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Male menopause symptoms — the first question a man asks about male menopause is usually about declining sexual function. Can I continue to perform? Will I still enjoy sex? Will sex even matter to me in the future? Somewhere is his 40’s, maybe 50’s, a man may notice that things are not the same as they used to be in the bedroom and he begins to worry. While male menopause symptoms are not just about sex, concerns in this area are real and with reason.

In the United States alone, perhaps as many as 30 million men will at sometime suffer from erectile dysfunction, the most recognized male menopause symptom. And if the other symptoms of menopause are added in, it’s clear that tens of millions of men in their 40’s and older may need treatment.

Here are common male menopause symptoms (also called andropause):

• Declining Sex Drive - not only does the man have less interest in sex, he will also have sex less frequently. From an average of 3-4 times a week in his twenties, sexual frequency declines to about once a week or so in his fifties to 1-2 times a month in his late seventies. One of the related male menopause symptoms is that sex becomes less enjoyable for the man.

• Fatigue and Less Energy - once able to be on the go all day and into the night, now the male’s activity pace slows considerably. The same physical activity now takes longer with considerably more effort.

• Body Composition - if a man is sedentary, he will lose about 10% of his lean body mass every 10 years after age 30. Lean body mass loss means loss of muscle! This muscle loss is generally accompanied by an increase in fat mass and a tendency to become obese. And obesity is related to numerous health and wellness problems.

• Forgetfulness, Inability to Concentrate - although anyone can occasionally forget, there’s a noticeable change in the ability to remember in male menopause. And it becomes more difficult to focus, which ordinarily is one of the strengths of a man.

• Feelings of Anger, Anxiety, Depression, Irritability - events or actions of others that once were dealt with easily by the male now become more difficult to deal when having male menopause symptoms.

• Difficulties with Quality of Sleep - sleep, especially uninterrupted deep sleep, is the time when the body repairs itself and gets ready for another trip through the next day. In male menopause, the man can have difficulty in falling asleep, he may not sleep well, and he can have a restless time during the last part of sleep before awakening. Not getting enough quality sleep over time can have serious health consequences.

• Confusion, Indecision, Lower Self-Confidence - part of being a healthy male is the ability to solve problems, to be efficient, to be competent, to have power and to achieve. A consequence of experiencing male menopause is the erosion of these crucial aspects of being a man.

• Osteoporosis, Increased Risk of Bone Fractures - even though a male begins to lose bone mass considerably later in life than a woman on the average, bone loss will happen and can be considered another of the male menopause symptoms. Women often begin losing bone mass as early as in their thirties, whereas bone loss begins later in life for a man.

Having male menopause symptoms and losing one’s sexuality are related to factors that include hormonal, mental and physiological problems. Declining hormone levels, especially testosterone, will definitely create havoc in a male’s sex life. Other factors that can cause a loss of interest in sex or sexual activity include stress, obesity, alcohol and tobacco abuse, physical inactivity, illness and prescription drugs side effects.

Do men in their 40’s and older just have to accept these kinds of male menopause symptoms as “what do you expect - you’re getting older”? NO WAY! There ARE steps men over 40 can take that can help them stay healthy, full of energy and active — including sexually active — for decades to come.

Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing

Read about improving men’s health and vitality at Male Menopause to learn more. David Buster is a webmaster of http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com and VP of InfoSearch Publishing - visit the website and learn more about physician-recommended natural treatments for a variety of health problems.

If you are one of millions of women going through menopause, chances are you are asking what to do. Since symptoms of menopause can be devastating for many women, you obviously need some type of relief, allowing you to live as normal of a life as possible. The big question of menopause, and what to do, is generally based on prescription versus natural remedy. This decision is typically something you want to work with your doctor on since each woman is unique during this change of life. In other words, while one woman may do very well with prescription medication, other women will find far better relief using natural products.

For years when it came to menopause and what to do, women would turn to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). At first, the results were incredible but over time and through numerous studies, it has been identified that HRT can actually lead to certain types of cancers. In fact, new research is suggesting that women going through menopause should completely avoid HRT since long-term use creates high risks. Remember, if you prefer to go the prescription route, you have many other options.

For starters, when it comes to menopause, and what to do for incontinence, or leakage of the bladder, anticholinergic or antispasmodic drugs can help. During menopausal years, it is common for women going through this change of life to experience various types of urinary conditions. In addition to incontinence, caused from exercise, laughter, coughing, sneezing, or lifting objects, many women also experience higher levels of urinary tract infections.

As far as menopause, and what to do for things like hot flashes, doctors are now finding that antihypertensive drugs used to control blood pressure are actually moderately helpful in relieving symptoms. Of course, by having high blood pressure, you are placed at greater risk for heart attack and/or stroke. Therefore, by controlling your levels of blood pressure while going through menopause, you are getting two benefits, relief from the dreaded hot flash and a reduced risk of heart disease.

If you are going through menopause, chances are you are dealing with some level of depression, a very common symptom. When it comes to menopause and what to do for depression and anxiety, you will find a number of excellent drugs on the market. These drugs, known as serotonin reuptake inhibitors, work on the brain’s neurotransmitters. When the brain’s serotonin level becomes too low, it can lead to depression, anxiety, and terrible mood swings. By increasing these levels, the symptoms are not nearly as difficult.

As mentioned, for menopause, your question of what to do may be geared toward an answer of a natural approach. Take osteoporosis, which is a common problem associated with the change of life. By increasing your calcium intake, whether through dairy products or calcium supplements, you can strengthen the bones, which cuts back the risk of osteoporosis or osteoarthritis. Today, a number of all-natural products are available helping you with menopause symptoms and showing you exactly what to do to make this phase of life easier to deal with.

Let’s start with some of the more common supplements that can prevent, lessen, and in some cases, reverse the effects of both peri-menopause and menopause. Most of these mentioned work by increasing progesterone levels. Since the body is not producing adequate levels of estrogen during menopause, this helps relieves many of the unwanted symptoms. Therefore, we wanted to provide you with some options that have been tested and proven to work.

First, when it comes to menopause and what to do for mood swings and insomnia try Mellow Pause. This natural product is a combination of ingredients that help balance hormone levels. Flaxseed oil is another natural product that is great for treating mood swings and depression, as well as fatigue. Next, evening primrose can alleviate things like cramping, headaches, water retention, and irritability. Vitamin B6 increases progesterone levels, Vitamin E is a mild hormone replacement, and Vitamin C, particularly Ester, is great for maintaining a healthy immune system.

Other things you can try for menopause, answering the question of what to do, include calcium citrate coupled with magnesium. These supplements are great for overall symptom relief. Then, coral calcium, which comes from Sango Reefs, work extremely well for repairing, damaged cells. Other natural products and supplements to try include Fulvic Acid and Shilajit, bee pollen, and zinc. Remember, whether choosing to treat your menopause symptoms with prescription medication or natural remedies, you have many excellent options. In other words, as bad as symptoms can be you do not have to simply live with them.

Author’s Note: You are free to utilize this article on your site, provided the resource box below remains intact with all links live. Failure to maintain the resource box with live links will result in a DMCA complaint.

Author Dawn M. Olsen takes the subject of
menopause relief to the next level
through education, diet, and the latest in alternative remedies in her new eBook
“Menopause A to Z - A Definitive Guide to Modern Menopause”, available online
now at http://www.menopauseatoz.com

Don’t Get Scammed - Penis Enlargement Scam is one of the biggest markets out their today.

Spend a little time on the internet and you will become quickly aware of the huge numbers of companies that offer penis enlarging solutions. How do you recognize the good, reputable companies from the frauds that are dealing ineffective or inferior products to make a quick buck? Below are some warning signs of bad company practice and potential scams in the rapidly expanding penis enlargement market and how to identify the good products from the bad.

1) Does the product list its ingredients clearly? Are they top grade ingredients?

Low grade ingredients can yield little to no results, and possibly cause other internal complications. Make sure that the company you deal with lists all the ingredients of their product and guarantee the quality of the ingredients.

2)Does the company supply you with ongoing support?

If a company really has developed its own product, or devised a unique system with medical research, then they should provide you with ongoing support to ensure that you are using the system or product appropriately. If a company does not have customer assistance then do not use them.

3) Did you receive the info via spam?

Unsolicited email is illegal and no reputable company would advertise this way. Avoid companies that spam.

4) Have you seen the text on another site?

If the text on a site seems to be a copy-and-paste from somewhere else on the net, then their validity is called into question. The exception to this is that many sites may quote the same medical articles.

5) Does the marketing look professional?

Is the website or printed material professionally designed, or does it look like an amateur made it on their home computer?

6) Is it a well established and respected company?

You want to purchase from a company that has a successful track record of satisfied clients who have provided true testimonials to the effectiveness of the product. ProSolution Pills, ProEnhance, Penis-Health, and SizeGenetics are highly establishing companies.

7) Does the site have a sensible URL?

Avoid sites that have URLs that seem designed to cram in every word that a search engine may look for. This type of company (or more likely individual) is usually just looking to make some fast cash and has not dedicated the research to developing an effective, safe product.

Always keep these points in your head when looking at penis enlargement products and you will end up buying the best product that will satisfy your needs.

Reputable Penis Enlargement Products - http://www.biggerpenisguide.com/

What to wear, what to wear? Are you at a loss when it comes to dressing for holiday get-togethers? Do not despair; many people share your concern. However, there are a few guidelines you can keep in mind when preparing to attend a holiday party.

Know where you are going
This is a big one. Simply having an idea where you are going and how others will be dressed will save a lot of time and a major headache. If you are going to an office Christmas party, business casual will probably be the best choice. However, if you are just going to your sister’s house, you may be able to tone it down. If you are unsure, ask someone what the dress code will be. Keep in mind that “casual” means different things to different people. When you are told “casual” in a business setting, you should dress business casual, no jeans. Likewise, “formal” may mean black tie or simply a jacket and tie; be sure to clarify if you are unsure.

Stay away from clothes that are too sexy
Especially in a business setting, you do not want to show up in revealing clothes. It is not professional and will probably reflect poorly on you. This should also be the practice if you are attending your spouse’s office party. If you are going out with your spouse for a night on the town, sexy clothes are more appropriate. There is a thin line between attractive and sleazy; be sure not to cross that line and embarrass yourself.

Keep it simple
The simpler you can keep your attire, the better. Nine times out of ten, you will be better off in a simple black dress than trying to coordinate slacks, a blouse, and three other layers of clothes. Make it easy on yourself when possible.

Too many sparkles
Many women will use the holiday season to wear a lot of sparkles and shiny clothes. This is fine in moderation; however, if you look like you have been wrapped in tinsel, you should probably go with something else.

Jewelry
Nothing can be as flattering as the right accessories. However, when used the wrong way, they can destroy a good thing. When you are choosing your jewelry, stay with subtle beauty — nothing huge or gaudy. While some people can pull off Santa Claus earrings, most of us can not. Especially the more formal a party, the more conservative the jewelry should be.

Makeup
When it comes to your face, you should also keep it delicate. Certain occasions will dictate red lipstick and more drastic makeup; however, you should be careful not to over-do it. Dark blush or rouge almost never looks good.

Salim Jordan is Editor and Publisher of MoreThanlinks. Bringing you the best informed content on the web. Every part of your life is here, from business to entertainment, technology to relationships, travel, shopping, money, health — and all points in between. Visit www.morethanlinks.com

Choose your battles. That is my health tip for the month. People get surprised that I still visit doctors. They think due to many years, of my being in the natural health field and downing lots of herbs and supplements, that I should be the equivalent to the “Bionic Woman” by now and never need health care or advice from a doctor. Wrong, I do seek health advice. We have the best diagnostic tools and abilities in this country. I take advantage of them, but I also weigh my options.

Here is an example. I had a hysterectomy last month. Gasp from the crowd. Yes, I allowed my vulnerable body to be cut open and the offending organs to be cut out, and I am proud to say I am no longer the carrier of a stinky, dysfunctional uterus, among other things.

I used natural products successfully for years, to reverse damage from endometriosis, fibroid tumors and alleviate pain, but when the challenge rose again…I decided this time I had had enough.

There was too much in my life that depended on me and when I took inventory of what I could control and what I could not, this was an area of my life I could control.

I won’t say it was easy or that it wasn’t emotional. It really was an emotional decision, for me. After all, it is an irreversible decision, not like changing your hair color. I remembered and took strength from how my mother handled her hysterectomy twenty- five years before. She said “So what? They took out the baby factory, but left me the play pen.” Too much information, Mom, but now I get it.

My uterus served me well. I have four beautiful children that would not be here, without it’s’ help, but it also caused me years of pain, discomfort and really slowed my game down, if you know what I mean.

I put this off for years and argued my case for keeping my ovaries and cervix. I lost.

I think my doctor wanted to convince me I made the right decision, when she read me the lab report after surgery. “You should see this report! Everything inside you was damaged.”

“Well, I’ve had four kids. You try keeping things nice with kids around.”
Then she tries to top herself by telling me even my cervix was irritated. I thought why the heck was my cervix irritated? Was the uterus getting on its nerves?

Okay, so the surgery is done. No turning back but I am NOT taking HRT. I am handling this naturally. Here is the part where you have to be really firm in your stance with the medical community, to honor your right to choose what is best for you.

Conversation with my doctor:

DR: So, I put an estrogen patch on you after surgery (even though I told her not to). Do you want me to send you home with a patch or pills?

ME: I don’t want synthetic hormones. I plan to handle this naturally.

DR: Yeah, but I want you to use something for you bones. Do you want the patch or pills?

ME: I don’t want synthetic hormones. I plan to handle this naturally.

DR: Yeah, alright, but I want you to use something at least for a couple of years. Okay? Do you want a patch or pills?

ME: I don’t want synthetics, I’ll handle this naturally.

DR: Oh, okay. Do you want me to prescribe something plant based?

ME: Yeah, go ahead.

I am still trying to find my new female “balance”. I use a natural progesterone cream, made from Wild Yam and supplements of Soy & Black Cohosh. I also take Calcium and other regular supplements of vitamins & minerals.

I am sure the pharmacy will get tired of holding that prescription. She did do a great job of helping me shed unwanted organs. Thank God for doctors!

© Copyright 2004 Elodia Tate all rights reserved Permission to reprint granted with full article reprint, author credit and a link back to my site.

To contact Elodia Tate visit http://www.elodiatate.com

Elodia Tate is a best-selling author, speaker & health Coach, who is known for using humor & story telling to connect with her audience. She feels blessed and honored to have released a best-Selling book, “Open My Eyes, Open My Soul”: Celebrating Our Common Humanity, co-created with Yolanda King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., with a foreword by Coretta Scott King. She is also a contributor to “Chicken Soup For The African-American Soul.

In the early 1990’s, Elodia discovered she had lupus/SLE and chose to take a natural approach for managing her illness. She is a certified natural Health Coach, and the last ten years she has been learning and sharing with others “How To Take A Natural Approach To Health”. She enjoys speaking to small groups as well as large audiences, and has been labeled as a “Health Activist” for the right to choose your own path to wellness.

She pulls from her own life experiences and uses her craft, of turning her stories into humor and connects with people from all walks of life.

“Stop the FlowPeriod. We did,” a group of young looking talking heads intone. A woman in doctor’s garb continues to extol the virtues of not ever having a ‘period’ again. You may recognize this as the latest commercial for a medical miraclestopping your menstrual cycle forever. The medical procedure to create this miracle is touted to be a walk in the park, a piece of cake, an opportunity too good to pass up. What the commercial doesn’t tell you, is the inherent negative aftereffects of stopping your menstrual cycle.

The inherent negative aftereffects of stopping your menstrual cycle are immediate and 100% induced menopause with all the inherent metabolically associated changes, which are triggered immediately versus graduallythus throwing the body into a whirlwind in its attempt to maintain balance. A minor annoyance you might insist compared to having to endure the rigors of the monthly cycle. Guess again. The body is designed to go through its natural cycles naturallynot artificially.

The peri-menopause phase leading up to menopause allows the body to adjust metabolically as needed. The peri-menopause phase includes: an irregular menstrual cycle, skipping a month or more; light flow or spotting one month with heavy flow the next. This is all very common and normal in a woman’s cycle. As the metabolical system reaches balance the body moves into complete menopause as a natural metabolical balance.

When the body is slammed into the sudden loss of the inherent metabolical chemicals all other systems attempt to make up for the loss to no avail. With the metabolic system out of balance the aftereffects are severe and then medication is prescribed to correct the chemical imbalance.

So, you can see this medical miracle isn’t total gainyou are simply changing one set of symptoms for another. The only one who gains is the physician who performs the medical procedure and also prescribes the medication in a futile effort to rectify the loss of metabolical chemicals the body needs. You have become a life-time patient for this enterprising doctor.

It is a known fact that Japanese women tend to suffer with menstrual symptoms or hot flashes only about 1/3 as often as American women. Women on vegetarian diets also complain of hot flashes far less than women who eat meat. Of course, you don’t have to give up those steaks-but doctors and nutritional professionals suspect that the difference is largely due to the use of soy products in the diets of these women, and many women have realized that by incorporating some soy in their diets, their menstrual symptoms and menopausal symptoms have abated considerably.

Other important supplements are:

Flaxseed: High in phytoestrogens (especially lignans), flaxseed also is high in omega-3 fatty acids — a key helper in fighting heart disease. And, like soy, it’s a good all-round helper in your body. It’s high in phytoestrogens, flaxseed can help minimize symptoms like hot flashes. Studies have shown that it can help lower LDL (the “bad”) cholesterol. Studies have shown that it helps fight breast cancer and other cancers. It can help prevent heavy bleeding — a common symptom when you’re first beginning to enter premature menopause and going through erratic periods. Because it’s high in omega-3 acids, it help ease symptoms like breast tenderness, cramping, and other PMS-like discomfort.

Red Clover (available under the brand name Promensil) is another phytoestrogen high in bioflavonoids. Like other phytoestrogens, red clover has been shown to reduce hot flashes, help fight osteoporosis, and generally minimize other menopausal symptoms. But there have recently been other studies that found that it wasn’t as helpful as initially believed. As with so many other supplements, the jury is still out.

Vitamin E and Citrus Bioflavonoids: This combination is a hot-flash buster — with studies showing that taking these two supplements together helps combat hot flashes. 400 IUs of Vitamin E along with 1200 mg of bioflavonoids taken in the morning and again before bedtime has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes. (One note: Vitamin E isn’t safe for everyone. If you have rheumatic heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes, or take digitalis drugs, Vitamin E can be harmful. So be sure to check with your doctor about the appropriate dosage.)

One study (conducted in the 1960s. . . unfortunately there have been few more recent studies) found that, after only one month, over 50 percent of the 94 participating women taking 1200 milligrams of bioflavonoids along with 1200 milligrams of Vitamin C stopped having hot flashes completely and another 34 percent had a drop in hot flash frequency and intensity. Studies have also shown that bioflavonoids also appear to help relieve moodiness, anxiety, irritability and other emotional side effects of menopause — and can help fight vaginal dryness.
Vitamin E helps with vaginal dryness (you can even use it as a vaginal suppository — just putting the capsule in your vagina.)

Vitamin A or Beta Carotene: If you’re suffering from vaginal dryness — or if you’ve noticed a change in your skin texture, a drying or loss of elasticity, Vitamin A or beta carotene can help. Vitamin A (which is what beta carotene converts to in your body) helps maintain tissues, skin, and mucous membraneshelp fight against vaginal dryness and skin changes that often come with low estrogen levels.

B-Vitamins: This family of vitamins helps in coping with premature menopause, both in terms of helping combat symptoms and fighting negative long-term risks. B vitamins can keep your energy levels up; support your liver function ( a definite plus if you’re on HRT, as oral estrogen is broken down by your liver); prevent vaginal dryness; increase your resistance to infection; help maintain your adrenal gland function — which is where the precursor to estrone (the form of estrogen still produced by your body after menopause) is produced. B vitamins are considered stress fighters — so can help you to deal with the emotional symptoms that crop up during premature menopause such as: anxiety, irritability, mood swings, even insomnia.

In addition, if you’re on HRT, it’s a good idea to be sure you’re getting B-vitamins either through your diet (whole grains, beans and brewer’s yeast are all good sources of B vitamins) or in a multi-vitamin or B-complex supplement, since studies have shown that HRT may cause a deficiency in B2, B12, B6 and Biotin.

Calcium: A definite must to help prevent osteoporosis, calcium can also help lower blood pressure, reduce triglyceride levels (that sometimes rise in women on some forms of HRT.)
Magnesium: Magnesium is a very important calcium helper — and also helps fight the crashing fatigue that often comes at the beginning of premature or early menopause by boosting energy levels.

Potassium: helps boost energy. It regularizes your heart beat, which can help if you get palpitations — a fairly common symptom of menopause. In addition, it can help you cope with water retention and bloating, both of which are side effects with certain forms of HRT, particularly progestins such as Provera.

Black Cohosh: helps cut down on hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms, it help with cramps, heavy periods and other menstrual irregularities. Studies conducted using black cohosh have shown that it appears to be quite effective, especially for hot flashes. And some researchers believe it may help prevent osteoporosis and reduce bone resorption, although no long-term studies conducted on humans have substantiated this.

Chasteberry (Vitex agnus castus): This (like black cohosh) appears to act like a progesterone and has been used in Europe for many years to alleviate PMS symptoms as well as menopausal symptoms. It may help diminish both LH and FSH and appears to affect your pituitary function. Different studies have found that it reduced menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes and irregular bleeding. It is helpful for breast tenderness, primarily because chasteberry suppresses prolactin production. Typically, it takes about three to four weeks to notice results. One note, however: While chasteberry is widely used in Europe, there have been no double-blind placebo studies conducted on it.

Evening Primrose Oil: A good source of GLA (gamma linoleic acid), evening primrose oil has been used by many women to help fight PMS symptoms — many of which are the same as menopausal symptoms. It’s a good bet to help prevent bloating, water retention, breast tenderness, cramps and vaginal dryness.

St. Johns Wort or Sam-E: If you’re finding yourself more easily depressed, St. Johns Wort or Sam-E may help. Widely touted as a natural tranquilizer, this herb helps relieve irritability, depression, and fatigue. Over 23 different studies have found that it’s effective in fighting depression — when hormone levels plunge suddenly.

Kava Kava: Helps in reducing anxiety, fighting depression, and leveling mood swings, kava kava has been shown to be quite effective. One recent study found that women with menopausal symptoms taking 100 mg of kava kava three times a day reported a difference after only one week.

Valerian: If you’re suffering from insomnia, a common symptom, valerian may help. It’s used widely in Europe to treat sleep disturbances, as well as for nervousness and menstrual problems. It’s also known as an anxiety reliever — so may help with mood swings and tension.

Altering your diet in small ways can have the greatest positive effect on your body. For instance, by staying away from hot drinks, you’re not giving your body reason to “heat up” and produce a hot flash. At the same time, reducing your caffeine intake (which often comes in the form of hot drinks, including coffee and tea) will naturally help you sleep better at night, which will keep your mood and mental state healthy.

Lastly, replacing these drinks with water and juice will keep your bones and muscles well-lubricated, prevent osteoporosis from settling in, and temper your general aches and pains. We know it’s no easy task to give up coffee, but think of the endless benefits of this one relatively minor change to your diet.

One of the most commonly complained about symptoms of menopause is the weight gain that seems to come along with it. Put simply, your body isn’t burning calories in the same way it once was, so if you don’t change your diet-even if it’s already a healthy one - you’re bound to gain a few pounds around the waist.

Changing your diet now, simply by avoiding a few foods that are bound to make other symptoms worse, while increasing the foods high in certain vitamins while remaining low in calories, will help you to maintain your figure while giving your body the nutrients it needs to fight off the worst symptoms of menstruation or menopause.

For instance, foods high in potassium, including most fruits, will help you keep your mind sharp while promoting healthy water flushing throughout your body (which will reduce cramps and bloating), while keeping your muscles and bones lubricated and strong - including your needy joints and your thinning vaginal walls. In short, this is the time in your life when “an apple a day” couldn’t ring more true!

Oily fish–including salmon, tuna, and vegetable oils, are often recommended by nutritionists for anyone wanting to keep their minds sharp. But these oils are also useful in helping keep your muscles from drying, while helping your digestive system.

Everything from Vitamins C and E to herbal remedies such as Dong Quai and Wild Yam Root are superior to abating the menstrual and menopausal symptoms than any pharmaceutical. You can explore the countless ways in which these small changes or additions to your diet will not only combat the unique symptoms you’re going through, but the ways in which you can identify these symptoms quickly to lead a healthy life during your menstrual years and long after menopause.

Let’s talk about soyit’s been in the news, and for good reason, but where do you start? Many of us would buy a chunk of tofu, which, let’s face it, can be tasteless, but it doesn’t end there, you don’t need to move to Japan to figure out how to add it to your diet. You don’t need to give up eating cheeseburgers to enjoy the occasional veggie burger, but adding some soy to your diet has abated the negative symptoms of menstruation and menopause for millions of women. If you’ve not eaten many soy products, don’t turn up your nose yet-in addition to abating your negative peri- or menopause symptoms, you may find that you actually like it! Not to mention soy is a lot less expensive compared to prescriptions, surgery and negative aftereffects.

Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD provides mind, body, spirit healing. Her knowledge of metaphysical healing and use of natural supplements for disease prevention affords her a unique perspective. http://www.drdorothy.net

Although it usually occurs in women over 35 years of age, breast cancer knows no age, race, social, or lifestyle barriers. It can strike any woman at any time, regardless whether or not she has ever smoked, taken an alcoholic beverage, or ever taken birth control.

Although certain factors can increase a woman’s risk of getting breast cancer, every woman is at risk. Even women who have never experienced a day of illness in their entire lives can fall victim.

Breast Cancer - No Longer a Taboo Subject

Breast cancer is no longer a taboo topic of conversation. As breast cancer awareness increases so do a woman’s ability to take responsibility by taking preventive measures. Routine self-examinations and mammography screenings go a long way in detecting breast cancer while still in the early stages. Early detection greatly minimizes the seriousness of cancer if it is detected, and increases a woman’s chance for survival.

Yet, many women remain reluctant to take the initiative and schedule for a mammography screening. One reason is due of the fear of the unknown. Women who have never had one don’t know what to expect.

This article was written with these women in mind. It outlines what to expect during a mammogram, and tells how to prepare for one. Many women who have been reluctant to schedule for a mammography screening will be pleasantly surprised to learn that the procedure itself is not nearly as intimidating as imagined.

The Mammography Screening

Let’s begin with how to prepare for a mammogram. When scheduling for a mammogram, opt for a time when your breasts are least likely to be tender. This is usually the week following menstruation. Breasts are most apt to be sensitive just before and during your menstrual cycle.

Once you have secured an appointment, you will be instructed to avoid the use of deodorants, powders, lotions, creams or perfumes under your arms or around your breasts on the day of your mammogram. This is because metallic particles contained in powders, deodorants, and perfumes could be visible on the mammogram, making results confusing.

The Day of the Mammography

The day of your test you might want to avoid wearing jewelry, since you will be asked to remove jewelry for the test. You might also want to wear a two-piece outfit, since you will have to remove everything from the waist up.

Aspirin or another over the counter pain reliever such as Tylenol or ibuprofen can be taken about an hour before the mammogram to help ease any discomfort experienced during testing.

Once you arrive for your test, you will be given an examination gown. You will be asked to remove jewelry, if you are wearing any and all clothing from the waist up.

What Happens During the Mammography Screening?

During the procedure you will stand in front of an X-ray machine, specifically designed for mammography purposes. A technician will place one of your breasts on a platform that holds the X-ray film. The platform will be adjusted to your height; the technician will adjust your posture and position your body for an unobstructed view of your breast.

It is necessary that your breast be carefully pressed against the platform by use of a clear plastic plate used to spread out breast tissue. This is essential so that the X-rays can penetrate the tissue. You may find this uncomfortable, or even a little painful. If discomfort is too great, tell the technician.

During X-ray exposure, you will be asked to stand still and hold your breath. Try to relax. Exposure time will be brief. The same process will be repeated for your other breast.

After the Mammogram

After both breasts have been X-rayed, you may be asked to wait until the technician checks the quality of the images. If the views are not adequate, you may have to be x-rayed. If the images are clear, you will be able to dress, and go about your day.

The entire procedure usually takes less than a half hour. A radiologist will study the x-rays. He will be looking for evidence of cancerous or non-cancerous conditions. After he examines the images, the radiologist will send your doctor a written report with the results of the tests.

Possible findings include things such as calcium deposits, most of which are benign, and masses of lumps. He will also look for distorted tissues, and areas of denseness that appear in only one breast. If the radiologist notes any areas of concern in his report, further tests will be recommended, just to be on the safe side. Roughly 5 to 15 percent of mammogram testing is followed by further testing.

Important Reminders

While mammography is a very good way to help determine whether or not cancer is present, it isn’t fool proof. Very small cancers or cancers located in a difficult to see area might not show up on the mammogram.

A mammography also is not without potential risks. During the mammogram screening you will be briefly exposed to low-dose radiation. Even so, the benefits of mammography far outweigh possible risks, especially for women over age 40.

Having a mammogram might not be top on your list of things you enjoy doing, but it nevertheless increases a woman’s chance at longevity. Mammogram screening is an effective tool that could prove life saving. That is because early detection remains a woman’s best defense in the fight against her number one enemy; breast cancer.

Every year the third Friday in October is National Mammography Day. For more information about breast cancer, visit the quick content pages at Writers Write Now web site.

©2006 Lori S. Anton
Writers Write Now

Lori S. Anton has been a published writer for nearly 30 years. She is founder and editor of Writers Write Now, offering original professionally written SEO custom content, Quick Content for quick purchase, and free content for web sites. She lives in rural Wyoming with her husband and best friend, Jeff, and their darling diabetic poodle, Muffy.

So, Ashton Kucher, 27, and Demi Moore, 43, got married with her kids and ex-husband in attendance.

It’s great! It’s Bizarre! She’s a cradle robber! It’s a giant step for older women!

Which one is it?

How about “A giant step for older women.”

Well, almost.

It’s not unusual for older female celebrities to hook up with much younger men. Fame and fortune are powerful magnets. But men are visual creatures. What happens after her beauty fades? Not to worry. Loss of a youthful appearance is no longer an issue. With the variety of cosmetic procedures now available women with ample financial resources can look younger than springtime until the day they die.

To a shrewd, future-oriented man, an older woman with money promises long-term benefits. If her age is really “up there” he can look forward to a bundle upon her demise. If the relationship or marriage doesn’t last, he’s likely to win a hefty settlement. So, what does a younger guy have to lose?

What’s significant about the Moore-Kucher union is that it has driven one more nail in the coffin of the “older woman younger man” taboo that “common folk” - older women seeking younger men but not endowed with fame or money - have to deal with in their quest for a suitable partner.

Sometime ago I gave a talk to a group of older women. After my presentation, a woman I’ll call Betty, came rushing up to share that she was 84, single, dating, and never tells her age. Furthermore, she had no use for men older than 60, and prefers them younger than that. “I can’t stand old geezers. They’re all dead. They are living but they are dead, if you know what I mean” she explained in a confidential tone of voice.

I could understand why Betty preferred younger men. She looked fabulous — a trim figure, she was intelligent, her eyes lit up when she spoke, and she had beautiful smooth skin. Clearly, she had it goin’ on. She could easily pass for 60. Why would she want to put up with a cranky old codger her age?

Here’s the problem: When Betty finds someone with potential, and age comes up, Mr. Potential is gone. I suspect that if Betty had money and celebrity, it would be a different story.

Let me relate a personal experience: At the pharmacy where I work, a customer I’ll call Mr. Smooth, in his mid-fifties, made it clear that he found me interesting, even though he knew I was married. One day the local paper ran a story about my new book and mentioned that I was 76. Before that, my age was mostly unknown because I never talked about it. The public disclosure of my age raised eyebrows, and whispers began at work. “She’s HOW old?” Formerly friendly male coworkers began looking the other way. Sheesh! Be seen talking to an old woman? The guys will think there’s something wrong with me.

Back to Mr. Smooth. He must have seen the story in the newspaper because soon after, he appeared at my prescription counter. Glaring at me with disdain and disgust, he blurted out, “I can’t believe you are as old as you are. I just CAN’T believe it!” He turned around and strode away never to be seen again.

A woman’s age matters to most men. Except when she’s 18 and he’s 81. Then it’s a different story. Society accepts it with a knowing look and a wink. If the relationship produces progeny, that’s really, really cool –until the kids lose their father before their sixth birthday.

Betty has it right. She knows what she wants. She knows what she has to offer. She’s not allowing antediluvian age taboos to stand in her way of finding happiness. Withholding the number of years she has lived, and maintaining a youthful demeanor and attitude, she refuses to bear the stigma of “invisible older woman.”

Joan Collins, Susan Sarandon, Tina Turner, Carol Burnett, Mary Tyler Moore, Victoria Principal, and now, Demi Moore, have defied convention and chosen younger men.

Eventually it will become chic for a fabulous older woman who doesn’t have a bank account or celebrity status to have a relationship with a fabulous younger man.

How can I predict that? Think about this. We are living longer, healthier lives. Yesterday’s 60 is today’s 40 for many women. Dr. Helen Harkness, in her book, Don’t Stop the Career Clock reinforces that reality with her perception of aging chronology that makes sense for today:

Young adulthood: 20-40
First midlife 40-60
Second midlife: 60-80
Young-old: 80-90
Elderly: 90 and above
Old-old: 2-3 years to live

Dr. Harkness’s vision of the stages of aging may take a while to catch on with mainstream thinking, but it will happen. In the meantime, fabulous older women looking for a guy who is still alive and kicking should not tell their age. Happy hunting!

Barbara Morris, R.Ph. is a pharmacist and recognized expert on anti-aging strategies. She is author of Put Old on Hold. Her website is www.PutOldonHold.com. She can be seen on KCAL 9 Los Angeles TV segment: cbs2.com/video/?id=9738@kcbs.dayport.com

Unfortunately one in nine women will develop Breast Cancer, and it is important that women screen themselves weekly for changes in their breasts. Most women will find a lump at some time, but these are usually lumps of fibrous tissue, and are generally not harmful. Any unusual changes in your breasts should be mentioned to a doctor. For more information on self screening log on to www.breastcancer.org

Breast Cancer has been linked to 3 factors:
1. Exposure to natural (produced by the body) and synthetic (chemicals in the environment) Oestrogen (a hormone).

2. The way your liver breaks down and deals with both of these.

3. The speed at which these breakdown products are removed from the gut.

We can reduce or risk of developing Breast cancer in three ways linked to this:
1. Minimizing exposure to synthetic oestrogen.
2. Keeping our liver healthy and in good working order.
3. Keeping our intestines and colon (gut) healthy and working well.

How can we do these things? Well, synthetic Oestrogen’s are found in plastic food wrapping; punnets, cling film, plastic trays, and in soft plastic containers such as food storage containers, in un-filtered tap water, household cleaners and meat, among other things. Synthetic Oestrogen can have up to 100 times more effect on breast tissue than natural Oestrogen. We can help ourselves and our family by trying to cut down on plastic wrapping- buy a basket or a material shopping bag and buy your food from local vegetable shops and fishmongers/markets, requesting that food is put directly into your basket, or a box or shopping bag. You must notice how half the dustbin is full of plastic bottles, punnets and wrapping stuff. By cutting down on these plastics you can help the environment at the same time. When making lunch to take to work or children’s lunch boxes, pack food in grease-proof paper and paper bags, you can also save little glass jars for your work lunch box. (There are now glass baby bottles available if this issue worries you). Exposure to synthetic Oestrogen can also be limited by using a water filter, using more eco-friendly cleaning products such as Ecover, by eating less red meat and by choosing Organic foods (which also often use less plastic in wrapping)- especially organic meat which will contain less hormones and chemicals. The bad effects of Oestrogen are also thought to be counteracted by eating plenty of soya products, so supplement your diet with soya milk, soya yoghurts and puddings, Tofu and tofu sausages, and soya beans.

The second way to reduce our chances of developing breast cancer is to support our liver, so that it can efficiently break down the Oestrogen in our body. To do this we should cut right down on alcohol. The government guideline for safe alcohol limits is 14 units for a woman per week and 21 units for men, but the Breast Cancer awareness organization recommend that we drop our consumption to several units per week. Lowering your alcohol intake will keep you healthier for longer. Some drugs used to help support the livers of Breast Cancer patients are made from an extract of broccoli, and it is well known that cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbages, cauliflower, and sprouts) can guard against cancer. So boost for liver health by eating plenty of fresh steamed broccoli. We can also promote liver health by drinking plenty of water, cutting down our salt intake, avoiding smoked and cured meats and foods, and also by exercising frequently and avoiding recreational drugs, and unnecessary medication. The liver can also be put under stress by environmental toxins such as paint fumes, aerosols and household chemicals, so use masks when decorating, and protect children from fumes. When cleaning, limit use of chemicals and choose gentler products such as Ecover. Try traditional methods such as using bicarbonate of soda to clean the fridge, and vinegar to clean glass- ask your mum and grandma for hot tips!

The third way that you can limit your risk factors is to promote bowel or gut health, and move unhealthy substances quickly from the body (stay regular). There are several ways that we can do this; eating fiber rich foods- lots of complex carbohydrates, lots of fruit and vegetables including the skin where possible, drinking plenty of water, and exercising. All of these things will keep the waste products in the gut moving through the body and quickly out again, reducing the chances of the Oestrogen breakdown products from the liver causing damage to the body. Keeping our gut healthy also involves keeping the gut flora healthy (friendly bacteria). This can largely be done by eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, drinking water, eating natural yoghurt and avoiding excessive alcohol.

Some of you reading this will already have developed breast cancer, and there are many changes to diet and activity levels which can improve recovery and reduce chances of developing cancer again. Recent research has found that women who have previously done several hours of exercise a week are likely to recover better from breast cancer, and women with breast cancer who perform gentle exercise for half an hour three times a week are more likely to recover faster and survive breast cancer. Eating complex carbohydrates, lots of fruit and vegetables and soya products will also aid recovery, and balanced diets may help with the fatigue endured by many women undergoing treatment. Gentle exercise helps to reduce the stress associated with living with cancer and undergoing treatment, and sufferers and non-sufferers may benefit from releasing stress and tension and unburdening the mind though relaxation, yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, or prayer. People with breast cancer and those who wish to avoid it will benefit from a diet rich in anti-oxidants (cancer-busting chemicals) these can be found in colourful fruit and vegetables such as; broccoli, red, yellow and orange peppers, apricots, beetroot, spinach and chard, mango and papaya, cherries and carrots, blueberries and strawberries. Another super food containing a powerful anti-oxidant called selenium is Brazil Nuts- eat a few every day. Healthy eating and sensible activity levels worked in around cancer treatments will aid recovery and support the body through chemotherapy, and recovery from surgery. For more information and support on nutrition contact the Bristol Cancer Help Center- a world-famous organization devoted to helping people recover.
To finish, here are some ways in which you can help your body, (and the bodies of those that you care for) ward off breast cancer or recover from it:
? Give up smoking.
? Self-monitor and check breasts weekly, reporting any unusual changes to doctor.
? Cut down on plastic packaging, plastic bags, and cleaning chemicals.

? Eat less meat, and choose organic meat. Swap meat for soya products which is a good protein source, and rebalances the harmful effects of synthetic protein.
? Cut down on your alcohol intake.
? Eat complex carbohydrates, and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables of many different colours.
? Take regular exercise- 3×30minutes for people recovering from breast cancer, and 3-4 hours per week for everyone else. This exercise does not need to be strenuous or structured, and can be broken into small manageable chunks; 20 minute walk to the park, 10 minutes gardening, vacuuming enthusiastically to loud music for fifteen minutes!
? Maintain a healthy weight.
? Reduce the stress in your life where possible. Try and be organised as this can help. Find time to look after yourself and to relax. Try yoga, meditation and Tai chi- there are many classes, books and videos on offer. Release stress through gentle exercise, having a candle-lit bath or watching a weepy or funny film- whatever works for you. Remember that you are important and you deserve time to relax your body and mind.
? Breastfeeding your babies for as long as possible reduces the risk of developing breast cancer.
If you can live this way as much as possible you will reduce your chances of developing many other cancers, and other chronic conditions such as heart disease. Setting a good example of healthy living to children and grandchildren will reduce their chances of suffering from chronic disease in later life.

See if you can take one new step this week to reduce your chances of developing breast cancer, or to boost your recovery. Pass on this newsletter to your friends and colleagues, and help to spread awareness of Breast Cancer this October. For more information log on to:
www.bristolcancerhelp.org

www.breastcancer.org

www.cancerresearchuk.org

Take care folks,
Vikki.

Do you have any friends and family who could benefit from getting fitter and feeling better? If you do, then treat them to free copy of this newsletter, forward it to them, and get them to e-mail me with a request. E-mail getfitter@yahoo.co.uk subject: newsletter request. Would you like to bring health into the workplace? Get fitter now offers a corporate package, including yoga classes/courses, Nutrition seminars, conference breaks, Company Wellness days and Healthy Friday a monthly wellness event. Please visit www.corporatechill.com
The information contained in the Get fitter Newsletter is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice of or treatment that may be prescribed by your physician. Before adhering to any recommendations or undertaking any exercise program or diet regimen, you should consult your physician.

Vikki Scovell BA(hons) PG DIP is a fully qualified Personal Trainer and Fitness Coach. She is a qualified Nutrition Adviser and runs successful Community Exercise, Yoga and Pilates classes. Vikki is a consultant in Healthy Eating and Exercise initiatives to schools in the independent sector and publishes School and General Healthy Living newsletters.
For more information or to receive her weekly newsletter log on to http://www.getfitter.net or http://www.corporatechill.com