HRT Update
British researchers have good news for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and your bones. A study in the May 12 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association concludes that HRT can reduce the risk of bone fractures by almost 40 percent in postmenopausal women. The study included 138,737 postmenopausal women between 50 and 69 years old. More than 46,000 of those women were current users of HRT in various forms and doses. Results showed that women who were currently using HRT had a 38 percent reduced risk of bone fractures compared to women who had never used HRT. One caveat: The beneficial effects of HRT wear off quickly if women stop using hormones.
Remember Sex?
Frequent ejaculation may reduce a man's chances of developing prostate cancer, according to a new study in the April 7 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. The long-term study included nearly 30,000 health professionals aged 46 to 81. Men who had four to seven ejaculations per month during their adult lifetime had an 11 percent lower chance of developing prostate cancer than those who ejaculated no more than three times per month, according to the results. Men who reported ejaculating at least 21 times per month had a 33 percent lower chance of developing prostate cancer. How ejaculation protects men against the disease is unclear.
Healthy and Fit
As your mother said, eat your broccoli. Researchers at Texas A&M University have chemically altered a compound found in vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, turnips, and mustard greens to retard the growth of certain cancer cells. The analogs of diindolylmethane (DIM) slowed the development of pancreatic, colon, bladder, and ovarian cancer in laboratory tests as well as in rats and mice. Side effects were minimal or non-existent.
Quote of the Month
"One changes from day to day...every few years one becomes a new being."
- George Sand
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Q&A
Q: Is there anything I can do to slow down the aging process?
A: A magical fountain of youth still doesn't exist, but many practical steps can help. They include eating a healthy diet, staying physically active, eliminating smoking, minimizing alcohol consumption, reducing stress, exercising your brain through constant learning, keeping your spirits up, and surrounding yourself with family and good friends.
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For Men Only
Testosterone gel used on a continuing basis can cause rapid and long-term improvements in sexual function and mood among men with low levels of the male hormone, according to a study in the May issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. The study also showed decreased fat mass and increased lean body mass and bone mineral density. The 163 men in the study, who were diagnosed with low testosterone, received treatment for up to 42 months.
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