For Women Only
Treatments such as antidepressants and blood pressure medication for hot flashes may help but are not as effective as estrogen, according to an analysis of 43 different clinical trials. Conducted by researchers at Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, the study examined the effectiveness of remedies such as paroxetine, an antidepressant; clonidine, a blood pressure medicine; and gabapentin, a seizure medication. All slightly reduced the incidence of hot flashes by one or two per day. The use of red clover isoflavone extracts did not affect hot flashes; results for soy products were mixed. The researchers noted that all nonhormonal treatments have side effects, which may include headache, insomnia, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction. For information about biologically identical hormones, which were not used in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study that advised against hormone replacement therapy, visit collegepharmacy.com.
For Men Only
Viagra is becoming increasingly popular among young men, both to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and to boost sexual performance. According to a study of 234 sexually active men, ages 18-25, at three Chicago universities, 13% experienced erectile dysfunction. Of the 6% who said they had used ED medications, 57% said they did so to treat impotence; 29% used the drugs to enhance sexual performance. More than half (64%) mixed ED medications with alcohol, methamphetamines, cocaine, and ecstasy, enabling them to have sex when they normally might not have been able to do so. Researchers say that mixing ED medications and recreational drugs and alcohol may produce risky sexual behavior that could lead to more unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.
Remember Sex?
Single women older than 40 may not be having as much fun as the women on Desperate Housewives, according to new research reported in the Journal of Aging Studies. Single women between the ages of 40 and 59 reported having fewer sexual partners—or none at all—compared to their younger years. Factors contributing to this gloomy picture include older women being viewed as less attractive (by both men and the women themselves), conservative beliefs about premarital sex, higher male mortality rates, and the tendency for older men to prefer younger women. Researchers noted, however, that this trend may change as more liberal Baby Boomers and Generation Xers age and media begin to cater to an older population.
Quote of the Month
"When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
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Q&A
Q: I've been trying to lose weight by eating more yogurt and organic foods, but so far it's not working. What am I doing wrong?
A: A food labeled "natural" or "organic" can still be packed with plenty of calories and/or fat. Some yogurts, for example, are loaded with sugar, and even fish or vegetable dishes may be smothered in fatty sauces or breading. Cherry pie isn't the same as a bowl of cherries, and organic potato chips will still adhere to your hips. Watch calories and serving sizes and, if you haven't already, check with your health care practitioner about starting a sensible exercise program.
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Healthy and Fit
As activity levels increase during the summer months, pay more attention to your nutrient needs. Avid runners and hikers, for example, should consume about 3 grams of carbohydrates for every 1 pound of body weight, along with 70 to 100 grams of protein per day, in the form of lean red meat, eggs, poultry, seafood, and soy. Other important nutrients include omega-3 fats, found in fish, flaxseed meal, and nuts; zinc, prevalent in clams, oysters, red meat, poultry, wheat germ, and beans; and vitamin C, the powerful antioxidant derived from foods such as kiwi, papaya, strawberries, green peppers, and tomatoes.
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please email us at info@collegepharmacy.com.
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