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Medicine and Sexual Side Effects

Sometimes it's an illness that causes sexual problems but most of the time it is the medication you are taking that is causing the problem.  Some medications that can cause a myriad of different sexual problems are:

*High blood pressure medications

*Ulcer medications

*Tranquilizers

*Birth control pills

*Antidepressants

*Anti-psychotics

Talk to your Dr. if you notice adverse sexual effects.  The solution could be as simple as changing your medication and/or dosage.

Painkillers Can Be a Real Pain

By over using painkillers such as aspirin or acetaminophen or ibuprofen, there can actually be a back lash affect.  The problem is that by overusing the medication you get headaches caused because  the medicine dulls the body's natural pain defenses which increases pain and thus causes the sufferer to take even more of the medication.  To end the headache cycle, cut down on the number of pills gradually.  You should start feeling better in less than a month as it takes time to re-train your body's natural defenses.

Rid Yourself of Headaches

You can rid yourself of painful headaches without the use of medications by applying  a lot of pressure ( painful even) to certain pressure  points on your hand or wrist.  One place to try is the meaty part of your hand between your thumb and pointer finger.  Another is just above the wrist bone on the thumb side.  There is no medical reason as to why it works but it's worth a try.

ABC's of a Vasectomy

To a lot of men, vasectomy is a word they can't even say much less think of having one done to them.  The fact of the matter is that not much is really changed by having one.  The body still produces hormones, sperm and seminal fluid.  The only real difference is that instead of the sperm being ejaculated, it is harmlessly absorbed by the body. 

Of course no surgery is without risk but vasectomies are very routine and are usually conducted in the Dr.'s office with a local anesthetic.  The Dr. makes 2 small incisions in which he can then find, snip and seal the vas deferens so that the sperm can no longer travel through them.  Recovery is usually only a couple of days but can be up to a couple of weeks before all sperm is gone from the stored semen.

If there is a need for the vasectomy to be reversed, it is possible.  However, there is only about a 50/50 chance that the surgery will be successful.  Some men become infertile due to antibodies produced after the surgery.

Vitamin Warnings

Don't mix vitamin C with aspirin.  If taken together in large doses, stomach irritation can occur and eventually lead to ulcers.

There are also studies that have found vitamin E to have several adverse effects.  Some noted problems have been headaches, upset stomach, vision problems, drowsiness, decreased blood sugar levels, excessive bleeding and sexual problems. 

Walk Off that Big Meal

To burn off that huge dinner, exercise for around 20 minutes within 30-45 minutes of finishing your meal.  Eating a large meal kicks up your metabolism just as exercising does so you will actually burn more calories.  Eating a lower calorie meal actually makes it harder to burn off than eating the larger one. 

Easy Car Exercises

Here are some easy exercises to do the next time you are stuck in traffic.

Stomach: Sit up straight and put your back against the seat.  Pull in your stomach and hold your breath for 5 seconds.  Relax.  Repeat.  This also helps relieve stress and helps keep you awake.

Chin: Lift up your chin just a little and open and close your mouth like an exaggerated chewing motion.

Neck: Move head slowly from left to right but keep your eyes looking straight ahead.

Buttocks:  Tighten your glutes for a few seconds and release.  Repeat for as long as you wish.

Exercise and Medications

Exercising while taking certain medications can be dangerous.  For instance:

Aspirin can hide the pain that would normally tell you that it is time to stop. 

Antihistamines make you drowsy and can put a strain on your muscles and heart.   

Taking a decongestant raises your blood pressure which can lead to heart attacks and/or stroke. 

Diuretics cause dehydration and cramping.

Tranquilizers  hide pain and dull reflexes.

Make sure to check with your doctor before mixing medications and exercise.  Also, see how your body reacts to your medication before exercising.

Exercise Dont's

Doing exercises the right way is essential.  Even the most basic of exercises can be harmful if done wrong.

* Sit-ups: Make sure your legs are bent, that you don't raise more than 30 degrees from the floor and fold your hands over your chest instead of putting them behind your head to achieve the maximal workout for your abs.  Keeping your legs straight can be harmful to your lower back.

* Toe-touches: You can easily hurt your back if not done properly.  Make sure your legs are bent slightly, slowly bend toward the ground and hang for about 15 seconds.  Slowly come back up and repeat.  Make sure not to bounce.

* Leg-lifts: Should be done while on your side and supported by your arms.  Slowly raise and lower your leg in a straight up and down motion.  You should not do leg-lifts while lying on your back.  You can cause injury to your pelvis.

* Knee-bends: Make sure your thighs stay parallel to the floor.  Knee-bends can cause knee injury and/or pain.

Take special care when dealing with exercises that involve the knees  and lower back.  If you find that doing an exercise is painful - don't do it. 

How to Pick a Health Club

A health club is only good if you use it.  Therefore, the facility must meet all of your needs in order for you to get the most out of using it.  Here are some tips to keep in mind when out shopping for a club to join.

1.  Make sure it is close to your home or office. 

2.  Check that they are open at the times you need them to be.

3.  They offer both aerobic and weight training equipment/activities.

4.  Staff that knows the equipment and can help you use it properly.

5.  Trained professional on staff to help you plan a program that meets your needs.

6.  Make sure the equipment is in good working order.  Also, make sure they have enough machines to keep you from having to wait around.

7.  Make sure the facility is clean.

8.  Check out the other members while you are there to see if the atmosphere is a good one for you.

9.  A trial membership that is 3 months or less.  A lot of facilities will let you have a free trial work out.

10.  A refund policy in case you get hurt or have to move.

Stay away from facilities that:

1.  Make you feel pressured to sign a contract then and there.

2.  Offer a lifetime membership (what if they go bankrupt?)

3.  The staff isn't trained.  This could be a dangerous place to join.

4.  Pool area isn't clean.  You should be able to see the bottom of the pool if the chemicals are at the correct levels.

5.  Equipment that is out of service.

6.  Uncomfortable feeling from the staff or other members.