For Women Only
A new drug that includes estradiol, the same type of estrogen produced naturally by the human body before menopause, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Berlex, Inc., is marketing the drug Angeliq to treat moderate-to-severe menopausal symptoms. In addition, the drug includes drospirenone, which acts as a mild diuretic. The company says the drug may help reduce blood pressure in menopausal women with hypertension. Women with liver, kidney, or adrenal disease should not take Angeliq; patients on drugs that increase body levels of potassium should consult their health care providers before taking the medication. Many women have been turning to alternatives to synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) since the Women's Health Initiative study revealed negative side effects in 2002. Estradiol is the principal form of estrogen found in a woman's body during the reproductive years and the one that falls by the wayside during menopause. Biologically identical hormones, believed to produce the same physiologic responses in the body as those made by the ovaries, include this form of estrogen. For more information, visit www.collegepharmacy.com.
For Men Only
The pressure men feel to live up to the media-promoted macho image is literally making them sick, according to psychologists. If women hate the image of the Barbie doll ideal, men also see magazine covers with perfect physiques on "men of steel" who apparently never cry, get sick, feel pain, or get depressed. Research shows that men shy away from doctors and therapy to avoid appearing vulnerable and weak. As a consequence, they may contract diseases that could be prevented; men do not live as long as women and are at higher risk for all 15 leading causes of death. Be different; see your health care provider for a complete physical.
Healthy and Fit
You don't have to follow the "no pain, no gain" philosophy to benefit from exercise. A study of 133 overweight men and women found that the amount of exercise a person gets may be more important than the intensity. Conducted at Duke University, the study found that a moderate exercise regimen, such as 12 miles of brisk walking or about 125 to 200 minutes per week, resulted in improved fitness. Increasing the amount or intensity of exercise provides even greater cardiovascular benefits. Notably, participants in the study achieved fitness gains without losing any weight - an indication that weight loss should not be the singular goal of exercise.
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Q&A
Q: How often should I eat fish?
A: A study at Rush University Medical Center found that people who ate fish at least once a week had a 10% slower annual decline in thinking. Those who ate two fish meals per week had a 13% slower decline. Participants in the study were 3,718 Chicago residents 65 years and older who took cognitive tests three times over six years.
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Remember Sex?
For the eight out of 10 people who have back pain, sex can be a...well...pain in the back instead of a pleasurable experience. Whether the problem is pulled muscles, damaged joints, ruptured disks, or pinched nerves, back pain can cause tension in even the most loving relationship. Preceding sexual activity with a hot bath or shower, an ice pack, or a massage may relax tense muscles and ease pain.
Quote of the Month
"In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous."
- Artistotle
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