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Is Erectile Dysfunction a State of the Mind?

Erectile dysfunction is one of the worse things that can happen to a man. Ask any man and most of them will accept it. While way too many of these men could be suffering from erectile dysfunction as a result of hypertension or diabetes, some may not have a physiological reason to support the cause. Medically such men could be impotent due to idiopathic (unknown) reasons.

A man is known to be extremely sexually active so if he is not able to make love, there is a definitive reason behind it. Some of these idiopathic causes come in the category of emotional upheavals that they may be suffering from. These are:

  • Disinterest- Some men may not be able to have a hard on as they may lose interest in the act of love making by doing the same thing time and again. In such cases, the monotony will get to them.
  • Cheaters delight- Men who have multiple partners may at some point become impotent as the mental guilt gets to them. In such cases, the neurons are in a tensed state while the man indulges in physical intimacy due to which they are not able pass the urge to have sexual desires to the brain. The result is a limp, dormant organ.
  • Widowers ED- Men who have been recently divorced or widowed are not able to make love with a new woman as they feel that they are being unfaithful to their previous lovers.
  • Stress ED- Stress is one of the most common causes of erectile dysfunction in the recent times. Men do not realize it that when they are too busy worrying about their business or some personal problem, it can affect the way they perform in bed.
  • Performance issue- There are men who are worked up about performing in bed and the tension can decrease the flow of blood to the pelvic region.

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Facebook Could Decrease your Sex Drive

The current generation has a tendency to document their thoughts and make them public. This, though appears to be a harmless act (minus the lack of privacy), has turned into a form of medical illness. It has been noticed that addiction to the facebook doubled in the last 2 years due to the fact that the net was now in the palms of the hands thanks to GPRS connectivity on the phone. Serious addiction has affected the sex drive of men as they spend more hours updating their facebook status than between bed sheets.   But could the condition be this serious? Well! The answer is a yes! As per psychoanalysts, addiction to faceook has been termed as FAD or facebook addiction disorder and apparently, 60 % of facebook users could be suffering from it. Analyses of the situation have shown that men feel the same kind of excitement while surfing through facebook as they feel while they are gambling. Between the two sexes, men are more affected due to the fact that:  

  • They are emotionally drained out due to the attention that they already garner through facebook. Suddenly updating profile pics and reading comments takes a priority over making love.
  • The time that was initially spent talking to their partners and interacting on one to one basis is now replaced by stalking other people’s profiles and getting to know, who is up to what.
  • Men are too distracted to pay heed to the demands of their body so even when the testosterone level kicks in and they do have an urge, facbook keeps them too preoccupied to pay any attention to get some action between them.
  • Being glued to the facebook can make the other partner feel left out. Due to this couples may fight and at the end of it all, there may be a rift between them.
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Prostate Cancer Therapy Can Lead to ED

Researchers say they have stumbled upon a new technique that can reasonably predict which male getting treated for ??prostate cancer is at a higher risk of suffering from impotency. Cancer is a condition that can be fatal and hence the most important thing to do in this case is to prolong survival. But in the early stages of this cancer, it is unlikely that men will ??survive. After the treatment, the next thing that the medicos have to survive is the side effects of each treatment that goes into giving the patient a new life.  How is the test done?
In most cases, the study involves assessing the sexual function pre-treatment; lifestyle of the patient along with including the tool can distinguish between the freshly diagnosed cases of erectile dysfunction known as clinical markers.   Some specific diagnostic tests PSA blood test also known as prostate-specific antigen test may indicate tumors of the prostate. However, the treatments involved come with special side effects. For the treatment of prostate cancer, often including erectile dysfunction (ED), irregular and frequent urination, dysfunction of the bowels etc.  
Study
A group of scientists and researchers did a study that involved distributing questionnaires to over 1,200 new diagnoses of prostate cancer .The surveys indicates the age of the patient, the severity of prostate cancer, PSA levels, BMI, race and ethnicity, level of sexual activity, and a history of erectile dysfunction or its treatment. All there patients underwent various forms of treatments and therapies and were followed for two years.  
Result
As per the researchers, the risk of male erectile dysfunction treatment varies. For example, 60 % of men without erectile dysfunction problems before undergoing treatment for prostrate, complained of this sexual dysfunction within 2 years. 40 % of men who never complained of erectile dysfunction had a problem after they went through external radiations. Similarly less than 40 % of men who underwent brachytherapy complained of this problem. Subsequent analysis of survey responses revealed a link between high levels of PSA and increased risk of erectile dysfunction.
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Global Missions Health Conference on the Veterans Day

This year, 11th November marks two important days for the United States of America. Besides that fact that it marks the Veterans Day, the annual holiday honoring military veterans, it’s also the day when the Global Missions Health Conference is convened in Louisville, Kentucky in the United States of America. Global Missions Health Conference brings together Christianity and science where they work together for better health and medical facilities of the humanity in general. Through this conference, Christian healthcare professionals and students meet together with a common goal. This conference acts as a common platform for them to meet and share thoughts, ideas and expertise. The conference is hosted by South Christian Church which marks the gathering of healthcare professionals. This church has a deep passion to endow the medical and healthcare community so that they can positively affect the world and at the same time give a rich opportunity to share the wonderful love of the lord with communities’ world wide. They believe that this conference offers a life-changing opportunity to share, learn and encourage. Every November marks the meet of more that 2,000 believers, hundreds of students and more that 200 medical missions organizations for the sole purpose of global health outreach. This year, Global Missions Health Conference will take place from November 11 to 13. Some of the highlights of this conference will be

  • Offering information, experience and organizations which perform medical tasks for the betterment of the human race worldwide
  • Offers opportunity to people to meet and interact with each other.
  • The GMHC offers almost 100 breakout sessions which cover topics such as jungle surgery, trafficking and HIV education etc.
  • Hosts exhibition for hundreds of medical missions’ organizations.

Goal– the goal of this organization is inform, train, and equip healthcare professionals and students to use their medical skills to further God’s kingdom, all through sharing the Gospel with those in need on both the international and domestic mission fields. The schedule for the program is as follows

Thursday, November 11
1:00 – 4:00p Registration
4:00 – 4:50p Breakout Sessions One
5:00 – 7:20p Dinner and Exhibit Hall
7:30 – 9:00p Plenary Session One (Worship Center)
Friday, November 12
8:00 -9:00a Registration
8:30 – 9:20a Breakout Session Two
10:00 – 11:30a Plenary Session Two (Worship Center)
11:30 – 1:30p Lunch and Exhibit Hall
2:00 – 2:50p Breakout Session Three
3:00 – 3:50p Breakout Session Four
4:00 – 4:50p Breakout Session Five
5:00 – 7:00p Dinner and Exhibit Hall
7:30 – 9:30p Plenary Session Three (Worship Center)
Saturday, November 13
8:00 – 8:50a Breakout Session Six
9:00 – 9:50a Breakout Session Seven
10:00 – 12:00a Lunch & Exhibit Hall
12:00 – 1:30p Plenary Session 4 / Closure (Worship Center)

People can attend the conference after registration (no refunds).? GMHC offers people a platform where they can discover innovative ideas and the best way to apply it. It also helps them to have a greater understanding of the medical ministry best practices and how to apply them.

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Online pharmacies Make Drugs More Affordable

Online pharmacies have created a boom in the healthcare industry. From generic drugs to branded drugs, they are all just a click away. Most of these online pharmacies do ask for a doctor’s directions, but for repeat buyers, they just need a form to be filled out. It also saves on the cost incurred buy the patients while purchasing drugs from their neighboring pharmacy.

  • No follow up costs-
    In case of customers who enjoy a fairly good health, it also means relief from the hassle of revisiting doctors for the same. This not just cuts down the cost of the doctor’s fee, but also saves on the commuting expense. Most of these online pharmacies boast of free or discounted shipments to almost every nook and corner of the world. But the biggest relief to most patients from these online pharmacies is that they can access the required drug, be it generic or branded, at heavy discounts.
  • Expensive medicines in developed countries-
    The medical care in most of the first world countries is so expensive that they cripple the consumer’s financial standing. But this can make the citizens go bankrupt; the drug companies laugh their way to the bank. The same drugs and the cost incurred it acquiring them is half in most of the other countries. The sad part is that these branded drugs available in developed countries are also available in developed and under developed nations. They are manufactured by the same companies, made as per the company specifications but are available at much cheaper rates. This is cited to be the main reason for the influx of these drugs into developed countries through online pharmacies.
  • Inexpensive generic versions-
    Even the generic version of branded drugs meets similar fate in developed countries. Though these drugs have same efficacy, constituents and dosage, they are far more affordable. But most of these drugs are either not available or are highly expensive. With the advent of online pharmacies, these are now just a click away for most buyers and available at their door steps. As these drugs are cheaper alternatives to branded ones, they offer big savings.
  • Information-
    The online pharmacies have health guided and related write ups, providing complete information on health care issues. This empowers the patient to choose the products wisely while shopping online.
  • Special offers-
    The online pharmacies keep having promotional discounts, loyalty discount etc. most of the time. The loyalty discount offers repeat buyers heavier discounts or free shipments, making the drugs more affordable to them.
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Reduce Fat from Hips and Thighs

Losing weight from any part of the body is not an easy task. It is difficult and frustrating, more so when you are trying to lose weight from trouble spots like the thighs and hips. It is like going mad trying to perform hours of exercise for these parts of the body and then not seeing results at times. For women, losing weight on the hips and thighs is like a dream come true. This same issue has intrigued most weight loss physicians since many methods that are used often don’t show results in these problem areas. Many people opt for spot reduction in the form of gels, mechanical gadgets, soaps etc. The gels and soaps are the most non-result oriented while the mechanical devices prove to be more fruitful though not much, so the eternal question is what really works on those bulky hips and thighs? To lose weight and inches from your hips and thighs, you will need to attack the issue on two fronts: it should be combination of exercise and diet. There are different mode of exercises that work for different people which have proven benefits, they are: Reduce or cut fat intake

  • Switch to olive oil or vegetable oil and cut out the consumption of butter, ghee, cheese, milk and whole milk curd. Check the amount of oil and fat in your diet every single meal.
  • Avoid eating too much paneer or cottage cheese. Avoid fried stuff like chips, fries, paratha, samosa, fried rice and fried foods.
  • Opt for fruits for breakfast or a vegetable stuffed toast. Toasted garlic bread with olive oil is also a healthy option.
  • Go high on the fiber in your diet for eating fruits with skin, multigrain flour, soy etc.
  • For people who love to non-vegetarian food, eat fish 4 times a week and chicken can also be consumed twice a week but go easy on the red meat.
  • Dinners should always be light and add 2 teaspoons of triphala (an ayurvedic herbal remedy) to detoxify the body. Combine it with ginger water for good liver function which will help in fat breakdown process.

Cut intake of carbohydrates

  • Change the quantity of carbohydrates and proteins in your diet to eat less carbs and more proteins.
  • Excess carbs add to the fat on hips and thighs so it is best to limit the intake of pasta, rice, potato and bread.
  • Eat more of wheat flour bread. Soya or multi-grain bread.
  • Non-vegetarians can consume all varieties of foods like fish and chicken and avoid the red meats.
  • Eat vegetables liberally and in plenty in the form of raw salad, soups or cooked vegetables. This helps to maintain the acid-alkali balance of protein diets.
  • Avoid fruit juices, this contains sugar; eat the whole fruit with the skin to consume fiber.
  • Drink plenty of water all through the day.

Exercise

  • All exercises do not necessarily help you lose weight on the hips and thighs. The stationery cycle and cross trainer helps you to tighten the muscles around the hips and thighs.
  • Brisk walking 4 kilometers per day will help you to lose weight from the hips and thighs. Walk as much as you can without feeling uncomfortable and tired.
  • For those of you who already walk and not getting the adequate results need to check up on your diet and increase your walking distance to another 3-4 kilometers. If you are bored, alternate the walking with swimming or calisthenics (calisthenics are floor exercises which stretches and tones the body muscles)

The combination of all three methods is very beneficial. You can tailor it to your needs by gradually lowering intake and increasing exercise. You will be more comfortable with time and habit. Make the effort and you will see the results soon. You can lose fat from your thighs and hips and look absolutely fabulous simultaneously, you just need to start. Finally set a goal for yourself, make sure you are realistic and give it time. It is bound to work!

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Custirsen may Give Prostrate Cancer Patients a Better Life- Report

Prostrate cancer is the most common form of cancer that is found in American men and among the second leading causes of deaths. With time, the number of prostrate cancer diagnosed each year has increased. In some countries it is also the leading cause of cancer deaths. It is estimated that more than 1 million Americans will succumb to prostrate cancer post the age of 50.? Bearing the severity of the situation, there are various researches being conducted to improve the situation of cancer patients. Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd and OncoGenex Pharmaceuticals are conducting a global phase 3 trial to evaluate custirsen as a first line of treatment for castrate-resistant prostrate cancer. ??They have named this as ‘Synergy’, a second of three phase III trials. Researchers are hoping that this supports the evidences of the previous two trials, that custirsen holds the key to prolong the survival rate and improve the quality of life of the patients which is an important part of the treatment.
Research
Scientists are conducting a randomized, controlled phase III trials globally among men who were suffering from metastatic CRPC and need first line docetaxel chemotherapy.
Objective
This trail is being conducted to set as a first line of treatment for prostrate cancer.
Study
For the purpose of this study, the patients were randomly distributed and received two forms of treatments

  • Treatment I- Docetaxel + custirsen
  • Treatment II ‘ Docetaxel

Difference between the two treatments- type II treatment is the gold method of treatment i.e anti-mitotic chemotherapy. This form of treatment is recommended for patients who are suffering from advanced form of prostrate cancer and have already been through the phase of anthracycline-based chemotherapy which did not show the desired result. The type I combine the above docetaxel and custirsen to treat prostrate cancer. Custirsen is a form of antisense oligonucleotide which reduces clusterin production. Clusterin is a form of a protein which inhibits apoptosis. It helps to destroy tumor cells by decreasing their apoptotic threshold and helps the cancer cells react to the different anticancer therapies. The basic aim of the trial is to figure out if the survival rate in the custirsen treatment (type I) is longer than type II treatment. The phase II trials demonstrated that there is 49 % reduction in the death rate and the average survival rate in Type I treatment was 23.8 % as compared to the Type II which was 16.9 % months. Researchers believe that if this third phase III trial validates the previous two phase three trials, type I type of treatment could bring a revolution in the world of oncology as it offered patients a chance to prolong their survival and live a better quality of life. Prostrate cancer is one of the few form of cancers that can have multiple therapies with continuous research on newer therapies. So far, curtirsen has been given the nod from the FDA to go ahead with the trial and the research ‘Synergy’ is being conducted through special Protocol Assessment (SPA) process.