Health GlareEvery human being is the author of his own health or disease

Have you been wondering what an article on “Top 10 Health Tips” doing on a website dedicated to Beauty?

Are you one of those individuals who think “Top 10 Health Tips” and “Top 10 beauty Tips” are two separate concepts and need to be dealt individually? Have you been splurging an aweful lot of money trying to look “good” by getting Spa treatments, visiting Beauty Salons, Buying Designer Labels, Eating Health Foods, and yet every time you look into the mirror, you feel there’s something “lacking?”

If you think that way, you’re not the only one. Whereas most of us spend a whole lot of time, money and effort to make our skin, hair, face, hands and feet look beautiful, we often miss out on the critical role our health and wellness plays in making us look physically and mentally beautiful.

Follow these Top 10 Health Tips in your daily life to stay beautiful on the inside and outside:

1.Follow A Healthy, Balanced Diet: A balanced diet is the first step towards a beautiful, healthy body. Follow a healthy balanced diet that complements your lifestyle. An ideal diet should be high on fiber, low on fat, and must be supplemented with adequate amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables. Besides knowing what to eat, it is equally important to know the right proportions, meaning how much or how little to eat. Talk to a fitness expert and find out what’s your daily calorie intake. Make food choices that have high nutritional value but are low in calories.

2.Eat Different Types Of Foods: According to Ayurveda, the Ancient Indian science of healing, rotating your food habits not only strengthens your immune system, it can also protect you from most illnesses. Try to eat vegetables and fruits of different colors each day. Try eating a different food at least thrice a month. Begin your day with an apple a day as the apple pectin cleanses the body’s digestive system by removing toxins and therefore preventing degenerative health problems such as cancer.

3.Don’t Skip Your Breakfast: Are you surprised to see how some people manage to stay so fit, energetic and active the whole time and are able to stabilize their weight while you continue to put on weight and feel exhausted most of the time? Well, chances are, they eat a good breakfast and you don’t! According to nutritionists and health experts, breakfast is the most important meal of the day and skipping your breakfast can lead to serious health problems besides adding those extra pounds as a result of binging on unhealthy snacks later in the day. Besides re-charging your energy levels, eating regular breakfast has several long-term benefits like:

• It results in faster weight loss
• Your body get more nutrients everyday
• Breakfast rich in fiber foods and wholegrain helps keep the heart healthy especially if you suffer from metabolic disorders like fluctuating blood pressure, obesity and cholesterol. It also helps stabilize blood sugar levels
• A good breakfast early in the morning sets your mood right and enables you to handle stress better
• You stay overall healthy! So begin your day with fresh fruits, fruit juices, hard-boiled eggs, wholegrain cereals and breads and stay healthy all day!

4. Drink Lots Of Water: Drinking a minimum of 7 to 8 glasses of water everyday cleanses all the impurities and toxins from your body and helps to get healthy, flawless skin.

In addition, the fluid in your body is responsible for the functioning of your internal organs including the metabolic processes.  So if you’re dehydrated, this whole process gets affected and your body tends to slow down leaving you feeling low and lethargic.

5. Exercise Regularly: Who does not dream of getting those six-pack abs? Besides making you look sexy and popular, regular exercising is also the best natural “anti-aging” recipe because it helps you stay and feel young by raising your energy levels, stabilizing your body weight, and enhancing flexibility, which reduces the wear and tear in your body.

You don’t need to exercise for hours everyday, just take 15-20 minutes off your busy schedule everyday to sweat out that pot-belly or burn those extra-pounds that have been making it difficult for you to get into your favorite outfit! If you can’t, make one of these a part of your routine: take the stairs instead of elevators and escalators to climb; Make it a habit to walk about 15 minutes everyday. If holistic healing is your thing, enroll yourself for yoga classes. If not, go swimming, take aerobics lessons or start shaking a leg or two at the local dance academy-whatever keeps you going, juts do it! If you’re into sports, you can make it part of your fitness routine.

Remember, your external fitness is only a reflection of your inner fitness and a beautiful, healthy body reflects a fit, healthy mind.

6. Quit Smoking: Okay, so you’ve heard this countless times from your doctor, but here it comes again as one of our most important health tip-Quit Smoking! If you’re one of those people who smoke to lose or gain weight, we’d stay think again! While smoking may have been related to an increase in metabolism, it is certainly not a good enough reason to substitute it with the huge risk of dying from lung cancer!

If that doesn’t make you change your mind, this will. Recent studies have proved that smoking is also one of the leading factors that stimulate the process of aging in both men and women. So say no to cigarettes and stay young and healthy for the rest of your life!

7. Say No To Stress: We know what you’re thinking-easier said than done! Agreed, but leading a stressful life can only make matters worse. On the other hand, leading a relaxed, stress-free life will not only reduce the risks of health related disorders, it will also calm you down and let you enjoy your life better.

While planning your day, strike a balance between home and work. If you have trouble remembering things-make a list of all the “things-to-do” before going to bed each night or simply set a “reminder” in your cell phone so you don’t have to run around at the last minute. Staying positive and thinking happy thoughts is one of the most effective stress buster technique you can easily follow in your daily life.

Spend atleast 15 minutes doing something you love and enjoy each day. It could be a simple activity, like cuddling up in bed by yourself and watching a funny movie, enjoying a glass of your favorite wine, socializing with friends, reading, sweating it out at the gym, pampering yourself with a stress-releasing body massage, soaking in a hot tub, taking a stroll on the beach, playing with your dog, listening to your favorite music or simply lazing around and doing nothing!

8. Take Care Of Your Teeth: Remember the phrase “million dollar smile?” Well, your teeth have a lot to do with your smile and they can make or break your looks depending on how much or how little you’ve cared for them over the years! Dental health is an important aspect of your overall heath. One of the best ways to have healthy teeth, prevent gum-related infections and protect your heart is by flossing your teeth every day. Few of us know that gum infections if left untreated can cause inflammatory reactions in the body, which can lead to stroke and heart ailments.

9. Sleep Well: A good 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep is a must for our body to reboot itself and feel energetic next day. Lack of sleep affects our hormone levels and slows down metabolism often resulting in weight gain. Studies have shown that deep, uninterrupted sleep helps cell growth and cell repair, which can increase the metabolism and help in burning calories. If you suffer from sleeplessness, try some of these simple remedies:

• Avoid alcohol before going to bed
• Stay away from stimulants like coffee, tea and chocolates before going to sleep
• Regularize your sleeping habit
• Keep your bedroom clean and uncluttered; Use decors and furnishing with peaceful and soothing colors
• Avoid taking longer daytime naps
• Follow relaxation techniques (for ex-meditation) to reduce stress

Keep Your Brain Active: Keeping your mind in “good shape” is just as vital as taking care of your physical health, so be sure to indulge your brain on a daily basis. An idle mind is not only the devil’s workshop, often the feeling of “aimlessness” or “nothingness” can cause boredom and can lead to depression and anxiety-related disorders.

One way to keep your brain engaged and busy is to constantly challenge yourself with new ideas and by learning new skills. Studies have shown than an active brain makes new connections between nerve cells that help cells communicate with one another. This allows our brain to store and access information easily, regardless of our age. Try some of these activities to keep your mind active and free from boredom:

• Learn to play a new musical instrument
• Learn a new language
• Indulge in crossword puzzles
• Play scrabble with a friend
• Participate in discussions and forums
• Maintain a blog and update it daily
• Switch careers or make a new beginning
• Read books on unfamiliar topics
• Pursue a new hobby
• Stay aware about what’s going on in the world

Follow these “Top 10 Health Tips” to stay physically and mentally beautiful for the rest of your life. Remember-”Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away!”

Premature ejaculation is the common sexual problem which affects nearly all men at some stage in their life. The main cause can be psychological- anxiety about the possibility of ejaculation before, during or straight after penetration. Premature ejaculation often occurs during the first experiences with sex but majority gradually learn to control their orgasm.

Increasing the number of ejaculation with the help and understanding of the partner or by masturbation can be of  benefit to achieve control gradually. This is brought about by using the squeeze method in which the partner gently but firmly compresses the end of the penis to halt impending ejaculation. when both partners feel ready, ejaculation can then be allowed to proceed.

Impotence is the inability to have sexual intercourse due to failure in achieving or maintaining erection. Impotence is common and most men have it once in a while or for short periods of time. It can occur at any age, but is most common in men above 65.

Impotence is treatable at any age. There are now successful treatments for this disorder which ensures that most men with the problem return to normal sexual activity.

Possible causes of Impotence

• Diseases such as diabetes mellitus, an endocrine gland disorder, kidney disease, multiple sclerosis etc.

• Problems with the structure of the penis or its surrounding tissues may prevent an erection.

• Damage to arteries, smooth muscles and fibrous tissues, often as a result of disease, surgery or injury that interfere with nerve impulses or blood flow to the penis.

• Psychological or emotional factors like stress, anxiety, grief or problems with relationships.

• *Excess consumption of alcohol or drug abuse.

• Obesity and smoking which affects blood flow and arteries.

• As a side effect of some prescription drugs like high blood pressure drugs, antihistamines, antidepressants, tranquilizers, appetite suppressants, cimetidine, an ulcer drug etc.

• In older men over 65 years, impotence can be caused by low levels of testosterone, a condition which can be corrected by Hormone replacement therapy.

There are various treatment for impotence depending upon the underlying cause. These may include measures to combat stress, counseling and sexual therapy to help resolve relationship problems, changes in life style, weight control, alternation in prescribed medication which causes impotence, pelvic floor exercises, use of an oral medication, a vacuum device or injection or insertion of medicine into the penis. For those men whose impotence has resulted from injury to nerves and blood vessels supplying the penis, two forms of penile implant can be inserted by means of surgical operation.

Prevention

• Keep your blood sugar in a safe range if you have diabetes.

• Quit smoking.

• Exercise regularly.

• Avoid excess alcohol intake and use of drugs.

• Keep your cholesterol level low to reduce the risk of hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).

• Lower stress in your life.

Priapism is a condition in which a male develops a permanent erection. If your erection lasts for an unusual period of time and is unrelated to sexual contact, consult a physician immediately as  timely can prevent permanent damage

Possible causes of Priapism are :

*Penile injection therapy for impotence
*Physical trauma to the penis or surrounding region
*Diseases which thicken the blood like leukemia or sickle-cell anemia
*Cancerous growth around the penis preventing outflow of blood

Medication, or minor surgery to remove the old blood from the penis are the most common treatment options.

A reduced interest in the desire for sex is experienced by most people at some age.  It becomes a problem for a man when he can not longer satisfy the sexual needs of his partner. There are very many factors, both physical and emotional which can cause a lowering in libido. Physical causes include diseases and drugs. Emotional factors can be stress, worry, grief, anxiety about satisfying their partner, fear of the consequences of sexual activities like STDs, conflicts between partners, boredom in long term relationships etc. It is important for couples in long- term relationship to work actively at their sex life. Low sexual desire in older men can be caused by a low level of the hormone androgen. Hormonal deficiency can sometimes be treated with hormone injections. Discussing problems and being prepared to enjoy intimacy on all  levels can help but couple may need professional counseling if there is a danger of a break down in their relationship.

Premature ejaculation is the common sexual problem which affects nearly all men at some stage in their life. The main cause can be psychological- anxiety about the possibility of ejaculation before, during or straight after penetration. Premature ejaculation often occurs during the first experiences with sex but majority gradually learn to control their orgasm.

Increasing the number of ejaculation with the help and understanding of the partner or by masturbation can be of  benefit to achieve control gradually. This is brought about by using the squeeze method in which the partner gently but firmly compresses the end of the penis to halt impending ejaculation. when both partners feel ready, ejaculation can then be allowed to proceed.

Causes | Diagnosis | Treatment
Causes

Sperm disorder
Most common cause of male infertility deals with the production and development of sperm. This include azoospermia, a condition which produce no sperm cells and oligospermia, which produce few sperm cells.

Obstruction
This condition of blockage of sperm is caused by various reasons including prior vasectomy, injury, infection or physical anomaly. Any portion of the male reproductive tract, such as the vas deferens that carries sperm from the testicles to the penis or epididymis which stores sperms can be obstructed, preventing normal transport of sperm from the testes to the urethra, where it leaves the body during ejaculation.

Varicoceles
These are dilated scrotal vein or varicose vein in the testicle. It can damage the blood flow to the testes, making sperm production slowed or stopped. Sometimes these veins may be enlarged and twisted enough to be visible in the scrotum. This most correctable cause of infertility is usually discovered on physical examination.

Temperature can be a cause of infertility in men. Conditions that increase the temperature of the testes (where sperm are produced) can greatly reduce the number of sperm and the vigor of sperm movement and can increase the number of abnormal sperm.

Retrograde Ejaculation
This is a condition caused by the failure muscles or nerves of the bladder neck to close during ejaculation allowing the ejaculate to be propelled into the bladder instead of out the penis. Signs of retrograde ejaculation may be diminished or dry ejaculation and cloudy urine after ejaculation.

Others factors that can cause infertility include genetic disease such as cystic fibrosis or a chromosomal abnormality; certain medication such as anabolic steroids which may affect hormone levels and excessive consumption of alcohol can also interfere with sperm production.

Diagnosis

The specialist will analyze a physical examination which includes the medical history, illnesses and disabilities, medications and sexual habits. Other tests like semen analysis, testicle size and hernias test are also preformed.

Semen analysis
In this test, the semen specimen which is obtained by masturbating or in any other way is analyzed in the laboratory for quantity, color and presence of infections or blood. It will also detect the volume, count, concentration and any abnormalities in the shape and movement (motility) of the sperm.

Blood Tests
A blood test is performed to determine the level of testosterone and other hormone levels or the presence of sperm antibodies.

Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS)
A transrectal ultrasound is the most common test to look at the male pelvic organs, such as the prostate and seminal vesicles. This is an imaging test that places a probe into the rectum to beam high-frequency sound waves to nearby ejaculatory ducts. It can help the physician to determine if the structures are either poorly developed or obstructed with cysts, calcifications or other blockages.

Testicular Biopsy
In this procedure, which performed under general anesthesia, a small piece of tissue is removed from each testicle for microscopic evaluation. This is obtained through a small cut in the scrotum or using a needle inserted through skin over the testicle. A biopsy of testicular tissue can identify the problem with sperm production, abnormal growths, tumors, or incomplete growth or maturation of reproductive organs.

Treatment

Treatment options for infertility, depends upon the cause and may include :

Drug Therapy
This medication treatment is to improve sperm production, treat hormonal dysfunction, cure infections that compromise sperm, and fight sperm antibodies.

Electroejaculation (EEJ)
Electroejaculation or Rectal Electroejaculation (REE) is a treatment in which electric stimulus brings about ejaculation to obtain semen. It is collected and  prepared for use, usually in artificial insemination. This procedure is usually done in men with neurological problems.

Artificial Insemination (AI)
It is performed when the male has a low sperm count or a high number of abnormal sperm or the woman has sperm antibodies present in her cervical mucus.  Sperm is treated in the laboratory to increase the chances of fertilisation. Large numbers of sperm are then inserted directly into the uterus for easy access to the f Fallopian tubes. It procedure is also used when couples are producing sperm and eggs, but have a problem bringing them together. In this situation, the sperm and  eggs are physically placed together in the woman’s womb and then left for nature to run its course. The advanced procedure of artificial insemination is called In- vitro fertilization.

Epididymal and testicular sperm extraction / Surgical Sperm Aspiration
It is the treatment for male containing azoospermia and spermatic cord abnormalities. The treatment technique involves removing sperm from part of the male  reproductive tract such as the epididymis or directly from the testis using a needle and fertilisation is performed by Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) .  Usually enough sperm can be collected so that samples can be frozen for later use if required.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF):
It is occasionally used for men with oligospermia. IVF, is the most effective form of ART, refers to the fertilization taking place outside the body in a laboratory. The procedure involves retrieving mature eggs from a  woman, fertilizing them with a man’s sperm in a dish under controlled conditions in a laboratory and implanting the embryos into the woman’s uterus (womb) three  to five days after fertilization. IVF treatment commonly known as ‘test tube baby’ is used to treat infertility blockages of the fallopian tubes, endometriosis, abnormal  sperm, and some cases of unexplained infertility.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI):
This consists of a microscopic technique (micromanipulation) in which a single sperm is injected directly into an egg with a microscopic needle to achieve  fertilization.
ICSI is usually done in people with poor semen quality or lack of sperm in the semen which is caused by an obstruction or testicular failure. In some cases, sperm  may be surgically extracted from the testis or epididymis.