Medical Tests Every Man Needs

Medical screening tests are a great way to keep on top of your health. Think of them as basic maintenance, just like checking the oil and tire pressure to keep your car safe on the highway. To keep it simple, we've compiled a list of the most important medical tests every man should have along with what age to start and how often to repeat. Here's to routine maintenance for your health.

1. Cholesterol screening/lipoprotein profile

Cholesterol is a type of fatty protein in your blood that can build up in your arteries, so knowing how much cholesterol is present is a good predictor of your risk for heart disease. There are two kinds of cholesterol: HDL, or high-density lipoproteins, and LDL, or low-density lipoproteins. Confusingly enough, HDL is "good" and protects against heart disease, while LDL is "bad" and poses a risk to your heart.

Your total cholesterol reading combines the measures of both and is used as an overall reading; 220 is the magic number that you want to stay beneath. In addition, the profile measures triglycerides, which are fats in the blood that can also block arteries; you want them below 150 milligrams per deciliter.

What it is: A blood test for cholesterol, measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dl); usually measures triglycerides at the same time

 When to start: Age 20

How often: Every five years. If testing reveals your levels are high, your doctor will recommend retesting every six months to one year. If you have risk factors for heart disease in your family, the regular cholesterol test may not be specific enough; ask your doctor for an additional test called the lipoprotein subfraction test. It's more sensitive and checks the size of the cholesterol particles as well as the amount.

2. Blood pressure check

It seems simple, but checking your blood pressure regularly is one of the most important things you can do to protect your present and future health. One in every five adults, totaling 50 million people, has elevated blood pressure, also known as hypertension. When your blood pressure readings are higher than the cutoff of 140/90, it puts stress on your heart, leaving you at risk for heart attack and stroke. Many experts believe 120/80 is a healthier target to shoot for.

What it is: A physical reading using an arm cuff

When to start: Any age; best to begin during childhood

How often: Once a year if readings are normal; your doctor will recommend every six months if readings are high or if you're taking medication to control hypertension.
 

3. Diabetes screening

To check your risk for diabetes, doctors check your tolerance for glucose absorption, which means how readily your body digests sugar.

What it is: A blood draw performed after drinking a sugary drink; a fasting glucose tolerance test requires you not to eat for nine hours prior to the test.

When to start: At age 45 if you have no risk factors or symptoms. If you're significantly overweight, have high blood pressure, or have other risk factors for diabetes, such as family history of the disease, it's a good idea to get tested younger. If your insurance doesn't cover it, free testing is available at most major chain drugstores.

How often: Every three years.

 

4. Bone density test

The loss of bone strength, called osteoporosis, afflicts nearly 10 million people every year, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Surveys show that men see osteoporosis as a "woman's disease," but this is a misconception. After age 50, 6 percent of all men will break a hip and 5 percent will have a vertebral fracture as a result of osteoporosis. As we age, minerals such as calcium begin to leach from bones, weakening them and leading to osteoporosis, which literally means "porous bone."

What it is: A specialized X-ray called a DXA (dual-energy X-ray) screens your spine, hips, and wrists as you lie on a table.

When to start: At age 65, everyone should have a DXA. But men who have risk factors for bone loss, such as being thin, taking corticosteroids, or having a history of fractures, should talk to their doctor about being screened now.

5. Vitamin D test

Recently, doctors have realized that vitamin D is a key nutrient that helps maintain strong bones and protect against cancer, infection, and other health conditions. For example, a study last year found that men with low levels of vitamin D had a higher incidence of heart attack. Most men have no idea if they're D-deficient or not, though a simple blood test can tell. If you live in a northern climate, work indoors, or don't drink a lot of milk, chances are your vitamin D level is low. If so, your doctor will recommend taking a vitamin D supplement.

What it is: A blood test, often done along with the cholesterol and lipid panel, to check the level of vitamin D in your blood. You want your reading to be between 30 and 80 nanograms per milliliter, though some experts argue that 50 nanograms should be the lowest level considered normal. Many experts recommend the 25(OH)D3 test as providing the more accurate measurement.

When to start: Age 40; sooner if you have signs or risk factors for osteoporosis. As we age, our bodies become less efficient at synthesizing vitamin D from the sun, so after the age of 40 it's more likely that you'll become D-deficient. Also, if you have any signs of low bone density, such as a fracture, your doctor will want to test your vitamin D along with your bone density.

How often: Although vitamin D testing isn't yet required or listed on the official schedule of recommended tests, more and more doctors are recommending it as an annual test after age 45.

6. Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy

 

Colorectal cancer, which is cancer of the lower part of the intestines, is curable in 90 percent of all cases -- as long as it's caught early. And screening tests that look inside the colon, called colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy, are the secret to catching it early.

Unfortunately, this still isn't happening as often as it should. Currently, 39 percent of cases are already stage III or IV when discovered. This test is considered so lifesaving that news anchor Katie Couric allowed hers to be presented on live TV as an educational campaign to raise awareness after her husband died of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of death from cancer for men, after lung and prostate cancer, so it's important to take it seriously.

 What it is: An examination of your colon using a tiny scope and camera, which are inserted through the rectum. A colonoscopy can see the whole colon, while a sigmoidoscopy can see only the sigmoid, or lower section of the colon.

 

When to start: Age 50 for those with no risk factors. If, however, you have a first-degree family member who's had colon cancer before the age of 50, begin colonoscopy screening when you're ten years younger than the age at which your family member was diagnosed. If a family member was diagnosed at 45, for example, you should have your first screening at 35.

How often: Flexible sigmoidoscopies should be repeated every five years, and a colonoscopy should be repeated every ten years. A computerized imaging technique called virtual colonoscopy is gaining popularity at some medical centers, but many doctors still consider it experimental and some insurers, including Medicare, don't cover it

 

 

How To Prevent Wrinkles: What Really Works

Q. Are smile lines caused by smiling?

 A. Not entirely. "Smile lines are the result of age-related collagen loss, which causes cheeks to lose elasticity and sag, producing those telltale folds," says Boston dermatologist Ranella Hirsch, M.D. "But repeated muscle movements exaggerate them." A skin doc can inject hyaluronic acid fillers to lift the cheek; or, for a quick, temporary fix, use a topical wrinkle filler. One to try: Boots No7 Instant Illusion Wrinkle Filler ($19, Target).

 

 

 

Q. When is the best time of year to start using a retinoid?

A. Spring or summer. This gold standard wrinkle reducer is often irritating, an effect that can be exacerbated by dry air and cold temperatures. Your skin is better able to tolerate the powerful ingredient in moister, warmer weather, but keep in mind that retinoids increase sun sensitivity, so slather on a lotion with SPF every day. "If you find that your skin gets red or flaky when the mercury drops, try decreasing your retinoid use to every other day, or layering a retinoid under a plain moisturizer," advises Heidi Waldorf, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City. One retinol product to try: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night Moisturizer ($21, drugstores).

 

 

Q. On which side of your face do wrinkles usually show up first?

A. The left side. "Collagen breakdown and wrinkling typically happen more rapidly on that side of the face for Americans," says dermatologist Mona Gohara, M.D., of Yale School of Medicine. The culprit? Driving. The sun's aging UVA rays penetrate the car's window glass. Solution: Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen 365 days a year; try SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 ($32, skinceuticals.com).

 

Q. Do fair-skinned women wrinkle more easily than those with dark complexions?

A. Yes  at least when it comes to photoaging. While sun exposure ages all skin tones and ethnicities, the specific effects may vary a bit. "Darker skin has a higher amount of melanin, which slows the development of fine lines and wrinkles resulting from sun exposure," says Jeanine Downie, M.D., a dermatologist in Montclair, NJ. "Caucasian women (whose skin has less melanin) tend to develop more lines than African-Americans, who usually experience more sun-induced spots and patchy discoloration."

 

 

Q. Does skin type impact the pace of wrinkling?

A. Skin type actually has nothing to do with how fast you develop wrinkles, reports Dr. Waldorf. "Women with oily skin have more sebaceous glands. While this might create the appearance of denser or firmer skin, it won't affect the development of lines," she explains. Where and when you start to see fine lines is a result of both lifestyle factors — whether you smoke or drink and how much sun exposure you've had, for example — and genetics.

 

 

Q. Will scrubbing soften the look of fine lines?

A. On the contrary — too much exfoliating can lead to skin damage and dryness, which paradoxically makes fine lines look more pronounced. But sloughing can preserve skin's glow and help improve the penetration of anti-aging treatments, says Dr. Waldorf. The key is to stick with a gentle daily exfoliator (check labels) or a once-a-week scrub. "If your skin is very sensitive, consider opting for a chemical exfoliant, like a moisturizing wash with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which is gentler than a scrub," she says. Try M-61 Brilliant Cleanse ($32, Bluemercury).

 

 

Q. Can layering makeup help cover up wrinkles?

A. Nope. "Too many women try to fill in fine lines with layer after layer of foundation and concealer," says celebrity makeup artist Carmindy. "But all that does is create cakiness and accentuate skin imperfections." The best bet for mature skin is a sheer, light-reflecting liquid foundation, like Almay Wake Up Liquid Makeup SPF 20 ($13, drugstores). "Luminescence makes skin look young by eliminating the dark shadows in wrinkles," She says.

 

Q. Who wrinkles faster — city dwellers or country girls?

A. Urbanites. They're exposed to a higher concentration of air pollution, a major factor in skin's aging, according to a recent German study. Luckily, protecting your skin against soot is simple. "Wash your face every night so environmental pollutants don't sit on your skin," says Dr. Gohara. Also, since pollutants decrease the atmosphere's protective ozone layer (upping free radical exposure), it's wise to use a daily antioxidant serum. Of course, the sun's a leading cause of wrinkles, so women who live in a sunny climate, like California's, are the most prone to skin aging.

Q. When should I apply my most potent anti-agers?

A. At night. While you catch some zzz's, skin cells are hard at work repairing themselves and can make the most of anti-aging ingredients like retinoids, AHAs, or peptides. For this last type, try L'OrÉal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Concentrated Serum ($25, drugstores). Another benefit: "You can use more of the treatment and don't have to worry about its being diluted or affected by layers of other products like sunscreen or makeup," says Dr. Hirsch. And you're not exposed to the sun, which can interact with certain anti-agers, like retinoids, and make them less effective.

 

 

 

 

Q. Does powder make lines look worse?

A. Not as long as you choose an age-appropriate formulation and apply it correctly. "Use one that's sheer and very finely milled so that it doesn't cake or crease in wrinkles," says Carmindy. We like Sephora Collection Smoothing Translucent Setting Powder ($16; Sephora; left). And rethink how you powder your nose: "Dragging a powder puff across your face deposits way too much product. Instead, for sheer coverage, dust it on lightly with a big, fluffy powder brush. Apply only to areas where you tend to get shiny, like your T-zone, and avoid places where you have prominent lines, like around your eyes," Carmindy suggests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Health Benefits of Sleeping on Hard Beds

There are numerous comforts and necessities that cling to human notion of luxury and one of these is sleep. All sorts of people may they be professionals, students, babies, housewives do not comprise on the quality of their sleep. With the ever increasing tensions and complications in human life, a good night’s sleep is considered to rejuvenate a person and affects the general health positively.

Health benefits to relieve backache by sleeping on hard beds

One of the most significant health benefits of hard beds is the relief from pains!

Sleep and health are intricately related. As per the scientific studies, the hard surfaces or hard mattresses tend to keep intact the structure of our bones, chemical balance and blood circulation. One basic health benefit of hard beds is that they reshape the back and realign the body. If as a result of some disease, your back or bones are distorted then doctors prescribe the use of a hard mattress. Some people argue that rather than sleeping on a mattress, it is better to sleep on the ground but scientific studies have shown that human bones need a resistance and a support if one lies down in the position of sleep.

Scientific proofs of health benefited by sleeping on hard bed.

Hard surfaces benefit health because human body structure requires a support!

It is claimed that the human body has evolved from a mammalian body and the internal structure is more or less same but humans are two-legged organisms and hence, they require all the support they can get. A hard bed or surface provides that. The upright posture of human beings strains some specific joints and bones. Hence, sleeping on hard beds keeps the body healthy and tight. The joints are not sagged and an adequate amount of resistance is provided to the body.

The arterial and venal structure of humans is very profuse. While a person walks or exercises, the blood is pumped equally but as soon as a person sinks in a soft bed, they circulatory system also goes limp. This is the most important health benefit of sleeping on hard beds that hard surfaces remove the obstructions in our circulatory system and the blood is pumped to each and every corner of the body systematically.

GREAT ADVICE FOR LIFE (DESIDERATA)

“Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, "Desiderata"

DRINKING THREE LITRES OF WATER A DAY CAN HELP PREVENT THE RISK OF KIDNEY STONES SAID EXPERTS

Thousands of new cases of kidney stones every year are caused by ignorance or denial of the need to drink three litres of water a day, according to a leading doctor.
Bhaskar Somani, a consultant urological surgeon at Southampton General Hospital, said a lack of awareness about the dangers of dehydration was responsible for an annual increase in renal stone admissions, including among young people in their twenties.
'The number of people admitted to hospital suffering severe pain and discomfort due to kidney stones is increasing by between 5 per cent and 10 per cent every year,' he said.

'Over the past decade, the number of hospital admissions for renal stones in the UK rose by 63 per cent to more than 80,000 and there is no sign of these numbers letting up.'
Kidney stones develop when crystals of salt gather into lumps and are not flushed out of the body due to a lack of adequate hydration, often lodging in the urinary system's tubes.
They can cause severe abdominal and groin pain which, in many cases, can only be corrected through surgery.
cent every year,' he said.
The condition affects about 10 to 20 per cent of men and 3 to 5 per cent of women between the ages of 30 and 60.
At Southampton General Hospital, the number of patients admitted to hospital every month has almost doubled - a trend Mr Somani said would continue without intervention.
'The only way to drive this down is to drive home the message that healthy lifestyle, diet and fluid intake is the best way to prevent the development and recurrence of stones,' he said.
'With evidence that 50 per cent of patients treated are likely to have a recurrence within ten years, largely due to complacency around hydration within a few years of having surgery, we know we face an uphill battle to change the national mindset, but we must make a start.'
Mr Somani said all adults should aim to drink between two to three litres of water a day, while former stone patients should maintain a daily intake upwards of three litres to avoid recurrence.
He has also called for the introduction of a screening programme for all high risk patients - those with diabetes, gout or inflammatory bowel disease - and regular monitoring of people who suffered their first incidence of stones under the age of 25.
Source:Dailymail

ENJOYING YOUR LIFE

Sometimes we just need to cry;

We just need to let for a little while;

Most of our days are spent being strong, being in charge, taking care of others;

But if we don't STOP for a while and allow ourselves' to feel;

Then we will become numb to our own selves';

So remember to take care of you;

And if crying is what you need to do;

Allow yourself to shed tears of healing;

For crying is one of the most therapeutic tools there are;

And it's one we need to practice on a regular basis;

Just because you cry doesn't mean you are weak;

It's how we were created;

It's a form of release;

So make sure you are taking care of you first;

For taking care of others is not possible;

Unless first you take care of yourself.

EVERYDAY JOY!!!

75 WAYS TO SHOW LOVE IN RELATIONSHIPS

I am a romantic at heart....don't blame me i can’t even blame myself. I guess with all the horrible things and events happening in the world i just love the idea of Romance so enjoy this read *wink*

I saw this list on www.self-improvement-saga.com and I couldn't wait to try them out. They're so on point and they are things that anybody can do and have a lot of fun while doing at it. 

 

1. A kiss on the forehead

2. Uninterrupted quality time

3. A note under the pillow

4. Tell him when he looks masculine, sexy, or hot

5. Turn a regular day into an All-About-You day just for your mate

6. Breakfast served in bed

7. A romantic picnic indoors

8. An unexpected dinner cruise

9. Propose marriage on one knee

10. Don’t complain when he leaves the toilet seat up

11. A rose on the pillow

12. Tell her she’s beautiful

13. Pour on the chivalry (open doors, pull her chair out)

14. A bubble bath with rose petals and her favorite scented candles

 

15. Verbalize what your relationship means to you

16. Surprise her with her favorite flowers and candy

17. An “I love you because…” list

18. PDA (public displays of affection)

19. Heart shaped pancakes or cookies

20. A walk in the park together

21. Hold your beloved a little tighter and longer than usual

22. Do some of his/her chores

23. A handwritten card sprayed with your scent

24. Spoil each other

25. Renew your marriage vows

26. Be first to say “I’m sorry” after an argument

27. Personalize (i.e. engrave) gifts

28. Place an “I love you” flyer under the car’s windshield wiper

29. Send a surprise gift to his/her workplace

30. Support each other’s dreams

31. Make love slowly, passionately

32. Run his bath water

33. Give your spouse space when needed

34. Buy her feminine hygiene products (before she asks)

35. Bring him a cold beer while he watches football

36. Put a love note in her purse

37. Hold hands

38. Take showers together and wash each other’s back (or whole body)

39. Look deeply into your lover’s eyes

40. Always kiss goodbye and goodnight

 

41. Boast about your mate and your relationship to mutual friends

42. Arrange for a babysitter so you can have an unexpected date night

43.  Say how much you love each other even if you think it’s known

44. Use cute pet names for each other

45. Rub your noses together

46. Remember to say thank you (often)

47. Excuse each other’s mistakes

48. Meditate together

49. Sleep in his t-shirt

50. Wash her hair

51. Step outside of traditional gender roles to help each other (Cook dinner for her; take the trash out for him)

52. Verbally reassure your lover

53. Take photographs as a couple

54. Give up the last piece of food on your plate

55. Write a short fairy tale using you and your mate as the characters (Once upon a time…”)

56. Listen more intently

57. Flirt with each other

58. Sing your significant other a love song

59. Get up early to help him/her get ready for work

60. Say “I adore you”

61. Watch a chic flick with her

62. Kiss your mate somewhere you never thought to kiss before (i.e. elbow, knee, toe)

63. Initiate affection (hugs, kisses, spooning)

64. Take good care of yourself so that you’re at your best for the one you love

65. A handmade gift or card

66. Write a sweet message on a fogged-up mirror so he/she will see it after exiting the shower

67. Cook your significant other’s’ favorite meal

68. Feed each other chocolate covered strawberries

69. Cuddle by the fireplace

70. Laugh and have fun with each other

71. Rub his/her feet

72. Create a scrapbook together

73. Start a hobby together

74. Dance indoors to your favorite song

75. Ask about each other’s day