Everyone’s going gaga over the latest diet craze being hyped by the media or the newest workout program to hit the fitness scene. New weight loss pills are being introduced one after another and have flooded the market competing for sales. People everywhere seem to be in that “lose the excess pounds” psyche:  “Thin is sexy!”. “Lean is hot!”.  “Rip those biceps.” “Flaunt your abs.”

Back in the 80′s, Olivia Newton-John popularized the song “Let’s Get Physical” which promoted fitness and about the same time, physical fitness videos by celebrities flooded the market such as the legendary Jane Fonda Aerobics Videos.  Even John Travolta’s dance movie, “Staying Alive” capitalized on the fact that the then-emerging star was being mentored by no less than Sylvester Stallone for his physical fitness program to fit the role to a “T”.

In today’s world where survival of the fittest becomes the name of the game, being overweight is considered absolutely unsexy.  The message is clear as you see it on tv, billboards, and magazines. Has everyone gone self-conscious?  Let’s face it.  It’s not just about vanity or feeling good about yourself.  It’s about living a healthy lifestyle.  The universal need to look and feel sexually desirable just comes secondary.  Whether you like it or not, being overweight is unattractive and can pose serious consequences in one’s health condition.

How true is it that for every pound you lose, the more sexually desirable you become?  Though there are people who prefer sexual partners who are on the voluptous side, a great number still prefer having the right curves and bulges at the right places.   However, being sexually attractive is not the only goal we need to consider. Whether you are a man or a woman, you are responsible to always keep your body in good condition, if not in perfect shape. Losing weight can improve the sexual health of both men and women.  The couple becomes more aware of each others new size.  Their sexual senses have become more attuned to the sexual stimuli which they receive and therefore increases their sexual pleasure.  By having slimmer bodies, both the man and the woman becomes comfortable with their bodies and they tend to enjoy each other better when it comes to their sexual activities, as compared to overweight couples. It is no longer just a physical thing, it becomes an emotional factor.

Obesity and Infertility

It is believed that obesity could greatly affect male sexual health concerning infertility.  According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS),”overweight men are significantly more likely to be infertile than normal-weight men, and that for every 20-pound body weight gain in men there is a ten per cent increase in infertility.”  Though statistics show that women are more prone to obesity that men, still, this clearly shows that men should also take care of their weight for their health’s sake.

On the other hand, obese women are particularly susceptible to increase in blood pressure than their male counterparts.  There is also higher risk of cancers such as postmenopausal breast cancer and endometrial cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Body Image and Healthy Weight

For all its worth, men and women alike should maintain an ideal body weight and image.  Body image is the way we project ourselves and how we perceive and imagine the response of others.  It is not inborn, therefore, we can do something about it.  Healthy weight is the size which a person achieves based on the goal initially set in accordance with the person’s physical condition as determined by a medical professional.
People try to find sensible and sustainable ways to achieve and maintain a healthy weight on a long term basis.   Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, lead a vice-free lifestyle, and all the good things in life will be added unto you as well.

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Sexual drive and libido is maintained by an active mind in a healthy body and your body works as whole not in isolation.

To increase libido the following diet should be eaten and you can top up with essential supplements.

Some are not associated with peak sexual performance but their vital, let’s look at them.

A healthy diet First

We will look at nutrients and supplements individually in a bit, but here is a good example of general diet you should eat.

Base it on legumes, grain products, and other complex carbohydrates, with plenty of fruits, vegetables and lean protein. Eat as naturally as you can and avoid saturated fats and processed foods

Alcohol & Smoking The Affects

First the obvious avoid these passion killers:

Alcohol also has an action similar to the female hormone estrogen. This can have a devastating effect on masculinity, causing impotence and shrinking of the testes.

Smoking has a devastating affect longer term on the arteries.

It promotes the formation of atherosclerotic plaque in the penile vessels and at the same time constricts them, preventing blood flow.

You need to cut down or stop now and that goes for recreational drugs

Selenium

Nearly 50% of the selenium in a man is in the testes and seminal ducts; men lose selenium in their semen.

Getting enough selenium is therefore critical for sexual performance. In recent decades selenium deficiency in adults has increased and if you don’t have balanced diet take a supplement.

Zinc

Zinc is required for the production of testosterone and zinc content in the prostate gland and sperm is higher than in any other tissue in the body.

A deficiency of zinc is associated with several sexual problems, including sperm abnormalities and prostate disease.

Zinc also helps produce testosterone and helps to maintain semen volume and levels of testosterone; this of course helps to maintain sex drive.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a trace mineral that is important for the production of sex hormones, such as androgen and estrogen and neurotransmitters that modulate the sex drive such as dopamine and norepinephrine.

Vitamin A

Helps regulate the synthesis of the sex hormone progesterone.

Vitamin B1

Thiamin (B1) is essential for nerve transmission and energy production throughout the body this means it’s essential for sex.

Vitamin C

Participates in the synthesis of hormones that are involved in sex and fertility: androgen, estrogen and progesterone.

Vitamin E

Often referred to as the sex vitamin, it protects cell membranes from free-radical damage and is required for the synthesis of hormones and hormone like substances known as prostaglandins.

These are two supplements you should consider regardless of diet, there great for improving sexual performance.

L argentine

This nutrient is highly important for peak sexual performance and is a non essential amino acid and is nicknamed natures Viagra and with good reason.

Current studies support the use of argentine supplements to ensure that nitric oxide secretion is sufficient to keep blood flowing to the penis and help nitric oxide levels stay high.

Nitric oxide insufficiency can stop the penis from becoming erect.

In 1994 a test carried out showed an 80 percent improvement in the erectile function of men given just 2.8 grams a day of argentine after just two weeks.

L Tyrosine

Supports and assists neurotransmitters in the brain.

When the body is stressed out, aged, depressed or tired the availability of L-Tyrosine is depleted.

L-Tyrosine supplementation helps reduce stress, enhances mood, which manifests itself in better erectile function.

In the next part of this article we will add 3 fantastic herbs that can enhance mood and sex drive and are healthy for you.

If you are healthy the above diet combined with the herbs we outline are sure to increase your performance and stamina without the help of synthetic drugs.

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If you want to increase libido naturally you can with the proven herbs enclosed and not only will your sexual health improve these herbs will improve your overall health at the same time – lets take a look at how and why they work…

Before we look at the herbs themselves, lets look at some common problems that cause low libido.

Low estrogen levels can cause intercourse to be painful and see sexual desire plummet. Low levels of testosterone also cause low libido and its not just men who need it. Sluggish blood circulation is another problem; sexuality is based on strong blood circulation to the genitals and any women with low libido is likely to have poor blood circulation.

The above are all physical reasons for low libido – but the mind and the spirit also play a key role. Stress, anxiety and tiredness, all leave you to exhausted to think about sex. It’s vital your body has plenty of energy and you have correct hormonal balance to boost sexual desire.

Here are some great herbs you can take which as a combination, will combat all the above and are found in the best herbal sex pills.

Satavri Extract (Asparargus Recemosus)

Shatavri improves muscle tone, moistens dry tissues of the sexual organs and increases overall body strength and boosts levels of testosterone.

Choraka (Dong Quai)

Dong Quai root has earned the reputation as the best all round herb for women.
It is used to restore balance to a woman’s hormones and cycles and is often taken to combat PMS; relieving conditions such as – vaginal dryness and hot flushes. Dong Quai also has a balancing effect on estrogen and blood sugar levels. Finally, it acts as a blood circulation herb and helps improve blood flow while, nourishing the blood at the same time.

Avena Sativa

Avena Sativa helps the body relax and also, enhances sensitivity in the vagina region.

Ginseng

Ginseng helps to promote overall wellbeing, sexual performance and improves desire. The herb stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary axis in the brain, which secretes adrenal corticotropic hormone (ACTH), this then binds to the brain cells, reducing stress and lifting mood. This herb is also an excellent blood circulation herb pumping blood to all areas of the body including the sex organs.

Schisandra

Schisandra chinensis fruit is used to treat a wide variety of menopausal problems. It also acts to increase blood flow to the female pelvic region.

Damiana Extract (Turnera Aphrodisiaca)

This herb relieves anxiety, depression, and headaches during menstruation, and combats exhaustion. It also balances female hormone levels and control hot flushes. The herb gives a feeling of mild euphoria and is the perfect herb to put you in the mood for sex.

Ashwagandha – Extract “Indian Ginseng”

Ashwagandha is a tonic herb packed with nutrients and acts to energize and rejuvenate on a mental level it helps minimize the effects of stress, enhances vitality, fights fatigue and naturally heals the sex organs.

Get them All for Improved Sexual Health and Wellness

The above and other herbs are found in all the best women’s natural sex pills and will not only improve libido but will also act to improve overall wellness, so you get more from sex and more from life, just as nature intended.

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The following is an excerpt from Hot and Cold Health by R. G. Heft (Acupuncture Physician FL 1992- 2002) based on traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines and the questioning and counseling of 10,000+ Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is based on the theory, observation that everything is an ongoing balance of opposites, many of which we control through diet, exercise, sex, thought, etc.

Know the whole before attempting to diagnose and or treat the part, as you cannot cure the part ithout curing the whole. The whole is equal to and greater than the sum of its parts.  If you cannot afford or do not want to risk your money ($20 or less), then I will send, email you the E Book (Adobe file, 1,005 KB) for free.  Your health is  more important than my bank account. Email me (rgheft@netzero.com) your request or questions.  Peace.

All disease is defined by its collection of symptoms. All symptoms are defined, produced by biological functions. All biological functions are produced by biological structures (organs, bones, muscles, nerves, etc.), which in turn, are produced, maintained and cleansed by blood, nutrients.  The body, digests, transforms food, nutrients into blood into structure into function, into health or disease.

Arthritis is a generic term for inflammation of the joint that tends to cause pain, swelling, pain, redness, etc. A joint is where two or more bones join. The joint, space between the movable bones is composed of fluid sacs, in addition to cartilage (gelatinous substance that caps the end of the bones). Both act as shock absorbers.  Ligaments hold bones together.  Tendons attach muscles to ligaments. Muscles contract and expand according to their nerves, electrical supply, stimulation, which in turn pulls and relaxes the tendons, ligaments, moving the bones.

Blood, nutrients build, fuel and cleanse the muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones. Poor nutrition, diet and or poor circulation tend to reduce, thin the blood, which in turn, thins, dries, weakens, pains and or inflames the joints. Poor posture, misalignment and or injury can also adversely affect the joints, i.e. cause arthritic symptoms.

There are three types of arthritis: rheumatoid (autoimmune), gout (uric acid) and osteo (bone on bone), Rheumatoid Arthritis is more common in women (middle aged), although it does attack men. The difference is cause. Women tend to suffer from blood, protein and fat deficiency via diet and menstruation.

Many women tend to eat anemic diets: low protein, low fat (milk, yogurt, soft cheeses, beans, nuts and seeds) and high carbohydrate (pasta, bread, salads, tropical fruits, juices, etc.). Women menstruate monthly 30+ years from the first period, menarche (teen, preteen) to the last (menopause).  This combination tends to thin and weaken the blood, which in turn, thins, weakens, dries, inflames and pains everything else, especially the extremities: arms, legs, hands, feet, bones, muscles, tendons, etc

Men tend to suffer the opposite: too much, stagnant blood via high protein, high fat diets, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, congested liver, etc. restricting, reducing blood flow, which in turn, inflames, dries, thins and pains the joints: bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves, etc. especially in the extremities: arms and legs.

All blood passes in and out the liver. The liver stores, cleanses (filters excess protein, fat, cholesterol, impurities, etc.) and releases the blood. High protein and high fat (especially animal) diets in excess tend to thicken the blood, which in turn, thickens, clogs and swells the liver reducing not only liver, cleansing function but also distribution, circulation of blood. Less cholesterol, fat is removed form the blood, more stays in the bloodstream, arteries, veins, heart, liver, brain, etc. Less blood is circulated as more (blood) passes into the liver (clogged, swollen) than out reducing the overall amount circulated to the rest of the body, especially to the extremities: head, arms and legs, which contain no vital organs.

The vital organs (heart, liver, lungs, etc.) located in the center of the body (abdomen and chest) command the blood. In times of drought, and or the common cold, less blood is circulated to the extremities (includes the head).

.

Inappropriate diet (overbuilt or under built) is a major cause of rheumatoid arthritis. It is also tends to cause gout, excess uric acid that accumulates in the blood and joints. Uric acid is a by-product of protein (especially animal) digestion. High protein, high fat diets, in the extreme, tend to cause too much uric acid in the blood and joints. Gout is more prevalent in western countries and or those eating high protein, high fat diets. It tends to attack men (high protein, high fat) more than women.

Osteoarthritis cannot be improved through diet or herbs. You cannot grow cartilage (separates and cushions the bones) where there is none. You can grow cartilage where there is some. Glucosamine sulfate ((1500 mg/ day) and other supplements (bovine cartilage) have been shown to grow cartilage. Solgar, Solaray, Enzymatic Therapy, Twin Lab and Natures Plus are high quality companies that research, manufacture and distribute. I owned and operated a small health food store, Food and Thought, Hollywood, Fl (1984-2001). I sold a lot of Glucosamine Sulfate and never heard a complaint, just praise. Check with your doctor before making any changes.

Dietary cures for arthritis via blood deficiency and or stagnation are relatively simple. Blood deficiency (via low protein, low fat and high carbohydrate diets) requires the hotter middle diet, meal plan (more protein and fat: red meat, chicken, turkey, etc, cooked foods, soups, vegetables and spices. Spices (cardamom, cumin, coriander, fennel, ginger, cayenne, etc.) are hot in nature. They increase digestion, improve circulation, etc.

Weak digestion transforms and transports less food, nutrients into blood.  Too many cold and damp foods, drinks (milk, yogurt, salads, fruit, juices, cold drinks, etc.), in excess and or at the beginning of a meal, tend to dilute and weaken digestion (acid, enzymes, etc.) reducing nutrient absorption, blood, circulation, etc. while increasing waste product, abdominal bloating, gas, loose stools.

Blood stagnation (clogged arteries, veins, liver, etc.) is also curable, depending on severity.  It is a disease of excess: too much protein and fat. The colder middle diet, meal plan is recommended. Reduce animal protein and fat, no more than one animal food per day and never at night. A little chicken or turkey is permissible. Eat more vegetables (cabbage) fruit (apples), drink peppermint tea, etc. Avoid alcohol. Bitter herbs (golden seal, gentian, etc.) may also help. Eat less, skip, space the meals (gives the body extra time, energy to digest excess) and do not eat late. Avoid nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant) which tend to aggravate, worsen arthritic conditions.

Hot salves (containing spices, camphor, capsicum/ cayenne pepper, etc.) used externally for reducing pain are also effective. Heat not only dries and warms but also moves. Spices, cooked foods move and warm the blood, and reduce pain via increased circulation, blood. They also help to thin the blood. Cumin, coriander and fennel are mild spices.  

Medication, blood thinners can also cause arthritic symptoms. Blood thinners not only thin the blood of excess protein and fat (includes cholesterol), but also thin the bones, skin, hair, etc. which are all fed, thickened by the same blood, protein and fat. When you thin the blood, decrease protein and fat, you thin everything else.

Hot and Cold Health

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION I PHILOSOPHY AND DIET

Chapter 1 The Way of Thinking Chapter 2 The Way of Food Chapter 3 Digestion, Spices and Chinese Herbs Chapter 4 Cooking Class

SECTION II BIOLOGY, EAST AND WEST

Chapter 5 Three Treasures Chapter 6 Blood and Body Fluids Chapter 7 Spleen Chapter 8 Stomach Small Intestine Chapter 9 Large Intestine and Urinary Bladder Chapter 10 Heart Chapter 11 Liver & Gall Bladder Chapter 12 Lungs Chapter 13 Kidneys Chapter 14 Disease and Diagnosis

SECTION III DISEASES A- Z

Chap 15 A Diseases AIDS 141 Alzheimer s 143 Anal fissure 143 Anemia 144 Anger 145 Aging 146 Anxiety 147 Arthritis 148 Asthma 152 ADD 154 Auto-immune 154 Chap 16 B Diseases Blood 157 Blood Pressure 158 Body Odor 159 Bones 161 Breast lumps 162 Bronchitis 164 Chap 17  C Diseases Candidiasis 167 Canker Sores 169 Cellulite 171 Cholesterol 173 Chronic Fatigue 175 Circulation 176 Cirrhosis 178 Cold hands, feet 178 Cold (lungs) Constipation 180 Coughing 182 Crohn s 182 Chap 18 D Diseases Depression 185 Detoxification 188 Diabetes 191 Diarrhea 193 Diuretics 195 Dizziness 195 Dysmenorrhea 196 Chap 19 E-F Diseases Ear Infections 197 Eczema 197 Edema 200 Endometriosis 202 Eyes 202 Fear 204 Fever 204 Fibrocystic Breasts 204 Fibroids 205 Fibromyalgia 205 Forgetfulness 207 Frigidity 208 Chap 20 G-H Diseases Gall Stones 209 GERD, GIRD 210 Gout 212 Hair Loss 213 Hearing Loss 215 Hepatitis 218 Herpes 220 Hot Flashes 220 Hysteria 221 Chap 21 I-J Diseases Infertility 223 Inflammation 223 Insomnia 224 Irritable Bowel 226 Itching 227 Jaundice 227 Chap 22 K-O Diseases Kidney Stones 229 Miscarriage 230 Mucous 231 M. Sclerosis 231 Nails 233 Nausea 235 Numbness 236 Obesity 237 Osteoporosis 238 Chap 23 P-R Diseases Pediatric 241 Perspiration 244 Plantar F. 244 Pregnancy 248 PMS 250 Prostate 251 Psoriasis 252 Rashes 252 Restless Leg 252 Chap 24 S-Z Diseases Sex 255 Shaking, tremors 257 Sinusitis 258 Skin Diseases 259 Sleep Apnea 261 Snoring 262 Sweaty hands 263 Teeth 264 Tumors 266 Urinary T. I. 267 Varicose Veins 269 Weight loss 270 Yeast infection 274 Chap 25 Case Histories 275

SECTION IV DAILY PRACTICES

 Chapter 26 The Way of Breathing, Chap 27 Exercise, Chap 28 Meditation 303, Chap 29 Spiritual Practices (belief in God)  307 Appendix 313 Bibliography 315 About the Author 317

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Separate attention should be given to women’s health. It is obvious that men and women are different. The major health concerns of men are not the same for women. Moreover, women’s bodies and systems also respond differently to various treatment approaches.

Alternative Medicine for Women

First of all, it is crucial to understand that conventional medicine is always a major option. Women, like men, can decide to undertake major invasive surgical procedures or to ingest lab tested synthetic medicines. There are however a lot of women who now choose to go for alternative medicines and treatments instead.

As the term implies, alternative approaches are meant to substitute conventional methods and use nature based, systems, procedures and elements in disease treatment.

There are many women’s concerns that alternative medicine can be used on. Concerns can range from cosmetic conditions such as cellulite to life-threatening ailments like cancer. The more common concerns however involve female hormone management and mental health especially during menopause.

Choosing Alternative Medicine

It’s easy to imagine why a lot of women look for alternative options for women’s health issues. The major complain about conventional medicine is that it does put women at risk of experiencing side effects and complications. This is especially true of highly invasive surgical procedures and hormone manipulating medications. This is only one reason though for the growing appeal of alternative medicine. Some alternative procedures are seen as even more attractive because of the promise of well-being and the additional physical and mental nourishment that they bring.

Alternative Medicine Concerns

Just because alternative approaches come from nature, it doesn’t mean that they always have an advantage over conventional counterparts. A number of doctors and other medical experts are not always enthusiastic over alternative options. One of the major points they warn their patients about is the want of consistent moderation over the use or manufacture of alternative approaches. There are also some alternative options that are clearly unsupported by extensive scientific research and testing. There is therefore no way to determine if the various options available are 100% effective and safe for human consumption or use.

Treatment Choices

There are various ways to use alternative medicine. Of course, the most well known approach is to simply take plant extracts and herbal preparations in liquid or pill form. A second alternative approach involves some form of body part manipulation such as those performed in various massage techniques. Women can also opt for the mental based approach involved in yoga and meditation.

There is no direct prohibition against alternative medicine. It is quite possible therefore that some approaches may truly have positive effects on some women’s health issues. Do not forget though that women do have intricate systems and conditions. Make sure you know everything there is to know about the alternative approaches that you choose. You should also at least inform your health practitioner of your decision to use an alternative approach.

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How aware are you about your sexual health? Are you one of those people, who are otherwise physically fit, but they don’t have a rocking sex life? You can’t probably be ignorant about the above symptoms. However, you can find the solution to all of your sexual problems through the various health supplements which are available in the market.

The basic characteristic trait of a man is that he gets weary of monotony. The same law governs his sex life too, especially after some years of being with the same partner. Else, the sexual desire becomes dormant after a certain age. This is where the importance of sexual health supplements come into the picture. Your mood is one of the primary determinants of your sexual behavior with your partner. Plus, you also need to have a certain amount of energy level to indulge in the sexual activities. This is what is done by the health supplements to make things better for you.

Thus the sexual health supplements are becoming more and more popular with the people and they are also being prescribed by the doctors in the mainstream treatments as well. The allopathic treatment is not always very helpful. The prolonged intake of strong allopathic medicines can harm your body and cause various side effects. Thus, the herbal health supplements are recommended for couples, to revitalize their sexual life. Your sexual life can also be increased, if you bring a little change in your daily routine. Regular exercise, healthy and sumptuous diet can also bring a lot of difference in your sex life. It might look like an age old dictum, but it really helps. All of this, complimented with health supplements would give you wondrous results.

Many couples put a lot of emphasize on trying new techniques and experiments during the intercourse. But, the recommendation is, try to be as natural as possible, if you want to spice up your sexual life, and if you aren’t getting the desired results in trying something different. Thus, the health supplements would help you a lot, if you bring a difference in the way you live your life. So, drink life to the lees and enjoy the sexual experience to the fullest, if you really want to see the best results of the sexual health supplement.

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One of the advantages of reaching midlife is that we are finally finished with all those issues that make childhood and adolescence such a pain in the neck, such as needing set bedtimes as well as  regular dental and eye checkups; having to worry about using protection during sex and about cigarette smoking; getting all those shots to prevent diseases and wearing helmets to prevent sports injuries; needing to eat all our vegetables and avoid sugar as well as not missing gym class. What a relief to let these issues fade right along with our memories of tetherball on the school playground!

Not so fast. Would it surprise you to know that you still have to be aware of each and every one of the above so-called “child/adolescent” health issues?  

For instance, what about set bedtimes? The obvious reason that we needed enforced, regular  bedtimes each night was so that we would get enough sleep. Being tired and sleepy the next day in school caused everything from lousy concentration to crabby moods. Now that we’re in midlife, many of us believe that sleep is no longer an issue. This is not the case at all. It’s still essential to our health and wellbeing. Recent studies have shown that not only do sleep disturbances often indicate a serious health problem, but that lack of sleep can actually cause health problems, such as weight gain. Polls have shown that nearly two thirds of adults over the age of sixty-five have sleep complaints, but that less than 15 per cent of them have been formally diagnosed with a sleep problem. Why? Because we don’t mention sleep problems to our health care providers. Our mothers were right — we still need to be concerned about our bedtimes.

Once we’ve gotten the glasses we need and all our baby teeth are gone, we no longer need to get regular eye and dental checkups as we did in our younger years, right? Again — no. Although our vision does remain stable from young adulthood until we need bifocals, there are common eye diseases that begin to occur in midlife, and that can lead to blindness if not diagnosed.  And even though we no longer have our baby teeth,  other dental issues take the forefront upon reaching midlife, such as gum inflammation which has been shown to be associated with diabetes and heart disease. So, continued regular dental and eye checks are as important as in our younger years. 

And what about sex at midlife and beyond?  We’ve moved from groping and being groped in the backseat of the car to more sophisticated maneuvers in a comfortable bed, and finally, finally no longer have to worry about pregnancy. So we don’t need protection; or so many of us think. Although it’s true that once menopause arrives one can’t get pregnant (warning: make sure you have completed menopause before assuming this as diagnosing menopause can be tricky),  protection is still needed during sex because of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Yes, we can still get those, and in some cases are even more prone to becoming infected after menopause, even after a hysterectomy. And even though we’re past the childbearing years and our reproductive organs seem to have no further use, we still need regular pelvic exams and Pap smears. It is also important at that exam to discuss with our healthcare providers the need for testing for STIs; if there is a new partner or the worry that the current partner is not monogamous, this testing is a must.

STIs are not the only threat held over from our adolescent years; so is cigarette smoking. Many women in midlife think that there is no reason to stop smoking cigarettes at this age, since they wrongly assume that the damage is already done from all the prior years of smoking. This is not the case. No matter how many years one has smoked, stopping can prevent further damage to the heart, blood vessels, and lungs, and in some cases can reverse some of that damage.  

Also relevant to the lungs is the fact that asthma can begin in midlife, where once it was thought to only begin in childhood.  The two major causes seem to be occupational exposure to substances that damage the lungs, and the recreational exposure to air pollution by adults who run predominantly outside. So, a new onset of shortness of breath at this age — even if it occurs only with exercise — does not necessarily mean heart disease; remember that we can develop asthma now.

Did you think you were finished with all those horrible shots you had to have in childhood and adolescence? Sorry, you’re not. There is a recommended immunization schedule for adults in midlife and beyond, just as there are for children. At certain ages over 50 and at certain intervals, you’ll need shots against the flu, certain types of pneumonia, tetanus, and in some instances, shingles and hepatitis.  Ask your primary care provider about these.

And did you pack away your helmet when you gave away your bike with training wheels? Probably ok to have done this since now you will need a bigger size helmet. But you do need a helmet. A recent report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission stated that sports-related injuries in the Baby Boomer population was on the rise, with over 1 million injuries in this age group in 1998 alone, most of the injuries being due to bicycling and basketball.  The same report said that the many head injuries associated with bicycling were probably due to the fact that Baby Boomers use helmets less than younger people do.

The fact that exercise and proper nutrition are as important in midlife and beyond as in childhood may not come as a surprise. Regular exercise at this age has been shown to increase longevity and wellbeing, postpone and possibly prevent dementia, strokes, heart disease, and diabetes, and aid in the treatment of depression. Important to know as well is that several different types of regular exercise are recommended at this age, including aerobic (cardio) exercise, weight-bearing exercise or strength training, and exercises to improve balance and flexibility.

What we eat as we get older is every bit as important as it was in our younger years. One particular healthy way of eating, the Mediterranean diet, has been shown to stave off dementia, prevent heart disease and diabetes, maintain a healthy cholesterol level, and improve longevity. One study showed that this diet even improved sexual function in certain women! This diet is exactly as expected given its name: lots of natural whole foods, like vegetables, fruits, and nuts, lots of fish and olive oil, moderate amounts of wine, and limited amounts of foods containing refined sugar. Controlling the portions of the foods we eat is even more important at this age. Our metabolic rate decreases with age, making it easier to gain weight while eating the same amounts of food as in our younger years.  

So, as you are rummaging through your mother’s attic looking at your old dolls, baseball bat and Ouija Board, and breathing a sigh of relief that you no longer have to worry about being picked for a baseball team or that your best friend copied your paper doll’s dress, don’t get lulled into complacency about your health. Although you once may have thought that taking care of yourself  health-wise would get easier as you get older, you know now that that’s not true. Make your appointments for regular checkups, get more than 5 hours of sleep a night, use protection when having sex, particularly with a new partner, stop smoking no matter how old you are, get the recommended immunizations, be careful and wear your helmet and seatbelts, and exercise regularly and eat well. Your mother’s recommendations from your childhood continue to apply!

©2008 Janet Horn, M.D.

Author Bio
Dr. Janet Horn is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, with training in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She spent many years on the fulltime faculty of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where she published articles in medical journals on her research interests, including sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, and women’s health. She was also the primary author of several chapters in medical textbooks.  She started her solo private practice in 1990 while continuing to teach as an Associate Professor of Medicine on the part time faculty at Hopkins. She has been selected by Baltimore Magazine as one of the “Top Doctors in Baltimore” and by the Maryland Daily Record as one of the “Top 100 Women in Maryland.”   She is included in the books Consumer’s Guide to Top Doctors (in the US) and Best Doctors in America, Southeast Region.  She is the co-author of The Smart Woman’s Guide to Midlife and Beyond, which will be available this September from New Harbinger Publications.

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When you think of heart disease, you probably think of a risk of death for men. However, since 1984 more women have died from cardiovascular disease than men. While more men are at a greater risk of having a heart attack than women, women are only half as likely to survive a heart attack as a man. The risk factors and symptoms of heart disease may be different for women. That’s why women’s health information on the topic of heart disease is so important.

Risks and Symptoms

For anyone, smoking is makes heart disease more likely. While women’s health information shows that premenopausal women have some protection against artherosclerosis because of the presence of estrogen, that protection isn’t enough to cover the added risk of smoking or diabetes. Atherosclerosis is a condition in which blood vessels become clogged and narrowed because of the buildup of fatty substances.

The resulting decrease of blood flow causes the symptoms of coronary heart disease. High levels of cholesterol are a risk for heart disease. Especially bad are high levels of LDL cholesterol. Diabetes is as great a risk for a heart attack as heart disease is. A woman with diabetes has the same risk of heart attack as a woman with heart disease.

According to the best women’s health information, diabetic women should manage their blood sugar and get aggressive treatment with LDL cholesterol lowering drugs. The leading cause of death for women with diabetes is cardiovascular disease.

A woman’s risk of atherosclerosis rises over the age of 55. Family history can be a risk factor if a woman has a brother or father diagnosed with atherosclerosis before the age of 55 or if she has a sister or mother diagnosed before the age of 65. The latest women’s health information shows that obesity makes a woman much more likely to develop heart health problems.

Problems linked to obesity include coronary heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure and heart disease related death. According to women’s health information, metabolic syndrome is the combination of abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, pre-diabetes and high cholesterol. Metabolic syndrome is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

When a woman is the strong one in the family, she may be less likely to complain about small aches and pains. This can lead to missing early signs of heart disease. According to the best women’s health information, silent ischemia is a result of atherosclerosis that doesn’t cause pain or any specific symptoms.

A woman who is at risk of heart disease should have an EKG to rule this out. Women need to look to women’s health information to learn about their risk of that man’s disease – cardiovascular disease.

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You can get two forms of impotence pills – synthetic drugs or you can take herbal sex pills which contain natural herbs but which is the best for you? Let’s find out.

Contrary to what many people believe synthetic drugs do not boost libido, all they can do is get you a hard on but a hard on without sexual desire leads to an incomplete sexual experience leaving many takes of these impotence pills disappointed.

Herbal pills however not only can improve erectile function, they can also increase libido and boost overall wellness at the same time so you get a complete sexual experience.

A number of herbs are blended which cover all the problems which cause low libido which include poor blood circulation to and into the penile tissues to stifen it, low testosterone levels and low body energy. Your sexual health is a reflection of your general health and by healing the whole body, you don’t just improve your sexual performance, you improve your overall health at the same time.

Quite simply you are what you eat and if you feed your body the right nutrients, it will respond to the fuel it’s given. The Chinese have been using herbal libido enhancers for centuries and there still more popular today than synthetic drugs – because they work!

Today modern fast acting sex pills, are carefully balanced and potent and can contain as many as 10 herbs or more. All the herbs are picked to cure a cause of impotence and they allow you to get nutrients you wouldn’t find in your everyday diet, all in one convenient serving.

So forget quick fix synthetic drugs which can have side affects and heal your body safely and naturally, with the best herbal sex pills.
 

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Do you know the most important factor in good sexual health? It’s your mind. Studies involving men and women have shown that it is the mind that determines sexual performance and drive more than anything else. Men and women were given a placebo and told that it would increase their libido and performance; the majority stated that they saw a significant increase in those areas which show us that it is the mind more than a pill that is responsible for the change.

There are also a number of foods that are said to directly affect sexual performance due to their aphrodisiac influence. These foods include ginseng, bananas, figs, asparagus, eels, oysters, and rhino horn which supposedly increases sexual appetite.

Male Sexual Health

When looking at male sexual health it is not just a question of taking a few supplements and sex drive recovers.

You must see male sexual health in terms of overall body health, this means not just taking supplements, but eating foods to reduce stress first,

Let’s take foods first:

These foods will increase dopamine a chemical in the brain that will increase sex drive so eat them!

They are: Salmon, cottage cheese, steak and low fat yogurt

Salmon (and other oily fish such as mackerel and herring) are packed with Omega 3, which increases blood flow around the body and to the genitals and is vital for fighting impotence.

Nitric oxide insufficiency can stop the penis from becoming erect. A recent study showed an 80 percent improvement in the erectile function of men who took 2.8 grams of argentine a day for two weeks.

Gingko Bilbao

It enhances blood flow and functions as an anti-oxidant in the body and is renowned as a great all round supplement which has been known for centuries to increase sexual desire.

Ginseng

Korean Ginseng has been used in China as a sexual balancer and revitalizing tonic for thousands of years.

It is stimulating and restorative and helps improve physical and mental energy, stamina, strength and alertness as an adaptogen, it also helps you to combat physical, emotional stress and fatigue.

Improve your Sexual Health

Have you been having problems about your sex life and could not even begin to understand why your partner is no longer satisfied with you? If you are having troubles with your sex life and are very unhappy about it, then do not just mop around think that your whole life is going down the drain. Do something about it.

You don’t really have to feel self conscious about it. There are so many people all over the country who share the same problems as you and the doctor you are talking to may have encountered the same types of problems time and again that your case is really not some kind of a novelty. Discussing your sexual health problems with your doctor will help you understand what is going on in your body.

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