7 Things Every Guy Should Know About The Prostate

What every man should know about the 3 most common troubles of the pesky prostate gland.Next time you see your father, your uncle, or any older gentleman over age 60 or so, ask them about their prostate. If you know the guy well enough, and he feels comfortable enough around you (some would say too comfortable), he will surely share a whole litany of the common prostate problems that are troubling him, or have troubled him, or will trouble him in the near future. That’s because an enlarged prostate, benign prostatic hypertrophy, and even prostate cancer can be in the cards for every man past a certain age.
It’s the scary but true fact of getting old as a man. For instance, every man should know that prostate cancer is one of the most common prostate problems out there. It tops the list of cancers that afflict men, happening in nearly as many men, roughly speaking, as breast cancer in women. Prostate cancer doesn’t get the press that breast cancer does, however, probably because most men would rather not speak about what’s happening down there.
The second thing most men don’t, but should know is exactly what that prostate is. A prostate is actually part of a man’s sexual organs. Located just below the bladder in a man, wrapped around the urethra, the prostate is about the size of a walnut. Its main job in the birds-and-bees scheme of things is to add fluid to your sperm during ejaculation.
And most of the time, men don’t even realize they have a prostate because it’s a hidden internal organ, but all men find out quickly what and where their prostate is when they suffer a common prostate problem.
For instance, all men should know that prostate issues aren’t just for older men. Men under 50 can get prostatitis, or an extremely painful infection of their prostate. This is a swelling of the prostate that can cause fever, a burning sensation during urination, and fatigue.
And all men over 50 should be aware of their number one most common prostate problem, which is an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hypertrophy. This benign, or nonfatal condition, is actually far more common in older men than prostate cancer, which should give some relief to older men when they know it.
Men should all be aware of the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy, such as leaking and dribbling during urination, a weak urine stream, trouble getting started with urination, and even small amounts of blood in the urine.
And though benign prostatic hypertrophy is more common than prostate cancer, men should be aware that the two can go hand in hand. It’s not always the case, and many men with an enlarged prostate will never develop into cancer. But it’s good to keep your eyes out for both, because they can have similar symptoms.

10 Natural Ways to combat PMS

1. Keep Track:

Writing a symptoms diary can help. Recognise what’s going on throughout the month by noting how you feel from day to day. You can then schedule things to coincide with specific times. For example if you tend to feel great for a few days during your cycle, that’s the time to take your driving test, or go to a job interview etc.

2. Tackle the symptoms:

Many PMS symptoms can be easily controlled using natural remedies. For acne try taking a 15mg zinc tablet each day. Feverfew is a great to treat migraines. Women suffering from bloating can benefit from burdock root capsules.

3. Take vitamins and minerals:

Studies show that a lack of various nutrients can increase PMS symptoms. These include magnesium, calcium, vitamin D, B vitamins, iron and zinc. In one study, it was revealed that 50-80% of women with PMS were deficient in magnesium.

4. Lose excess weight:

Several scientists have discovered that the more overweight you are, the more likely you are to suffer from PMS.

5. Chill out:

Stress is also implicated in PMS. You are more likely to have worse PMS when you are stressed than when you are relaxed. Practice ways of relaxing.

6. Get Moving:

Excercise can lift you mood as it helps to boost the feel good chemicals in the brain known as Endorphins. Low levels of endorphins have also been implicated in PMS.

7. Snack Away:

According to reasearchers, your body needs 500 extra calories a day in the run up to your period as that is when your iron levels are at their lowest. On those days, have a healthly mid morning and mid afternoon snack.

8. Take essential oils:

Some studies suggest that gammalinolenic acid (GLA) helps to reduce PMS symptoms such as irritability, stomach cramps and breast pain. You can find it in evening primrose oil, starflower oil and blackcurrant oil.

9. Take herbs:

A plant called agnus cactus is popular in the treatment of PMS. Research suggests it can improve symptoms by more that 50 percent. St John’s Wort can also help, but it can reduce the effectiveness of the contaceptive pill.

10. Cut them out:

Salt, sugar, coffee and alcohol have all been linked to PMS symptoms.Salt causes bloating, alcohol can worsen your mood, caffeine can increase breast tenderness and sugar exacerbates food cravings.

1. Keep Track:
Writing a symptoms diary can help. Recognise what’s going on throughout the month by noting how you feel from day to day. You can then schedule things to coincide with specific times. For example if you tend to feel great for a few days during your cycle, that’s the time to take your driving test, or go to a job interview etc.
2. Tackle the symptoms:
Many PMS symptoms can be easily controlled using natural remedies. For acne try taking a 15mg zinc tablet each day. Feverfew is a great to treat migraines. Women suffering from bloating can benefit from burdock root capsules.
3. Take vitamins and minerals:
Studies show that a lack of various nutrients can increase PMS symptoms. These include magnesium, calcium, vitamin D, B vitamins, iron and zinc. In one study, it was revealed that 50-80% of women with PMS were deficient in magnesium.
4. Lose excess weight:
Several scientists have discovered that the more overweight you are, the more likely you are to suffer from PMS.
5. Chill out:
Stress is also implicated in PMS. You are more likely to have worse PMS when you are stressed than when you are relaxed. Practice ways of relaxing.
6. Get Moving:
Excercise can lift you mood as it helps to boost the feel good chemicals in the brain known as Endorphins. Low levels of endorphins have also been implicated in PMS.
7. Snack Away:
According to reasearchers, your body needs 500 extra calories a day in the run up to your period as that is when your iron levels are at their lowest. On those days, have a healthly mid morning and mid afternoon snack.
8. Take essential oils:
Some studies suggest that gammalinolenic acid (GLA) helps to reduce PMS symptoms such as irritability, stomach cramps and breast pain. You can find it in evening primrose oil, starflower oil and blackcurrant oil.
9. Take herbs:
A plant called agnus cactus is popular in the treatment of PMS. Research suggests it can improve symptoms by more that 50 percent. St John’s Wort can also help, but it can reduce the effectiveness of the contaceptive pill.
10. Cut them out:
Salt, sugar, coffee and alcohol have all been linked to PMS symptoms.Salt causes bloating, alcohol can worsen your mood, caffeine can increase breast tenderness and sugar exacerbates food cravings.

NO SMOKE!!!

You might have seen it in the movies, or in TV shows, or on the cover of a gangster novel. The big boss – be he a mafia don, drug lord, or your plain, run-of-the-mill CEO – is sporting a large cigar, and is smoking it unaffectedly. He seems to like it, that tight, large wad of smoke and leaves. But what makes cigars so prized, and why is it often associated with wealth and business?
Very simply, a cigar is a rolled-up heap of dried, fermented tobacco. One end is lit with fire, and the other is the opening by which smoke can enter a user’s mouth. Cigar tobacco is special: its flavor is reputedly richer and deeper than the tobacco used for ordinary cigarettes. Such tobacco is grown in tropical countries, with Brazil, Cuba, Honduras, and Mexico leading the pack. Cuban cigars, in particular, are considered to be the best varieties, although experts contend that Nicaraguan and Honduran cigars easily rival the mighty Cuban.
Cigars were once extremely expensive, and were usually confined to banquets, where “smokers” were held. These were gatherings where important politicians convened to discuss important issues while they smoked. When the U.S. imposed a trade embargo on Cuba in the 20th century, the price of cigars rose much higher, and the use of them was confined to those who could afford them.
In mid-2005, however, cigar prices declined, allowing many smokers (and smoking beginners) to taste and enjoy cigar smoking. But what is there to enjoy in cigars? According to aficionados, cigars have less of the smoky taste of cigarettes, and can even take on the taste of whisky, chocolate, or even wine!
How are cigars made? Choice tobacco leaves are first harvested, then aged by a combination of heat and shade. This serves to lower the leaves’ water and sugar content, without causing leaves to rot. Once the dried leaves are ready, they are made to “die with grace” by a slow process of fermentation. During this time, humidity levels and temperature are controlled, such that the lea will ferment without disintegrating or rotting. In this critical period are ushered out of the leaves the flavors and aroma that characterize the cigar into which it will eventually be made.
When fermentation is done, leaves are sorted out depending on whether they will be used as filler for the cigar, or as wrapper. Leaves must be kept moist, and should be handled very carefully. As soon as they are sorted, a cigar maker will roll them into any of the various cigar shapes, carefully, and by hand.
The flavor of a cigar depends on the leaves used for its wrapper and filler. Wrapper leaves usually come from the widest part of a tobacco plant. Their color can range from the very light, mildly greenish brown shade called the Double Claro; to the oily, black Oscuro grown in Nicaragua, Mexico, Cuba, or Brazil. The color of a wrapper also describes the color of a cigar.
Most of a cigar is made up of fillers, or the interior, where smoking tobacco leaves are bundled together by elastic leaves called binders. Some cigar makers mix up a variety of leaves of various tastes and strengths, in order to produce different flavors of cigar.
To keep their flavor, cigars should be stored at room temperature, but at relatively high humidity. A humidor, or a special wooden box, usually comes with cigars when they are purchased.
Although most certainly damaging to human health, cigars still retain their mystique, whether they are seen on the silver screen, or read about in books.

Best Baby Wraps and Slings for a Bad Back

I want to say a few words about my question for the best baby wraps and slings for a bad back. Holding my newborn in arms is one of the most precious moments in recent memory. There’s nothing to compare to the closeness of skin against skin…no gear needed. But life involves more than sentimental moments and my back problems got me started searching for the best baby carriers for a bad back. It’s early in the game for me. I don’t have a favorite brand or type yet because my baby is only a tiny little thing but she’s gaining weight each and every day and after living with lower back pain for years I know it’s just a matter of time before the inevitable strain and pain rears its ugly head.
My friends who have not yet given birth ask me why would I bother. They ask why would I not be happy to hold my baby girl sitting in a chair and then use a stroller rather than suffering through using baby wraps and slings that will make my back hurt. I feel that wearing my baby is how I can make my baby feel secure in the early months and give her the same feeling of coziness she felt in my womb.
Later on, when she wants to get a look at the world from a safe vantage point I can carry her front facing while she enjoys the view and yet still be close enough to feel safe.
When I find the ideal baby carrier for a bad back, I hope to enjoy carrying her facing in, out or wagging her on my hip. Do I expect my dream to come true in a completely pain-free fashion? Probably not…and I expect my childless friends to be watching for every twinge of discomfort that crosses my countenance and to have a remark about how cheap umbrella strollers are at the ready.
Not that they will understand but I want to do everything I can to make my baby feel close to me and secure. I believe that it’s a natural parenting goal to want to provide our infants with all of the closeness and warmth that we can before they stretch out and become independant. So, if you have any resources for the best baby wraps and slings for a bad back I hope that you will let me know.

GIVING BIRTH in a CAR

Nobody in their right mind would think that giving birth in a car is a sporty idea and my heart goes out to Amanda McBride, the 29-year-old mother-to-be who gave birth to her baby boy in a Chevy Cobalt while driving down a Minnesota highway at a speedy 70 miles an hour. I can only imagine how frightened she must have been for herself and her baby. For what it’s worth, this is why every mom might want to educate herself on what to do should she have to do the unthinkable and have to deliver her baby alone.
I’m going to give the PR department at GM the benefit of the doubt and say that they felt the same way even if they quickly moved past the emotional aspects of the news and made use of the event as a promotional opportunity. Word is that after they were made aware of the story they came up with a cute nickname for her son, Cobalt Joe AND had the idea to give the healthy mother and baby a present of free baby diapers for a year. This in itself is a lovely gesture but wait…Ms. McBride is also getting two car safety seats, a stroller and other free baby items from GM.
Since it was in a Chevy Cobalt that little Joe was born, Margaret Brooks, an employee of GM in the small cars marketing division was asked for a soundbyte and is quoted as saying, “We knew that the Cobalt was designed to deliver its occupants safely, but never did we expect a delivery quite like this.” And if I were to be cynical I would have to wonder how in the world does the birth of this baby in a small Chevrolet attest to its design quality? But I’m not in the mood for cynicism because I am so glad that after giving birth in a car both mother and child are OK.
I would, however, like to give credit where credit is due in that the mother was obviously doing her best to try and get to a hospital by driving even after her water broke.
Now, would anyone else care to hazard a guess as to whether there will be copycat deliveries? If GM who is struggling will cough up free diapers for a year and other baby supplies, what might some of the motor companies who have come through the downturn in the economy in better shape come up with? Ok, and here’s another scenario. What if behind the scenes the automobile industry seeing the opportunity to promote their latest eco-friendly, green car were to find some poor pregnant chick and offer her whatever to make giving birth in a car seem attractive? Ahhh….can you tell that I’ve been watching too many conspiracy movies? Nobody would treat a mother and baby’s health so casually.

Travel with Toddlers and Babies

Travel with toddlers and babies is not for the faint of heart by any far stretch of the imagination.  Seeing as hubby wants to take a road trip/vacation before it gets too hot to get out and actually do any sightseeing, I’m making a list of travel tips for myself so that our mini-vacation with the kids is not a total diaster.
This will be the first time we will be taking our little ones backpacking, and when I look at the long list of baby camping gear I realize that I am way off the course of keeping it simple. 
In my camping list, baby toys  and handheld games have been deliberately omitted because I want the little ones to take in the new sights, smells and sounds…not play with stuff from home.
Here’s I have on my list so far:
1. 2 Outfits and 1 parka per adult and child.  Wash and wear is how you roll when you travel with toddlers and babies. 
2. One facecloth per family member and bibs for baby.  I skipped the pre-moistened wipes.
3. Dried fruit for the older kids’ snacks and baby’s portable grocery store, mommy’s boobs and food for the adults to cook over an open fire.
 4. An old songbook that my mom used to take on our camping trips when I was a kid.  Great for singing around the campfire.
5. Baby safe sunblock and bug repellant
6. Sheets and lightweight blankets for when sleeping in the tent in a sleeping bag gets too darn hot.
7. My backpack baby carrier, the one dad won’t mind wearing if I get too tired backpacking with baby on the trails.  I considered buying a travel crib and a swing but decided against loading up on baby camping gear that we would only use once or twice.  I may regret it, but this first family vacation getaway can serve as a test run to see what I want to put on my “wish list”.
8. A first-aid kit including allergy meds if needed.
I’m amazed that I could only come up with 8 items for my camping list.  I’m sure that I will be adding more items and this list of items may seem deceptively short as food alone will add pounds upon pounds of weight to the load we have to wag along with us.
I know I’m leaving something off!  Could you please read my list and tell me if there is a “must have” item that will make travel with toddlers and babies more pleasant?  The thought of being out in the wilderness only to find that something is missing absolutely horrifies me!

How to Avoid Baby Nursery Decorating Mistakes

I recently took part in a discussion that was on the subject of what is a healthy diet for breastfeeding mothers. There is no one easy answer to this question but let me go on the record as saying that it is crucial to both mother and baby’s health for the mom to be very aware that she is eating for two!
Moms who planning to breastfeed should take some time to make an assessment of her diet to determine that she is getting all of the important vitamins, nutrients, and minerals needed for her baby’s development.
Making plans for a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of foods is important especially when mothers may be adhering to a dietary plan that limits certain foods. This may be necessary due to health conditions but regardless of the reasons, once you make the decision to breastfeed you must be sure that your current diet is passing the needed nutrition to your developing fetus or breastfeeding infant. This may require taking supplements but my belief is that it’s possible to map out a menu is a health diet for breastfeeding mothers that covers most nutritional needs without resorting to taking vitamins.
HOW TO GET STARTED
Where should a concerned mother go to get advice when she realizes that her diet may be lacking in certain elements that may be needed for her child’s optimum development? As always, she should consult with her obstetrician before making decisions that might have an effect on both the mother and baby health. The next stop may be a dietician that was recommended by either her doctor or her breastfeeding consultant. There are also many articles with excellent information on a healthy diet for breastfeeding mothers including this page and this one.

 

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