For Women Only
Hot flashes may have you kicking off the covers at night and waking up in a puddle, meaning you're not getting much sleep. Although that news is probably no surprise to premenopausal and menopausal women, a study by Stanford University researchers has confirmed the link between hot flashes and insomnia. Of nearly 1,000 women interviewed between June 2003 and April 2004, 81% who reported having severe hot flashes also reported symptoms of insomnia, including problems falling asleep or staying asleep or poor quality of sleep. As the hot flashes became more severe, likewise did the symptoms of insomnia. Results of the study were published in a June issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.
For Men Only
High blood levels of estrogen may increase men's risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD), according to a new study reported in the August Annals of Neurology. Men produce small amounts of estrogen, considered a "female" hormone, throughout their lives. As men age, estrogen levels may increase. The study found no connection between levels of circulating testosterone, however, and dementia, in contrast to other studies associating a higher risk of AD with low testosterone levels. Included in the study were about 3,000 Japanese-American men between the ages of 70 and 91, 134 of whom later developed AD and 44 of whom exhibited another form of dementia. Researchers admit they do not fully understand how estrogen and testosterone interact with AD and further studies are needed.
Remember Sex?
Even young men in their 20s today are experiencing sexual dysfunction in greater numbers, according to a recent article in the Washington Post. Health professionals cite reasons including increasing use of antidepressants, which can affect libido and sexual performance; binge drinking; smoking; lack of exercise; and crammed schedules. Men also admit they sometimes are intimidated today by women who are more sexually experienced and comfortable with their sexuality, resulting in performance anxiety and erectile dysfunction. Eli Coleman, director of the University of Minnesota's Program in Human Sexuality, also hypothesized that men are discovering the shortcomings, so to speak, of drugs like Viagra: just getting an erection will not fix a relationship.
Quote of the Month
"Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."
- Calvin Coolidge
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Q&A
Q: It drives me crazy when people answer their cell phones while I'm talking to them in person Am I the only one who thinks it's rude?
A: Remember the old days when phones had cords and rotary dials and were only found at home or with coin slots? No, you're not alone. Psychologists say that interrupting a face-to-face conversation to answer a cell call can ruin conversational rapport, although many cell phone users are oblivious to their rudeness.
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Healthy and Fit
Regardless of whether you're a lark (morning person) or an owl (night person), afternoon and early evening are considered the best times to work out. That's because your body is better geared for action during the second half of the day, with muscles limber and heart/lungs performing more efficiently. Whatever time of day you choose, however, you benefit more if you head to the gym at about the same time each day. Research shows that weight lifters who exercise on a consistent daily schedule gain more power than those who vary their lifting times. Maintaining set meal times as well as eating a balanced breakfast also are essential to keep your body and its internal clock ticking smoothly throughout the day.
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