Myth: Alcohol plus sex equals better sex. Fact: A small amount of alcohol may relax you, but anything more can leave you willing but unable. Bert, for example, a young, healthy man who had never experienced any problems with erections, went out drinking with some old friends. He spent several hours guzzling beer, almost nonstop. [...]
There are many common myths that cause a lot of problems for the men and women who believe them, If s time to lay these myths to rest.
Myth: Impotence is the normal result of aging.
Fact: Impotence is not normal. Men do experience changes in their erections as they age, but a healthy man can [...]
For many people the appearance of a suntan is a reflection of health, vitality, and success. We are all subjected to advertisements containing suntanned people engaged in satisfying recreational activities. For those of us living in cold climates, the quest for warmth and sunlight can be very fierce. Many people spend all or part of [...]
The pituitary gland, in the brain, produces hormones that control the function of other endocrine glands in the body. It regulates and monitors their normal hormone production. For example, the adrenal glands produce cortisone according to the amount of the stimulating hormone ACTH from the pituitary gland. This is also the case with the thyroid [...]
Hypothyroidism is diagnosed by blood tests that reveal insufficient amounts of thyroid hormone in the blood. Evidence of excessive amounts of pituitary thyroid stimulating hormones (TSH) usually confirms the diagnosis. Hypothyroidism is treated with thyroid hormone replacement. If you also have heart disease, treatment poses a problem. If your thyroid disease is treated too quickly, [...]
In many instances hoarseness or a deepening of the voice may occur during a cold or flulike illness. In these situations it is short-lived and disappears within a few weeks. Rest your voice by avoiding loud talking or singing, and use a humidifier if the air in your home is very dry.
If hoarseness lasts for [...]
Motor neurone disease, which affects the nerves and muscles, is more often found in younger people, but it may start in the later years. The cause of this ailment is unknown. The first symptoms are usually muscular weakness, twitching, and clumsiness. Within a short period there may be difficulty in speaking, swallowing, and breathing. There [...]
The lymph nodes, found throughout the body, are often referred to as the “glands” that in childhood become swollen or painful during an infection. They are part of the normal defense mechanism of the body. The spleen serves a similar purpose and is frequently involved in the same disorders as the lymph nodes. The lymph [...]
It is often assumed by families and some members of the medical profession that once a diagnosis of cancer is made, the older person should be allowed to “die in peace.” This is unfair, because many older individuals will respond well to anticancer treatment.
Although in most instances the cancer will not be cured, you may [...]
You probably can manage quite well and be reasonably healthy even if your kidneys are not working completely normally. Many people can live with only one functioning kidney. The types of kidney disease affecting older individuals may develop slowly and may not seriously affect your health unless progressive damage occurs. If you become severely ill [...]