Victor Kuri

Archive for the ‘Men’s Health’ Category

Cardiovascular exercises are an essential piece of a healthy life regimen. Your level of fitness is irrelevant. Cardio is essential. To lose man boobs naturally one must incorporate some exercise into the overall strategy.

We are all unique. Each of us has a diverse set of factors which define our level of fitness and health. These include sex, age, weight, history etc. Accordingly, one set of cardio exercises does not fit all. Ergo, the thousands of training programs currently hustled on TV, in print and on the internet.

Beyond our starting point, there is another consideration which is even more important and often is ignored by the ‘fitness gurus’ altogether. What are your personal goals?

-lose weight

-heart and lung conditioning

-endurance conditioning

-muscular tone and fitness

-more muscle

-and so on?

What are you focusing on?

-burning off existing fat

-toning existing muscle

-building new muscle

-becoming more flexible?

If you are significantly overweight (20% over ideal weight), then you need to focus on starting a routine of activity.

Here is a great starting point. Little progress in your fitness can be achieved if you are not breathing properly. There is a simple reason for this. You need dissolved oxygen in your blood not only to survive, but also to produce energy. In plainer terms, oxygen burns ‘something’ to provide the energy required for the exercise.

Hey Mike, this is nothing new, this is same old, same old…

Alright consider this, if your body only burns the food you eat to produce energy, how can you lose weight? Not only that, if your body does not burn all of the food you eat to produce energy, then you will put on weight as your body stores the food for use later.

This is the logic that is behind the design of the calorie deficient diets. Burn more calories than you eat, lose weight.

There are two major problems with this type of logic.

1. we are all lazy.

2. the human body is smart and knows how to protect itself from exhaustion, starvation and any other threat.

Wait a minute Mike. I am not lazy, I signed up for that aerobics class.

Well that’s great, but here’s the point. By establishing a set diet, you have trained your body to expect a certain caloric intake and on a predictable basis. Even more important, your body now expects a certain caloric outgo through exercise again on a predictable basis.

Your body will do whatever it needs to protect itself. It will store energy against the peak demands made by your aerobic classes. It will do whatever is necessary to protect itself against what it perceives as a threat to the status quo.

The human body has the ability through hormones to decelerate or accelerate a large number of bodily functions. One common example of a response is the production of adrenalin during physical threats, another would be cortisol during stress.

Hold on, I am not telling you to stop regular exercise. But it is necessary for you to understand how your body operates to protect itself.

This should be your AHA moment.

This is why you have fought so hard to lose the odd pound.

This is why you cannot keep the weight off.

Despite your good intentions, your body was fighting you every step of the way. Not because it did not want to be slimmer or fitter, but because it perceived your efforts as a threat.

AHA.

Now we need a strategy to circumvent the body’s defense system, actually we want to take advantage of it to achieve our goals.

Good health is very important for a fulfilling life. In these competitive times, unfortunately men’s health is put on the back-burner until it becomes too serious to ignore.

One either forgets about it totally or is too shy to consult a doctor for the problems. Many young boys do not have a clue about whom they must go to with their health problems. In these cases, it is best to subscribe to men’s health magazine. These magazines cover all issues related to the health of men. They usually have a column too where people can put forth their queries to health experts and get answers to them.

Some of the important issues that men are generally shy about asking but ask from the health experts associated with the magazine are discussed below:

Skin Issues – It is a common notion that skin care and lotions are for women but the truth is that even men require to take care of their skin. During the teenage years, guys’ skin also undergo many changes. There are many guys who are stressed because of appearance of so many pimples on their faces but they do not do anything about it. Either they are too careless or are too embarrassed to ask. There are numerous skin products available in the market especially for men. But it would be better if they used them after only consulting a skin expert.

Body Fitness – This is one area where men have finally arrived. To make their body look more attractive, they go for a lot of body building exercises which may or may not suit their body. More than the look, fitness should be the main concern. One must consult a physician or professional trainer before going for any kind of exercise or training.

Weight Issues – Obesity is a concern for most men. And it can have very harmful effects also. In case of overweight people, the HDL cholesterol which is good for our body is produced in less amounts, and LDL which is not good for our body is produced in higher amount. In the men’s magazines, you can find tips on how you can reduce your weight.

Hair Loss – Hair loss is a common problem not only among women but also in men. Some amount of hair fall is common in everyone, but in case the hair loss is more than normal, one needs medical help. There may be many reasons behind excessive hair fall, stress being the main cause.

Sexual Problems – Most men are shy about discussing their sexual problems. It almost amounts to hurting their male ego. But one must consult a doctor if there has been some deterioration in their sexual performance. Subscribing to a men’s magazine will also let them know about many other things. Read one and see for yourself.

Men are considered pillars of the family. They are the ones responsible in leading, protecting and providing for their loved ones. When the man of the house is weak due to poor health, the spouse and the children suffers with him. Discover the keys to men’s overall health and continue to be the wall your family can lean on.

Healthy eating is the first key for a man to remain strong and steady. Stick to a diet that is best both for you and your family. Remind your partner to include a variety of fruits and vegetables to your daily menu and encourage the children to develop a healthy eating habit. This will keep not only you but your entire family away from disease.

Always be on the go. Never allow yourself to remain idle for more than two hours in front of the television or the computer. If you can afford it, sign up as member in your local gym and stick to a regular workout routine. Focus most especially on exercises that will help strengthen your heart, bones and muscles.

Get rid of stress as much as possible or at least learn how to manage it. Remain positive at all times and don’t let career rob you of your time to relax and enjoy with your wife and kids. Stay away from alcohol and tobacco to avoid chronic diseases. Most importantly, get enough rest and sleep to strengthen your immune system.

Prevent various kinds of diseases by detecting signs and symptoms as early as possible. You can do that by getting regular check-ups with your doctor. Have your doctor give you tests for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, colon and prostate cancer and even some sexual disease. These tests will not only make you a step ahead of disease but will also give you peace of mind.

Always remember that your health is as important to you as your family. Stay away from disease by eating the right kind of food s, exercising regularly, getting rid of stress and visiting your doctor at least once every three months.

Most men that come into my office are usually dealing with weight gain, high cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension and fatigue. They just don’t feel like they once did – they don’t have the stamina, strenght or energy that they long for. They are often not sleeping well and require something to help them. They are often stressed by work, family, financial responsabilities. Often not eating properly – missing meals, eating on the run or late. These indicators all point to adrenal burnout. Job and financial stress as well increase family responsibilty takes a toll on a man’s mind and body causing men to have health set backs as well as taking their health more seriously and begin to want to stay or get in shape and to start eating well and to find adequate outlets for their added stress.

Men will often not come in unless they have been told by their doctors that they need to reduce their cholesterol, weight, blood pressure or all of the above. Unlike women (for the most part) some men need to be scared before taking preventative action in reducing their risk factors. This is changing, however, as more and more baby boomer men are starting to heed early warning signs and start to make changes in their lifestyle earlier and earlier.

With all this focus on Menopause for women – men, too, have a period of decline in hormone levels – namelly testosterone – called Andropause. Unlike women, however, Andropause is a gradual drop in hormones versus the dramatic hormonal shift for women The symptoms for Andropause may include decreased energy and stamina, decrease muscle mass, less mental focus, anxiety and depression, increase fat mass, loss of libido and sexual function.

Weight Gain – As belts become too tight, men realize that a proactive approach is needed. They often seek out a nutritionist, dietician and personal trainer

Balancing Blood Sugar – The most healthy glucose levels should be between 80 to 100. Not eating frequently, eating too many sweets or Junk foods or overeating will often affect these levels and can lead to first Insulin Resistance and then Diabetes which is a very debiliting disease.

Prostate Health – Men are often wanting help with postate. Their physicians will often check PSA levels which indicates the health of their prostate. Men often complain of being woken up several times at night as the prostate is enlarged pressing on the bladder increasing need for frequent urination. To help with this condition, I often recommend supplements with saw palmetto and zinc in them.

Lack in Stamina – Most men will not admit to lack of stamina and/or lethargy. To help increase stamina – rest, good diet and exercise is suggested.

Stress – In a recent Journal of American Medical Association(JAMA, November 2006) researchers Perls and Wilcox concluded that to increase healthy aging in men they must learn to manage their stress. Life will always present stress, however, how its managed is key. The study concluded that keeping one’s weight down, getting regular exercise, and staying mentally and socially active are crucial for not only stress management but also healthy aging.

1.SOURCES: Willcox, B. The Journal of the American Medical Association, Nov. 15, 2006; vol 296: pp 2343-2350. Garfield, C. The Journal of the American Medical Association, Nov. 15, 2006; vol 296: pp 2365-2368. Lewis, B. The Journal of the American Medical Association, Nov. 15, 2006; vol 296: pp 2369-2371. Perls, T. American Journal of Nutrition, vol 83 (suppl): pp 484-S-487S. Bradley J. Willcox, MD, clinical assistant professor of geriatrics, University of Hawaii; clinician/investigator, Pacific Health Research Institute, Honolulu. Thomas T. Perls MD, MPH, associate professor of medicine and geriatrics, Boston University; founder and director, New England Centenarian Study.

Diet: Many men have poor eating habits. I have found that a good solid diet is essential to either improve and/or maintain long term health.
A Good Balanced Diet should include the following Food Groups:

- Quality proteins – meat, fish, eggs, chicken, turkey

- Healthy fats – olive oil, flaxseed oil, avocados, nuts and seeds

- Non-starchy vegetables – broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, spinach, etc

- Fruit – all

- Starches – these foods should be limited, they include the following:

- starchy vegetables like corn, potato, squash, etc

- beans – garbanzo, kidney, black beans, etc

- complex whole grains – rye, quinoa, brown rice, etc

Exercise: Men may not be able to do what they once did, however, instead of running a marathon perhaps you would like to join a local community basketball or baseball team. This will not only improve their strength and agility – both mental and physical – it will also help to reduce stress and even create a sense of bonding with other men.. More and more supportive men’s groups are cropping up everywhere helping men better adapt to not only changes in their environment but alsochanges in their abilities as they age giving them a greater sense of meaning in their lives.

Men need to know that health is not merely the absence of disease; it’s a lifestyle. Whether it’s getting enough sleep, relaxing after a stressful day, or enjoying a hobby, it’s important to take time for themselves and to be good to be good to themselves. One of the most important recommendation I give to my male clients is that they take steps to balance work, home, and play. Paying attention to one’s health, and making healthy living a priority is vital.

Supplements for Men’s Health:

Stamina – Whey and Soy Protein Powders, Ashwaganda, L-carnitine

Joints – Glucosamine Sulfate, Chondroitin Sulfate, Magnesium, Omega 3 Fish Oil, Tumeric, MSM

Digestive Problems – Digestive Enzymes, Aloe, Glutamine, Probiotics, Fiber

Heart Disease – CoQ 10, Vitamin E, Omega 3 Fish Oil, Folate

Erectile Dysfunction – Arginine, Folate, Tribulus

Prostate Health – Saw Palmetto, Zinc, Lycopene, Pumpkin Seed

High Cholesterol – Omega 3 Fish Oil, Polycosinol

High Blood Pressure – Garlic, Taurine, Magnesium

Sleep – Valerian Root, 5 HTP, Magnesium,

General Heart Health – CoQ10, Vitamin E, Omega 3 Fish Oil

Stress (Adrenal Burnout) – B vitamins, Licorice, Ashwaganda, Siberian Ginseng

Mental fatigue – Ginkgo, PhophatidylSerine, Acetyl L-Carnitine,

Diabetes or Insulin resistance – Alpha Lipoic Acid, Chromium, Cinnamon, Fenugreek, Fiber

Anxiety and Depression – Inositol, 5 HTP, St John’s Wort, Rhodiola

Tests for Men:

Blood

Diabetes – Glucose, Hemoglobin A1C, Fasting Insulin

Heart Health – Cholesterol, HDL and LDL, CRP, Homocsysteine

Hormones – Cortisol, DHEA, hgH, Testosterone, Estrogen

Prostate – PSA – Prostate Specific Antigens

Thyroid – TSH, T3, T4

Specific Nutrition Practice Assessments

Body Fat Analysis

Supplement review

Health Appraisal Questionairres

Salivary adrenal (stress hormone) tests

Today’s men’s haircuts are very reminiscent of days gone by. Almost all of the haircut styles men are wearing now have been around for years and years. Even some cuts worn by popular celebrities are the same ones that men had centuries ago. Now days, just about every haircut is considered to be acceptable, but in days gone past society wasn’t always as tolerant as it is now. No matter what haircut you decide to wear, your haircut represents who you are. The following haircuts are some of the popular men’s haircuts right now.

The Fade – This haircut is a clipper cut, that is scalp short on the bottom layers and gradually tapered up to a length that will stand up on top. It is very short and very cool in hot climates and also very “cool” looking. Other styles like the fade are the “crew cut” or the “flat top”, they are usually combed upward and held in place with a gel, wax or pomade.

The High and Tight – Another clipper cut, it’s shaved close to the scalp from the nape to the top area of the head. The remaining hair on top is clipped very short and tapered downward to eliminate a ridge. The High and Tight needs to trimmed weekly or biweekly to maintain. It’s a very popular haircut for men in the military and law enforcement field.

The Skater’s cut – An even layer cut that starts at the eyebrow level and hangs over the ears then rounds the nape of the neck. It usually has a “grown out” look that swoops to one side. Made popular in the 1960′s as the “Beatle Cut”, it’s one of the most in style men’s haircuts today.

The Shag – Is shoulder length and is cut from the bottom to the top with each layer getting shorter until it blends into long bangs. The Shag usually part itself in the middle, since its layers graduate to the top. This haircut has been popular for men
and women, since the 1970′s.

The Caesar – A short cut resembling a bowl shape with chunky layers and short bangs.
This style’s been around for centuries and has adorned numerous famous statues. It is also very fashionable among today’s celebrities.

Incoming search terms for the article:

A man’s inability to perform a sexual act can be debilitating to his mental health. It is also one of the most commonly experienced health concerns by a man. Almost every man, at some point in time in his life will complain of this health ailment, unfortunately. The cycle of erectile dysfunction can spiral quickly downwards into a frustrating and emotional situation for both the man, and any relationship he is pursuing.

There are three stages to the erection process in a man; any of these three stages can host physical or emotional health problems that create a dysfunction.

At the first stage, which is arousal, a man receives stimulation from only his thoughts and/or senses. During the second stage, a man’s brain is talking to the arousal function, telling the body to increase blood flow to the penis. At the final, third stage, the blood vessels of the penis enlarge, allowing more blood to flow through and therefore an erection to occur. If anything inhibits, disrupts or confuses any of these processes, erectile dysfunction may ensue.

A Man’s Health: The Facts about Erectile Dysfunction

A man is more likely to ask for help about his health problems than a woman is;

At times the resolution of the problem can be as simple as contraception, communication, reassurance and information sharing;

It affects almost every man at some point in time in his life, no matter what his health status;

Almost one third of a man’s partners will also have a sexual, or health, dysfunction;

YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

A Man’s Health: The Physical Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

There are quite a few physical reasons why a man may be having health problems surrounding his erectile functions. They include: effects from surgery, trauma to the penis or testicles, diseases or conditions (such as diabetes, flu, renal failure, Parkinson’s disease, etc.), drug abuse, medications (such as antidepressants, high blood pressure medications, etc.), smoking, hormonal imbalances, too much alcohol intake, and the aging process.

A Man’s Health: The Psychological Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

If all of the physical health reasons for a man not to have normal erectile function have been covered, then the psychological reasons are closely looked at next. These could include: lowered sexual desire, depression, mental fatigue, stress, guilt, problems with the relationship, lack of interest in sex from their partner or anxiety disorders.

A Man’s Health: Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction

The best way to treat a man’s problem with his health is to first discuss the issues with your doctor, and then with your partner. Both are important in determining not only the causes of the problem, but appropriate treatments as well. Some treatments used regularly are: counseling, intracavernosal drugs (such as prostaglandin E.), education/advice, drugs (such as Sildenafil), vacuum devices, prosthetics, or surgery.