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Erectile Dysfunction: Causes and Cure

December 29, 2014

Erectile Dysfunction, Causes and Cure

Erectile dysfunction is one problem that has seen even the most masculine men wet pillows with tears behind closed doors. This is a problem that will continue to haunt men if they fail to seek immediate help. Erectile dysfunction also known as impotence refers to a situation when a man can no longer get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Having an erection trouble once in a while is not necessarily a cause for alarm but if erectile dysfunction is an ongoing problem, it will not only cause stress and depression but will also cause relationship problems as well as affect your self-confidence. Erectile dysfunction sounds like failure or weakness to many men. It gives them a feel of inferiority and may go a long way in affecting their way of expressing themselves. Erectile dysfunction affects men even beyond the boundaries of the bedroom as it lowers their self-esteem leaving them with an inferiority disease. In most cases erectile dysfunction is caused by deficiency in the testosterone hormone. Testosterone hormone is majorly produced in the testes and is the hormone that is entirely responsible for sexual drive in a man. Without this hormone any man will not be able to have the urge to have sexual intercourse and even if he was to have sex just out of responsibility he will not be able to achieve an erection that can last long enough to optimally perform the sexual intercourse act. The levels of this hormone however vary with age. As one is aging the levels of this hormone will go down and this is just normal however incase the levels of this hormone are flooring at an early age it can be solved by going for testosterone therapy which may help to restore the normal testosterone levels in a man.

Erectile Dysfunction

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

To achieve an effective erection that can last long enough to satisfy a woman or long enough for procreation several factors come to play. Male arousal is a very complex process. Here are some of the causes of Erectile Dysfunction.

Stress- this is one of the psychological factors that has been found to cause erectile dysfunction. Sex begins in the brain and so when the brain is worked up clogged by stress then it may become very difficult achieving an erection. Other psychological factors that may cause erectile dysfunction include anxiety and depression.

Low Testosterone Levels

Testosterone is a major cause of hypogonadism. Testosterone is the necessity for a man to be sexually active. When levels of testosterone decline the urge to have sex declines and so is the ability of an erection to last long enough to perform satisfactory sex. Low testosterone levels also causes dump moods which may not have very good effects on a man’s ability to erect. However there are natural ways that can be employed to help restore testosterone levels and resolve the whole problem of erectile dysfunction. One of the ways through which an erectile dysfunction caused by low testosterone levels be solved is going for testosterone replacement therapy.

Other causes of erectile dysfunction include;

  • Certain prescription medications
  • Tobacco use
  • Alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse
  • Treatments for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate
  • Heart disease
  • Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
  • High cholesterol
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Wounds in the penis

Erectile Dysfunction Testing

There are very many causes of erectile dysfunction and therefore it is important for tests to be done to reveal the cause of the disease before giving any therapy. There are also very many tests that can be done to show the cause and the state of your erectile dysfunction. Some of the tests that can be done include;

Urinalysis-Analysis of urine can provide lots of information, including information on protein, sugar and testosterone levels. Abnormal measurements of these substances can indicate diabetes, kidney disease or a testosterone deficiency, all which can cause ED.

Penile biothesiometry– This test involves the use of electromagnetic vibration to determine sensitivity and nerve function. A decreased sensitivity to these vibrations may indicate nerve damage.

Vasoactive injection– During this test, an erection is produced by injecting special solutions that cause the blood vessels to dilate allowing blood to enter the penis.

Dynamic infusion cavernosometry– This test is used for men with ED who have a venous leak. During this test, fluid is pumped into the penis at a predetermined rate. By measuring the rate at which fluid must be pumped to attain a rigid erection, doctors can determine the severity of the venous leak.

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction Treatment  

Just like there are several causes of erectile dysfunction so are the treatments available. However the biggest challenge in treating erectile dysfunction is that most men are ashamed to discuss this issue with their doctors. When that is done the doctor may avail you the best treatment for your situation.

Here are some of treatments;

Penile Implants- penis implants offer a permanent solution to erectile dysfunction. There are more types than you may think. Your doctor will help you choose the best for you.

Erectile Dysfunction Surgery– though not so popular a surgery can help fight erectile dysfunction as it improves the blood flow to the penis hence improving erections.

Nutritional Supplements– there are some nutrients that must be available in the body at good levels so as to make erection last. These minerals may include zinc and calcium. These minerals can be supplemented to help save the situation.

BHRT–Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy can help men regain their youthfulness and sex drive of their 30’s through BHRT. Bio identical Hormone Replacement Therapy restores hormones to physiological levels to support brain, nerves, heart, vessels, skin, bones, and other body’s systems functions for all have hormone receptors.

Find help

Erectile dysfunction can damage your confidence and your relationship. If you are troubled by ED Low testosterone may be the cause, and BHRT may be the cure. To get started with testosterone replacement therapy, please call (843) 213-1480 or contact Dr. Dalal Akoury.

 

Erectile Dysfunction: Causes and Cure

 

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Catabolic Wasting, Cachexia and Cancer; Natural Remedies

December 16, 2014

Catabolic Wasting, Cachexia and Cancer; Natural Remedies

Catabolic WastingA number of chronic diseases are characterized with loss of weight among the patients of these diseases. Be it AIDS, or other severe illnesses like cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the patients are likely to experience a wasting of the body mass. This wasting of body mass is what is referred to as Catabolic wasting, or cachexia.

Old age is also common with the decline of the general body mass of the aging individual. This is however not the same as cachexia, rather, the condition is referred to as sarcopenia. Both of these are conditions of loss of both muscle and body fat tissue. Cachexia and sarcopenia both often lead to frailty of the body and these conditions adversely affect different clinical outcomes and the victims face an increased risk of infection, falls and ultimately death. Cachexia is also associated with slower healing of wounds, significantly reduced exercise and breathing capacity. The overall life quality of the individual is usually diminished.

When the term ‘catabolic wasting’ is used, a reference to both sarcopenia and cachexia is encompassed. Catabolic mentioned here refers to the tissue breakdown; just the direct opposite of anabolic which on the other hand denotes tissue-building.

How catabolic wasting results

The wasting away of body muscle and fat tissue is caused by an interplay of a number of factors. Malnutrition is often key among these factors. This is due to reduced food consumption or impaired absorption of nutrient that frequently occurs in advanced or later stages of severe and chronic diseases. This form of malnutrition can always cause manifest loss of body muscle and fat tissue. Studies indicate that cachexia, despite being typically accompanied with loss of appetite by the patient, the condition hardly ever responds to improved food intake alone.

Among patients of AIDS for instance, dehydration is one of the commonest contributors to catabolic wasting. Dehydration is a condition of severe loss of body fluid and this is known to result in reduced aggregate body weight.

Inflammation has also been noted to play a key role in deterioration of the mass of the patients of chronic diseases. Both acute and chronic and conditions can cause serious increases in the creation of inflammatory cell-signaling molecules referred to as cytokines. Cytokines (inflammatory mediators) are known to alter a number of metabolic processes in the body. As a result, there is a reduction in muscle protein synthesis and the muscle protein also breaks down in an increased rate.

The inflammatory cytokines often activate a key metabolic regulator referred to as nuclear factor kappa B. this is also abbreviated as NF-κB.  The NF-κB in turn triggers a number of physiological changes which encourage tissue deterioration. The cytokines are also known to stimulate the release of hormone cortisol, the adrenal catalytic chemical responsible for body stress and other neurotransmitter hormones: catecholamines. Together, the cortisol hormone and hormone catecholamines can aggravate catabolic wasting by disrupting the metabolism of muscle cells. They also alter the basal metabolic rate (BMR) of the patient.

There are other factors that have been identified as being causative to catabolic wasting as well. These include reduced levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 and testosterone in the body. These substances are often responsible for inducing of anabolic actions in bodily muscle tissue. Reducing their levels therefore will have a negative response in this regard hence can lead to reduced muscle mass.

Natural Ways of Countering Catabolic Wasting

Insulin resistance, increased inflammation, oxidative damage, breakdown of protein associated with actual reduction of protein synthesis and changes in the levels of essential hormones have so far been identified to be responsible for cachexia and sarcopenia, conditions of catabolic wasting other factors also include blood vessels dysfunction and the dysfunction of nerves as well as damage caused to mitochondria which are responsible for the production of cellular energy.

Catabolic Wasting

Advanced cancer patients are therefore likely to manifest symptoms of catabolic wasting or cachexia. Precisely this is often referred to as cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome (CACS). This is because solid tumors result in the above internal changes that eventually get noticeable through body wasting as a symptom.

Natural ways meant to counter the symptoms of cachexia resulting from cancer should be targeted at the root causes of the fat tissue and muscle wastage. Researchers stress that the application of successful therapies will depend on the ability of the therapist to determine which categories of cancer patients often experience the greatest benefit when treated with a particular therapy instead of another. As such the catabolic phenotypes in patients of cancer must first be assessed before any therapy is recommended.

The effective medical treatments for cachexia often include encouraging the use of adequate amounts of liquids and food accompanied with certain drugs. These medical treatments however present serious side effects.

Catabolic wasting therefore is effectively treated by a variety of lifestyle, nutritional and innovative pharmacological interventions that may often prevent and treat cachexia and catabolic wasting in general.

Lean muscle mass may be built by taking glutamine, leucine, arginine and hydoxy-methylbutyrate (amino acids); whey protein and creatine. Omega-3 fatty acids are especially recommended by many practitioners for use in dealing with catabolic wasting. Other recommended products include conjugated linoleic acid and vitamin D which are also said to be effective in fighting lean tissue loss.

AwareMed is a perfect resurce not only to get information regarding the methods of ensuring a healthy life free from catabolic wasting, but also to purchase supplements that will help you recover from severe levels of catabolic wasting.

Catabolic Wasting, Cachexia and Cancer; Natural Remedies

 

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Skin Cancer Prevention and the Effects of Sun Rays

December 10, 2014

Skin Cancer Prevention and the Effects of Sun Rays – Risk Factors for Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer Prevention and the Effects of Sun Rays

Skin Cancer Prevention and the Effects of Sun Rays

The biggest victim or culprit in causing skin problems is the excessive sun rays. Skin cancer is one of the most worrying skin health conditions to everyone. Therefore the experts’ advice that skin cancer prevention among many other health complications relating to the skin needs to be prevented by all means. It is always said that prevention is better than cure, meaning that we can do a lot more when we prevent such chronic conditions. It will not just keep our skin healthy, but it will also save us money, time and psychological problems. What actually goes in your mind at the mention of the disease cancer? I know that this is one of the most frustrating and traumatizing health condition one would not want to be associated with. It is because of its adverse effect on human life that doctor Dalal Akoury a medical professional of more than two decades of practice, founded AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center to bring forth preventive solutions to everyone about skin care. Protecting your skin from the harms of the sun becomes the primary preventive measure anyone can take.

This is one point that when you visit this facility will be emphasized to you because it forms the basis of the problem. Therefore, the most important way of skin cancer prevention is to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. This article’s objective is to give you tips on how you can protect your skin from the harmful effects of sunlight. And most importantly, it is very imperative to protect children from the sun. Remember that the skin of a child is more delicate and sensitive to sun damage than the skin of an adult. Proper care needs to be exercise at that tender age to avert any possibilities of contracting skin cancer in later when they become adults. This does not necessarily mean that you and your children won’t enjoy the warmth of the sun, no the sunlight has some benefits and so you can still enjoy sunshine and the outdoors. This article only aims to help you to do so in a manner that encourages skin cancer prevention.

Skin Cancer Prevention and the Effects of Sun Rays – Sun and Skin Damage

I have never seen anybody who doesn’t want to have a perfect skin complexion. Because this is a common denominator to all, doctor Akoury is explaining certain facts to put more emphasis on the effects of sun rays to the skin. Too much exposure to sunlight is harmful and can damage the skin. Some of this damage is short-term like sunburn. However, permitting your skin to burn consistently in such unfriendly weather can lead to future complications like skin cancer. The damage is often caused by the two main types of ultraviolet (UV) sunlight namely UVA and UVB.

  • UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, damaging the skin dermis (the middle layer).
  • The dermis contains the elastic tissues that keep the skin stretchy.
  • UVA rays therefore have the effect of ageing the skin and causing wrinkles.
  • UVB rays are absorbed by the epidermis (the top layer of skin). This causes sun tanning but also burning.

It is important to note that both UVA and UVB rays will intensify your risk of developing skin cancer. Receiving sunburnt is a pointing sign that you are putting yourself at risk of contracting skin cancer. Also remember that damaged skin cells also points out that you’re at greater risk of becoming abnormal and cancerous.

Skin Cancer Prevention and the Effects of Sun Rays: Melanin

Melanin is the colour pigment in our skins. When skin is exposed to sunlight, more melanin is produced to help protect the skin against the UV rays. This makes the skin darker what people refer to as a suntan. Although melanin stops your skin burning so easily, it does not prevent the harmful effects of UV rays.

Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to the sun. This includes:

  • The non-melanoma type of skin cancer
  • The melanoma type of skin cancer

Non melanoma skin cancers include basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. Sun damage can also cause other skin problems to develop. For example, it can cause premature skin ageing, such as wrinkles and loss of elasticity. It can also cause non-cancerous growths on the skin, such as solar keratosis

Skin Cancer Prevention and the Effects of Sun Rays – Who is at risk of skin cancer?

People of all ages should protect their skin, but it is even more vital to protect children. Although skin cancer is rare in children, the amount of sun exposure during childhood is thought to increase the risk of developing skin cancer in adult life. Children who have had episodes of sunburn are more likely to develop skin cancers in later life. The skin of children is more delicate and more prone to damage. Therefore, take extra care with children, and keep babies out of the sun completely.

If you have pale skin, red or fair hair, and freckles, you have the type of skin which burns most easily. This puts you at increased risk of sun-related skin damage and you should take extra care to protect your skin NEVER allow yourself to burn. If you have pale skin, you do not have as much protective melanin. Skin cancers, especially melanoma, are less common in non-white skin types. However, they can still occur, and sun protection is still important.

Other factors which can put you at more risk of developing skin cancer are:

  • Having lots of moles.
  • Having a history of a skin cancer of any type.
  • Someone in your family having a history of skin cancer.
  • Having albino skin. This is very white skin which has no melanin at all.
  • Having vitiligo. This is patches of very white skin with no melanin.
  • Scars on your skin from burns or ulcers.
  • A weakened immune system (being immunosuppressed.) This can be from an illness such as HIV or AIDS, or from certain medication which affects the immune system.
  • A job which involves you being outdoors most of the time.
  • Living in a hot country, particularly if you have naturally pale skin.
Skin Cancer Prevention and the Effects of Sun Rays – Risk Factors for Skin Cancer

 

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Skin Care Tips During Winter Season and Beyond

November 19, 2014

Winter Skin Care Tips – The Type of Skin You Want All Round

Skin care

Oh dear it is winter again, what plans do you have for your skin care? Winter Skin Care Tips on this link are available to help you keep your skin healthy.

Whereas we have seasons in the calendar year, the good health of our skin should not be pegged on the changes that happen within the seasons of the year. The health of your skin must be observed continuously irrespective of the season, however because of the many pollutions and human degradation of the nature, these seasons come with certain changes which necessitate us to be prepared if we have to sustain the good kooks on our largest organ and the general well-being of our health. We are therefore going to look at certain elements we have to embrace for the sustainability of our good look and especially during winter season. It is true that for many people, the cold clear days of winter bring more than just a rosy glow to the cheeks. They also bring uncomfortable dryness to the facial skin, hands, and feet. For some people, the problem is worse than just a general tight, dry feeling since their skin get so dry resulting in flaking, cracking, even eczema (in which the skin becomes inflamed).

During winter the weather is very cold and often people worm their houses artificially in most cases. This practice of worming indoors has some negative effects on the skin, in fact the heat emanating from the system causes the skin to dry out. The source of your heat in this case is secondary so whether you’re using oil, wood, or electricity as fuel doesn’t really counts. The bottom line is that the skin gets dry. The dryness of the skin and other effects need to be corrected and this can be done professionally at the home of solutions. The home of solution is AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center a health facility founded by doctor Akoury purposely to transform each individual’s life through increasing awareness about skin care and general health and wellness and by empowering individuals to find their own inner healing power. Her practice focuses on personalized medicine through healthy lifestyle choices that deal with primary prevention and underlying causes instead of patching up symptoms. In her many decades of practice, doctor Akoury has succeeded in producing positive testimonies across the globe by patients who have passed through her care. You can be one of them if only you can schedule for a one on one appointment with her today. Meanwhile the following are some of the skin care tips for boosting your winter skin care regimen, so that your skin remains moist and healthy through the winter seasons.

Involvement of Specialist

The skin is such a delicate organ and you cannot opt for self-medication, it never advisable to buy skin care products across the counter instead visiting a skin care professional like a dermatologist would be most appropriate. The professionals will be able to examine your skin type, determine your current skin care regimen, and give you advice on the skin care products you should be using. You may be worried of the cost of the likely product to be prescribed; good products will always work effectively irrespective of the cost. Most of the expensive products are so because of their packaging and marketing values, however what is important is how your skin responds to the product and how you like its feel, not how much money you paid for it.

Moisturize periodically

Like I mentioned before different seasons come with different challenges and needs for your skin care, therefore changing the products you used in spring or summer may be necessary when you get to winter and vice versa. It is therefore very important that you find an ointment” moisturizer that’s oil-based, rather than water-based, as the oil will create a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture than a cream or lotion. Nonetheless consult with the experts on your choice of skin care products because not all oils are appropriate for the face. The family of non-clogging oils like avocado oil, mineral oil, primrose oil, or almond oil is most appropriate. However you may also go for lotions containing humectants a class of substances (including glycerine, sorbitol, and alpha-hydroxy acids) that attract moisture to your skin.

Sunscreen

No, sunscreen isn’t just for summertime. Winter sun combined with snow glare can still damage your skin. Applying a broad-spectrum of sunscreen on your face and your hands (if they’re exposed) about 30 minutes before going outside. Do this periodically if you stay outside a long time.

Support your Hands

Remember that the skin on your hands is thinner than on most parts of the body and has fewer oil glands. It therefore becomes harder to keep your hands moist, especially in cold, dry weather. This can lead to itchiness and cracking. It is advisable to wear gloves when you go outside and if you need to wear wool to keep your hands warm, slip on a thin cotton glove first, to avoid any irritation the wool might cause.

Hook Up the Humidifier

Central heating systems (as well as space heaters) blast hot dry air throughout our homes and offices. Humidifiers get more moisture in the air, which helps prevent your skin from drying out. Place several small humidifiers throughout your home; they help disperse the moisture more evenly.

Hydration

It is always said that water is life and so drinking plenty of water helps your skin stay youthful. Water is good for your overall health and the skin of someone who is severely dehydrated will benefit from fluids. But the average person’s skin does not reflect the amount of water being drunk.

Grease up Your Feet

Yes, those minty foot lotions are lovely in the hot summer months, but during the winter, your feet need stronger stuff. Try finding lotions that contain petroleum jelly or glycerine instead. And use exfoliates to get the dead skin off periodically; that helps any moisturizers you use to sink in faster and deeper.

Pace the Peels

If your facial skin is uncomfortably dry, avoid using harsh peels, masks, and alcohol-based toners or astringents, all of which can strip vital oil from your skin. Instead, find a cleansing milk or mild foaming cleanser, a toner with no alcohol, and masks that are deeply hydrating rather than clay-based, which tend to draw moisture out of the face. And use them a little less often.

Finally the skin needs to be protected from all the harms of the weather and seasons. You need more knowledge to overcome any challenge that may come with the changes in seasons and that why professionals like Dr. Akoury are readily available to help you keep that desired youthful looking skin, call doctor Akoury today and begin a life of perfect skin complexion with perfect skin care products.

Winter Skin Care Tips – The Type of Skin You Want All Round

 

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Taking Someone Through an Addiction Treatment

October 26, 2014

How to Motivate Someone to Go Through an Addiction Treatment Program

AddictionI have always had one problem with addicts. My biggest problem with most addicts is that they live in denial. They do not want to agree that they are no longer in control of the drug of abuse or alcohol they are using. I think this is why helping addicts has become a very long procedure because honestly you will only be able to help a person after he has realized that he is no longer in control of his indulgence in the use of the drugs and therefore needs help. It is this step that has made it difficult for friends to help friends who are losing their lives to drugs and other substances addiction. In most cases addicts will begin looking for help when it is too late and therefore their fight against addiction becomes hard and even expensive. The earlier and addict realizes and accepts that he is no longer in control of the drugs he is using the easier it will be to treat them. However, you may seek professional help to help someone acknowledge that he is no longer in control of his drugs of abuse. The professional will also go a step further to help instill the will to break free from addiction into the patient. When this is done it will now be manageable to help motivate a patient to overcome addiction.

You will also need to realize that despite your relationship with the addict whether he is your son, your wife, your husband, your best friend or your student there is no conversation that can magically make him stop using drugs that instantly. It is good to know that when you tell them to stop using drugs but they continue, it is not out of indiscipline but out of compulsion that they continue to use these drugs against your wish. It is important to note that most addicts are constantly in conflict with themselves, always trying to break free from the bondage of addiction. When you fail to realize this you will automatically build a wall between you and your friend and helping him will be the last thing you will succeed at in this planet earth.

Here are some of the ways you could employ in motivating an addict to seek addiction treatment

Make them know their worth-most addicts have lost hope in whom they really are. They believe they are not good at any other thing and their lives become a real nightmare. By helping an addict too know that he is worthy and he can create something better out of himself you will be able to help him overcome the feeling of uselessness that in itself leads them to drug addiction. Most addicts are not aware of their potential and therefore if you can help them know how worthy they are then you may begin on the right foot to helping them seek addiction treatment program. By appreciating them you will be one of the few people out of their drinking circle that sees anything positive in him and he will become a friend. You can only motivate someone who is willing to be open with you and you can’t do that before you make yourself a friend in the eye of the addict.

Avoid arguments with the addict– like I said most addicts live in denial and they are not convinced that anything is wrong with them. They therefore will always be having a different opinion of themselves from you. It is however not good to begin arguing with them as this may spoil for your good relationship. Any argument with an addict will portray them negatively and make them withdrawn and this will help neither you nor them.

Addiction is not Logical– addiction is not logical; this is a fact that you need to appreciate so as to be able to help a friend dependent on drugs. These people are using drugs as a matter of compulsion; they do not do it by choice. They will therefore not listen to logics and it is therefore important to avoid using facts in your arguments as that is a language they do not understand. No matter what you promise them if they stopped using drug it will not bother them. This will also help you to be more patient with them and avoid more arguments.

AddictionLet them know it is their responsibility- this comes after you have successfully helped them to overcome denial and appreciate the fact that they are out of control of the drugs they use and therefore need help. Let them know that no matter what you can do, without their commitment and will to stop using drugs they can never overcome it.

Show empathy and concern– a man shall never agree that you know his pain until you have walked a month in his moccasins. You will be able to help your friend by showing empathy and concern. Let him feel like you are with him in his pain. You should not criticize his chosen way of life at any point of your interaction as that will only build barriers towards helping him achieve addiction treatment.

Here at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center in Myrtle Beach we understand the struggles that addicts are daily involved in and therefore we open our arms wide enough to help them overcome addiction. Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) has always been ready to help visit us in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for more help on addiction.

How to Motivate Someone to Go Through an Addiction Treatment Program

 

 

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