about signing up to be a bone marrow donor? Here's what's involved in this selfless act. For cancer patients, a bone-marrow transplant can a life-saving procedure. For the lucky some, a close relative turns out to be a perfect match. The rest need to turn elsewhere to find a bone-marrow donor, a task that may not be easy. You can help simply by signing up to be a marrow donor through a national registry.

Everyday Products and Cancer Risk

Every morning you brush your teeth, take a shower, and apply deodorants, creams, makeup, and other personal care products. Did you know, however, that many of these products are a major source of human exposure to dangerous chemicals? Every morning you brush your teeth, take a shower, and apply deodorants, creams, makeup, and other personal care products. Did you know, however, that many of these products are a major source of human exposure to dangerous chemicals? According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit that conducts independent research to expose health and environmental threats, the average consumer uses 10 personal care products daily that contain about 126 distinct ingredients.

Considering Composting? Tips to Keep in Mind

Many factors go into the decision to start composting but, as a project, it doesn't have to be any bigger than you want it to be. Instead of filling up landfills with food scraps and lawn clippings you've tossed into the trash can, you can compost, or recycle them into an organic fertilizer for your garden and lawn. Sounds great, but is it really worth the time, effort and, in some cases, money, it takes to get it started?  Simply put, compost is decomposed waste.

4 Ways to Dine Out Without Damaging Your Diet

To make the most of your restaurant experience while making sure you're not undoing a week's worth of exercise, follow these tips. Let's face it. Dining out is wonderful. A server is there to cater to your every whim. You're provided with a delicious meal with all the upside and none of the work. What's more, you're given options: healthy and otherwise. Do you opt for the grilled chicken with asparagus and winter squash mash? Or do you go with the risotto cakes and polenta? While you may think you've chosen the healthier chicken dish, studies find that this isn't the case.

How Your Work Schedule Affects Your Mood

Work in the United States has become a 24-hour phenomenon. Working irregular hours may also lead to a condition characterized by insomnia, excessive sleepiness during work, difficulties concentrating, headaches, and lack of energy. Work in the United States has become a 24-hour phenomenon. Many workers, such as healthcare providers, must be available at all hours, and increasingly, companies are adding shifts to accommodate customers and vendors in different time zones. Non-standard work schedules, which includes evenings, nights, weekends, and shift work are common.

Birthmarks: Fact vs. Myth

Most of us have some kind of birthmark, whether it's a tiny spot no one ever sees or a prominent port-wine stain. But very few of us know the facts about these marks and if they carry any associated risks. Here are some birthmark FAQs and clarifications of common misconceptions. Most of us have some kind of birthmark, whether it's a tiny spot no one ever sees or a prominent port-wine stain. But very few of us know the facts about these marks and if they carry any associated risks. Here are some birthmark FAQs and clarifications of common misconceptions.

Is It a Senior Moment or Something More Serious?

To some degree, we all experience such foggy moments, especially as we get older. But when should it be cause for concern? You've done it again: lost your car keys somewhere in your house, or forgotten the name of a neighborhood acquaintance, or opened the refrigerator without having the slightest idea of what you were hoping to find. Everyone of a certain age has these so-called "senior moments," and many people make jokes about them to excuse their own forgetfulness.

What You Should Know About Food Expiration Dates

Should you throw out a container of yogurt if you notice that the date on the package is a few days beyond the date you're planning on eating it? Well, it all depends on these factors. You take a container of yogurt from your refrigerator and notice that the date on the package is a few days beyond the date you're planning on eating it. Should you throw it out? Well, it all depends on the type of date stamped on the container and how well the product was handled, according to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.

Your Guide to Asthma Medications

Don't let asthma get in the way of your daily activities. There are multiple asthma treatment methods available by prescription that are worth considering. Don't let asthma get in the way of your daily activities. There are multiple asthma treatment methods available by prescription that are worth considering. Some of the most common approaches to managing asthma include asthma inhalers that contain fast-acting relief medication to open up your airways, inhaled steroids for long-term control of your respiratory functioning, and allergy control medications to manage your immune system response to various triggers that set off asthma symptoms.

Give Back: Volunteer to Help Kids

Giving a little bit of your self can make an enormous difference in the life of a sick child. Here are some ideas to get you started. Volunteering can be powerful. If you're open to it, you'll wind up learning new skills, making new friends, and even changing lives—yours as well as someone else's.  Here are some ideas to get you started. Volunteer Your Time If you love babies and have time to give, hospitals with neonatal intensive care units (NICU) are often in need of "cuddlers.

Stressed Out? Take a Hike

When faced with a 40-plus hour work week, bills to pay, and trekking the kids to-and-fro, how do you let loose? This summer, make it a point to relieve your stress by utilizing the great outdoors. When faced with a 40-plus hour work week, bills to pay, and trekking the kids to-and-fro, how do you let loose? This summer, make it a point to relieve your stress by utilizing the great outdoors. Exercise has long been touted as an excellent and natural way to manage stress.

Want to Be a Hospice Volunteer? Here's What's Involved

The Hospice Foundation of America estimates that there are more than 460,000 hospice volunteers in the U.S. Here's what you need to know before taking on this important job. If you want to make a difference to a terminally ill person and her family, consider becoming a hospice volunteer. You'll be in good company: The Hospice Foundation of America estimates that there are more than 460,000 hospice volunteers in the U.S. But what exactly do you do as a hospice volunteer? And do you need any special qualifications? Here's what you need to know before taking on this important job.

The Benefits and Risks of Barefoot Running

Why is the barefoot running movement gaining popularity? Is it simply a fad popularized by a few outspoken naturalists? Or is there science that backs a more natural approach to running? It's safe to say that resorting to the primitive practices of our prehistoric ancestors is typically viewed as a bad thing. We evolved, discovered, and invented our way into a life in which we are no longer dependent on the hunt to bring us food, nor do we fear being stalked by predators.

Is It Still a Workout If You Don't Sweat?

Working up a sweat is good for you, but what if you're not one to perspire during exercise? Can you still consider it to be an effective workout? Here's the answer. Working up a sweat is good for you, but what if you're not one to perspire during exercise? Can you still consider it to be an effective workout? The answer is "yes!"  Most people sweat more during a high-intensity workout than a gentle stroll in the park.

7 Daily Must-Dos for Retirees

One research team studied older people on the small Greek island of Ikaria, a place where fully one-third of residents live to at least 90, and found that the residents share many healthful habits. Now that your working life is behind you, it's time to pay attention to the rest of your life. You've got extra time now, and you want to make the most of it. Whether you've dedicated yourself to living healthily all these years or put your health on the back burner, it's never too late to form good habits.

Ghrelin: The Hunger Hormone

Here's what researchers know about this mysterious chemical messenger that appears to have such a profound and direct effect on one's ability to lose weight. Your stomach produces a hormone called ghrelin, which stimulates your appetite and encourages you to eat. That's a good thing for some people, not so good for others. Here's what researchers know about this mysterious chemical messenger that appears to have such a profound and direct effect on one's ability to lose weight.

Exercising Before Bed: Harmful or Helpful?

Although many experts encourage exercise earlier in the day to help you fall asleep easier at night, those in the know say that an evening workout might just work out for you. Exercising before bed: Will it keep you up or put you to sleep? Although many experts encourage exercise earlier in the day to help you fall asleep easier at night, those in the know say that an evening workout might just work out for you. Overall, exercise has been proven to improve sleep quality in people who have insomnia as well as those who don't have serious sleep problems.

The Language of Love: 6 Tips for Better Communication

Follow these tips to improve communication with your partner and do away with the criticizing, berating, and belittling you've become accustomed to. You love your partner, and can't quite imagine life without him. Yet when the two of you are together, it's all too easy to fall into the pattern of criticizing, berating, and belittling, with each of you feeling wronged by the other. No wonder it sometimes feels like the two of you are oceans apart when it comes to intimacy.

Can Sublingual Immunotherapy Ease Your Allergies?

Wish there was a magic formula that could make your allergies go away? While no medication can completely erase your immune system's response to allergens, a form of treatment called sublingual immunotherapy may provide some welcome relief. Wish there was a magic formula that could make your allergies go away? While no medication can completely erase your immune system's response to allergens, a form of treatment called sublingual immunotherapy may provide some welcome relief. Sublingual immunotherapy is available as tablets or drops that you place under your tongue to build up your body's tolerance to allergens.

Is the Western Diet to Blame for Type 2 Diabetes?

What and how you eat could be hazardous to your health. When Canadian physician Kevin Patterson worked as doctor at the Canadian Combat Surgical Hospital in Kandahar, Afghanistan, he came to realize that the Afghans he treated had very different body types from the Canadians he typically cared for back in his homeland.

Omega-3, Omega-6, Omega-9: The Basics

Omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids confer a variety of health benefits when consumed on a regular basis and in the right amounts. Three-six-nine, the goose drank wine... or was it fish oil? If it was fish oil, or certain vegetable oils, that would be one healthy goose because the omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids found in these oils confer a variety of medical benefits when they are consumed on a regular basis and in the right amounts.

10 Tips to Make This Summer the Summer of Love

The weather's not all that heats up in the summer. This can also be the season of love, whether you're single and looking for a relationship or in a committed partnership. The weather's not all that heats up in the summer. This can also be the season of love, whether you're single and looking for a relationship or in a committed partnership. "Summer's a great time to develop a new relationship or to spice up the one that you already have," says Terri Orbuch, Ph.

Pulmonary Embolism: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments

What exactly causes pulmonary embolism, and is there a way to lower your risk? Read on for some insight into this frightening malady. Pulmonary embolism is a frightening condition that often comes on suddenly. You can go from feeling fine one moment to coughing and gasping for breath the next. And it can happen to anyone, although certain people are more prone to it than others. What exactly causes pulmonary embolism, and is there a way to lower your risk? Read on for some insight into this frightening malady: What is pulmonary embolism? Pulmonary embolism results from a blockage in an artery that feeds the lungs.

Build a Heart-Healthy Meal at the Salad Bar

What could be more convenient for lunch on the go than a quick stop at the salad bar? But the choices you make can make the difference between a fat-laden, calorie-heavy meal and a satisfying, good-for-your-heart lunch. In these busy times, grabbing a quick meal from the salad bar of your local deli or fast-food restaurant chain may not only help you shave off precious minutes from your busy day, it may also provide all the ingredients you need for a healthy heart-if you know what to choose.

New Food Plate Guidelines: Healthy Eating Made Easy

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has unveiled a new icon that it hopes will make choosing nutritious foods easier for Americans. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has unveiled a new icon that it hopes will make choosing healthful foods easier for all Americans. The icon, which replaces the old food pyramid, is a colorful graphic image of a plate divided into separate sections and is intended to provide a visual reminder of the appropriate balance between the different food groups.

When Social Drinking Becomes Dangerous

You go out for a couple beers for happy hour or you enjoy a few drinks with friends, but can an innocent drink with friends become harmful? It's the end of a long week—or a long day—and if you're like many Americans, you reach for glass of wine, beer, or a cocktail to help you unwind. This behavior is considered normal as well as socially acceptable. Popular television shows like Mad Men glamorize drinking alcohol, which can make it hard to imagine a party, celebration, or sporting event without it.

Lost Libido? Supplements Can Help

If you don't have much interest in sex these days, you may worry that you'll never reclaim the passion and sexual desire you once had. Well, worry not. These supplements will get that fire raging once again. If you don't have much interest in sex these days, you may worry that you'll never reclaim the passion and sexual desire you once had. You can't seem to recall just when you started feeling less than passionate, and wonder if you'll ever again enjoy a care and worry-free sex life.

6 Essential Dating Tips for the New Divorcee

You're newly single, and this may be an excellent time to re-enter the dating game. But before you hop back into the game, consider these tips. You're newly single, maybe feeling lonely, and perhaps feeling disconnected from all your "couples" friends. This may be an excellent time to re-enter the dating game, but you're understandably hesitant because it seems so intimidating. Before you hop back into the game, it's essential for you to make certain considerations.

6 Ways Men Can Live Longer

Taking care of your health is the single most important way to extend your life. And even though, in general, men tend to have a lousy track record, there are simple ways you can turn that around. 24% less likely than women to have visited a doctor in the past. According to the Agency for Health Care Quality and Research (AHRQ), men are: 24% less likely than women to have visited a doctor in the past. 22 % more likely to have neglected their cholesterol tests.

Are You More than Just Friends?

Having close friends is essential to any productive social life; however, it is possible that one of your "friendships" may be more than just that. Read on to find out if you're really partaking in an emotional affair. You spend as much time with him as possible, seeing him is the bright spot of your day, you share your fears and your secrets, and you simply feel good when you're with him. Nope, not your husband--but a dear friend upon whom you've come to rely. But is he really just a friend, or something more? If the following scenarios resonate with you, your relationship could be in jeopardy.

5 Tips for Swallowing Pills

The act of swallowing a pill can range from uneventful at best to gag-inducing at worst. Here, tips to make it easier. It's no coincidence that the expression "a bitter pill to swallow" refers to something tough to accept. The act of swallowing a pill can range from uneventful at best to gag-inducing at worst. Children, notorious pill avoiders, often are given vitamins and other medication in chewable or liquid form.

The Dirty Truth Behind Body Mass Index

The formula behind body mass index (BMI) can be tricky. It can help you know if the number on the scale is where it's supposed to be. However, BMI can't provide useful information about this. In 2004, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) labeled obesity as the number one health risk facing Americans. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, obesity affects 32 percent of adult men and 35.

Want to Live Longer? Eat Whole Grain Fiber

We all know that eating a diet rich in whole grains is good for your heart. Now a new study shows that the kind of fiber found in whole grains may also reduce your risk of dying at an early age from a variety of other causes. We all know that eating a diet rich in whole grains is good for your heart. Now a new study shows that the kind of fiber found in whole grains may also reduce your risk of dying at an early age from a variety of other causes. The study, which was funded...

Your Saliva: What's It Really For?

From aiding in digestion to raising a red flag about potential diseases, your saliva plays a pretty big role in your health. What exactly is saliva, and what is its purpose? Could your saliva reveal secrets about your health? We've got your "saliva basics" (and beyond) right here.  Saliva is the watery, sometimes frothy liquid that forms in your mouth.  Salivary glands in the cheeks and jaw produce between two and four pints per day.

Let It Out: Healthy Ways to Express Anger

Sure, expressing your emotions in positive ways can be a challenge, but keeping them bottled up is likely to lead to an explosion down the road. When it comes to anger, health and psychology experts agree: Better out than in. Expressing anger in healthy ways can be a challenge; but keeping your emotions  bottled up is likely to lead to an explosion down the road. What happens when we get angry, and how do we let it go? Anger is a physical and psychological response to fear, stress, confusion, anxiety, or some other negative situation that puts us on guard.

How Much Protein Do You Really Need?

Without adequate protein, your muscles can't properly grow and thrive. Keep in mind, however, that over-indulging can be just as damaging to your health as under-indulging. Protein is essential for healthy muscle, cell, and organ growth. Simply put, it helps replenish broken down muscle and tissue that comes as a result of exercise or disease. Without adequate protein, your muscles will not achieve the balanced growth they need.

7 Ways to Weather Allergies While Camping

Camping is a perfect opportunity to get away for a few days and convene with nature. But if you suffer from allergies, heading out to the wilderness can expose you to a series of dangers. Here's how to stay healthy. Camping is a perfect opportunity to get away for a few days and convene with nature. But if you suffer from allergies, heading out to the wilderness can expose you to a series of dangers. Here's how to stay healthy. Camping with Allergies While activities such as hiking in the woods, sleeping under the stars, and toasting marshmallows over the open fire can be enjoyable, they can also expose you to series of allergy triggers, such as pollen, mold, stinging insects, and poison ivy.

How Safe is Social Smoking?

You don't consider yourself a smoker. An entire week can go by without a single craving for a cigarette. Yet, once the weekend rolls around, all bets are off. Good thing the occasional smoke can't hurt you. Or can it? You don't consider yourself a smoker. A week can go by without a craving for a single puff of tobacco. However, once the weekend rolls in and you're among friends who smoke, you don't refrain from partaking. In fact, you may even enjoy the sensation. After all, smoking socially can't really hurt you.

Be the Best Partner You Can Be

Getting the most out of a loving relationship takes time and effort, but the personal satisfaction that results from it is well worth it. Getting the most out of a loving relationship takes time and effort, but the personal satisfaction that results from it is well worth it. Being your best self means taking charge of your physical as well as your mental wellbeing so you can share a long, healthy life with those you love.

Heart Disease: Is "Apple" Really Worse?

Are you an "apple"? Are you a "pear"? And what does that really determine anyway? For years we've been told that people with "central obesity"—also known as an "apple" body type—were at greater risk of developing heart disease than people with a "pear" shape, whose fat is clustered around their thighs and buttocks. However, a new study published in the medical journal The Lancet dispels that notion.

8 Ways to Beat Morning Breath

If you wake up with bad breath every morning, join the club. Very few people can escape it, and no one starts the day with a minty-fresh mouth. Fortunately, there are ways to tame the dragon. If you wake up with bad breath every morning, join the club. Very few people can escape it, and no one starts the day with a minty-fresh mouth. Fortunately, there are ways to fight the dragon. Bad breath in the morning can have many of the same causes as bad breath any other time of day: dry mouth, smoking, sinus problems, poor dental hygiene, or a stomach disorder, to name just a few.

7 Surefire Ways to Grab His Attention

Don't wait for fate to bring you together: it may never happen. Instead, take a chance with one of these attention getting tips. You notice him from across the room, and you're pretty sure he's spotted you, too. Or maybe the two of you play on the same weekend softball team and you'd love to ask him out. Don't wait for fate to bring you together. The reality is that it may never happen.

Why Do Men Die First?

Recent statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) give women at birth an average life expectancy of 80.4 years compared with 75.4 years for men. So why is there such a gap? On average, men in the United States die approximately five years earlier than women. Statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2010 give women at birth an average life expectancy of 80.4 years compared with 75.4 years for men.

Gender and Asthma: Why Sex Matters

Although many people assume that asthma affects males and females equally, it's becoming increasingly clear to the medical community that respiratory health is handled differently by women and men. Although many people assume that asthma affects males and females equally, it's becoming increasingly clear to the medical community that respiratory health is handled differently by women and men.  Researchers from the Ohio State University Medical Center found that when you compare men and women with similar asthma conditions, women will be apt to perceive their symptoms as more serious.

Your Kitchen Makeover for Heart Health

Taking stock of the kinds of foods in your pantry and refrigerator and replacing the ones that increase your risk for cardiovascular disease with nutritious, flavorful whole foods, will help you and your family make heart-smart food choices and reduce your risk of heart disease. Heart disease is the number-one killer of both men and women. But making just a few simple changes to your diet can make a big difference in keeping you and your family heart-healthy. And the first place to start is in the kitchen. Start Your Heart Healthy Kitchen Makeover Here The American Heart Association recommends that you eat a wide variety of nutritious foods every day.

Regular NSAID Use Could Cause This Unwanted Side Effect

New research indicates that what may be good for your heart may be bad for your sex life. But does that mean you should stop taking NSAIDs and give up the heart benefits to avoid this sexual disorder? Keeping up with the latest medical research can be frustrating. Just when you think you've been doing what's best for your health, a study comes along that contradicts your practice. For various reasons, many men routinely take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which include common over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil® and Motrin®), and naproxen (Aleve® and Anaprox).

Not Satisfied? 10 Tips for Better Sexual Communication

When sex stops being satisfying between you, your relationship becomes vulnerable. The remedy: effective communication. Follow these ten tips to voice your concerns without offending your partner. A breakdown in intimacy is a leading cause of marital discord, says Danine Manette, infidelity expert and the author of The Ultimate Betrayal. And when sex is no longer satisfing, your relationship becomes vulnerable. Resentment, withdrawal, and unhappiness can settle in when the sex life sours.

Are Dietary Supplements Good for Your Heart?

The American Heart Association has some specific recommendations when it comes to getting heart healthy nutrients. Although the shelves of your local pharmacy or health food store may be lined with dietary supplements claiming to provide a heart health benefit, there is little scientific evidence to support those claims. To the contrary, one recent large, placebo-controlled randomized study of vitamin E actually failed to show any benefit on heart disease.

Vitamins and Minerals: Too Much of a Good Thing?

Overloading on vitamins and minerals is easy to do and can be dangerous. Can taking extra vitamins be too much of a good thing? Yes. In fact, overloading on vitamins and minerals is easy to do and can be dangerous.  Vitamins and minerals are essential for keeping your body strong, fit and healthy. Most of us run the risk of not getting enough if we don't eat the right foods.

Should You Get the Shingles Vaccine?

Remember having the chicken pox as a kid? That episode can come back to haunt you as an adult. Shingles normally presents with severe pain, tingling, or burning on one side of the body. That's followed by red, scaly blisters that break, dry, and crust over. Remember that bout with chicken pox you had as a kid? You probably spent a good deal of time soaking in a baking-soda bath and trying not to scratch those itchy lesions. Fortunately, the infection cleared up with no long-lasting effects, right? Wrong! If you've ever had chicken pox, you're at risk of getting a related disease called shingles as you get older.

Making Sense of Mixed Signals

If your partner frequently says one thing when he means another, you may question his sincerity. Before mixed signals start causing your relationship to unravel, there's a lot you should consider. If your partner frequently says one thing when he means another, or acts in one way only to behave in a completely different fashion later, you may question his sincerity. Before mixed signals start causing your relationship to unravel, keep in mind the following considerations: 1.

Building Relationships After Depression

Many things can temporarily derail a relationship, including an episode of depression. It is possible, however, to get relationships back on track after treatment. Many things can temporarily derail a relationship, including an episode of depression. Although mental health issues can take a toll on your relationship with your spouse, children, extended family, friends, and coworkers, they do not have to cause permanent damage.

Take the Diabetes Risk Test Today

Twenty-five percent of people with diabetes don't even know they have it and that means they're not getting the treatment they need or taking the important steps necessary to keep the disease in check. Considering that there are 7 million undiagnosed diabetics in the United States and about 1.9 million new cases of diabetes diagnosed each year, it's likely that someone you know has the disease. In fact, you or a family member could be at risk for developing diabetes.

Whose Heart Health Is Ideal?

Nearly two thousand people were evaluated against seven heart-healthy criteria set by the American Heart Association. The results may surprise you. Just one out of 1,900 people evaluated in a study published in Circulation, met the criteria for ideal cardiovascular health set by the American Heart Association (AHA). The study, initiated by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in Pennsylvania, evaluated 1,933 people, ages 45 to 75, through surveys, physical exams, and blood tests.

Tests for Prostate Cancer: Effective or Not?

Although prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men (lung cancer being number one) it's not clear if the benefits of screening outweigh the risks of treating what is generally a slow-growing and treatable (in the early stages) cancer. Although prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men (lung cancer being number one) it's not clear if the benefits of screening outweigh the risks of treating what is generally a slow-growing and treatable (in the early stages) cancer.

10 Signs Your Partner Shouldn't be Trusted

If you're suspicious that your partner has broken your trust, it can be a heavy burden to carry around. Get at the truth by looking for these ten tell-tale signs. If you're suspicious that your partner has broken your trust, it can be a heavy burden to carry around. After all, trust is what your entire relationship is built on. Without it, you may well wonder what the two of you have. "The two biggest things people hide from a partner are definitely an affair or money problems," says Stacy Kaiser, MA, MFT, author of How to Be a Grownup.

7 Tips for Helping a Partner in Need

Your partner is undergoing a painful, traumatic experience. You want to be supportive, he's not the easiest person to help. To help your partner and to save your relationship, it's important to follow these 7 tips. Your partner is undergoing a painful, traumatic experience--the loss of a job, the death of a loved one, or a business failure. While you want to be supportive, he's not the easiest person to help. So the two of you start going at it, and before you know it, you've got a crisis brewing between you that just seems to grow worse by the day.

Cruciferous Vegetables Are Prevention Powerhouses

The evidence is overwhelming that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables helps prevent cancer. Cruciferous vegetables, in particular, deliver compounds that help prevent the transformation of normal cells into cancer. When former president George H.W. Bush publicly proclaimed his dislike of broccoli, he wasn't doing himself any favors. This ubiquitous vegetable is part of a family of vegetables that is a veritable powerhouse when it comes to cancer prevention. Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable, which is part of the cabbage family.

Get Involved: National Diabetes Awareness Programs

It's a great cause. If you'd like to get involved in finding a cure, raising awareness about the disease, or simply learning more about diabetes, here are some opportunities to dive right in. Chances are that even if you're not diabetic, you have a friend or relative who is. Some 285 million people worldwide have the disease, and that figure is expected to jump to 438 million by 2030, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), as reported on MedicalNewsToday.

Do This and Keep Your Brain Sharp

There are many reasons to take on this challenge, and mental acuity is probably at the bottom of the list. But that doesn't diminish the brain benefits it can confer. It's no secret that knowing a second language brings multiple benefits. You're able to get around more easily if you visit a country in which that language is spoken, you can communicate with friends and family who speak that language, and you might even have an advantage in the job market.

What Causes a Heart Attack?

A new study reveals some surprising factors when it comes to what brings on a heart attack. Everyday occurrences such as drinking coffee and alcohol, physical exertion and even breathing can help spur a heart attack, according to a Belgium study published in the journal The Lancet. The study researchers analyzed data from 36 separate studies of potential triggers for heart attack in people ranging in age from 44 to 72 years old.

The Path to Perfect Posture

Good posture is the foundation for how the body moves, works and prospers. What exactly is good posture and how can you achieve it? Read on to become a posture perfectionist. Good posture is important for everything we do, from making a good impression to preventing pain, but it means more than just standing up straight. It's the foundation for how the body moves, works and prospers. What exactly is good posture and how can you achieve it? Read on to become a posture perfectionist.

Could You Have Knight in Shining Armor Syndrome?

Is your ideal man one who can "protect" you from the evils of the past? Or are you a guy who feels the need to "rescue" women who have been wronged? If you answered "yes" to either question, you may have Knight in Shining Armor Syndrome. Answer honestly: If you're a woman, Is your ideal man one who can "protect" you from the woes of past relationships? If you're a man, do you constantly feel the need to "rescue" women who have been wronged? If you answered "yes" to either question, you may have Knight in Shining Armor Syndrome--a relationship faux pas that can take you down treacherous paths.

Employee Fitness Programs: A Win-Win

It's hard to find time for fitness, a sensible diet, and health screenings, especially when you work full time. That is, unless health and fitness opportunities come directly to you. It's hard to find time for fitness, a sensible diet, and health screenings—especially when you work full time.  That is, unless health and fitness opportunities come directly to you. Employee fitness and health programs are par for the course at many large companies.

What is Hemochromatosis?

Also known as hereditary hemochromatosis, the body absorbs too much iron from foods you eat. The excess iron then gets stored in your organs, especially the liver, heart, and pancreas, which over time can damage them and lead to life-threatening illnesses. Hemochromatosis, also known as hereditary hemochromatosis, causes the body to absorb too much iron from foods you eat. The excess iron then gets stored in your organs, especially the liver, heart, and pancreas, which over time can damage them and lead to life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, heart problems, and liver disease.

Health Concerns: How to Keep Family Updated

The Web offers many options for staying connected and keeping loved one updated on your or your family member's health issues. These methods are fast, easy, and efficient, and you'll know your support network is right there with you as a part of your journey. When Jennifer Wilson Cooper learned she had ovarian cancer, she launched a blog as a way to share her story with others and to make it easy for friends and family to keep up with her progress. Little did she know she'd quickly-and dramatically-expand her circle of friends (you can follow Cooper's journey on her blog, Four Seeds, which is featured in Quality Health's free cancer newsletter and on the QualityHealth.

Adjust Your Family's Food Attitude

Sample these dozen healthy ideas that will help your family lead a healthier life for the long haul. Parents may hold the key to turning the nation's obesity problem around, suggest the findings of a new study conducted by GfK MRI, a leading media and consumer market research company. Five thousand children aged 6-11 were surveyed as part of the 2010 American Kids Study and found that parental impact and behavior greatly influences their kids' attitudes toward food and nutrition.

Combat Common Causes of Foul Feet

Although you rely on your feet to get you from place to place, very few of us give them the TLC they need and deserve, resulting in some unpleasant consequences. Follow these tips to keep your feet clean and reek-free. Although you rely on your feet to get you from place to place, very few of us give them the TLC they need and deserve, resulting in some unpleasant consequences, such as: corns, bunions, fungus, and foul odor. Follow these tips to keep your feet clean and reek-free.

Eyebrow Plucking, Waxing, and Threading: Pros and Cons

Many would agree that no method of eyebrow shaping is perfect, but what are the pros and cons of each? The toil of achieving the perfect set of eyebrows is enough to make anyone weary. Yet millions of women (and men, too!) show up at the salon every few weeks to be threaded or waxed—while others stay home to take on the challenge with tweezers. Many would agree that no method of eyebrow shaping is perfect, but what are the pros and cons of each? Plucking This method of eyebrow shaping is the most economical way of grooming your eyebrows.

Which Vitamins Are Really Essential?

Nearly every "health-conscious" food product or dietary supplement comes with the same catchphrase: "Packed with essential vitamins and minerals." But with a vitamin existing for almost every letter of the alphabet, which ones are really essential for you? See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! Nearly every "health-conscious" food product or dietary supplement comes with the same catchphrase: "Packed with essential vitamins and minerals." But with a vitamin existing for almost every letter of the alphabet, which ones are really essential for you? According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), there are 13 vitamins that are crucial to proper body function.

HPV Vaccine for Men: Necessary or Not?

Although the results of a new, four year international study of over 4,000 healthy male participants make a compelling case for giving the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to men, health officials and other experts are still divided about making it a requirement. Although the results of a new, four year international study of over 4,000 healthy male participants make a compelling case for giving the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to men, health officials and other experts are still divided about making it a requirement.

Getting Your First Massage? What to Expect

While more and more men find massage therapy a respite from the rigors of everyday life, few know what to expect. Don't let fear of the unknown keep you from this beneficial practice. There are many healthy reasons to schedule a massage for yourself. Here's a rundown on what you can anticipate before, during, and after a massage. Before Your Massage It may sound counterproductive to "plan" for what's supposed to be a relaxing experience, but there are a few things you should keep in mind before your session.

What's to Blame for Your Bad Habits?

If you've struggled with giving up a bad habit, or trying to create a new one, don't be too hard on yourself; it's not a personal weakness or lack of self-control. Turns out, there's a whole science behind habit formation. Are you trying to lose weight? Begin an exercise program? Give up junk food? If you've struggled with giving up a bad habit, or trying to create a new one, don't be too hard on yourself; it's not a personal weakness or lack of self-control. Turns out, there's a whole science behind habit formation.

Sebaceous Cysts: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of sebaceous cysts. See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! Whenever you find a lump or bump that shouldn't be there, it's natural to feel worried. Sometimes a lump is a sign of something serious such as cancer. More often, however, it's nothing more than a simple sebaceous cyst.

Autoimmune Diseases: Frequently Asked Questions

In people with autoimmune disease, the immune system malfunctions and the body mistakenly attacks its own cells, causing a host of symptoms. See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! One might say that autoimmune diseases are cases of mistaken identity. In healthy people, the immune system works the way it should, by keeping out invaders such as viruses and bacteria.

Protein Powder: Help or Hype?

In spite of the marketing claims, are protein powders really necessary for the typical weekend warrior or average guy who can't get to the gym more than a few times a week? See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! Judging from the variety of products on the market promising bigger, stronger muscles and better performance on the field (or at the gym), it appears that exercise alone just doesn't cut it anymore.

Get Fit While Spring Cleaning

Get ready to clean out the cobwebs, spruce up your space, and break a serious sweat with this power-cleaning, calorie-burning workout. See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! Can spring cleaning help you get ready for bathing suit season?  It can if you do it right.  Get ready to clean out the cobwebs, spruce up your space, and break a serious sweat with this power-cleaning, calorie-burning workout.

Give Your Relationship a Spring Cleanup

If your relationship's been nearly as chilly as the cold, dark winter, warm things up with these tips for a spring relationship cleanup. If your relationship's been nearly as chilly as the cold, dark winter, it may be time to warm things up with a spring relationship cleanup. Along with those showers and flowers comes a hint of romance; so take advantage of the warmer, longer days and the great outdoors.

Hate the Doctor? Here's The Bare Minimum for Health

If you can't remember the last time you saw a doctor (taking your kids to the pediatrician doesn't count), you're probably long overdue for a checkup. Whether it's ego, lack of time, or just plain not of needles, men are known to resist medical care. If you can't remember the last time you saw a doctor (taking your kids to the pediatrician doesn't count), you're probably long overdue for a checkup. Whether it's ego, lack of time, or just not fond of needles, men are known to resist medical care. The statistics from the U.

Hair Loss: What You Can and Can't Control

About one in four men with male-pattern baldness (MPB) start to lose their hair before the age of 21 and two in three men will experience some hair thinning by age 35. And although self-confidence can recede along with the hairline leaving depressed men in its wake, men do have options. According to the American Hair Loss Association (AHLA), about one in four men with male-pattern baldness (MPB) start to lose their hair before the age of 21 and two in three men will experience some hair thinning by age 35. Self-confidence recedes along with the hairline leaving depressed men in its wake.

Get Heart-Healthy Without Joining a Gym

Who needs a treadmill? Here are 10 smart ways to build exercise into your day with no special equipment needed. See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! You don't necessarily need to go to spin classes or get up at 5am for an hour-long turn on the treadmill to keep your ticker in tiptop shape. For a healthy heart, you should be getting 30 minutes or more of moderate physical activity on most days of the week, says Joan Dorn, Ph.

Sjögren's Syndrome: What Is It, Who Gets It?

This condition occurs when a person's white blood cells damage the glands that produce moisture throughout the body. Dry eyes and mouth are typical symptoms, but the disease can trigger serious malfunctions in major organs. See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! Although it's one of the most common autoimmune diseases in this country, chances are you've never heard of Sjögren's syndrome. This condition occurs when a person's white blood cells damage the glands that produce moisture throughout the body.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Causes, Treatment, Prevention

Almost a quarter of a million Americans are diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma every year, and the numbers are growing. But what are the causes and warning signs? And are you doing enough to protect yourself? See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! Almost a quarter of a million Americans are diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma every year&mdash:and the number is growing. But what are the causes and warning signs? And what can you do to protect yourself? This kind of skin cancer may look like a red and scaly patch on your skin or a nodule.

Men: How Healthy is Your Sperm?

Are you hoping to hear the pitter patter of little feet in the near future? If so, you may want to give some thought to the health of your sperm. It takes two to make a baby and you want to do your part to ensure your baby is healthy from day one. Are you hoping to hear the pitter patter of little feet in the near future? If so, you may want to give some thought to the health of your sperm. It takes two to make a baby and you want to do your part to ensure your baby is healthy from day one. Sperm Did you know your body produces about 100 million sperm each day? A man has, on average, about 39 million sperm at any point in time, although sperm counts do typically decline as men age.

Spring Ahead Without Falling Behind on Sleep

When Daylight Saving Time arrives, you can reset your alarm clock, your computer clock and your wall clock, but it's not so easy to reset your internal clock. These tips will help make it easier. When Daylight Savings Time arrives, you can reset your alarm clock, your computer clock, and your wall clock, but it's not so easy to reset your internal clock.  The hormone melatonin, secreted by the pineal gland in your brain, regulates your sleep-wake cycle by responding to daylight.

Pelvic Pain Syndrome: Differences between Men and Women

Chronic pelvic pain isn’t just a problem for women. Plenty of men suffer from it too. What are the common sources of pelvic pain for men and women? Find out here. Chronic pelvic pain isn't just a problem for women. Plenty of men suffer from it too. What are the common sources of pelvic pain for men and women?  It all has to do with what parts you have between your pelvic bones. The pelvis is a basin made from our two hipbones, sacrum and coccyx bones.

Could You Possibly Love Yourself Too Much?

If you're always putting yourself first without thinking of your significant other's needs, you're setting up your relationship for failure. See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! It's one thing to take care of yourself. It's another when you're so self-focused that your partner is always taking a back seat while you do and say whatever you like without regard for his feelings.

How to Prevent Lapses in Judgment

Has your unconscious come to surface and forced you into a sticky, embarrassing situation? If so, worry not. There are ways to bounce back. "What was I thinking?" We've all uttered these words from time to time when we say the wrong thing, make a stupid decision, or engage in some other temporary lapse in judgment. Despite our tendency to joke away our gaffes, they can be quite embarrassing.

Itchy Issues: Athlete's Foot and Jock Itch

Regular exercise is a vital part of health, happiness, and, if one's lucky, a chiseled set of abs. But occasionally, a man may find himself with the undesirable after-effects of a hard workout—namely, athlete's foot and jock itch. Regular exercise is a vital part of a life bestowing health, energy, and, if you're lucky, a chiseled set of abs. But occasionally, a guy finds himself face to face with some of the less savory aftereffects of a hard workout-namely, athlete's foot and jock itch.

Frequently Ignored Cancer Symptoms

Many people only discover they have cancer when something turns up on an x-ray, ultrasound, or other routine test. Unfortunately, the disease may then be in its later (and more difficult-to-treat) stages. See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! Many people only discover they have cancer when something turns up on an x-ray, ultrasound, or other routine test. Unfortunately, the disease may then be in its later (and more difficult-to-treat) stages.

Dangers of Eating at Your Desk

Are you the kind who, during lunch break, forgoes the trip across the street to the local café and plow through lunch at your desk while never diverging from work? If so, you could be harming your health. Here's four ways you can get back on track. See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! You've seen them: the coworkers who, during their lunch break, forgo the trip across the street to the local café and plow through lunch at their desks while never diverging from work.

Packing on the Pounds in Your Warm House

Could the act of raising your thermostat increase your waist line as well? See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! Is the bitter blast of winter leaving your driveway ice-coated, car slush-covered, and heating bills at an all-time high? With all these cold weather woes, it's hard to believe it could get much worse.

Do the Sexes Experience Fibromyalgia Differently?

While fibro affects people from all social statuses, races and ethnic groups, approximately 75-90 percent of fibromyalgia patients are women. But do men experience it differently? Find out here. See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! Fibromyalgia syndrome affects approximately 10 million Americans with widespread pain, fatigue, insomnia, depression and other debilitating symptoms. While it affects people from all social statuses, races and ethnic groups, approximately 75-90 percent of fibromyalgia patients are women.

Taking Antioxidants May Boost Male Fertility

Researchers have a hunch that antioxidants—long touted to decrease the risk of cancer and heart disease—may also help fertility-challenged couples to conceive. Researchers in New Zealand and Australia have a hunch that antioxidants-long touted to decrease the risk of cancer and heart disease-may also help fertility-challenged couples to conceive. Cochrane Library lead researcher Marian Showell, who works in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Aukland in New Zealand, recently reported the results of a small study of 2,876 couples and the effects of oral antioxidants on "subfertile" males.

When Sex Makes You Sick: Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome

Most people enjoy having sex, but for a small group of men, the very act of having an orgasm can make them sick. Most people enjoy having sex, but for a small group of men, the very act of having an orgasm can make them sick. Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome This condition was first discovered about a decade ago and is relatively rare, causing some doctors to question whether it's psychological in nature.

How to Keep Track of Multiple Medications

Are your daily doses making you dizzy? Handy help is here. Gone are the days when the only pill you popped was a multivitamin. Now, it seems your medicine cabinet is bursting with remedies for a variety of ailments, each with its own directions for use. But how do you keep track of different medications when...

Avoid Getting Germs from Your Doctor's Office

Doctor's offices are full of sick people, and not all of them practice good hygiene or use common sense about keeping their germs to themselves. So, how do you avoid picking up a virus or infection while in the waiting room? Start by following these 10 tips. It's ironic, isn't it? The one place you go to get healthy is also among the best places to get sick.  Doctor's offices are full of sick people, and not all of them practice good hygiene or use common sense about keeping their germs to themselves.

Men Suffer From Anorexia, Too

If it seems that a man in your life is obsessively preoccupied with trying to stay slim, don't shrug it off as something harmless. There are a significant number of men and boys who suffer from anorexia nervosa. When we hear about the latest female model or actress who has battled anorexia nervosa, it serves to reinforce the notion that anorexia is a "female" disease. And while it's true that the overwhelming percentage of anorexia sufferers are girls and women, there exists a significant number of men and boys who have the condition as well-between five and 15 percent of all people who suffer from anorexia, according to the National Eating Disorders Association.

The New USDA Dietary Guidelines, Decoded

All you can eat buffets. Unlimited soda refills. Burgers the size of ball fields. When it comes to food, America serves it up. It's no wonder one-third of our children and two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese. Here's what you need to know to help your family eat better. In an effort to improve the overall health of our nation, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently released new dietary guidelines (January 2011). The revised guidelines place a stronger emphasis on reducing calorie consumption and increasing physical activity.

10 Sneaky Tips to Get Your Partner Back in Shape

Telling your partner he's gained weight is not easy. Try these 10 tips to help motivate him tactfully. You're worried about your partner's health, to say nothing of his appearance. But no matter how much you wish that he'd shed those extra pounds or lose the spare tire around his middle, it's really not up to you. "You can't force someone to get in shape," says Jennifer Brennan, RD, CDN, who works at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

Do Cheaters Have a Genetic Excuse?

If you partner cheats, and you find out, you’re probably expecting a certain reaction–like remorse, maybe, or genuine sadness. But how about if he blames his genes? Is this a valid excuse? Find out here. If you partner goes astray and has an affair, and you find out, you're probably expecting a certain reaction--like remorse, maybe, or genuine sadness. But how about if he blames his genes? If cheaters want a new excuse for their actions, they may have found just the ticket.

The Pros and Cons of Online Dating

More people than ever are turning to online dating to make a love connection. While a healthy relationship is a great goal to work toward, here are tips to keep in mind as you navigate your way. Meeting that special someone who just might rock your world is easier than ever, thanks to online dating. And it's more popular than ever before, with an estimated 20 million Americans now using online dating sites, a figure that's more than doubled from just five years ago, says the market research firm IBISWorld, as reported in The New York Times.

How to Be Head-to-Toe Clean

America is the land of the free and home of the brave. But when it comes to hygiene, we also tend to be the home of the over-obsessed. Here's how to remain fresh and clean without going overboard. See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! America is the land of the free and home of the brave. But when it comes to hygiene, we also tend to be the home of the over-obsessed. Americans tend to overdo bathing, hair washing, and teeth brush, resulting with dry skin, dry hair, and bleeding or receding gums.

Today's Cancer Trends

If you're wondering whether cancer rates are going up or down, here are a few highlights from the most recent update from the National Cancer Institute. In 2001, the National Cancer Institute began producing the NCI Cancer Trends Progress Report. Since then, it has updated it annually. The Report gives us an overall summary on the incidence and mortality of different types of cancer. So, if you're wondering whether cancer rates are going up or down, here are a few highlights from the most recent update (2009/2010)  Death rates for prostate, lung, breast, and colorectal cancers (the four most common types) continue to decline.

4 Bad Sleep Habits Men Have

Sleep deprivation is a growing epidemic in this country, and neither gender has a lock on it. But there are a few behaviors of which men seem to be particularly guilty. Sleep problems seem to be a national emergency, and neither gender has a lock on bad sleep habits. But there are a few behaviors of which men seem to be particularly guilty. Check out this list and see if any of these unsound practices sound familiar: Overdoing the caffeine.

Just Got Over Being Sick? What to Keep and What to Toss

Germs thrive in saliva, mucous, stomach acids, and other body fluids. Regardless of how good you are about personal hygiene when you're sick, chances are you're going to spew a few germs. See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! You're finally feeling better after that nasty flu or cold, and the last thing you want is to get sick again or infect someone else. Therefore, it's time to do a serious assessment of the five main areas where you and your "bug" hung out together.

Who's At Risk for a Torn Aorta?

Special envoy Richard C. Holbrooke died after suffering a torn aorta. What does that mean and what should you know? Last December, the world was shocked to learn that veteran diplomat and special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard C. Holbrooke had suddenly died after suffering a tear in his aorta. Aortic tears are rare, killing about 2,000 Americans a year, and are more common in men than women.

10 Sneaky Ways to Fit in Exercise

Spare time is at a premium these days. If you find it difficult to find time to work out, worry not; we've provided you with calorie-burning gold. Spare time is at a premium these days. If you find it difficult to find time to wor kout, worry not; we've provided you with calorie-burning gold. 1. Rise and stretch. While in bed, position yourself so that your right foot is on the opposite side of your left knee.

The Physiology of Falling in Love

New lovers attribute their passionate feelings to matters of the heart. However, scientists are unraveling the science of falling in love and linking it directly to the brain. Ah, romantic love; that all-consuming, butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling you so enjoy when you first fall in love with someone. New lovers attribute their passionate feelings to matters of the heart. However, scientists are unraveling the science of falling in love and linking it directly to the brain.

Hair Loss for Men and Women: Causes and Cures

Some causes are unavoidable: a genetic predisposition or if you're going through chemo, for instance. However, you can often take steps to avoid the loss of your luscious locks. Typically, baldness is thought of as a problem that rests solely in the male population. While losing what was once a triumphant head of hair is more common in men, women actually make up approximately 40 percent of American hair loss sufferers. Although the hair loss patterns for men and women are a bit different, many of the causes and treatment methods are the same.

8 Tips for Effective Compromise

Compromise is the key to any healthy relationship. Here, 8 tips to help you help your partnership. Everyone likes getting their own way. But if you're in a relationship, learning the art of the compromise is essential. It can be a delicate balance, experts say, because if you always do what your partner wants, you'll ultimately feel resentful. But if you determinedly move forward with your own agenda all the time, and don't attempt to meet your significant other halfway, there'll inevitably be feelings of negativity and resentment.

Thyroid Problems in Men

As many as five percent of all men may experience a thyroid disorder at any point in their lives. What are some thyroid problems you may encounter if you're male? Thyroid disease is often thought of as something that affects women, and indeed most cases of thyroid problems occur in females. But men definitely can suffer abnormalities of this small gland that controls endocrine function and metabolism. In fact, as many as five percent of all men may experience a thyroid disorder at any point in their lives.

Heart Disease: A Survival Guide

Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the U.S. But heart disease is actually a category of diseases and it pays to know the different types. The term "heart disease" broadly refers to a range of diseases-more than 50-that affect your heart and blood vessels and is often used interchangeably with "cardiovascular disease." Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the U.S. ...

Surprise! This Could Cause Erectile Dysfunction

Men who have long enjoyed a normal sex life may be unpleasantly surprised when sex suddenly gets a lot less sexy. An estimated 30 million men suffer from erectile dysfunction, which is the inability to maintain an erection. Men who have long enjoyed a normal sex life may be unpleasantly surprised when sex suddenly gets a lot less sexy. An estimated 30 million men suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED) which is the inability to maintain an erection. In the great majority of these cases, ED is temporary and often caused by an underlying problem such as artherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), diabetes and other vascular problems.

Keep the Romance Alive after Valentine's Day

Learn to stay tight with your sweetie year round. Hearts, flowers, chocolate and lace-trimmed cards. Valentine's Day is the perfect occasion for saying "I Love You" in many beautiful and delicious ways. But keeping the passion alive - and making your partner feel cherished and special - is really a goal to work toward year round.

Treat Depression and Lose Weight

While it's difficult to determine the exact reason, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: Treating depression helps patients lose weight. There's a strong link between depression and being overweight or obese. It's the classic chicken-and-egg question: does depression cause obesity, or does obesity trigger depression. While it's difficult to say for sure, one thing is becoming increasingly clear.

Can Quitting Smoking Help Treat Depression?

In fact, a new study found an inverse relationship over time between quitting smoking and a reduction in depressive symptoms. Smoking acts as an antidepressant, making smokers feel good, at least in the short term. For years, physicians and smokers alike worried that quitting smoking would exacerbate depression in people who were already depressed. Researchers are accumulating evidence to disprove this notion.

The Truth behind "You are What You Eat"

You've heard it a million times, but the next time you hear "you are what you eat," you can be sure that the statement has been validated by numerous studies. You've heard it a million times, but the next time you hear "you are what you eat," you can be sure that the statement has been validated by numerous studies. While the phrase has earlier origins, it didn't emerge in the English-speaking world until nutritionist Victor Lindlahr published his book You Are What You Eat: how to win and keep health with diet in 1942.

Why Some Men Can't Take a Hint

Sexually aggressive men are the most likely to misread important signals. Men who are sexually aggressive tend to be worse at reading a woman's cues that she's not interested than men who are more relaxed about sex, according to a new study. The study's finding - that difficulties interpreting a woman's cues are linked with sexual aggression - certainly does not excuse rape, says University of Iowa psychologist Teresa Treat, a study researcher.

10 Tips for Coping with a Lonely Valentine's Day

Since we can't really sleep the day away, here are a few tips for coping with Valentine's Day. If the thought of another Valentine's Day makes you want to stay in bed and pull the covers over your head, don't despair; you're not alone. Although Valentine's Day is a made-up, highly commercialized holiday, it still manages to stir up a brew of unrealistic expectations and powerful emotions.

The Sandwich Generation: Balancing Your Kids and Parents

Does a typical day for you include work, shepherding children to activities, overseeing homework, and taking your parents to the doctor? You're part of the so-called sandwich generation, "sandwiched" as you are between the responsibilities of kids and elderly relatives. See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! Does a typical day for you include work, shepherding children to activities, overseeing homework, and taking your parents to the doctor? You're part of the so-called sandwich generation, "sandwiched" as you are between the responsibilities of kids and elderly relatives.

How to Help at a Loved One's Doctor's Appointment

A study at Johns Hopkins University found that Medicare beneficiaries who were accompanied to their medical appointments were more satisfied with their visits than those who went alone. How can you make the most of your companionship, beyond just being a driver? As your parents get older, they will probably be spending more time with doctors. And while they may insist that they're perfectly independent and able to get themselves to and from appointments, you should consider accompanying them, at least some of the time.

Add "Nature's Wonder Food" to Your Life

Packed with protein and fiber, but low in fat, this pantry must-have delivers a lot of nutrition at an affordable price. Legumes, or beans, may just be nature's wonder food. Loaded with protein and fiber, they deliver a hefty dose of nutrition at a cheap price. They're versatile—you can boil, stew, puree, roast, or pan-fry them—and for people who choose to or need to avoid animal products, they can be a great entrée alternative.

Key to Better Balance in Elderly: Move to the Music

A program of "eurhythmics" shows results in promoting physical coordination and mental acuity in older adults. Elderly people are often unsteady on their feet and prone to falls, which can lead to serious complications. But a practice called eurhythmics, originally designed for students by the noted Swiss composer Emile Jaques-Dalcroze, may give them better balance and help them maintain their health.

Work Considerations and Fibro: What You Need to Think About

Learn more about how to balance your symptoms and work-life and when to consider disability. Managing fibromyalgia symptoms like pain, fatigue, sleep difficulties, anxiety and depression can feel like a full-time job. For some fibromyalgia patients however, their job is their saving grace, because it gives them something to focus on other than their symptoms.

12 Fixes for a So-So Sex Life

Sex life taking a downward trend? Here, a dozen ideas for how to reignite the passion. A lagging sex life doesn't have to be a chronic, incurable condition. Whether you've been married for a long time and have kids together, or you're a busy, stressed-out single with no time for sex, there are effective (and fun) strategies to help to rekindle the romance and add some sparkle to your sex life.

Is Marriage Becoming Obsolete?

Fewer couples are tying the knot, but romance is still very much alive. First comes love, then comes marriage?  These days, one doesn't necessarily follow the other. Some 39 percent of Americans now say marriage is becoming obsolete, according to a study by the Pew Research Center. That's quite a drastic drop from 1978, when 28 percent of Americans felt that way.

Risks and Benefits of Eating Heart-Healthy Fish

When it comes to mercury exposure from fish, what do you need to know to make the healthiest choices? According to a recent Swedish study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the benefits of eating fish may outweigh the potential negative impact of mercury exposure from fish. The study analyzed responses from more than 900 Swedish adults about the amount of fish in their diet and then examined the subjects' red blood cells for levels of mercury and selenium.

Mudding: The Newest Trend in Athletic Endeavor

"Mudding" is a growing trend in which the cardiovascular demands of a long-distance run is coupled with the physical demands of a military-style obstacle course and the carefree atmosphere of a summer-time musical festival. Are you part of one of these demographics?     1) Bored of hitting the gym daily with no end in sight?     2) A former athlete that has lost her way over the years?     3) Tired of the lackluster drag of the work-a-day existence? If you've answered "yes" to any of the previous statements, there's a new movement in endurance racing.

Diabetes: 10 Year Trend

Could half the country be diabetic in 10 years? Here are changes you can make now to keep this scary prediction from becoming reality. Half of Americans will have Type 2 diabetes by 2020, according to a current forecast. This comes from a newly released report by United Health Group's Center for Reform and Modernization.  It's a scary figure to consider, since diabetes is a devastating and potentially deadly disease.

The Top Sexual Fantasies for Men and Women

Men and women tend to entertain different sexual fantasies. Here are some common sexual fantasies for each. Everyone has sexual fantasies from time to time, and they're usually nothing to be worried about. Sexual fantasies are not only common, but can be good for a couple, too. "It's almost always healthy to fantasize," says Laurie Puhn, family and couples mediator and author of Fight Less, Love More.

Negative Body Image for Men: A Growing Problem

A negative self image, or fixation on perceived body flaws, can take a toll on a man's mental and physical health. Believe it or not, a negative body image is not just a woman's problem. Increasingly, men are dissatisfied with one or more parts of their body. The media and a culture obsessed with perfection have defined what men and women are supposed to look like.

Are Relationships Key to Happiness?

New research studies further qualify how the quality of the relationship affects a couple’s individual happiness and health. Early research on marriage and happiness has uncovered a positive association between the two. This so-called "marriage advantage" showed that, on average, married people tend to be healthier, live longer, and be at less risk for many serious health conditions than those who never marry.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Are You at Risk?

You may not realize that something as mundane as a car accident could put you at major risk for this disorder. Typically, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with soldiers who have returned from combat; however, new information has found that the most common cause of PTSD is car accidents. Car accidents are also the most frequent kind of trauma experienced by American men and the second most frequent trauma experienced by American women.

Are You Overusing Your Asthma Medication?

If you have mild asthma and take a control inhaler that contains a combination of corticosteroids and long-acting beta agonists (LABAs), you could be taking a life-threatening risk. If you have mild asthma and take a control inhaler that contains a combination of corticosteroids and long-acting beta agonists (LABAs), you could be overmedicating, according to the experts. The latest research reveals that adding LABAs to corticosteroids for patients with mild asthma doesn't bring any extra health benefits and could increase the risk for life-threatening effects.

7 Tips for Better Sex This Winter

It's cold outside, so snuggle up to your sweetie! Here are seven tips for better sex this winter. The bone-chilling temperatures, blizzard-like conditions and icy roads that keep everyone hibernating indoors for the long winter months can actually have a positive effect on your sex life. Unlike summer, when people are busy with a variety of outdoor activities with friends and family, winter can be a good time for couples to reconnect.

Do You Suffer from Priapism?

Understanding the condition is key to preventing it. It's a condition that occurs in men that's so unusual—and so embarrassing—that chances are you may not have heard of it. But priapism is a painfully real disorder, and one that can be uncomfortable to have treated. Fortunately, there is a way to remedy it.

Can Money Buy Happiness?

Money can't buy you love, as the song goes. But can it buy you happiness? The answer to this riddle has been the topic of extensive interest and study. The answer is yes and no. Money can't buy you love, as the song goes. But can it buy you happiness? The answer to this riddle has been the topic of extensive interest and study. The answer is yes...and no. Daniel Gilbert, a Harvard University psychologist and author of Stumbling on Happiness, has extensively studied whether money makes people happy.

The Good Side to Getting Older

While there may be some things about aging that are less than lovable, it turns out that hitting those milestone birthdays often means there are plenty of positives to celebrate. Here are a few. You can feel blue about getting older, but that won't change the fact that we all do it. And while there may be some things about aging that are less than lovable, it turns out that hitting those milestone birthdays often means there are plenty of positives to celebrate.

Small Steps Add Up to Big Strides in Managing Asthma

These small lifestyle changes can make a big impact in helping you manage your asthma effectively anywhere and anytime. Unfortunately, there's no magic cure for asthma. It is a lifelong chronic condition that requires you to master ways to avoid asthma attacks. But this doesn't mean that your respiratory challenges should hold you back from achieving your goals. These small lifestyle changes can make a big impact in helping you manage your asthma effectively.

How Healthy is Your Sex Life?

Here's a look at six health practices and how they can affect intimacy. If you want to have a sizzling sex life, take a good look at how healthy the other aspects of your life are, experts say. And remember, you're never too young to make changes in your lifestyle that will promote health and vigor, says Maria Ordonez, MD, urological surgeon at NewYork Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia Medical Center in New York City.

How to Feel Great at 100

Here are three active steps you can take now to set yourself up to not only become a centenarian but do so in the best health possible. Will you make it to 100? You might, as more and more people are achieving this milestone. But a better question to ask might be: Will you feel great at 100? A small subset of the population not only reaches 100 years of age but continues to live life fully and joyously after 10 decades.

10 Keys to Making New Year's Romantic

10 tips to infuse your evening with love and intimacy. Ready to spend the last night of the year with your sweetie? Start by resolving to focus on each other, to avoid spending more than you can afford, and to keep your celebration simple. Here are the 10 tips from Sara Nasserzadeh, Ph.D., author of The Orgasm Answer Guide, Tina B.

5 Resolutions for a Healthy Heart

Heart disease may be the leading cause of death for both men and women, but there are many things you can do now to avoid it. Heart disease may be the leading cause of death for both men and women, but there are many things you can do now to avoid heart disease. And what better time than the beginning of the New Year to put prevention steps in effect? Here are five things you can do to ensure a heart-healthy New Year.

Does Anxiety Cause Joint Pain?

Joint pain may seem to naturally result from purely physical ailments such as arthritis, but there's significant evidence that joint pain can be caused or exacerbated by mental distress. Although it may seem that joint pain should naturally result from purely physical ailments such as arthritis or other conditions, there's significant evidence that joint pain can be caused or exacerbated by mental distress. Specifically, anxiety disorders have been targeted as the culprit in many cases of joint pain, both anecdotally by arthritis sufferers and by scientists officially studying the phenomenon.

What's Really in Your Coffee Creamer?

It probably doesn't matter what type of creamer you use, or what's on the ingredient list if you drink a cup of coffee a day. But if you drink several cups a day, and add more than the standard serving size of creamer per cup, you may be getting more fat and sugar than you bargained for. If you only drink one cup of coffee a day, it probably doesn't matter what type of creamer you use, or what's on the ingredient list. But if you drink several cups a day, and add more than the standard serving size of creamer per cup, you may be getting more fat and sugar than you bargained for.

Simple Skin Care Tips for Men

Many men don't feel the need to worry about their skin. But it doesn't take a lot of effort to keep skin clean, moisturized, and protected from the sun. Many men think they don't need to worry about their skin. Or maybe they simply feel they don't have time. But it doesn't take a lot of effort to keep skin  clean, moisturized, and protected from the sun. Here are some everyday skin care tips and solutions to common problems.

Resolve to Improve Your Fitness

Excuses, excuses, excuses. Every year you make a resolution only to find you've made more "coulda, shoulda, woulda" statements than you have made trips to the gym. So rather than making the same empty promises to yourself, try a new approach. Excuses, excuses, excuses. Every year you make a resolution only to find you've made more "coulda, shoulda, woulda" statements than you have made trips to the gym. So rather than making the same empty promises to yourself, try a new approach. Here are the top eight fitness excuses men make and the keys to overcome them.

Diabetes: Is Impotence Inevitable?

Diabetes increases risk of erectile dysfunction, but there are ways to keep your sex life satisfying. If you're a man with diabetes, you may worry about its association with impotence. While it's true that disease may contribute to impotence in some diabetic men, the good news is that there are plenty of effective treatments out there to help you get your sex life back on track.

Life Span Linked to Resting Heart Rate

A new study finds that heart disease patients' risk of suffering a major cardiovascular event can be measured by their resting heart rate. A study by Canadian researchers has found a direct link between heart rate at rest and the risk of death in people with stable heart disease. The researchers analyzed data from two major clinical trials that followed more than 31,500 patients over four years.

Realign and Remedy Your Body with this Therapeutic Experience

This intense therapeutic experience manipulates your fascia, the connective tissue around muscles, to restructure your physique. First popular in the 1970s, Rolfing is a trend again. Created by Ida Pauline Rolf, a biochemist from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, Rolfing isn't your typical massage. According to the Rolf Institute® of Structural Integration (RISI), the therapy is described as a way to manipulate or restructure your fascia-the connective tissue around muscles.

Deep Vein Thrombosis in Men: Warning Signs, How to Prevent It

Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) is a very scary condition that can be fatal. What do you need to know about DVT to ensure it doesn't happen to you? Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) is a very scary condition that can come on without warning. It involves the formation of a clot in the lower body, usually the legs. If this clot dislodges and becomes stuck in the heart or lungs, it can be fatal. Immediate treatment is crucial for survival.

Your Recipe for Improved Memory

Which veggies promise to reduce age-related memory deficits? You may have heard of salmon and blueberries being referred to as "brain foods" for their specific properties that keep the brain healthy. Now a new study proves that certain vegetables qualify as brain foods as well. Veggies--specifically crunchy, colorful ones such as celery, peppers, and carrots--contain a plant compound called luteolin, which works to tamp down inflammation in the brain that causes problems with memory.

Could You Have Shift Work Disorder?

Shift work disrupts our internal clock, which tells us when to eat, sleep, and be active. Healthcare, transportation, manufacturing workers, and public servants play a critical role in our society, often working in the wee hours of the morning when the rest of us are sound asleep. Working nights, early mornings, or rotating shifts can affect workers' health.

Preparing for Heart Surgery

Hearing that you need heart surgery can be frightening, but knowing what you can expect the day of your operation and afterward may help ease your fears and give you back a sense of control. Unless your surgery is an emergency, talk to your doctor or other healthcare professionals to find out everything you can about your condition and the type of operation being recommended. Ask your healthcare team: About the details of your surgery,...

Fit in Fruits and Vegetables

Eating the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables can feel a bit daunting, especially for busy families on the go. The good news is that it's a lot easier than you might imagine. Fruits and vegetables are full of nutrients that keep you healthy and help prevent cancer. Furthermore, since obesity is a significant risk factor for cancer, a diet that emphasizes plant-based foods helps you maintain a healthy weight. Here are a few tips for adding healthy fruits and vegetables to your diet: Learn what a serving looks like.

5 Tips to Remedy Differences in Sex Drive

Here, 5 tips to keep both of you satisfied in the bedroom. In a perfect world, you and your partner would want sex simultaneously and you'd both be happy with the amount of intimacy in your relationship. There would be no finger pointing, no self-recrimination, and no feelings of inadequacy on one partner's part and frustration on the other partner's part.

How to Cope When You Have No Health Insurance

If you've lost access to insurance, you may be wondering how you'll survive. Is there a way to get good health care even if your finances are unstable? The cost of health insurance is scary, but having no health insurance can be downright terrifying. If you've lost access to insurance, you may be wondering how you'll survive. If you or a family member has a pre-existing condition, covering the costs of all of the prescription drugs and doctor's visits you need may seem impossible.

Why More Men Don't Use Condoms

Teenagers may be irresponsible about a lot of things, but when it comes to condom use, they're actually more careful than grownups. Teenagers may be irresponsible about a lot of things, but when it comes to condom use, they're actually more careful than grownups.  In a study of sexually active 14- to 17-year-olds, 80 percent of the boys and 69 percent of the girls reported using a condom the last time they'd had sex.

What Vitamins are Best for Men?

Vitamins keep your body in top working order. And while everyone needs a variety of vitamins, there are a few nutrients that are particularly necessary for men. Not all nutritional needs are equal between women and men. To give the man in your life a healthy advantage, make sure he eats a colorful variety of healthy foods to get enough of these essential vitamins: Vitamin C Taking C in large doses can help men fight urinary-tract infections.

Coping With Your Cancer Diagnosis

As difficult as a cancer diagnosis is, you can cope with it. Here are a few of the things you should do first after learning you have cancer. "You have cancer." These three words can make you feel as though you've been hit by a fast-moving train and then strapped into an out-of-control roller coaster. You probably wonder how you're going to cope with the stress, your fears, treatment side effects, and managing work, family, and other responsibilities while ill.

7 Keys to a Sexual Health Check-Up

Did you know you should also have regular sexual health check-ups? At these appointments, your doctor not only can pinpoint any physical conditions early on but may be able to help with certain problems keeping you from enjoying a satisfying sex life. You're vigilant about scheduling an annual physical, and you pay attention to your cholesterol, blood pressure and weight. But did you know you should also have regular sexual health check-ups? At these appointments, your doctor not only can pinpoint any physical conditions early on but may be able to help with certain problems keeping you from enjoying a satisfying sex life.

Overweight and Healthy?

Growing evidence supports the theory that it is possible to be overweight and healthy, provided the individual is also fit. Don't judge a book by its cover has long been the counsel of school teachers, but a growing body of evidence suggests the expression may apply to people, too. Overweight adults, it turns out can be healthy. One example is research published in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) which followed 2,600 adults (60 and over) for 12 years to observe the link between weight, fitness, and mortality.

Multiple Medications Danger Zone

Increases in accidental overdoses of over-the-counter, prescription, and illegal drugs are one of the fastest-rising causes of accidental death in the U.S. Whether you reach for prescription pills on a daily basis or take an over-the-counter remedy for a persistent cough or occasional headache, there are risks associated with all medications especially when they are combined with other medications. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), increases in accidental overdoses of over-the-counter, prescription, and illegal drugs are one of the fastest-rising causes of accidental death in the United States.

Understand the Hemoglobin A1C Test

Get to know this common test, what it measures, and what percentage number means you're in good control. Whether you have just been diagnosed with diabetes or you've had it for awhile, you've surely heard the term "hemoglobin A1C" tossed around by your doctor. Here are answers to some important questions about this test. 1. What exactly does the hemoglobin...

How to Talk to Your Partner about Embarrassing Health Issues

Whether it's bad breath or body odor, here are some ways to ease into a conversation. It's a conversation you'd just as soon not have with your partner. But his bad breath (or body odor, excessive flatulence, or another repulsive condition or habit) is such a turn off that you've decided you have to bring it up. "If you don't it will erode the relationship," says Irina Firstein, LCSW.

The Differences Between the Male and Female Orgasm

All orgasms aren't created equal. Here, differences between men and women. The truth about orgasms? They're just not the same for both sexes. While experiencing an orgasm for a woman depends a lot on where her head is at (and whether she remembered to take care of all the details of the day before she'll even allow herself to think about orgasms), it's a whole lot simpler for guys.

How to Boost Blood Circulation

Poor circulation can cause numbness, cold hands and feet, and other unpleasant symptoms. But a sluggish blood flow isn't something you have to live with. You can boost your circulation and get that blood moving through your body. If you have poor circulation, you may be plagued by such undesirable symptoms as cold hands and feet, numbness, tiredness in the legs upon standing for long periods, or wounds that are slow to heal. But a sluggish blood flow isn't something you have to live with.

Sleep Apnea: Danger Zone for Men

Sleeping soundly isn't just good for you it's good for your heart, especially if you're a man. According to a recent study funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (an arm of the National Institutes of Health) men with sleep apnea, a sleep disorder, have a 58 percent higher risk of developing heart failure than those without it. The Study The study followed 4,000 subjects for a nine year period and also found that men (ages 40 to 70) with severe sleep apnea had a 68 percent higher risk of developing coronary heart disease than those without it.

How to Protect Your Aging Knees

Your knees have a heavy load to bear. They support a good percentage of your body weight and have been doing so since you learned to walk. So it's no surprise that as you get older, your knees may experience a little (or a lot) more trouble than they used to. Your knees have a heavy load to bear. They support a good percentage of your body weight and have been doing so since you learned to walk. So it's no surprise that as you get older, your knees may experience a little (or a lot) more trouble than they used to.

Got Stress? Read This

Chronic stress is a villain that causes a host of problems ranging from sleep and digestive disorders to depression. Stress can affect your concentration, lead to weight gain (or loss), weaken the immune system and even contribute to heart disease. Stress brings man into Penny Donnenfeld's New York City practice. "Stress is real and should be taken seriously," says the clinical psychologist who is also a supervisor at Columbia University's Teacher's College. "It can affect your functioning and your physical health in profound ways but is often dismissed as 'only' stress.

The Pros and Cons of Going on a Couple's Retreat

Getting away for some pressure-free, stress-free time with your partner sounds like a terrific idea. After all, how can two people not get along in a beautiful spot with no kids, no irritating coworkers, and no nagging bosses? Couples retreats have both pros and cons, so weigh both before you sign up Getting away for some pressure-free, stress-free time with your partner sounds like a terrific idea. After all, how can two people not get along in a beautiful spot with no kids, no irritating coworkers, and no nagging bosses? Couples retreats have both pros and cons, so weigh both before you sign up.

Sleepless Nights Could Cost Years

A recent study found that men who have insomnia are four times more likely to die when compared to men who reported sleeping well. A recent study by researchers at the Pennsylvania State University's College of Medicine in Hershey, PA found that men who have insomnia are four times more likely to die when compared to men who reported sleeping well. Scientists followed a group of 1,741 randomly-selected men and women in Central Pennsylvania and the results are giving baby boomers a new worry to keep them up at night.

Are You Just Not Interested?

If the feeling just isn't striking you, don't worry. We have the fixes to get you back in the mood. A lack of interest in your partner can make you feel a range of emotions: guilt, frustration, sorrow and anxiety chief among them. Whether it's been a long time coming or it's seemingly overnight that you find yourself simply not caring anymore, a disinterest in that someone who's been so incredibly special in your life usually occurs for one or more reasons.

The Benefits of Finding More "You" Time

Do you crave time to yourself? More importantly, do you make time for yourself? Many people need some rejuvenating alone time and making this time a priority is one of the best things you can do to care for yourself. Do you occasionally crave time to yourself? More importantly, do you make time for yourself? Many people need some rejuvenating alone time and making this time a priority is one of the best things you can do to care for yourself. Most of us are running non-stop between work, family, and other obligations.

How Testosterone Affects Your Mood

We generally equate testosterone with male characteristics, such as a deep voice and facial hair. However, testosterone is responsible for a host of other body functions and may even affect a man’s mood. We generally equate testosterone with male characteristics, such as a deep voice and facial hair. However, testosterone is responsible for a host of other body functions and may even affect a man's mood. What is Testosterone? Testosterone is a key hormone involved in masculine growth and development.

Osteoporosis: Not Just a Woman's Problem

Recent research shows that brittle bones, long considered a women's problem, is taking a significant toll on men. Women's bones get all the attention but it turns they aren't the only ones whose bones break. Recent research shows that osteoporosis, long considered a women's disease, is taking a significant toll on men, too. Osteoporosis is defined as a decline in the density of bones that makes them weaker and more likely to break.

When Young Adults Get Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, once considered a disease of the old, is turning up more often than ever before in younger people, but there is some good news. Type 2 diabetes, once considered a disease of older people, is turning up more often than ever in the young and rising obesity rates among teens is why. Some 154,000 people under the age of 20 now have diabetes in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Best Way for Diabetics to Lose Weight

Whether you want to lose 5 or 50 pounds, it's extra challenging when you have diabetes. Whether you want to lose 5 or 50 pounds, it's extra challenging when you have diabetes. If you're prone to episodes of hypoglycemia, there are times when you have to eat whether or not you want to, and it can be frustrating to have to take in those extra calories to prevent your blood sugar from dropping dangerously low.

The Pros and Cons of Dating Older Women

Without a doubt, older women bring depth and maturity to many relationships, but there can also be valid reasons to steer clear of courting a cougar. According to Fayr Barkley, Ph.D. human behavior research expert and founder of cougar international (a cougar/cub dating site) younger men are driving the dynamic behind the younger man/older woman dating trend. "I see a ratio of more than 10 men to every woman who join my website, www.

Facing Your Retirement Fears

Does the idea of retirement scare you? Here's how to prep for this major life transition. For some people, leaving the workforce is a long-held dream. For others, the thought of giving up the job they've had for years is a great source of anxiety. If retirement is something that scares you, it's important to be well prepared for this major life transition.

10 Ways to Live 10 Years Younger

These simple strategies can knock a whole decade off of your outlook so you'll feel 10 years younger. You can try at least a few of these strategies to knock a whole decade off of your outlook and feel ten years younger: Laugh. A hearty chuckle sends your blood pressure downward, unkinks your muscles, and may even lower your stress hormone levels.

Don't Let Depression Ruin Your Sex Life

People with depression typically lose interest in many activities they once enjoyed, including sex. This can significantly reduce their quality of life. Because many patients are reluctant to discuss sexual problems with their physician, the problem often goes unidentified and untreated. People with depression typically lose interest in many activities they once enjoyed, including sex. This can significantly reduce their quality of life. Because many patients are reluctant to discuss sexual problems with their physician, the problem often goes unidentified and untreated.

Gender Roles in Pain Medication Abuse

New research has now determined that men and women misuse pain medication differently. It's long been accepted that men and women experience pain differently. They feel it in different parts of their bodies, have different ways of expressing it and even have different pain thresholds and durations. When doctors prescribe pain medication, especially if it is opiate-based, like Vicodin or Oxycontin, they consider these gender differences.

Are Public Restrooms Making You Sick?

There are some simple steps you can take to make sure you don't become a walking biohazard, regardless of the state of the public bathroom you find yourself in. What You Can Catch, If Anything? There are a few misconceptions surrounding public restrooms and bacteria. Bacteria thrives in wet, moist environments-making sinks, faucet knobs, and flushers prime for the spread of germs. So, yes, it is very possible to get sick from visiting the restroom at your local fast food joint.

New Camera Technology Improves Colonoscopy Screening Results

A new type of camera is making it possible for doctors to get a better look at colorectal polyps and other lesions that may be missed with the current colonoscope alone.   It's the one test nearly every one dreads, but one that could save your life: Getting a colorectal screening. A colonoscopy is a procedure that is used to see inside the colon and rectum. The procedure is done by inserting a thin, flexible, lighted tube (colonoscope), which has a small camera mounted on it, into the colon.

Preoperative Do's and Don'ts

Your surgeon will instruct you on a list of do’s and don’ts to help you get ready and minimize risks. Some surgeries have very specific instructions and your surgeon will make sure you know what to do. Many, however, include these general instructions. The success of your upcoming surgery depends in part on what you do and don't do before the big day.  Your surgeon and anesthesiologist are counting on you to make sure they can do their job in the operating room safely while also making sure you're comfortable.

How Coffee Reduces Prostate Cancer Risk

Despite what others may tell you, coffee has been found to have some serious health benefits. Despite what others may tell you, coffee has been found to have some serious health benefits. Your mother told you it would stunt your growth. Your dentist tells you it stains your teeth. With so many rumors surrounding coffee, it's hard to not feel guilty if you take part in more than your cup-a-day.

8 Tests for Erection Problems

If you’ve experienced a problem having an erection, you may well have simply ignored it out of embarrassment. Discussing your erection problems with your doctor and having a few tests could lead to a diagnosis that, while not exactly what you wanted to hear, could one day save your life. If you've experienced a problem having an erection, you may well have simply ignored it out of embarrassment. After all, it's not exactly the type of issue you want to bring up with your doctor, and even if you did, you may well wonder whether there's anything to be done about it.

How Defensiveness Benefits Men

Exhibiting defensive qualities is usually viewed as negative, but this may not always be the case for men. Typically, defensiveness-a trait characterized as rejecting, repressing, or contradicting information that's perceived as threatening-is viewed as a negative quality, and in a lot of ways it is; for men, however, this may not be the case. You've seen it: the coworker contradicting or becoming uptight about constructive criticism, or the friend that flips the switch from friendly to antagonistic once you crack a joke.

Pain Relievers and Cancer Risk

Is it possible that certain widely-used pain relievers may have a role in cancer prevention and treatment? There is a growing body of evidence that certain pain relievers may have a role in cancer prevention and treatment, especially for colorectal and breast cancer. While results are mixed, the medical community is investing significant attention and resources to this subject.

Top 5 Supplements for Men

The key to effective supplementation is to know what you're taking and why you're taking it. Whether you're trying to get fit or to enhance your sex life, taking supplements can be of great help. According to the Council for Responsible Nutrition, 53 percent of American adults take a multivitamin supplements, and 50 percent of adult men 18 and older take a multivitamin.

Red Meat Linked to Bladder Cancer

New research links the consumption of red meat to an increased risk of bladder cancer, the tenth most common cancer in the U.S. Red meat is making headlines again. This time, new research links the consumption of red meat to an increased risk of bladder cancer, the tenth most common cancer in the U.S. The Study In the National Institutes of Health and AARP's Diet and Health...

Kickbox Your Way to a Better Body

Kickboxing is a total-body, booty-kicking workout that's fun, makes you fast on your feet, and kicks you into the best shape of your life. Ever since the 1970s when everybody was Kung Fu Fighting, martial arts-based exercise has been a solid fitness favorite.  For the last decade, kickboxing, and its "cousin," cardio-boxing have become popular variations on these challenging workouts, through Tae-Bo, Powerstrike and classes all over the world.

Prevent Erectile Dysfunction

From having more sex to monitoring your testosterone, here are six ways to lower your chances of developing ED. Erectile dysfunction (ED) drug manufacturers spent $313.4 million on measured media last year, according to TNS Media Intelligence. Watch any television channel, read any magazine, drive on any major highway and you'll see an onslaught on advertisements for ED treatments.

How Is the Recession Affecting Your Health?

When the downturn boosts death rates, it’s time to identify the issues and make changes where you can. There's no doubt, America is suffering due to the economic downturn. Stress levels are through the roof. Kitchen tables are groaning under the weight of too many bills. Millions of homeowners are facing foreclosure and there's no end in sight to record unemployment statistics.

How Is the Recession Affecting Your Health?

When the downturn boosts death rates, it's time to identify the issues and make changes where you can. There's no doubt, America is suffering due to the economic downturn. Stress levels are through the roof. Kitchen tables are groaning under the weight of too many bills. Millions of homeowners are facing foreclosure and there's no end in sight to record unemployment statistics.

Watching Sports May Be Bad for Your Heart

One study showed the risk for cardiac arrest soared to two to four times higher while watching heart-pounding sports events. But does it matter if your team wins or loses? Can the excitement of watching heart-pounding sports matches be bad for your heart? According to research published in The New England Journal of Medicine, the answer is yes. A group of German researchers compared cardiac events in Munich during the five weeks of the 2006 World Cup, held in Germany, to the number of cardiac events during other times of the year and found that on the days the German team played, cardiac emergencies more than tripled for men and nearly doubled for women.

The Pros and Cons of Perfectionism

A perfectionist is someone who constantly strives to achieve extremely high standards. You would expect perfectionism to be a good personality trait, but it usually isn’t. You must do the right thing the first time. Nothing good comes from making mistakes. Are you nodding your head as you read these statements? These are classic thoughts of the perfectionist. A perfectionist is someone who constantly strives to achieve extremely high standards.

Just Hit 40? 7 Tune-Up Tips

Steps you can take to help ensure your health well into your golden years. Any guy will tell you that once your car hits a certain mileage, it's wise to take it in for a tune-up. Well, the same goes for your body. Much like in your teens, your body goes through some significant changes when you hit your 40s and 50s. Here, we've outlined seven steps you can take to help ensure your health well into your golden years.

The Dangers of Being Cynical

Do you believe that most people will tell a lie if they think they can gain by it? If you answered yes to this question, chances are you have a bit of a cynical streak. Do you believe that most people will tell a lie if they think they can gain by it? If you answered yes to this question, chances are you have a bit of a cynical streak. The dictionary defines cynicism as a bad attitude, a belief in bad outcomes, resentment, sarcasm, or suspicion.

2 Pains You Mustn't Ignore When Working Out

Know what to watch out for whether you're going for a jog or lifting weights. If you know the physiology of exercise, it's no wonder you feel pain when you work out. Every time you work a muscle, tiny holes are made in the tissue-the harder you push them, the bigger the holes. After your workout when you're at rest, your body then goes through a healing period, fixing the holes, and making them stronger.

Why Are Women Always Cold and Men Always Hot?

The battle of the sexes turns into a battle over the thermostat when men and women live or work together. So, when it comes to this hot topic, how can both genders learn to live in harmony? The battle of the sexes turns into a battle over the thermostat when men and women live or work together. That's because women always seem to be cold while men always seem to be hot.  What's behind this hot topic and how can men and women achieve climate control?  It's not just a battle of wills.

What's the Hardest Year of Marriage?

Being married seems so easy at first: everything's new and fresh, from the bone china to the queen-sized comforter to "officially" sharing a last name. But at some point, the honeymoon's clearly over and you both find yourselves marveling at how tough being married can be. Being married seems so easy at first: everything's new and fresh, from the bone china to the queen-sized comforter to "officially" sharing a last name. But at some point, the honeymoon's clearly over and you both find yourselves marveling at how tough being married can be.

The Proper Way to Wear Your Seatbelt

Seat belts save more than 13,000 lives every year in this country, but they can do so only if you wear them the right way. Seatbelts save more than 13,000 lives every year in this country, but they can do so only if you wear them the right way. In fact, using your seatbelt improperly isn't always better than not using it at all—you may be setting yourself up for serious injury if you wear your seatbelt in any way other than the way it was designed to be worn.

The Truth about the "Beer Belly"

Beer—the beverage favored by most men nationwide. It could accompany your nightly dinner or favorite TV program. A six-pack may join you during your weekend barbeque or while you watch the game. Regardless of when you consume it, one thing tends to remain—the beer belly. Beer-the beverage favored by most men nationwide. It could accompany your nightly dinner or favorite TV program. A six-pack may join you during your weekend barbeque or while you watch the game. Regardless of when you consume it, one thing tends to remain-the beer belly.

True or False: 6 Hair Loss Rumors Revealed

With all the information (and misinformation) surrounding hair loss, it’s hard to get to the facts. Well, worry not. Here we give you the real truth behind the most prevalent baldness rumors. You've heard it all before. You get it from your mother's father. Wearing your favorite baseball cap is making it happen. Oh, and not to add to your stress, but work is contributing to it as well. With all the information (and misinformation) surrounding hair loss, it's hard to get to the facts.

Normal Sexual Changes vs Symptoms of Low Testosterone

While the rest of your body changes, so does your sexual ability. Some men may find it a bit harder to find themselves in the mood. Others may find it relatively difficult to perform as long or as passionately as they once had. As you age, your body changes. Your memory begins to slip. Your joints may ache. Your afternoon jog might have to turn into an evening stroll. And the list goes on: your eyesight, hearing, and cognitive ability may not be what it once was. Even though these changes may be unwelcome, the majority of them are normal.

10 Tips to Boost Your Fertility for Both Sexes

If you’re considering adding a bundle of joy to your family, you may be in for a surprise to find that getting pregnant isn’t necessarily as easy it seems. Still, there are plenty of low-tech ways that you and your partner can increase the odds of becoming parents. If you're considering adding a bundle of joy to your family, you may be in for a surprise to find that getting pregnant isn't necessarily as easy it seems. Still, there are plenty of low-tech ways that you and your partner can increase the odds of becoming parents.

Who's More Affected by a Rocky Relationship: Men or Women?

Ask any guy and he'll tell you that he believes it's the women in his life who are the emotional or vulnerable ones. Though that may be true in some circumstances, a recent study has found that men are actually the ones who are most affected by rocky relationships. Ask any guy and he'll tell you that he believes it's the women in his life who are the emotional or vulnerable ones. Though that may be true in some circumstances, a recent study has found that men are actually the ones who are most affected by rocky relationships.

Could You Be Taking the Wrong Medication?

Approximately 3.9 billion prescriptions were filled in 2009-and 1.7 percent of which were wrongly dispensed. This translates into 66 million drug mistakes a year. Consider the following scenario: You go to your doctor because you don't feel well. He performs a routine check-up and determines the only remedy to your ailment is a specific medication. He writes the prescription, which you then give to your pharmacist and begin the drug regimen.

6 Tests All Men Need

Most men are more likely to get a tune-up for their car than they are a checkup for themselves. Here, six tests every male should undergo so you don’t let your health take a backseat. Most men are more likely to get a tune-up for their car than they are a checkup for themselves. While the stereotype may be true in many instances, those who go to the doctor for regular visits tend to have longer, healthier lives.  Here, six tests every male should undergo so you don't let your health take a backseat.

Testosterone Gel and Heart Risks

If you suffer from hypogonadism (also known as “male menopause”), you’re most likely looking to reverse the symptoms; however, one of the most commonly prescribed treatments may put you at risk for issues far more serious than any symptom of the condition. If you suffer from hypogonadism (also known as "male menopause"), you're most likely looking to reverse the symptoms. The decreased energy and libido, infertility, erectile dysfunction, and muscle weakness associated with the condition can certainly be tough to cope with; however, one of the most commonly prescribed treatments may put you at risk for issues far more serious than any symptom of hypogonadism.

What Your Voice Says About You

Do you command attention? Are you quick to get into a fight? Did you engage in sex at an early age? While these questions may seem inquisitive, various studies suggest that these queries, among others, can be answered simply by the sound of your voice. Do you command attention? Are you quick to get into a fight? Did you engage in sex at an early age? While these questions may seem inquisitive, various studies suggest that these queries, among others, can be answered simply by the sound of your voice.

The Link between Genes and Testicular Cancer

Doctors and researchers are not clear on what causes this disease, which affects approximately 8,000 new patients each year, according the National Cancer Institute (NCI). When it comes to cancer, prevention is the best medicine. Not smoking, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and having the appropriate tests taken are essential to limiting your risk of developing cancer. Testicular cancer, however, seems to complicate this fact.

The Truth about Male Menopause

When men think about menopause, thoughts of wives’ hot flashes, mood swings, and under-chin peach fuzz usually come to mind. But could it be that, around a certain age, men experience something that resembles the same hormonal changes that women do? When men think about menopause, thoughts of wives' hot flashes, mood swings, and under-chin peach fuzz usually come to mind. But could it be that, around a certain age, men experience something that resembles the same hormonal changes that women do? It's a fact that, as men age, levels of testosterone—the "male hormone"—begin to diminish.

4 Surprising Causes of a High PSA Result

Although the recommended testing procedure for prostate cancer is controversial, the truth is that prostate health should be of top priority for men ages 45 and older. Although the recommended testing procedure for prostate cancer is controversial, the truth is that prostate health should be of top priority for men ages 45 and older.  In order to prevent the development of prostate cancer, it is recommended that men undergo one of two tests: the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test or the digital rectal exam (DRE).

How to Answer the “Do I Look Fat?” Question

It’s the question every man dreads to answer and every woman seems to ask: “Do I look fat?” Here, how to answer tactfully. It's the question every man dreads to answer and every woman seems to ask: "Do I look fat?" On first thought, you may feel that a simple "No, honey. You look beautiful." would suffice; and in many situations, it might. However, a person's body image, in certain circumstances, has been found to negatively effect one's health.

The Link between Erectile Dysfunction Drugs and STDs

Although this seems like a nightmarish scenario, studies suggest that this is the case with many men who took erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs. Envision the following situation: You go to the doctor to remedy a problem you're having and he prescribes a medication to treat it. A few months later, you're diagnosed with a disease that is a direct result of the prescribed treatment. Sounds counterproductive, doesn't it? Although this seems like a nightmarish scenario, studies suggest that this is the case with many men who took erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs.

ED and Heart Disease: A Deadly Duo

If you've got erectile dysfunction, you may also be at risk for cardiac issues. If you already have erectile dysfunction, chances are you feel like you've got enough on your plate. But here's something else to worry about: you also run an increased risk of having a stroke or heart attack. Studies show that erectile dysfunction (ED), a common condition, is primarily a vascular disease and may be a marker for hidden cardiovascular disease, according to research in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Gene Sequencing: What it Can Reveal

Genomics can map out the exact sequence of a person's DNA to come up with a comprehensive picture of that person's future health risks. You've probably heard of genetic testing, which looks at single genes to determine if someone has an increased risk of a particular disease. But you may be less familiar with genomics, which is the study of someone's complete genetic code. With genomics, scientists map out the exact sequence of a person's DNA to come up with a comprehensive picture of that person's future health risks.

5 Tips to Avoid Armpit Stains

While sweating is an essential function that helps your body stay cool, you don't have to walk around with armpit stains on all your shirts. Tired of walking around with your elbows held in tight, trying to hide those armpit stains? While most people sweat when they exercise, or are nervous, anxious, or under stress, walking around with sweat stains can be embarrassing. For some people, the answer to put an end to armpit stains may be simple: an over-the-counter antiperspirant.

Should You Break-Up with Your Partner?

Here, warning signs that show you when it's time to call things off. Like the song proclaims, "Breaking-up is hard to do." Futhermore, ending a relationship in which you were truly invested and severing all ties can be the most painful experience of all. So how can you tell when it's time to stick it out and work on the relationship, or admit things aren't working and move on? Here, 10 signs to look for that will tell you it's time to split.

Put Together the Perfect Pre-Sex Meal

Here, ingredients for the perfect pre-sex meal and how to choose the menu for a love-fest feast. Of course setting the stage for great sex involves the obvious--candles, soft music, low lights, and maybe some rose pedals. But why not also whip up a sensual feast to put you both in the mood for amore? Enjoying a meal that's light, yet slightly exotic and replete with the foods that encourage romance gives both of you the delicious opportunity to share a feast as you anticipate what's to come after dessert.

How to Stay Safe on the Treadmill

Treadmills keep you moving in poor weather, help you cross train, and let you exercise at home. But don't let your treadmill workout become a walk on the wild side. Treadmills are the perfect fitness tools for anyone who can walk. They keep you moving in poor weather, help you cross train and let you work out at home. Don't let your treadmill workout become a walk on the wild side, though. Every year, thousands of people land in the emergency room from tripping, falling, or scraping themselves up on the treadmill.

Dating Younger Women: Risks and Benefits

Men are likely to live longer if they marry a younger woman, new research suggests. It's a pretty common pattern for men to date younger women--and this extends to marriage too. In the Unites States, on average, a groom is 2.3 years older than his bride, according to the US Census Bureau. While it might seem obvious that dating a younger...

6 Rules for Washing Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are some of the healthiest foods you can eat—unless they're contaminated with dirt, pesticides, or harmful bacteria. So before you take your first bite, make sure you follow these six steps. Fruits and vegetables are some of the healthiest foods you can eat-unless they're contaminated with dirt or harmful bacteria. Since foodborne illnesses have sometimes been linked to fresh produce, it's important to wash what you eat. The first rule for washing fresh produce is to wash your own hands.

What You Probably Don't Know About Male Asthma and Cancer

Men who have asthma are less likely to be diagnosed with common forms of cancer than their healthier counterparts. Common asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, and chest discomfort can play an important role to ward off cancer. If you're a male with asthma, did you know that this condition could actually be good for your health? Researchers now believe this is true -- at least when it comes to reducing your risk of being diagnosed with some of the most common forms of cancers.

Just Tested Positive? Should You Blame Your Partner?

Don't be so fast to assume it's your partner who is responsible for your STD. If you've just tested positive for a sexually transmitted disease (STD), you may be pointing the finger of blame at your partner. After all, you two have been monogamous, and before you were together, there's no way you could have been infected, right? Don't be so fast to assume it's your partner who is responsible for your STD.

Could Tap Water Eliminate the Male Race?

41 million people are exposed to estrogen in their water supply, study says. While drinking plenty of water has been touted as essential for living a healthy life, several studies over the past couple of years have shown that our water supply may also present some health hazards. A paper published in 2008 by researchers from...

Smoking and Quitting: Various Gender Differences

When it comes to smoking, and quitting, men and women are different. Understanding the distinctions can give you a leg up when you're ready to face the difficult task of quitting. When it comes to smoking--and quitting--men and women are different. Understanding the distinctions between them can give you a leg up when you're ready to face the difficult task of quitting. The Differences Men tend to smoke from habit or to enhance positive sensations, while women often smoke as a buffer against negative feelings.

What Does Your Doctor Look for in a Doctor?

Too many of us find a doctor by picking one randomly from a list of practitioners who accept our insurance. Or we simply choose someone close to our home. Have you ever wondered how doctors find doctors for themselves and their families? We all could take a tip from physicians when it comes to evaluating other medical professionals. Too many people find a doctor by picking one randomly from a list of practitioners who accept their insurance.

The Science Behind Nosebleeds

Most of the time, a bloody nose is just a messy nuisance. Occasionally, however it can signal more serious medical conditions. Nosebleeds are common, messy, and sometimes scary-but how serious are they? Fortunately, most of the time a bloody nose is just a nuisance.  Occasionally, however it can signal more serious medical conditions.  The formal medical names for a nosebleed is epistaxis or nasal hemorrhage.

Age-Related Sexual Changes in Men and Women

A lot changes when you age. Here, the sexual changes you and your partner may experience. Let's face it, growing older means facing some physical changes--graying hair, some wrinkles, maybe a few extra pounds that stay stubbornly on the hips. But aging brings changes in sexuality, too. Every person's experience is different and to some extent, age is less of a predictor of changes in sexuality than health.

Guys: How to Tell if You're Healthy

Paying attention to signs of good health could save you from serious health problems down the road. We all want to be healthy. Paying attention to signs of good health not only feels good, but is also a smart way to help you spot potential health problems before they get serious. Signs of Health Your resting heart rate is between 70-75 beats per minute.

Could Being Male Be Bad for Your Health?

In nearly all nations of the world, men live shorter lives than women. In over 98 percent of countries in the world, women live longer than men. In the United States, life expectancy for men is five years shorter than women. Why is this the case? Are men genetically programmed to die sooner then women? Some experts say that masculinity itself is killing men.

How Stress Changes Who Men are Attracted To

When under stress, men find women who look dissimilar to them most attractive, recent research suggests. Past research has shown that both men and women are usually attracted to partners with similar facial features to their own: people find mates with faces that resemble theirs more trustworthy. A new study, however, shows evidence that after a brief but stressful experience, men's preferences for a mate changed.

The 4 Stages of the Sexual Response

Ever wonder why sex feels so good? Here’s what happens to your body when you make love. Your body is like a pleasure powerhouse that cycles through a series of sexual responses each time you and a partner have sex. The phases of response differ somewhat for men and for women, but they both follow a fairly set physiological pattern, experts say.

Top 5 Grooming Mistakes for Men

Whether you are going on a date, a job interview, or an important business meeting, you want to look and feel your personal best. Don't get caught making these top men's grooming mistakes. Are you that guy who walks into a room looking so good, with so much self-confidence, that all eyes are on you? Or are you the guy people take one look at and turn the other way? Consider the following top grooming mistakes the next time you are getting ready for an important event.

5 Symptoms Men Ignore

Men can prevent health risks by paying attention to changes in their body and seeing their doctor when something isn't right. When it comes to scheduling doctor visits, some men are notorious procrastinators. This can be risky. Routine preventive care can find diseases in men in the early stages, when there are more options for treatment and better chances of treating the issue.

5 Ways your TV is Slowly Killing You

Research suggests TV-viewing can be a deadly pastime. Americans watch more than five hours of television per day on average, according to a 2008 study conducted by the Neilsen Company. While you may have your weekly "must-watch" show , you may consider doing something else with those 25+ hours that you usually spend plopped in front of the television.

4 Unusual Orgasm Disorders for Men

Men can sometimes experience some surprises during orgasm. Some are painful and others only embarrassing. Men can sometimes experience some surprises during orgasm. Some are painful and others only embarrassing. Here are a few common--and uncommon--things that can happen during your most intimate moment with a partner. Headaches Headaches during sex are more common in men than in women.

11 Tips for Online Dating

Learn how to get into online dating and get the results you desire. Whether it's the commericials you've seen on T.V. or the stories friends have regaled you with at dinner, you've heard the stories of people meeting Mr. or Mrs. Right through online dating. Still, you're a little wary of the whole idea. (Don't just people who are desperate use the sites? Isn't it dangerous?) Online Dating for Dummies Here are the top 11 strategies for first timers, from Mary Jo Rapini, LPC, a relationship expert, and Irina Firstein, LSCW.

The Life Cycle of the Penis

While the penis itself undergoes changes as a man ages, your sex life can still be satisfying. As men age, some of the common fears are that his penis will get smaller, that it will be too small to satisfy his partner during sex, and that he will lose sexual desire and function. While the penis itself undergoes changes as a man ages, your sex life can still be great.

All about Male Muscle Dysmorphia

In response to the male muscular ideal, research suggests that male muscle dysmorphia is on the rise. We often hear about body image disorders in women, but male body image disorders are not commonly discussed. However, male body image disorders do exist and are on the rise. One in particular, muscle dysmorphia, has been reported to be more common in men, and in particular, male body builders.

How to Share a Health Secret with Your Partner

How and when’s is essential to communicating sensitive information. Embarrassment, shame, or the fear that your partner will want to end your relationship. Any of these could be the reason for not being forthright about a particular health condition. Whether it's a sexually transmitted disease, a chronic disorder like multiple sclerosis, or an invisible but life-impacting illness such as fibromyalgia, there just hasn't been the right time to discuss it.

The Health Benefits of Masturbation for Men and Women

It not only feels good, it’s good for you, too! What if someone told you that there was a pleasurable "treatment" that would relieve stress, give you more energy, boost your mood, act as a sleep aid, and keep you free of sexually transmitted diseases? You might wonder what wondrous pill you'd have to pop in order to get all these life-enhancing benefits.

Common Painkillers Might Make You Hard of Hearing

A new study in men hints that popping over-the-counter painkillers regularly can also lead to hearing loss, especially in younger men. Thought that your hearing loss was due to too may loud concerts back in the day? Maybe, but something else might be contributing too. A new study in men hints that taking over-the-counter painkillers regularly can also lead to hearing loss, especially in younger men.

Herpes: The STD You Already Have

A guide to preventing a herpes outbreak. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) aren't something that most people take lightly. They conjure up visions of dire complications, they hurt and, let's face it, they are embarrassing to talk about with your partner or your doctor. They're also very common.

A Pill for Premature Ejaculation? Is It Necessary?

Premature ejaculation is a common sexual complaint, but not everyone needs a pill to fix. According to urologists Andrew McCullough, M.D., director of male sexual health, fertility, and microsurgery at the New York University Medical Center, and James Barada, M.D., of the Albany College of Medicine, premature ejaculation (PE) is the number one sexual-health problem afflicting men, and is three times more common than erectile dysfunction (ED).

4 Common Misdiagnoses for Men

Prevent a misdiagnosis by being informed about the common misdiagnoses for men. Although we like to trust our doctors, misdiagnoses can happen. It's up to us to stay on top of our health and get a second opinion if warranted. Consider some of the following common misdiagnoses for men, and take action if you suspect a misdiagnosis of your condition.

Personality Type and Work Stress

You've seen him or her at work: aggressive, racing against the clock, competitive, always multitasking. The typical type A personality type. Recently, experts have examined whether personality type plays a role in workplace stress. They found personality type did, and didn't, correlate to stress. You've seen him or her at work: aggressive, racing against the clock, competitive, always multitasking. The typical type A personality type. Recently, experts have examined whether personality type plays a role in workplace stress. They found personality type did-and didn't-correlate to stress.

Early Symptoms of Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is more prevalent than you might realize, although it does not get as much public attention as breast and other types of cancer. Fortunately, bladder cancer is highly treatable when caught early so it pays to be familiar with its common symptoms. Bladder cancer is more prevalent than you might realize, although it does not get as much public attention as breast and other types of cancer. Fortunately, bladder cancer is highly treatable when caught early; so it pays to be familiar with its common symptoms.

5 Sex Mistakes All Men Make

If you’ve been with a few women, you may think you know a lot about sex. But with some bedroom experience you soon learn that what is a turn on for one woman is a deal-breaker for another. Good sex means using your brain as much as your body. If you've been with a few women, you may think you know a lot about sex. But as you gain bedroom experience, you'll soon learn that what is a turn on for one woman is a deal-breaker for another. Good sex means using your brain as much as your body. Sex Mistake #1: Thinking sex is only physical Guys tend to get caught up in the physicality of sex.

Could You Really Be "Bored to Death"?

Boredom may be shaving years off of your life, scientists have found. In a commentary to be published in the International Journal of Epidemiology in April 2010, experts say there's a possibility that the more bored you are, the more likely you are to die early. Researchers from the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at University College London analyzed over 7500 interviews, from 1985 to 1988, with British civil servants aged between 35 and 55 that asked whether they'd felt bored at work.

Do Nice Guys (and Girls) Always Finish Last?

It’s possible to be too nice, experts say. Do mean jerks always come out on top? Not really, but it sure seems that way sometimes. It's enough to make kind, considerate and caring people actually ponder getting a little pushier, more selfish, and more into self-promotion. You might not want to change those inner good qualities just yet.

Men and Depression: Overcoming the Stigma

About six million men in the United States suffer from depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. While the stigma of mental health disorders is fading, some men are still reluctant to talk about, or seek help for, depression. Terry Bradshaw. Jim Carrey. Billy Joel. Winston Churchill. Abraham Lincoln. In addition to being famous and successful, these men—and many others—share another important characteristic: they all suffered from depression. About six million men in the United States suffer from depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

How to Get Rid of Man Boobs

While man boobs generally aren't a serious health problem, they can be tough to cope with. Find out ways to get rid of them or halt their development. Let's face it. Having man boobs, or "moobs," is an uncomfortable and embarrassing experience. Man boobs can be difficult to hide during simple activities such as changing at the gym, hitting the pool or the beach for a swim, and in romantic relationships.

How to Date in the Technology Age

The right and wrong way to enhance your romance with texting, email and social networking sites. Modern technology is a mixed blessing when it comes to romance. On one level, social networking sites, texting, and emailing have made it much easier to date. But these forms of communication have also made dating more complicated. There are no set rules, no established guidelines, and no code of etiquette to follow.

Are You and Your Partner Sexually Compatible?

How to determine if you two would have a red hot love life. You've met a great guy or girl and the future looks bright. But will your sex life sizzle, and more importantly, will it stay hot? Love at first sight doesn't always happen, and it can take awhile for a deeply satisfying relationship to thrive and grow.

What She's Really Thinking

Ever wonder what a woman is thinking on your first date, after the first kiss, or after sex? Read on to get a glimpse into the female mind. Ever wonder what a woman is thinking on your first date, after the first kiss, or after sex? Read on to get a glimpse into what women are thinking during every step of the game. On a First Date Even on a first date you might be focused on getting her into bed, but she'll be thinking of lots of things before the "moment of truth" is even close.

Can Friends with Benefits Stay Friends?

It works for some people, but not for the long haul. In a recent episode of "Grey's Anatomy," Alex and Lexie, two of the doctors who aren't romantically involved, engage in a "no feelings" quickie, as it's referred to in the show's episode recap. Unlike the fictional characters in ABC's hit TV series, having sex with a friend just for sex's sake is not uncommon.

The First Date: 8 Terrific Topics for Conversation

Want to have a great evening together? Here’s what to talk about. You've made a restaurant reservation, switched in and out of three different outfits, and inspected your appearance so many times you've lost count. You're about to spend your first evening ever with someone with potential, but you feel tongue-tied. What can you find to talk about that will be mutually interesting? "Keep it light, fun, entertaining and interesting," advises Stacy Kaiser, licensed psychotherapist and relationship expert.

Tips to Avoid Spring Sports Injuries

Trying to leap back to last season's performance level without appropriate training can be the fast track to a sports injury this spring. As the warm weather of spring approaches, many of us like to hit the sports field and work off those extra winter pounds. Let's face it though, if we've been slothful most of the winter, it can take some time getting back into shape. If the "no pain, no gain" sports adage is ringing in your head, it's time you acknowledge that attitude is outdated, and according to sports medicine experts, one that will most likely be the cause of a sports injury for you this spring.

Is it Time to Break Up With Your Doctor?

But if the relationship isn't working for you, it may be time to look elsewhere. The argument could be made that a doctor's role is not just to diagnose and treat the physical ailments that plague you but to tend to your psyche as well. Why? Studies show that patients in supportive and encouraging relationships with their doctors fare better healthwise.

How to Build a Better Date: For Singles and Couples

How to whip up the perfect recipe for a stress-free and enjoyable evening. The time is set, the meeting place arranged. The mirror confirms that your hair and outfit look great. Then what's with the butterflies in your stomach? The perfect date is well within your grasp, experts say, whether you're single or married. You just need to keep a few pointers in mind.

Sex Your Way to a Healthier Heart

Sex has innumerable benefits, and growing evidence is proving that improved heart health is one of them. While evidence has been building about the overall health benefits of sexual activity, including easing depression and stress and relieving pain, a new study has found that men who have sex twice a week have a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. ...

Muscle Cramps: What You Should Know

What causes muscle cramps in the first place, and how can they be avoided? If you've ever had a muscle cramp or charley horse, you know how painful they are. They're unpredictable and tend to strike during sleep, exercise, or when you've held one position for too long. But what causes muscle cramps, and how can they be avoided? What Are Muscle Cramps? Muscle cramps are caused by sudden, involuntary contraction of one or more muscles.

Junk Food That's Good for You

While eating junk food might be quick, easy and pleasurable in the moment, it can be dangerous for your future. There are some junk foods, however, that are better for you than others. Knowing what junk foods are good for you may make all the difference in your life. The prevalence of obesity in the US has more than doubled over the last 30 years, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Today 72 million Americans (more than one-third of US adults) are obese, and two-thirds of Americans are reported to be overweight.

Is It OK for Men to Watch Porn?

It can make sex better for both of you, if he doesn't overdo it. If your partner likes watching porn occasionally, it's probably nothing to worry about. But if he's obsessive about it, hunkering down at his computer in another room for hours on end, then there may be a problem. The Upside Pornography is a visual medium, explains Peter Kanaris, Ph.

Being “Macho” Can Affect Your Health

Men who subscribe to macho ideals are less likely to get routine medical care, a recent study suggests. Could "machismo" affect your decisions about routine health care? New research suggests that men who subscribe to macho ideals may be less likely to get routine medical care. In a study conducted by researchers at Rutgers University, middle-aged men who were most devoted to traditional beliefs about masculinity were 50 percent less likely than other men to get routine medical care.

What's Killing Your Sex Drive?

Your sex drive’s not gone, it just needs revving up. Rekindle romance in your relationship. If you're feeling apathetic and disinterested in intimacy with your partner these days, the first person to call is your doctor. A variety of prescription medications as well as even small illnesses can kill off sexual desire—and once it happens, you can start to lose confidence in the bedroom.

The Science of Kissing

Can kissing help you pick a compatible mate? Studies say it could. Kissing feels good, but it serves even more of a purpose than that. It's a great way to check out how compatible you are with the one you're kissing, says Tina B. Tessina, Ph.D., LMFT, and author of The Unofficial Guide to Dating Again. "Kissing is a way to tell if you fit together physically," she says.

10 Unwritten Rules of Flirtation

Kindle a romance by knowing when to smile and when to start up a conversation. We've all done it--cast an extra glance at a person who looks attractive, occasionally smiling, maybe striking up a conversation. Flirting is fun, it's sociable, and it can lead to an enduring romance. That said, there's an unwritten code of behavior that should be followed when you flirt.

Men at Highest Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death

New information from a comparison of three major heart studies is showing a disturbing trend in men’s heart health. New information from a comparison of three major heart studies is showing a disturbing trend in men's heart health.  Men, especially African-American men age 40 and over, have a one in eight chance of experiencing sudden cardiac death, triple that of women in that age group, whose risk is one in 24.

BPH and Prostate Cancer

If you're experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate, you may unnecessarily jump to the conclusion that you have prostate cancer. That said, BPH could be a warning sign of things to come. Men who have an enlarged prostate gland or difficulty urinating may may jump to the conclusion they have prostate cancer. There are other conditions other than cancer, however, that may cause these symptoms. They also require medical attention. Normal prostate changes Two common changes in a man's prostate are part of the normal aging process: prostatis and BPH.

Marriage Could Ward Off Depression

Taking part in a healthy marriage may make you happier in all aspects of your life. Think about this next time you and your spouse are in an argument. Despite all your squabbling and minor skirmishes, marriage is actually good for you. That's the result of a study of 34,493 people in 15 countries over a 10 year period. The study was based on surveys conducted by the World Health Organization's World Mental Health (WMH) which appeared in the journal Psychological Medicine.

How to Get Out of the “Same Old, Same Old" Sexual Blues?

Stuck in a sexual rut? Read these tips to rev up your sex life with your partner. Yes, it is often true that the heat of passion dips in even great relationships.  The first two years of dating and marriage are usually the hottest--sexually speaking.  Your love hormone, oxytocin, is high, and you feel close, alive, special, and very sexual.

Stay Hydrated in Indoor Heat

If you think dehydration only occurs outside during the summertime, you're sorely mistaken. When you think of staying hydrated, the warm summer months may come to mind. And while it's important to avoid dehydration when working or playing outdoors in summer's heat, it's just as crucial to maintain appropriate fluid levels when the temperature falls and you spend more time in heated indoor environments.

How to Cope with Cold Sores

Read on to find out how to soothe your cold sore symptoms, or reduce your outbreaks altogether. All About Cold Sores Cold sores, aka "fever blisters", are small blisters that occur around the mouth and occasionally in your nostrils, fingers, chin, gums, or roof of your mouth. They can tingle and ache before and during the blister formation, which usually lasts for a week to 10 days before it crusts and peels away.

Trouble Pleasing Your Partner? Get Back on Track

You'll both experience sexual satisfaction when you tell each other what feels good. It's an all-too-common scenario: A spouse feels overworked, underappreciated and overwhelmed with a job, household and kids to care for. Resentment and exhaustion take their toll, and she feels less and less like having sex. With a busy life, there just isn't time for everything, let alone having an all night lovefest.

STDs: Myth vs. Fact

Here’s all you need to know--and why you need to talk to your teen. There's a lot of misinformation floating around about STDs these days, and it's a subject no one likes to broach with their teenager. Regardless of how uncomfortable it may be, it's a conversation that needs to happen, since teens who are sexually active are at high risk for an STD.

How to Manage a Woman's Stress

Sometimes it's as simple as just listening and offering her a warm hug. When your woman is feeling stressed, here's how to help. Sure, you can't take your woman's stress away. However, you can often lift her spirits and make her feel better, experts say, by offering a sympathetic ear, solace, and an embrace. "I tell men, if you want to score points with her, you have to learn to just listen," says Ingrid Schweiger, Ph.

Innocent Behaviors That Lead to Death

Innocent behaviors such as social drinking, dieting, and relieving back pain through a doctor-prescribed medication can unsuspectingly be a gateway to harmful behavior for some people and ultimately death. When you are out at a party enjoying a glass of wine, strategizing your next diet, or swallowing the seemingly innocent painkiller that your doctor prescribed, death may be the last thing on your mind. However, for some people, these innocent behaviors can unsuspectingly turn a corner toward harmful behavior, later leading to their death.

Do Men Need to Do Cardio?

The debate ranges on about whether guys need cardio too. Maybe the issue is what kind of cardio and how much do you need. Believe it or not, some fitness professionals still insist that men don't need to do cardio. Maybe they know something that the American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control don't. So, throwing the skepticism aside, and keeping your overall health in the picture, we're going to stick with the recommendations of these two health care giants, among others.

Over 40 Exercise Tips for Men

As men age past 40, they lose muscle mass, bone density and their metabolic rate slows down-–leaving men at risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and certain cancers. Exercise is one of the best ways prevent disease and ensure a good quality of life. Everyone knows the stats showing that men die younger than women. Today, on average, women survive men by over five years, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The biggest problem that men have is not so much a specific disease, says Dr. Jean Bonhomme, board member of the Men's Health Network, but the diseases are the result of lack of health care monitoring earlier in life.

Gender Communication Styles and Emotional Discomfort

Find out how communication breakdowns can cause real emotional issues down the road. Studies have shown that men and women have very different communication styles.  Some experts have even gone so far as to describe these different styles as completely different languages. Many authorities attribute communication differences to disparities in the way that men and women think.

The 5 Worst Reasons for a Break-Up

Five classic excuses that scream insincerity. Honesty is always the best approach when considering a breakup. But it's difficult because the person who's doing the breaking up doesn't want to hurt the other person's feelings, explains relationship expert Ingrid Schweiger, Ph.D. "We are afraid to be honest and we fear confrontation," she says.

10 Tips to Remedy Communication Problems

When the two of you can’t hear what the other one is saying, you may need to address your communication skills. Men and women communicate differently, experts say. When we talk with each other, men tend to sit side by side rather than face to face, which seems unconfrontational to them, says Mary Jo Rapini, LPC, an intimacy/sex relationship psychotherapist. And men often don't make eye contact when they talk, she says, because they find it "threatening.

Why Do Men Die Sooner?

A married couple who live in the same house, eat the same foods, and engage in the same activities should have life expectancies that are equal, shouldn't they? It's no secret that women generally live longer than men, often by as much as ten years. Check out any senior center or nursing home and chances are you'll find more (sometimes many more) women. Widows far outnumber widowers in this country and others.

Best Tips to Prevent Razor Bumps

Razor bumps are painful and cause scarring. Learn a few shaving and skin care tricks to prevent them from popping up. A consumer poll carried out by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) revealed that 78 percent of men who shave suffer from razor bumps, which are really ingrown hairs or pseudofolliculitis barbae. These skin irritations primarily affect men with curly or kinky hair and cause irritation and scarring.

Stretching: Why Every Man Should Be Doing It

Stretching is the last exercise men want to do. But it has important benefits for your health, both in the short term and in the future. Despite what you may have heard, real men do stretch. This misunderstood exercise provides several health and fitness benefits. However, research and guidelines about stretching are often conflicting, leaving many men confused about whether to include it in their fitness routine or not.

The Job Stress and Stroke Connection

Men who feel stressed at work are at a greater risk of having a stroke. Every 45 seconds someone has a stroke in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. Furthermore, stroke is the third most common cause of death in the country. Studies show that high blood pressure is the most important risk factor for stroke with various lifestyles factors increasing this risk, such as obesity, lack of exercise, diet, drug use, alcohol, smoking and stress.

Can Overeating Affect Your Sex Drive?

Food and sex are two of life's great pleasures. However, sustained overeating leads to unwanted weight gain. This often produces unexpected consequences such as squelching your interest in sex. Prolonged stress–such as many of us are experiencing during the current recession--increases the likelihood we will develop unhealthy ways to cope. These inadequate behaviors take a toll on our overall health and vitality and may even put the kibosh on our sex drive.

One in Five Men is at Risk of a Drinking Problem

At least one in five men in developed countries are at risk of abusing or becoming dependent on alcohol during their lifetimes, said a study published earlier this year. In the United States, approximately 18 million people have an alcohol-use disorder. Drinking problems have been associated around the world with depression, severe anxiety, insomnia, substance abuse, suicide, and an increased risks of many health other serious problems.

Coping with Prostate Cancer

If you're diagnosed with prostate cancer, there is a lot you'll need to consider. Read on for tips on how to cope with the most common complications. Prostate cancer treatment affects each man differently. Some sail through treatment with few, if any, side effects or complications. Others are may experience a litany of treatment related issues. The good news is that most problems caused by prostate cancer can be managed and often disappear following treatment.

Improve Your Sex Life with These Hot Spots

The body’s sexy zones can be just about anywhere you can reach. It's easy for men to become sexually aroused. For women, though, sex may seem like just another "task" in their busy day-to-day. This can be because of their crazy schedules and an unwillingness to ask for what they want in the bedroom, according to LiveScience, and so women may tend to just settle for so-so sex.

Does Being a Workaholic Jeopardize Your Health?

Recognize the signs of being a workaholic and learn what to do to protect your health. As more Americans put in 60, 70, or 80 hours at work each week, concerns about the health consequences increase. In some cases, workaholism fuelled by fear, a need for financial security, or even poor self esteem. Being a workaholic isn't all bad. In some cases, it results in products and services that benefit millions such as the light bulb or telephone.

Erectile Dysfunction May Be a Sign of Heart Disease

ED may be even more serious than it first seemed. At some time in their life, all men will experience erectile dysfunction (ED), the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough to engage in sexual intercourse. Although erectile dysfunction is sometimes called "impotence," impotence refers to other problems that interfere with the sexual act, such as low libido, or lack of sexual desire, and problems with ejaculation or orgasm.

6 Quick Hair Loss Treatments

Hair restoration and hair implants can take a while to make a difference when you're balding. These quick hair loss treatments provide short-term relief. Did someone forget to let scientists know it's 2009? In 2004 they boldly predicted that a cure for baldness would arrive in about five years, due to stem cells that could regenerate hair growth. Men (and women) suffering from baldness eagerly awaited the cure, but, as of now, there's no cure for hair loss.

Why Not to Settle in Relationship

Don’t let life’s stresses tempt you to settle in love. Give and take, yes. Settle, no. Tough times often make us choose or stay with partners we might not select when our lives are more stable. Increased family responsibilities and long hours at work leave less time and energy to meet new potential dates and mates. Furthermore the economic downturn puts greater financial burdens on singles and main earners.

PSA Test for Prostate Cancer: To Screen or Not to Screen

Controversy is brewing about whether routine PSA testing for prostate cancer is beneficial and whether it saves lives. The unanswered question is, do the benefits of testing outweigh the risks of follow up diagnostic procedures and prostate cancer treatment? The PSA tests measures the level of Prostate-Specific Antigen in a man's body. An elevated PSA may indicate prostate cancer, but other conditions also increase PSA levels.

The Dangers of a Sexless Marriage

If you and your spouse are in a sexless union, you might need some relationship Rx. A sexless marriage. While it's not something you'd want to participate in, experts estimate that nearly 15 to 20 percent of American couples aren't being inimate regularly. It's the very rare marriage in which both spouses are happy with a no-sex policy, says Israel Helfand, marriage counselor, sex therapist and member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.

The Truth about Male Acne

Male acne isn't just an early puberty problem. It can plague you in your early adult life as well. Find out what to do about it. It's difficult to admit, but guys care about their skin too. But figuring out the right products or treatment for male acne can be challenging--a reality that one savvy company has taken advantage of in the nick of time. In 2008, the Mentholatum Company in the U.

Is the HPV Vaccine Safe?

The health benefits outweigh the side effects, experts say. If you're the parent of a tween or teen girl, you probably know about the HPV vaccine, commonly known as Gardasil, which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2006.  The first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer, precancerous genital lesions and genital warts due to human papillomavirus (HPV), the three-shot regimen is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for girls ages 11 and 12 and "catch-up" shots for girls 13 to 26.

The Latest on Male Birth Control

Could contraception see a responsibility shift? In the past, responsibility for contraception has fallen primarily on women. Although women have many options, each form of birth control varies in how convenient and effective it is, and how it affects a woman's health. Today, many men also want to control their own fertility and take an active role in preventing unplanned pregnancies.

Early Detection for Prostate Cancer

Find out how you can catch prostate cancer before it takes hold. Currently, there are two primary screening tools for prostate cancer: the PSA test and the Digital Rectal Exam. Doctors typically use both tests during an examination. A PSA test is a simple blood test that measures the level of PSA in a man's body.

Sperm Donation: Important Information for You to Consider

Throughout society there’s still a veil of mystery surrounding sperm donation. If you’re considering it, here are a few things you should know. Every year sperm donation (or gamete donation) is responsible for an increasing number of births, reports the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). The practice isn't without controversy, and you'll hear the occasional story about offspring searching for their sperm-donating dads.

3 Health Mistakes Smart People Make

Even if you buy organic food, go for regular runs, and stay far away from smokers, your best efforts are going to be in vain if you commit certain slip-ups. You buy organic food, go for regular runs, use fat-free dressing on your salad, and strenuously avoid being near people who smoke. You can relax-you're doing as much as you can to stay healthy, right? Wrong! You may be surprised that some of the smartest, most educated people around make health mistakes that are easily corrected.

9 Healthy Reasons to Get a Massage

Sure a massage feels good (great, actually), but did you know it can have a host of health benefits, too? See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! If you've always thought massage was something only pampered spa clients indulge in, you might want to reconsider. Massage, aside from feeling wonderful, actually delivers a host of legitimate health benefits.

All about the PSA Test

This simple blood test measures the level of PSA, a protein produced in the prostate, present in a man’s body. The PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test is one of two primary screening tools for prostate cancer. This simple blood test measures the level of PSA, a protein produced in the prostate, present in a man's body. Men typically have an initial PSA screening at 50, or earlier if there's a family history of prostate cancer.

Could Abstinence Make the Heart Grow Fonder?

In some instances, refraining from sex may benefit your love life. Generally, the lack of sex in a relationship signals a problem. "People can rationalize it away, but when couples stop having sex it often means there is conflict," says Dr. Scott Wetzler, a psychologist at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. "Our sexuality is part of who we are and it's healthy to have sex.

How Lying to Your Doctor Can Harm Your Health

Do you really need to be completely honest with your doctor? The answer may surprise you. You're in the exam room in your doctor's office, and it's the moment of truth. She's just asked you a personal question, one you'd rather not answer. Only your best friend knows the facts on this one. In fact, just thinking about it makes you squirm....

Men's Sexual Health Connected to Overall Health

General health problems that put your sexual health at risk — and what you can do about it. Consider this: Thirty to 50 percent of men with diabetes suffer from erectile dysfunction. Men in their 40s who have erectile dysfunction (ED) are twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease compared to men without ED. These are just a few examples of how your sexual health relates to overall health.

3 Natural Aphrodisiacs for Men

These natural aphrodisiacs for men may revive your sex life. For centuries every culture has experimented with natural herbs and potions to increase sexual fulfillment. The Athenians once touted rubbing arugula on the penis for more erections. For sexual stimulation, the Aztecs and Mayans used the herb damiana, which is still promoted today as a natural sex enhancer.

Can HPV Cause Non-Cervical Cancers?

In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration approved Gardisall, a vaccination to prevent cervical cancer. We know for a fact that HPV—human papilloma virus—causes cervical cancer. Although less common, HPV can also cause other cancers as well. What is HPV? HPV is actually 100 related viruses. Each represents a different type of HPV. Some of them cause warts or papillomas, which are non-cancerous tumors. HPV viruses live in the moist cells (called squamous epithelial cells) that line the organs and cavities in our body that open to the outside, such as the mouth and anus.

The Best Muscle Building Foods

Four muscle-building foods that help you refine your physique and boost your energy during your workouts. Trying hard to avoid being that infamous 98-pound weakling? Pumping iron will only get you so far. First, you need to increase your total intake of calories. The biggest returns come from filling up on muscle-building foods--those packed with proteins or amino acids, carbohydrates and other nutrients that are particularly beneficial to muscle development.

Belly Fat Dangers for Men

Men are more at risk for belly fat than women. Check out the dangers belly fat can pose and the quickest way to burn it off. Sure, abdominal fat isn't flattering, but that's the least of your worries. The amount of belly fat--and the type can lead to several health problems. There are two types of abdominal fat--subcutaneous fat lies just below the skin and on top of the abdominal muscles; visceral fat lies deep in your abdomen and wraps around internal organs.

The 5 Biggest Health Issues for Men

A look at five of the biggest health issues affecting American men. There's no denying that men will do anything to avoid going to the doctor, even if they're facing some of the biggest health issues such as heart disease or stroke. The situation is even more dire if you're a middle-aged "macho man" and strongly idealize masculinity, according to a new study presented at the 104th annual meeting of the American Sociological Association.

Men and Women: How Emotions Are Perceived

Despite our modern American society, experts say emotions are perceived differently. Male versus female: It's definitely a gender thing when it comes to showing one's feelings. Men tend to hold their feelings close and be stoic while women tend to express themselves more openly. The bottom line, experts say, is that males and females are hardwired to respond differently.

Why Partners Cheat and What to Do About It

If your partner—or you—cheat, don’t assume that it’s over between the two of you. See the incident as a wake up call. First, let's look at why most partners cheat. To feel connected to someone. Since cheating involves sexual intensity, the brain's love and attachment chemicals such as oxytocin and endorphin increase—which make you feel close. To feel appreciated and to matter to someone.

When is Sex Safe after a Heart Attack?

The timing varies, but experts say it can be the best medicine of all. If you've had a heart attack or heart surgery, you've probably wondered when, if ever, it's okay to resume sexual activity. And if you're the partner of a heart attack victim, you may be scared to initiate anything for fear of causing another attack. Well, worry not.

Why Men Won't Commit

Genetics may be why some guys get cold feet. A gene variant may explain why some males want to maintain their single-forever status. Men with one or two copies of the "allele 334" have trouble committing to a relationship, according to a Swedish study. When the researchers looked at 500 couples, they found that men with this variant not only were commitment-phobic but also had marital troubles if they tied the knot.

Frequent Sex Linked to Prostate Cancer?

Younger men who are very active sexually seem more prone to prostate cancer. It may seem like a cruel joke, but various studies are finding that the amount of sex you have may influence your prostate cancer risk. Men in their 20s and 30s who have a very active sex life are more likely to get prostate cancer, while men in their 50s who keep up even small levels of sexual activity have lower rates of the cancer.

Private Affairs: Why Do People Cheat?

Here, the facts and myths surrounding why couples are unfaithful. Take a poll on what people believe is the most common reason for an extramarital affair and the answer you are likely to get from the majority is: sex. While this may be a common belief, it's not necessarily true, says Andrea Syrtash, a dating and relationships expert.

Who Ages Faster: Women or Men?

In so many ways, women and men couldn't be more different. But what about when it comes to aging? Are men and women really so different? After all, we speak the same language, eat the same foods, and enjoy most of what life has to offer together. But in some ways, there are big differences, particularly as we age. The most obvious one is that women can get pregnant, give birth, and breastfeed children.

Baldness Treatments: 5 Surgical and Medicinal Options

Combing through the surgical and medical baldness treatments that are proven effective. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) reports that nearly 50 million men suffer from hereditary baldness or hair loss. Without a hair loss cure, millions of men are left to baldness treatments that range from the really effective to the ridiculous.

The Dangers of Concussions

Scientists discover that concussions can damage brain tissue and impair brain function. Find out more about these common injuries, prevention and treatment. Every year about one million people are rushed to the emergency room with head injuries, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Head injuries are also referred to as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The most common TBIs are concussions, which are the most minor as well.

Knee Ligament Injury Recovery

A primer on ligament injury—the causes, symptoms, treatment and recovery. It doesn't take a basketball or football collision to cause a ligament injury of the knee- although you may prefer to tell such a tale. Simply stretching, stumbling or twisting in an odd way may be all it takes to do the damage. Medial cruciate ligament (MCL) injuries are the most common ligament injuries, and they can also result from overuse.

Guys: Are You at Risk for Stroke?

Health officials assert that cardiovascular disease is preventable in many cases. Find out if you’re at risk for stroke and what you should—or must—do about it. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the country and a major contributing factor to disability. Every year there are approximately 600,000 strokes that cause about 158,000 deaths. For 2005, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimated that the cardiovascular disease would cost the U.

How Can I Recover from My Relationship Slip Ups?

Don’t speak first and think later. Here are some tips for those times when your reactions rule. Almost all of us have been in situations when we said or did the wrong thing.  You might feel the response coming on, but by then it's too late.  Your slip up behavior is already a runaway train.  Besides being embarrassed and ashamed, you worry about giving your date the wrong impression or hurting the feelings of your partner.

Can Snoring Ruin a Relationship?

Snoring ranks among the top three things people want to change in their mate. If you lie awake at night as your partner saws the log, you're far from alone. Although snoring can affect anyone, it's most common in males and those who are overweight. According to the National Sleep Foundation, this nighttime disturbance affects 37 million Americans on a regular basis.

Dangers of Energy Drinks

The dangers of energy drinks keep piling up. Maybe it's time to find ways to get a healthier energy boost — especially one that has staying power. Red Bull may give you wings, but apparently, it also increases your risk of several health problems including heart attack and stroke, according to an Australian study. The proliferation of booster beverages such as Red Bull, Rock Star and Monster on the market has health professionals and organizations calling for more warning labels about the dangers of energy drinks.

Daily Sex May Improve Sperm Quality

Having sex on a daily basis may be just what the doctor ordered. Frequent sexual activity improves the quality of a man's sperm and may even help couples conceive a baby, according to new research reported by Reuters. Genetic defects in men's sperm dropped significantly after they embarked on a regimen of daily sex, according to a study of men attending a fertility clinic.

Alternative Prostate Cancer Treatments

A few alternative prostate cancer treatments are proving effective in scientific studies, providing men seeking natural remedies for prostate cancer more hope. Prostate cancer is the second most common type of malignancy for men behind skin cancer in statistics held by the American Cancer Society. Researchers have set out to determine whether some alternative prostate cancer treatments, such as DHEA, lycopene and acupuncture, can be effective.

Best Foods for Healthy Sperm

Research shows that certain foods make sperm healthier and improve reproductive ability. You may never complain about eating a bunch of broccoli or filling up on fruits again. There's new evidence that antioxidants may be the best foods for healthy sperm and improve the ability to reproduce. Scientists have been trying to get to the bottom of a worrying trend--the decline in the quality of semen and sperm, and male fertility in recent decades.

4 Natural Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction

Move over Viagra. Some natural remedies for erectile dysfunction can be very effective. It's hard to ignore those uplifting ads for erectile dysfunction drugs such as Viagra and Cialis. But natural remedies for erectile dysfunction—from difficulties getting an erection to premature ejaculation—have long been used by various cultures throughout the world.

Hair Loss Causes

Wondering why you’re balding? This article provides an overview of the most common hair loss causes. That first clump of hair in your brush or comb can make your heart skip a beat. Is it just stress? Does your uncle on your mother side have it? Or are using too much hair dye? About 40 million men suffer from male pattern baldness (MPB). Other conditions, such as alopecia, can wreak havoc with your hairline - and your love life.

Causes of Penis Pain

An overview of the most common causes of penis pain and treatment. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) describes penis pain or penile pain as any pain or discomfort in the penis. Pain can range from mild to severe and may affect different areas of the penis and be accompanied by other symptoms such as burning or lesions.

How Do I Stop Falling in Love So Quickly?

Postpone those candlelight dinners and sex too soon. The flame and the rush can trick you into falling in love quickly—and too often with the wrong person. Most of us want to feel romantic because it makes us feel valued, special and less alone.  At the beginning of a relationship, great sex and the thrills and chills of exciting activities can fool you into feeling that you've really found that special someone this time.

Prostate Problems 101

Prostate problems are quite common as you get older, but some problems are more serious than others. Learn about the warning signs of prostate problems and more. The American Cancer Society (ACS) reports that nearly 200,000 men will be diagnosed with cancer this year, and over 27,000 will die from the disease. The prostate changes as you grow older; however, not all prostate problems are malignant. What Is The Prostate? The prostate gland is about the size and shape of a walnut, according to the American Urological Association (AUA).

Expert Q&A: Is My Sex Life Normal?

Victoria Zdrok, Ph.D., answers a reader's question about whether his sex life with his wife is normal. Q: I'm a 45 year old male and have been happily married to my wife for over 20 years.  One of our few points of contention is the fact that we only have sex once or twice a month. This is fine for her, but I have a higher sex drive, and this sometimes isn't enough for me.

Sports Injuries: Ice Pack or Heat Therapy?

Find out if an ice pack or heat therapy is better to treat sports injuries. While it's good news that more people are answering the call to increase physical activity, it's bad news that many are getting injured. Sports injuries--such as muscle cramps, a joint injury, or lower back injury--can quickly derail your fitness routine or training program.

Too Tired for Sex? How to Put the Pep Back Into Your Step

Are you feeling too tired for sex? Survey after survey shows that busy couples are choosing sleep over sex. Try these tips to reawaken your love life. It's a broken refrain: Americans are just too tired for sex. In the Romance and Parenting poll conducted last month by AreYouRomantic.com, 63 percent of women and 49 percent of men admitted to being too tired for sex. In this year's National Sleep Foundation "Sleep in America" poll, sleep-deprived people were more likely to not have sex (18 percent) compared to better sleepers (6 percent).

How to Avoid Common Gym Injuries

Here, get common sense advice on how to avoid common gym injuries and prevent chronic pain in the future. Every year thousands of gym-goers fall victim to common injuries that could be avoided with knowledge and preparation. These gym injuries throw your fitness routine off track, so you end up losing a lot of the benefits you've gained. But more importantly, some of them can lead to chronic pain down the road, and possibly, surgery.

Sports Injury or Sports Hernia?

Sports hernia, an increasingly common type of sports injury, can cause chronic pain and loss of function. Learn about the causes, symptoms and treatment of a sports hernia. Since Tom Brady and other high-profile athletes have been sidelined with a sports hernia, there's been greater awareness of this sports injury. Every year there are about 35 to 40 million injury-related emergency room visits--approximately 10 percent are sports related, reports American Sports Data.

Expert Q&A: Treatment Options for Herniated Discs

Orthopedic and spinal surgeon Dr. Sean McCance answers a reader's question about herniated discs. Q: I've recently developed a herniated disc. What are the best treatment options for this condition? A: The treatment of a herniated disc depends on the initial symptoms and the location. Herniated discs that appear primarily in the lower back are referred to as lumbar herniations; those that appear in the neck are called cervical herniations.

The Asthma-Gender Connection

Find out the surprising facts on gender and asthma. Did you know that asthma actually discriminates by age and by sex? And while this may sound surprising, it is actually the finding of several recent studies. In childhood, boys are more likely to suffer from this chronic lung condition than their female peers.

How to Make a Long Distance Relationship Work

Can long distance relationships work? For millions of modern couples, they do. For millions of couples there truly is no mountain high enough or river wide enough to keep them apart. They're living proof that a long distance relationship works. In 2005, there were about 3.5 million people in long distance marriages, a 30 percent increase since 2000, according to the Center for the Study of Long Distance Relationships, an online information clearinghouse.

Sex after Testicular Cancer

If you suspect, or have been diagnosed with, testicular cancer, you’re probably concerned about how the disease may affect your sexual desire and performance. Fortunately, most of the news is encouraging. Cancer and Sex Cancer and cancer treatment, regardless of the type of cancer, can cause physical and psychological sexual dysfunction. Your hormone levels may change; therapy may make you tired or cause pain; and medications, depression, changes in body image and some types of surgery may directly affect your sex life.

Are Sex Toys Dangerous?

Research indicates that chemicals in sex toys can be dangerous. Sex toys, or sexual aids, are increasingly popular in the post-Sex and the City era. But, are sex toys dangerous? That's what a study commissioned by Greenpeace in the Netherlands set out to discover three years ago. The world-renowned organization recruited a research organization, TNO Built Environment and Geosciences, to investigate the presence of phthalates in sex toys, including vibrators and dildos.

Bullying Affects Children’s Mental Health

Study shows that bullying is a predictor of psychotic symptoms in adolescence and of long-term mental health problems. If you're worried about the effects bullying may have on your child, the results of a recent study suggest they could be even worse than you suspect. Children who are persistently bullied are more likely to develop psychotic symptoms in early adolescence, according to a report in the May issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry.

6 Birth Control Rumors Explored

What you don’t know can hurt you. Here we clear up some contraception confusion. Your reproductive system is one of the most fragile systems in the body, according to the Office of Women's Health (OWH). Yet, every day women make birth control decisions without all the facts. Your gynecologist is one of your best allies when it comes to choosing contraception.

10 Summer Sleep Tips

Learn how to get a better night's sleep during the hottest nights of the year. When the mercury soars, you take longer to fall asleep and your sleep is more intermittent. Although the ideal room temperature for sleeping is 65 degrees Fahrenheit, indoor temperatures during summer can rise to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in some parts of the country.

15 Ways to Prevent Back Pain

Although back pain is common, it doesn't have to be inevitable. Follow these easy tips to reduce your risk. If you've ever had a backache, you know how bad the pain can get. It may be severe enough to keep you from going about your daily activities. Perhaps it makes you feel much older than you really are or causes you to groan when you sit or stand. Understanding Back Pain Back pain is a very common injury when dealing with athletes, says Erin K.

Breaking from Dating May Spell Disaster

How long of a break from dating should you take between a break up? Find out here. Failed love hurts.  And it hurts so bad that you might swear off marriage and relationships, loathe the thought of dating and close your heart and mind to finding love ever again.  The glass of life feels half empty, and you've just joined the unofficial Club of Love Pessimists.

Erectile Dysfunction in Diabetics: An Early Indicator of Heart Disease?

Erectile dysfunction may raise the likelihood of developing heart disease for men with diabetes. Diabetic complications due to continued and unregulated blood sugar levels such as neuropathy (nerve damage) and circulation problems are most likely the culprits that make erectile dysfunction more prevalent in men with diabetes too. For men, a sequence of nerve impulses and muscular and vascular (veins and arteries) responses lead to an erection.

Is a Vasectomy Right for You?

Don't cut corners when deciding on this permanent form of birth control. Here's what you need to know about the vasectomy procedure. Approximately 500,000 to 600,000 vasectomy procedures are performed annually in the America. Now sources such as the Cleveland Clinic and The New York Times report that the recession has sparked an increase in the number of vasectomies. The decision to have a vasectomy procedure shouldn't be taken lightly, even though vasectomy reversals are possible.

Managing Space in Relationships

Psychologist and relationship expert Dr. LeslieBeth Wish answers a reader's question about maintaining distance in a healthy partnership. Q:  How do you manage emotional and physical space in a relationship? A:  If you're lucky in love, then you've probably found someone with problem-solving abilities and what I call  the "relationship rhythm range" of time alone and time as one that mesh with yours—two things that are necessary to resolve emotional and physical space issues.

What Causes Impotence in Men?

Thanks to TV ads erectile dysfunction is no longer under the covers. Still, misconceptions remain. Learn what causes impotence and ways to reduce your risk. Between 15 and 30 million men suffer from some form of impotence or erectile dysfunction. At first glance this range seems wide, but it's due to the fact that some health professionals use the term "impotence" to include a host of sexual problems in men--not just the total inability to have or maintain an erection.

Do Pheromones Work?

Some researchers believe the connection between human pheromones and attraction is nothing to scoff at. Can a perfume or cologne with pheromones turn you into a love magnet? The prevailing wisdom is that you should hold on tightly to your purse for now. Pheromones are defined as chemicals secreted by an individual that produces a change in the sexual or social behavior of another individual of the same species.

New Developments in Colon Cancer Prevention and Treatment

The very latest in colorectal cancer developments. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common, and second deadliest, type of cancer. CRC includes all cancers of the colon and rectum. The National Cancer Institute estimates that more than 106,000 patients will be diagnosed with CRC in 2009. However, the overall survival rates for cancers of the colon and rectum are increasing, thanks to early detection and improved treatment options.

Long-term Relationships: How to Keep the Romance Alive

Researchers say, despite commonly held beliefs, romance can thrive in long-term relationships. Find out how. Most of us are in awe - or disbelief - when we hear that a couple has been married for 50 years or longer. These days few marriages, let alone relationships, last that long. For instance, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 76 percent of men who married in 1955 to 1959 stayed married for at least 20 years, while only 58 percent of men who married in 1975 to 1979 stayed married as long.

Best Ways to Treat Erectile Dysfunction

Thanks to Viagra, erectile dysfunction is out of the closet forever. However, medications aren’t the only way to treat this common health problem — interventions range from lifestyle changes to injections and sex therapy. Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects between 15 to 30 million men in the United States, preventing them from being able to get or keep an erection. The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) explains that ED is sometimes called "impotence," but this term includes other sexual problems such as lack of sexual desire or premature ejaculation.

Health by the Numbers: Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, but it is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Here, a look at the disease by the numbers. Lung cancer—the rapid growth of abnormal cells in the lung—is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In the United States, the disease kills more people each year than breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer combined.

Expert Q&A: Treatments for Snoring

Dr. Jeff Aroesty answers a reader's question about snoring and discusses the innovative Pillar® Procedure. Q: My husband has always been a snorer, but over the past few years it seems to have gotten worse. It's to the point where I'm often forced to get up in the middle of the night to sleep in the guest room. We're both in our fifties and extremely health conscious.

Understanding Depression in Men

The disease can wear a very different face on men than it does on women. Far from being a “female” condition, depression is something that affects men as well—to the tune of about 6 million a year, according to the National Institutes of Mental Health. But men often experience depression very differently than women do.

Sleep Your Way to a Healthier Heart

Getting quality shut-eye may benefit you more than you ever thought. To sleep provides more than a chance to dream. Scientists are waking up to the fact that the right amount of shut-eye restores bones, gives the brain a much-needed break from the daily grind, and prevents a whole host of maladies, including heart disease.

In Search of the Right Multivitamin

Follow these guidelines to solve the multivitamin mystery. You probably know that taking a multivitamin can be good for your health, but do you know which one is right for you? According to Dr. Ann G. Kulze, author of Dr. Ann's 10-Step Diet: A Simple Plan for Permanent Weight Loss and Lifelong Vitality, "there is perhaps no area of wellness that evokes more confusion and questions amongst consumers than what supplements they should or should not take.

Top Drugs' Strange Side Effects

Feeling weird? Your over-the-counter or prescription drug could be to blame. Ever experience a sudden, strong desire to gamble, or a funny feeling that you've been driving in your sleep? It could be nothing. Or maybe it's time to finally read the warnings that came with that bottle of over-the-counter or prescription drugs you're taking.

10 Fattest Jobs in America—For Men and Women

Sure, your diet and exercise schedules can contribute to your weight. But who knew that your job could, too? Ever-improving technology has replaced manual labor at many American jobs, making sedentary lifestyles commonplace. A whopping 60 percent of the population is overweight or obese, and occupations that require little or no movement certainly haven't helped.

10 Things No One Ever Tells You About Your Health

You might not hear these tips at the doctor's office, but they could help you live a longer, healthier life. Everyone knows that eating well and exercising can prevent all kinds of ailments, from heart disease to diabetes. But what don't you know? What aren't you being told that might also boost your health? And what health advice did you think was cliche but, as is turns out, really works? You might not hear the following 10 tips at the doctor's office, but they could help you to live a longer, more fulfilling life.

3 Secrets Your Doctor Isn't Spilling

What you don't know could hurt you. The relationship you have with your physician is a very important one. It should be rooted in trust and complete honesty. However, like most relationships, it's not perfect, and as you're likely to keep a few facts to yourself, your doctor is probably harboring some secrets of his own.

5 Amazing Breakthroughs Discovered by Accident

These five accidents changed what makes you sick and how you're treated when you go to the doctor or hospital. Chances are, the next time you get sick, you won't want to hear your doctor utter the words "mistake" or "accident." But if it wasn't for mistakes and accidents, some of the very things you rely on to stay healthy or help you heal may never have been discovered.

6 Healthy Father's Day Gifts

The best present you can give Dad is the gift of health. Get inspired with these unique ideas. Every Father's Day brings the same old conundrum: What should you get the dad in your life? He has enough ties to fill a walk-in closet and so many coffee cups he could start his own diner. This year, why not encourage him to adopt a healthier lifestyle? According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a lack of exercise and nutritious meals is responsible for approximately 400,000 deaths in the United States each year.

7 Diseases Doctors Often Miss

Every year, millions of Americans are misdiagnosed. Find out when you should get a second opinion. When you receive a diagnosis from your doctor, chances are, you believe it. After all, physicians are medical experts with years of experience identifying a variety of diseases. They've probably seen hundreds, if not thousands, of patients with symptoms just like yours.

7 Secrets All Men Keep

When it comes to certain topics, "mum's the word" for many men. Conventional wisdom holds that men are simple creatures, whose needs and desires can be handily pegged. There's just one catch: Guys often prefer to keep quiet about their health concerns and problems. To promote better communication (and better health), it's important to encourage the men in your life to open up, but don't be surprised if they're reluctant to share the following seven secrets.

5 Scariest Modern Health Risks

Could today's innovations be hazardous to your health? Read on to get the real story. From famines and floods to wars and pandemics, the world has always been a dangerous place. But these days, the very innovations we rely on for modern convenience may be ruining our health. Is your cell phone or iPod making you sick? Could your deodorant, antibiotics, or bottled water be toxic? Read on to uncover the five most frightening modern health threats.

10 Weirdest Facts About the Human Body

Think you know everything about the human body? Check out 10 bizarre facts you didn't learn in anatomy class. From WiFi and plasma screens to picture phones, modern technology might seem pretty complex. But according to biologists, the human body is still the most sophisticated—and mysterious—machine on Earth. A single brain cell, for example, can hold as much information as the Encyclopedia Britannica, while human stomach acid is strong enough to dissolve razorblades.

The 8 Most Embarrassing Health Problems--Fixed

From head to toe, we explore symptoms and solutions for some of the most awkward health conditions. At one time or another, an embarrassing malady is bound to fall on everyone. Although some are more debilitating than others, all are at least conquerable, if not curable, with a combination of diligence, patience, and a doctor's supervision. Here, we...

The Best and Worst Health Tips Ever

Eating breakfast? Absolutely. Sunbathing? Not so much. Read on as we uncover the best and worst health advice. When it comes to health, good advice abounds. But there are also lots of misconceptions, silly old wives' tales, and even dangerous ideas about everything from UV exposure to treating a common cold. Which suggestions should you follow, and which ones should you kick to the curb? Follow our guide to discover the best and worst health tips of all time.

Why Men Don't Go to the Doctor

Find out the real reasons why guys don't visit their physicians—and why they should. Aches and pains? "Just suck it up." Preventative care? "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." When it comes to visiting the doctor, men seem to have an arsenal of excuses. According to experts, this is one of the reasons men generally live sicker and die younger than their female counterparts.

6 Reasons Why Beer Can Be Good For You

When consumed in moderation, this age-old brew can impart a host of health benefits. One of the oldest and most consumed alcoholic beverages, beer has served many roles since it was first brewed nearly 7,000 years ago. It's been featured in religious ceremonies, praised in literature, and prized for its medicinal properties. What the ancients suspected about the health benefits of beer, modern-day science continues to prove.

22 Ways to Predict Your Life Span

Will you live to a ripe old age? Read on to calculate your odds. We've split the atom, spliced the gene, even sent a spacecraft to Mars. But finding a reliable way to predict a person's life span? That's proven a bit more difficult. In recent years, however, scientists have begun to crack the code-identifying 22 genetic, demographic, and lifestyle factors that can estimate life span with a surprising amount of accuracy.

8 Ways to Help Manage COPD

Learn how to reduce the likelihood of COPD flare-ups. More than 32 million Americans are living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)--a chronic condition that has no known cure. Fortunately, there are treatments available to help you breathe easier. In addition, follow these tips to help manage your COPD symptoms and reduce the risk of flare-ups.

Bladder Infections 101

Men, women, and children can all develop a bladder infection. Here, a look at the condition, from symptoms to treatments. Uncomfortable pressure above the pubic bone. A frequent urge to urinate. A burning feeling in the bladder or urethra. If you've had a urinary tract infection (UTI) before, you're all too familiar with these painful symptoms. The good news is that most UTIs can be easily treated with antibiotics-and drinking cranberry juice may even help prevent them in the first place.

Could You Have an STD--But Not Know It?

Sexually transmitted diseases can be hard to spot; in fact, some may have no symptoms at all. Here, how to pinpoint and prevent the three most common offenders. You've been in a monogamous relationship for years. You and your partner have discussed your sexual histories. And you go to the doctor for regular checkups. There's no way you could be carrying or spreading a sexually transmitted disease, right? Well, not so fast.

Erectile Dysfunction 101

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects up to 30 million American men. From causes and diagnosis to treatment and recovery, we have the facts on this common condition. For years, it was believed that erectile dysfunction (ED), the inability to achieve or maintain an erection during sexual intercourse, was the result of a psychological problem or simply an unfortunate part of the aging process. Men were reluctant to discuss the problem, despite the fact that it affects up to 30 million of them in the United States each year, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Erectile Dysfunction: Myths vs. Facts

Understanding erectile dysfunction is the first step in treating it. Get the facts about this common condition. If you think erectile dysfunction (ED) strictly affects the aging population, think again. As it turns out, ED affects up to 30 million males of all ages in the United States each year, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Although it was once a taboo subject, men are more willing to discuss and seek treatment for the condition today.

Is 70 the New 30?

Think you're too old to accomplish something? Follow these tips to defy your age and live a longer, healthier life. Clint Eastwood still winning Oscars at 78. "Godfather of Fitness" Jack LaLanne still working out two hours a day at 94. All around us, individuals who would have once been considered "past their prime" are accomplishing incredible feats that make people half their age shake their heads in amazement.

The 3 Scariest Mistakes That Doctors Make

Simple screw-ups are a part of life, but in medicine, these mistakes can be fatal. Learn how to protect yourself. Doctor mistakes can mean the difference between life and death, and sadly, these errors are all too common. According to a study by the Institute of Medicine, medical mistakes in hospitals alone are the eighth-leading cause of death in the United States, exceeding those by car accidents, breast cancer, and AIDS.

The Importance of a Voiding Schedule

Implementing a schedule for going to the bathroom is an important part of treating urge incontinence. When treating urge incontinence, many urologists or bladder health experts begin with behavior modification. This is because, in many cases, the bladder can be trained to respond (i.e., empty) at the appropriate time. One tool that experts use to retrain the bladder is a voiding schedule.

Treating Bladder Leakage at Home

Simple lifestyle changes can help you to better manage your condition. If you or someone you care about has developed a bladder-leakage problem, it's important to visit your doctor, who will be able to rule out more serious health conditions. But while you wait for your appointment, did you know that there are many things you can do right at home to help control your symptoms? These changes may not solve your problem entirely, but many women claim to have found relief by making some simple adjustments to their lifestyle.

Understanding Bone Cancer

Treatment for this rare form of cancer has advanced significantly in recent years. Bone cancer is a malignant (cancerous) tumor of the bone that destroys normal bone tissue. About 2,300 new cases of primary bone cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year, according to the National Cancer Institute. "Primary" refers to bone cancer that actually begins in the bones.

Understanding STDs

About one in every four people has a sexually transmitted disease (STD), and many don't even know it. Find out how to protect yourself. Passed between individuals during vaginal, anal, or oral sex, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can have serious-and even fatal-consequences if left untreated. Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for contracting STDs, but fortunately, there are steps that you can take to minimize your chance of infection.

10 Surefire Signs of Road Rage

Do you find yourself speeding, honking, or constantly changing lanes? If so, you may have road rage. Read on to spot the top 10 signs. Consider this: Americans spend 100 hours a year commuting but take only 80 hours of vacation annually, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Is it any wonder that many of us have road rage? Even so, road rage isn't acceptable. Aggressive driving, which includes speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, and not paying full attention to the road, puts many people at risk.

How to Survive a Shark Attack

If you're approached by a shark, is it better to play dead or fight back? Find out here. In real life, unlike in the movie Jaws, sharks don't approach with a distinctive "duh, duh... duh, duh" soundtrack. They attack so suddenly, their victims rarely see it coming. However, that doesn't mean that there's no way to avoid an attack. Experts say that if you take the right precautions, your risk of being attacked is minimal.

Health by the Numbers: Men's Health

Many of the health risks that men face today can be successfully treated if caught early. Here, a look at men's health by the numbers. From working long hours at the office to raising families, men are living busier lives than ever. Yet the constant pressures of daily life can cause them to overlook their health. Many of the health risks that men face can be successfully treated if diagnosed early, though, so regular checkups are a must.

7 Ways to Save on Health Care

Follow these tips to start cutting medical costs without compromising the quality of your care. Maybe your health insurance premiums have skyrocketed since last year. Maybe your employer is shifting more medical fees onto you. Or perhaps a new diagnosis, emergency-room visit, or other life change is leaving you with more health-related expenses than you ever expected.

Are You Intuitive?

When it comes to decision-making, relationships, and even health, intuition may be one of the greatest tools to have. Do you trust your gut instead of rationalizing your way through problems? Are you likely to stick with your first instincts about people rather than waiting to make character judgments? Do you ever question the beliefs of others because you had a hunch that you were right? If you answered yes to two or more of the above, chances are, you're an intuitive person.

Health-Care Financing 101

The rising costs of health care may seem daunting, but understanding your options doesn't have to be. Here, an explanation of common, but confusing, terms. For many people, attempting to understand health care can feel like trying to find their way through a maze. All of the confusing the costs, terms, conditions, and stipulations can start to sound like a foreign language. Here, we set the facts straight.

What Are Elective Health-Care Procedures?

More and more people are turning to elective options, such as plastic surgery and fertility treatments, to improve their confidence and enhance the quality of their lives. If you've fantasized about making alterations to your appearance at one time or another, you're not alone. More than 11 million cosmetic procedures were performed in 2006, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the number is growing.

Workplace Romances: Yay or Nay?

Before you jump into an office relationship, ask yourself these important questions. Jim and Pam from The Office, Sam and Diane from Cheers, Meredith and Derek from Grey's Anatomy. They're all workplace sweethearts whose relationships, albeit fictional, have met with varying degrees of success. But what about in the real worldare office romances a good idea or an automatic career buster? A Common Occurrence According to a 2006 CareerBuilder.

Midlife Crisis: Myth or Reality?

For years, researchers had been debunking the age-old notion of a midlife crisis. But a new global study may prove them wrong. Do you feel confused about who you are and where you're going? Do you feel trapped by your career, lifestyle, family, and friends? Do you find yourself second-guessing decisions you made years ago or even questioning the meaning of life? Not long ago, if you answered yes to these questions and were between the ages of 30 and 60, most experts probably would have chalked your feelings up to a midlife crisis.

10 Ways to Boost Your Memory

Follow these tips to enhance your recall and make your mind more nimble. Have you ever lost your reading glasses and then found them on top of your head? Have you ever gotten your kids off to school, only to find their lunches still in the refrigerator? If so, you're not alone. According to experts, many of us have minor problems with recall as we age.

The 8 Biggest Myths About Men and Women

Are men really from Mars and women from Venus? Here, we explore the most common assumptions surrounding the sexes. Men are obsessed with sports, cars, and the remote control. Women are hopeless romantics who can't do math. These are just a few common myths about men and women. Are they just gender stereotypes, or do they contain nuggets of truth? Some studies suggest there are, in fact, distinct differences between the sexes.

Is 50 the New 30?

As average life expectancies increase, people are challenging the old stereotypes of age. Learn what you can do to look and feel great at 50, 60, and beyond. Victor Hugo once famously said, "Forty is the old age of youth; 50 the youth of old age." But times are changing, and in this first decade of the 21st century, 50 is beginning to take on a whole new meaning. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the average U.

6 Habits That Can Help You Live Longer

These daily behaviors can boost your health and increase your longevity. These days, the average American man can expect to live for up to 74 years, while the average U.S. woman will see her 79th birthday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Although genetics and sheer luck play some part in life expectancy, our longevity also depends largely on the habits we incorporate into our daily lives.

COPD 101

Get the facts about this common and deadly lung disease, which affects 32 million Americans. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella name for two frequently coexisting lung diseases: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. People with COPD find that it becomes increasingly difficult to breathe due to partially blocked airways. Long-term smokers are at the highest risk for the disease, which is the fourth leading cause of death in America.

The Dos and Don'ts of Blood Donation

By donating blood, you can truly give the gift of life. Follow these guidelines to make a difference. There's perhaps no greater, or more personal, gift you can give than that of your own blood. During earthquakes, floods, fires, and other natural disasters, survivors depend on your contribution for speedy treatment. And in many cases, it can literally mean the difference between life and death.

Fatness vs. Fitness

How important is weight in determining good health? It's no secret that being fat and out of shape is a health hazard. But what if you're overweight and still physically fit? Does the fact that you're active eliminate the health risks of those extra pounds? And what if your best friend is a skinny couch potato? Which one of you is healthier? As it turns out, the "fat but fit" debate is a longstanding source of controversy among experts.

8 Behaviors That Add Years to Your Appearance

A few simple changes can help take years off your appearance. High-school reunions can be a shock. Everyone attending is about the same age, so why do some classmates look amazingly young while others look at least a decade older than the rest? Genes play a significant role, of course. Grandma Esther's smooth, wrinkle-free skin may have been passed down to future generations, along with Uncle Jake's slim physique.

Is Organic Food Worth the Price?

The demand for organic food continues to grow every year. But is it worth the extra green? The organic food movement got its start in the 1960s, when increasing environmental awareness and concern about pesticides sparked a new demand for "green" products. Over the past 20 years, the market has grown exponentially, as more and more consumers are seeking safer, more eco-friendly food alternatives.

Everyday Fitness

Follow these easy tips to make exercise part of your daily routine. Let's face it: We live in an inactive nation where obesity has become a growing epidemic. Approximately 31 percent of American adults, or 59 million of us, meet the criterion for obesity, according to the North American Association for the Study of Obesity.

Are You in a Toxic Relationship?

Learn how to spot the warning signs and break the vicious cycle. Controlling spouses, unstable siblings, friends you just can't trust. Does any of this sound familiar? If so, you may be in a toxic relationship—and you're not alone. According to experts, most Americans have struggled with at least one unhealthy social bond by the time they're in their late teens, and sadly, many continue to endure these connections throughout their lives.

5 Exams That Could Save Your Life

These simple tests can help detect common health conditions before they escalate. In today's busy world, medical exams often take a backseat to work, family, and other commitments. In fact, 28 percent of women don't go for their annual Pap tests, and only 32 percent know their cholesterol numbers. Could this behavior be compromising your health? Here's a list of five exams you can't afford to put off another day.

Are You Too Nice For Your Own Good?

Learn how to find the middle ground between being accommodating and being stepped on. According to a recent University of Iowa study, excessively nice people often feel as if they have no control over their decisions, thoughts, or opinions. As a result, they can become resentful, frustrated, even depressed. Are you too nice for your own good? 10 Telltale Signs That You're Too Nice 1.

A Year of Living Less Dangerously

Keeping up with all your health screenings may seem daunting, but this list can get you started on a year of healthy living. In a perfect world, we'd all know exactly when we need to get our important health screenings. In reality, however, these checkups and exams often take a backseat to work, family, and other obligations. Fortunately, you can get on the right track by making a simple phone call to your doctor.

Flu Prevention 101

Follow these tips to minimize your chances of catching the flu this year. For some of us, getting the flu each year seems almost inevitable. Even if we get a vaccination, it isn't a guarantee that we won't get sick. We may feel run down due to our busy schedules, and that's when the flu swoops in, preying on our weakened state.
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