When sexual health requires stealth

Bisexual men have unique health needs compared to exclusively homosexual and heterosexual men, but the stigma they face makes learning of their needs – and even reaching these men in their "hidden communities" – difficult for public health professionals, say Indiana University researchers.
The reported need for privacy, because of the perceived stigma and lack of acceptance in both homosexual and heterosexual communities, is so pervasive that bisexual men often do not feel comfortable accessing sexual health-related services, even those targeted toward "gay and bisexual men", because of a concern over what others would think of their bisexuality.
A more general approach to providing services, framed as "men's health" or "men's sexual health", will most likely be more effective, researchers learned.
"In terms of designing a specific program for behaviourally bisexual men, we've learned it will not be effective to openly advertise about it or put it on billboards; we have to be more discreet," said Brian Dodge, associate director of the Center for Sexual Health Promotion at IU.
 Dodge's research for nearly 10 years has involved bisexual behaviour and associated health needs, yet these findings from his recent study were "surprising".
"The fear of disclosure, desire for privacy, and anticipation of stigma are even more problematic than we anticipated," he said. "The reasons for these issues eventually need to be addressed not only with bisexual men but also at the societal level if we are to increase participation in effective health services without operating in stealth."
Specific to bisexual men
This and three other studies discussed at the American Public Health Association's annual meeting are part of a larger study by Dodge and his collaborators, who are looking at health issues specific to bisexual men. This research approach is unique because most studies have combined bisexual men with gay men in previous behavioural science research.
The IU research involved 75 men in the Indianapolis area who had sex with at least one man and one woman within the previous six months. The participants each underwent in-depth interviews, 15 of which were conducted in Spanish. Of the participants, 25 were black, 25 were white and 25 were Latino.
Dodge's study "Administering Sexual Health-Related Services to Bisexual Men: Privacy, Trust and Appropriate Messaging" was the recipient of the annual Excellence in Abstract Submission award from the HIV/Aids Section of the APHA.
Oral presentations
Dodge is delivering oral presentations about this, as well as "Community Based Research in 'Hidden' Communities: Understanding Individual and Social Health Concerns among Bisexual Men" and a poster presentation, "Sexual Behaviors and Experiences among Bisexual Men in the Midwestern United States".
Co-investigator Omar Martinez is also presenting on issues specific to Latino participants in his talk "Sexual Health and Access to Care: Voices from Bisexual Latino Men in the Midwestern United States".
Dodge, an associate professor in the Department of Applied Health Science in IU's School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, will discuss "Administering Sexual Health-Related Services" in the Washington Convention Center.
Co-authors are Phillip Schnarrs, Gabriel Goncalves, Michael Reece and Omar Martinez, all with the IU School of HPER; David Malebranche of Emory University School of Medicine; Ryan Nix of Step Up Inc. in Indianapolis; Barbara Van Der Pol of IU School of HPER; and J. Dennis Fortenberry of the IU School of Medicine.

When sexual health requires stealth

Bisexual men have unique health needs compared to exclusively homosexual and heterosexual men, but the stigma they face makes learning of their needs – and even reaching these men in their "hidden communities" – difficult for public health professionals, say Indiana University researchers.
The reported need for privacy, because of the perceived stigma and lack of acceptance in both homosexual and heterosexual communities, is so pervasive that bisexual men often do not feel comfortable accessing sexual health-related services, even those targeted toward "gay and bisexual men", because of a concern over what others would think of their bisexuality.
A more general approach to providing services, framed as "men's health" or "men's sexual health", will most likely be more effective, researchers learned.
"In terms of designing a specific program for behaviourally bisexual men, we've learned it will not be effective to openly advertise about it or put it on billboards; we have to be more discreet," said Brian Dodge, associate director of the Center for Sexual Health Promotion at IU.
 Dodge's research for nearly 10 years has involved bisexual behaviour and associated health needs, yet these findings from his recent study were "surprising".
"The fear of disclosure, desire for privacy, and anticipation of stigma are even more problematic than we anticipated," he said. "The reasons for these issues eventually need to be addressed not only with bisexual men but also at the societal level if we are to increase participation in effective health services without operating in stealth."
Specific to bisexual men
This and three other studies discussed at the American Public Health Association's annual meeting are part of a larger study by Dodge and his collaborators, who are looking at health issues specific to bisexual men. This research approach is unique because most studies have combined bisexual men with gay men in previous behavioural science research.
The IU research involved 75 men in the Indianapolis area who had sex with at least one man and one woman within the previous six months. The participants each underwent in-depth interviews, 15 of which were conducted in Spanish. Of the participants, 25 were black, 25 were white and 25 were Latino.
Dodge's study "Administering Sexual Health-Related Services to Bisexual Men: Privacy, Trust and Appropriate Messaging" was the recipient of the annual Excellence in Abstract Submission award from the HIV/Aids Section of the APHA.
Oral presentations
Dodge is delivering oral presentations about this, as well as "Community Based Research in 'Hidden' Communities: Understanding Individual and Social Health Concerns among Bisexual Men" and a poster presentation, "Sexual Behaviors and Experiences among Bisexual Men in the Midwestern United States".
Co-investigator Omar Martinez is also presenting on issues specific to Latino participants in his talk "Sexual Health and Access to Care: Voices from Bisexual Latino Men in the Midwestern United States".
Dodge, an associate professor in the Department of Applied Health Science in IU's School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, will discuss "Administering Sexual Health-Related Services" in the Washington Convention Center.
Co-authors are Phillip Schnarrs, Gabriel Goncalves, Michael Reece and Omar Martinez, all with the IU School of HPER; David Malebranche of Emory University School of Medicine; Ryan Nix of Step Up Inc. in Indianapolis; Barbara Van Der Pol of IU School of HPER; and J. Dennis Fortenberry of the IU School of Medicine.

The health benefits of drinking milk

Are you slurping down herb-infused, caffeine-pumped energy drinks because you've been sold on the notion they are good for you? For sure, some aren't bad - and some may even be beneficial for health - but there are plenty that are mere sugar, flavoring, artificial ingredients, and high doses of caffeine that have even come under fire from health experts. Why not sip on a tall, cold nutritious glass of milk, instead?

Nature’s wellness drink

Did you know that milk is considered “nature’s wellness drink”? The cold, creamy white beverage is full of calcium, vitamin D, phosphorous and a balance of other nutrients that have been proven to build your bones and teeth as well as promote the healthy function of your muscles and blood vessels. And in the midst of all the new vitamin waters, energy drinks, and other artificially contrived beverages, milk is a natural, healthy choice.

Milk provides a unique balance of nutrients

According to well-known nutrition expert Dr Wendy Bazilian, author of The SuperFoodsRx Diet and co-owner of San Diego-based Bazilian’s Health Clinic, unlike most other “wellness” drinks, milk is naturally nutrient-rich and balanced with a unique proportion of carbs and protein – in addition to the bone-boosting calcium, phosphorous and vitamin D.
Watching your fat intake or following a heart-healthy diet? No problem. Dr Bazilian, who has recently partnered up with model Christie Brinkley for the Drink Well. Live Well. gotmilk? campaign, recommends sipping on low-fat or fat-free milk. “Low-fat or fat-free varieties provide a lot of nutrients for very modest – worthwhile – calories,” she says. “Milk is also naturally low in sodium, and also contains potassium and plays a role in healthy blood pressure.”

Milk builds strong bones

Milk builds strong bones and teeth where, according to Dr Bazilian, 99 percent of the body’s calcium is stored. Plus, hundreds of studies have shown that calcium in milk helps improve bone density. “Denser bones mean less likelihood of stress fractures and a lower risk of osteoporosis – a major public health threat for over 40 million Americans,” adds the nutrition expert.
The importance of getting enough calcium starts young and extends into adulthood. “We are born with bones and as we grow from childhood to adulthood, we build stronger and bigger bones. However, after a certain point – around age 30 – our body starts drawing from our bones to maintain our other bodily functions,” says Dr Bazilian. So it is important to get calcium such as that from milk starting early in age and then to continue consuming enough throughout your life.

Calcium contributes to muscle and blood health

Dr Bazilian says the rest of the body’s calcium is found in the muscles, blood and intercellular fluid and is necessary for muscular and circulatory function. She explains, “Calcium plays an important role in our muscles (in the contraction phase in particular) as well as our blood stream, too. The human body works hard to keep a normal balance of calcium in the blood stream at all times to maintain ‘homeostasis.’ Calcium plays a role in blood vessel contraction and expansion. If calcium levels drop, the body will pull calcium from the bones to replenish the levels in the blood. But if you consume adequate calcium in the diet, you can maintain blood calcium and preserve your bones.”

Milk drinkers tend to be thinner

Not only do milk drinkers tend to have stronger bones, Dr Bazilian says “Milk drinkers tend to have healthier overall diets and tend to be leaner than non-milk drinkers.” And with today’s youth suffering an epidemic of obesity and obesity-related diseases, a wholesome beverage, like milk, can contribute to weight loss, strong bones and overall health.
Dr Bazilian further explains, “Studies have shown that mothers who drink milk are more likely to have daughters who drink milk. Milk not only provides children with a wide array of nutrients but also displaces some of the less nutritious, high calorie beverages like sodas. By some estimates, about 12 percent of adolescents’ total calories come from sodas and sugar-sweetened beverages. Low-fat or fat-free milk can go a long way to change these numbers and add a nutritional, developmental advantage to growing bodies.”

But how much milk is beneficial?

Any amount of milk you drink is beneficial but Dr Bazilian recommends aiming for three (8-ounce) glasses a day. She says, “Three delicious glasses of nonfat or low-fat milk a day is all it takes to get 100 percent of your calcium needs met and 75 percent of your vitamin D and a host of other essential nutrients from high quality protein to potassium, phosphorus, vitamin A and vitamin B12.”
In addition, milk is low in sodium and provides a lot of nutrition for its 80 to 120 calories per cup. Milk can also contribute to daily hydration needs – it is made up of about 90 percent water, which is essential to virtually every bodily function. As a bonus, milk is economical. Dr Bazilian adds, “It’s about 25 cents per cup, which is far less than the majority of new-agey ‘fortified sugar waters’ on the market today.”

If you are lactose intolerant, don’t give up milk!

Having lactose intolerance – a condition caused by not having enough of the enzyme lactase, which digests the lactose in milk – doesn’t mean you can’t reap the benefits of milk. According to Dr Bazilian, lactose intolerance is not an all or nothing thing and that people with lactose intolerance can employ some simple strategies to enjoy the goodness of milk.
“Usually, symptoms associated with lactose intolerance can be diminished by ‘how’ and ‘how much’ milk is consumed at a time,” says the nutrition expert. “Symptoms are reduced or even eliminated in many individuals if they drink milk in smaller amounts throughout the day instead of a large glass all at once, and people with lactose issues do better when they drink milk with a meal or snack than on its own.”
There are also lactose-reduced milks in the market and even liquid drops available at the drugstore that you can add to milk to create a lactose-reduced milk. And keep in mind that though milk is a top-tier food source for calcium, you can also get calcium from yogurt, small amounts of cheese, almonds, leafy greens and tofu – all of which can be part of many lactose intolerant diets.

8 Tips for incorporating more milk into your day

Dr Bazilian recommends eating a balanced, varied diet that includes fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, lean proteins, water, tea and milk. She says, “Foods and beverages should have ‘something to offer’ including great taste and be good for you, but also versatile. I also believe in a whole foods, wholesome and naturally nutritious diet”
Milk can fit nicely into your daily meals and partnered with other superfoods for a healthy and delicious diet that will deliver your daily recommendations for vitamins and minerals. Here are some of Dr Bazilian’s tips for drinking more milk:

1. Start your day with milk

Add milk to your morning cereal or oatmeal. Seems like the oldest tip around, but still a great, solid start to the day. You can also add milk to a smoothie to boost the creaminess and the nutrition.

2. Drink milk as a snack

Milk is perfect as an afternoon snack – a great balance of quality protein and carbohydrates, mildly sweet and lots of nutrition. Dr Bazilian says, “One cup mid-afternoon is not only easy and filling, but picks up your energy and helps get you to dinner without devouring the contents of a co-worker’s candy dish.”

3. Change your coffee habit

Have a café au lait or tea au lait instead of a latte. A café au lait is 1/2 coffee and 1/2 milk, giving you that coveted coffee taste and enjoyment, while reducing your caffeine content and increasing the beverage's nutritional value with the additional milk.

4. Take the edge off your hunger

Before a party, have a glass of low-fat or fat-free milk. It’s fast and easy. It’s also filling and “takes the edge off” hunger, helping you make smarter choices on food and drink once you arrive. Dr Bazilian adds, “The bonus is the great nutrition, but the main perk is how it makes you feel and respond to the social ‘pressures’ of enjoying a party and maintaining your figure, too.”

5. Drink milk for dessert

Dr Bazilian recommends flavored milks for a sweet treat. “While we have to watch how much sugar goes in the diet overall, think about it – low-fat or fat-free chocolate or strawberry milk has the sweetness and appeal of a treat and still contains those essential vitamins and minerals that are lacking from processed baked goods, cookies, candy or other ‘usual’ treats,” she explains.

6. Milk is an excellent post-exercise beverage

Recent research suggests that the balance of nutrients in milk can help refuel the muscles after a workout as effectively as some commercial exercise beverages. And it tastes better, too!

7. Have milk before bed

A good bedtime routine can really help you fall asleep and stay asleep better. Poor sleep can impair your metabolism and may increase your risk of chronic diseases. Dr Bazilian adds, “I learned to drink a small cup of warm milk before bed as a child with my grandmother. It was a ritual, it was soothing, and the nutrients in milk may help you have a better night’s sleep.”

8. Before you drink it, lift it

Milk can give you strong bones and muscles! Dr Bazilian says, “A gallon of milk weighs eight pounds – not bad for a few biceps curls or overhead presses before pouring a glass to drink.” She jokes, “I know, I know. . .I always have to get a little exercise into the discussion about nutrition. . .but seriously, this is a good tip!”
So bottoms up to your health – drinking milk everyday will do your body good.

The health benefits of drinking milk

Are you slurping down herb-infused, caffeine-pumped energy drinks because you've been sold on the notion they are good for you? For sure, some aren't bad - and some may even be beneficial for health - but there are plenty that are mere sugar, flavoring, artificial ingredients, and high doses of caffeine that have even come under fire from health experts. Why not sip on a tall, cold nutritious glass of milk, instead?

Nature’s wellness drink

Did you know that milk is considered “nature’s wellness drink”? The cold, creamy white beverage is full of calcium, vitamin D, phosphorous and a balance of other nutrients that have been proven to build your bones and teeth as well as promote the healthy function of your muscles and blood vessels. And in the midst of all the new vitamin waters, energy drinks, and other artificially contrived beverages, milk is a natural, healthy choice.

Milk provides a unique balance of nutrients

According to well-known nutrition expert Dr Wendy Bazilian, author of The SuperFoodsRx Diet and co-owner of San Diego-based Bazilian’s Health Clinic, unlike most other “wellness” drinks, milk is naturally nutrient-rich and balanced with a unique proportion of carbs and protein – in addition to the bone-boosting calcium, phosphorous and vitamin D.
Watching your fat intake or following a heart-healthy diet? No problem. Dr Bazilian, who has recently partnered up with model Christie Brinkley for the Drink Well. Live Well. gotmilk? campaign, recommends sipping on low-fat or fat-free milk. “Low-fat or fat-free varieties provide a lot of nutrients for very modest – worthwhile – calories,” she says. “Milk is also naturally low in sodium, and also contains potassium and plays a role in healthy blood pressure.”

Milk builds strong bones

Milk builds strong bones and teeth where, according to Dr Bazilian, 99 percent of the body’s calcium is stored. Plus, hundreds of studies have shown that calcium in milk helps improve bone density. “Denser bones mean less likelihood of stress fractures and a lower risk of osteoporosis – a major public health threat for over 40 million Americans,” adds the nutrition expert.
The importance of getting enough calcium starts young and extends into adulthood. “We are born with bones and as we grow from childhood to adulthood, we build stronger and bigger bones. However, after a certain point – around age 30 – our body starts drawing from our bones to maintain our other bodily functions,” says Dr Bazilian. So it is important to get calcium such as that from milk starting early in age and then to continue consuming enough throughout your life.

Calcium contributes to muscle and blood health

Dr Bazilian says the rest of the body’s calcium is found in the muscles, blood and intercellular fluid and is necessary for muscular and circulatory function. She explains, “Calcium plays an important role in our muscles (in the contraction phase in particular) as well as our blood stream, too. The human body works hard to keep a normal balance of calcium in the blood stream at all times to maintain ‘homeostasis.’ Calcium plays a role in blood vessel contraction and expansion. If calcium levels drop, the body will pull calcium from the bones to replenish the levels in the blood. But if you consume adequate calcium in the diet, you can maintain blood calcium and preserve your bones.”

Milk drinkers tend to be thinner

Not only do milk drinkers tend to have stronger bones, Dr Bazilian says “Milk drinkers tend to have healthier overall diets and tend to be leaner than non-milk drinkers.” And with today’s youth suffering an epidemic of obesity and obesity-related diseases, a wholesome beverage, like milk, can contribute to weight loss, strong bones and overall health.
Dr Bazilian further explains, “Studies have shown that mothers who drink milk are more likely to have daughters who drink milk. Milk not only provides children with a wide array of nutrients but also displaces some of the less nutritious, high calorie beverages like sodas. By some estimates, about 12 percent of adolescents’ total calories come from sodas and sugar-sweetened beverages. Low-fat or fat-free milk can go a long way to change these numbers and add a nutritional, developmental advantage to growing bodies.”

But how much milk is beneficial?

Any amount of milk you drink is beneficial but Dr Bazilian recommends aiming for three (8-ounce) glasses a day. She says, “Three delicious glasses of nonfat or low-fat milk a day is all it takes to get 100 percent of your calcium needs met and 75 percent of your vitamin D and a host of other essential nutrients from high quality protein to potassium, phosphorus, vitamin A and vitamin B12.”
In addition, milk is low in sodium and provides a lot of nutrition for its 80 to 120 calories per cup. Milk can also contribute to daily hydration needs – it is made up of about 90 percent water, which is essential to virtually every bodily function. As a bonus, milk is economical. Dr Bazilian adds, “It’s about 25 cents per cup, which is far less than the majority of new-agey ‘fortified sugar waters’ on the market today.”

If you are lactose intolerant, don’t give up milk!

Having lactose intolerance – a condition caused by not having enough of the enzyme lactase, which digests the lactose in milk – doesn’t mean you can’t reap the benefits of milk. According to Dr Bazilian, lactose intolerance is not an all or nothing thing and that people with lactose intolerance can employ some simple strategies to enjoy the goodness of milk.
“Usually, symptoms associated with lactose intolerance can be diminished by ‘how’ and ‘how much’ milk is consumed at a time,” says the nutrition expert. “Symptoms are reduced or even eliminated in many individuals if they drink milk in smaller amounts throughout the day instead of a large glass all at once, and people with lactose issues do better when they drink milk with a meal or snack than on its own.”
There are also lactose-reduced milks in the market and even liquid drops available at the drugstore that you can add to milk to create a lactose-reduced milk. And keep in mind that though milk is a top-tier food source for calcium, you can also get calcium from yogurt, small amounts of cheese, almonds, leafy greens and tofu – all of which can be part of many lactose intolerant diets.

8 Tips for incorporating more milk into your day

Dr Bazilian recommends eating a balanced, varied diet that includes fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, lean proteins, water, tea and milk. She says, “Foods and beverages should have ‘something to offer’ including great taste and be good for you, but also versatile. I also believe in a whole foods, wholesome and naturally nutritious diet”
Milk can fit nicely into your daily meals and partnered with other superfoods for a healthy and delicious diet that will deliver your daily recommendations for vitamins and minerals. Here are some of Dr Bazilian’s tips for drinking more milk:

1. Start your day with milk

Add milk to your morning cereal or oatmeal. Seems like the oldest tip around, but still a great, solid start to the day. You can also add milk to a smoothie to boost the creaminess and the nutrition.

2. Drink milk as a snack

Milk is perfect as an afternoon snack – a great balance of quality protein and carbohydrates, mildly sweet and lots of nutrition. Dr Bazilian says, “One cup mid-afternoon is not only easy and filling, but picks up your energy and helps get you to dinner without devouring the contents of a co-worker’s candy dish.”

3. Change your coffee habit

Have a café au lait or tea au lait instead of a latte. A café au lait is 1/2 coffee and 1/2 milk, giving you that coveted coffee taste and enjoyment, while reducing your caffeine content and increasing the beverage's nutritional value with the additional milk.

4. Take the edge off your hunger

Before a party, have a glass of low-fat or fat-free milk. It’s fast and easy. It’s also filling and “takes the edge off” hunger, helping you make smarter choices on food and drink once you arrive. Dr Bazilian adds, “The bonus is the great nutrition, but the main perk is how it makes you feel and respond to the social ‘pressures’ of enjoying a party and maintaining your figure, too.”

5. Drink milk for dessert

Dr Bazilian recommends flavored milks for a sweet treat. “While we have to watch how much sugar goes in the diet overall, think about it – low-fat or fat-free chocolate or strawberry milk has the sweetness and appeal of a treat and still contains those essential vitamins and minerals that are lacking from processed baked goods, cookies, candy or other ‘usual’ treats,” she explains.

6. Milk is an excellent post-exercise beverage

Recent research suggests that the balance of nutrients in milk can help refuel the muscles after a workout as effectively as some commercial exercise beverages. And it tastes better, too!

7. Have milk before bed

A good bedtime routine can really help you fall asleep and stay asleep better. Poor sleep can impair your metabolism and may increase your risk of chronic diseases. Dr Bazilian adds, “I learned to drink a small cup of warm milk before bed as a child with my grandmother. It was a ritual, it was soothing, and the nutrients in milk may help you have a better night’s sleep.”

8. Before you drink it, lift it

Milk can give you strong bones and muscles! Dr Bazilian says, “A gallon of milk weighs eight pounds – not bad for a few biceps curls or overhead presses before pouring a glass to drink.” She jokes, “I know, I know. . .I always have to get a little exercise into the discussion about nutrition. . .but seriously, this is a good tip!”
So bottoms up to your health – drinking milk everyday will do your body good.

Memory enhancing foods

Memory Enhancing Foods are the need of every person who want to be active in every field of life

Memory Enhancing Foods You often hear your friends and family member i forget to do this or just forget this or that and sometime it make you angry when some one who very dear to you forget your birthday or any special event which is very important for you.And if you have short memory of learning things then you will get confuse all time and wish to have good memory or you may consult a doctor to prescribe any medicine that can improve your memory.Some people like to eat Healthy Food which help them in improving their memory instead of medicine.Here are some food which will surely improve your brain and memory.
1-Fresh Vegetables can improve your memory.Always eat fresh and half cooked vegetables or salad is the best way to get maximum portion of fresh vegetables.
2-Eat Fish, Fish contain omega 3 fats that are very useful for the memory improvement.There is specific amount of Fish that must eat per day for the improvement of memory and for normal balance diet you need to eat fish thrice in a week.
3-Spanish is the best green leaf vegetable that help you effectively in the improvement of your memory.Spanish contain high level of folic acid that is very active element that is responsible for the mind improvement.
4-Berries are also known for the memory improvement fruit, berries of both kind are equally important to keep your memory good on long term basis.
5-Onion is the also an other precious vegetable which is also very important to improve your memory but it should be use on regular basis.

Memory enhancing foods

Memory Enhancing Foods are the need of every person who want to be active in every field of life

Memory Enhancing Foods You often hear your friends and family member i forget to do this or just forget this or that and sometime it make you angry when some one who very dear to you forget your birthday or any special event which is very important for you.And if you have short memory of learning things then you will get confuse all time and wish to have good memory or you may consult a doctor to prescribe any medicine that can improve your memory.Some people like to eat Healthy Food which help them in improving their memory instead of medicine.Here are some food which will surely improve your brain and memory.
1-Fresh Vegetables can improve your memory.Always eat fresh and half cooked vegetables or salad is the best way to get maximum portion of fresh vegetables.
2-Eat Fish, Fish contain omega 3 fats that are very useful for the memory improvement.There is specific amount of Fish that must eat per day for the improvement of memory and for normal balance diet you need to eat fish thrice in a week.
3-Spanish is the best green leaf vegetable that help you effectively in the improvement of your memory.Spanish contain high level of folic acid that is very active element that is responsible for the mind improvement.
4-Berries are also known for the memory improvement fruit, berries of both kind are equally important to keep your memory good on long term basis.
5-Onion is the also an other precious vegetable which is also very important to improve your memory but it should be use on regular basis.

Divorce Can Cause Hair Loss In Women

Yes, it is true! Here are some solutions to help women struggling with hair loss and divorce.

If you're married, your husband may have you "pulling your hair out" at times, but divorce could leave you with real bald spots!
Research shows women have a tougher time dealing with a spousal split than men... and it shows both 'in' and 'on' their head.
A new study looked at hair loss in 84 female identical twins. Why twins?
"Identical twins are genetically programmed to experience similar patterns of aging and hair loss," said Dr. Guyuron. "If one twin loses more hair than the other, it is related to external factors."
Related: Why Am I Losing My Hair?
The strongest predictor of hair loss in women was marital status: Women who were divorced or widowed experienced more hair loss than married women.
Also, those who drank a lot of alcohol lost more hair from the front of the head. Smoking heavily was linked to hair loss from the temple area.
Related: Can I Sue the Other Woman?
"While genetics remain a strong predictor of some types of hair loss, introducing certain stressful or unhealthy factors into a person's life can result in more hair loss," said Bahman Guyuron, MD, ASPS Member Surgeon and study co-author.
If you're wondering if divorce has the same effect on a man's hairline, the answer is apparently not. Another study looked at 66 male identical twins and genetics was the strongest predictor of male hair loss along the front of the head. Lifestyle choices like smoking and heavy sun exposure were also contributors, along with medical conditions like hypertension, a lack of regular exercise, and elevated testosterone levels.
Here are 4 important tips for women who are struggling with hair loss:
• Instead of drying your hair roughly with a towel, gently blot it dry, or simply let it air-dry.
• Use caution with tight braids, ponytails, or hair extensions, since these can lead to hair loss over time.
• Remember that temporary hair loss may follow childbirth, stress, and illness.
• And if you’re bothered by hair loss, a dermatologist may be able to offer treatments and advice.

Divorce Can Cause Hair Loss In Women

Yes, it is true! Here are some solutions to help women struggling with hair loss and divorce.

If you're married, your husband may have you "pulling your hair out" at times, but divorce could leave you with real bald spots!
Research shows women have a tougher time dealing with a spousal split than men... and it shows both 'in' and 'on' their head.
A new study looked at hair loss in 84 female identical twins. Why twins?
"Identical twins are genetically programmed to experience similar patterns of aging and hair loss," said Dr. Guyuron. "If one twin loses more hair than the other, it is related to external factors."
Related: Why Am I Losing My Hair?
The strongest predictor of hair loss in women was marital status: Women who were divorced or widowed experienced more hair loss than married women.
Also, those who drank a lot of alcohol lost more hair from the front of the head. Smoking heavily was linked to hair loss from the temple area.
Related: Can I Sue the Other Woman?
"While genetics remain a strong predictor of some types of hair loss, introducing certain stressful or unhealthy factors into a person's life can result in more hair loss," said Bahman Guyuron, MD, ASPS Member Surgeon and study co-author.
If you're wondering if divorce has the same effect on a man's hairline, the answer is apparently not. Another study looked at 66 male identical twins and genetics was the strongest predictor of male hair loss along the front of the head. Lifestyle choices like smoking and heavy sun exposure were also contributors, along with medical conditions like hypertension, a lack of regular exercise, and elevated testosterone levels.
Here are 4 important tips for women who are struggling with hair loss:
• Instead of drying your hair roughly with a towel, gently blot it dry, or simply let it air-dry.
• Use caution with tight braids, ponytails, or hair extensions, since these can lead to hair loss over time.
• Remember that temporary hair loss may follow childbirth, stress, and illness.
• And if you’re bothered by hair loss, a dermatologist may be able to offer treatments and advice.

Research Says Birth Control Beads Are More Effective Than Condoms

Despite what you may have learned in high school sex ed class, the rhythm method may actually be quite an effective form of birth control.
New research says a birth control method that tracks a woman's 12-day "fertile window" is more effective than a condom at preventing pregnancy. Best Birth Control Options
Traditionally, the rhythm method consists of a woman keeping track of her menstrual cycle. That 12-day window takes into account the 24-hour lifespan of an egg and the five-day survival rate of sperm.
A previous study showed that the method was more than 95 percent effective at preventing pregnancy, which is a higher success rate than contraceptive devices like condoms or diaphragms. The new research, published in the October issue of the Journal of Family Planning & Reproductive Health Care, found that more than 1,600 women indicated they would likely continue to use the method. 'What's Your Number' Movie Contest: Dish Your Number, Win A Prize
Those seeking an easy way to track their "window" can opt to use CycleBeads. Developed by the Institute for Reproductive Health, each of the 32 color-coded beads on this string represents a day of the menstrual cycle.
Here's how it works: The woman moves a small rubber ring over the bead that represents her current "day." The first day of her period if signified by a red bead. The following brown beads mean pregnancy is very unlikely. Beads 8 through 19 are glow-in-the-dark white, but act as a "red flag" to represent fertile days.
The problem that this study doesn't address is one that was really driven home in my high school health classes—sexually transmitted diseases. Sure, CycleBeads may help you prevent a bun from conceiving in your oven, but if you're not married or in a committed relationship where you know your partner is clean, the rhythm method won't prevent you from contracting HIV, syphilis or the handful of other diseases that can be passed during intercourse.

Research Says Birth Control Beads Are More Effective Than Condoms

Despite what you may have learned in high school sex ed class, the rhythm method may actually be quite an effective form of birth control.
New research says a birth control method that tracks a woman's 12-day "fertile window" is more effective than a condom at preventing pregnancy. Best Birth Control Options
Traditionally, the rhythm method consists of a woman keeping track of her menstrual cycle. That 12-day window takes into account the 24-hour lifespan of an egg and the five-day survival rate of sperm.
A previous study showed that the method was more than 95 percent effective at preventing pregnancy, which is a higher success rate than contraceptive devices like condoms or diaphragms. The new research, published in the October issue of the Journal of Family Planning & Reproductive Health Care, found that more than 1,600 women indicated they would likely continue to use the method. 'What's Your Number' Movie Contest: Dish Your Number, Win A Prize
Those seeking an easy way to track their "window" can opt to use CycleBeads. Developed by the Institute for Reproductive Health, each of the 32 color-coded beads on this string represents a day of the menstrual cycle.
Here's how it works: The woman moves a small rubber ring over the bead that represents her current "day." The first day of her period if signified by a red bead. The following brown beads mean pregnancy is very unlikely. Beads 8 through 19 are glow-in-the-dark white, but act as a "red flag" to represent fertile days.
The problem that this study doesn't address is one that was really driven home in my high school health classes—sexually transmitted diseases. Sure, CycleBeads may help you prevent a bun from conceiving in your oven, but if you're not married or in a committed relationship where you know your partner is clean, the rhythm method won't prevent you from contracting HIV, syphilis or the handful of other diseases that can be passed during intercourse.

Lose Weight with Personality Type Diet

Are you among those who exhaust their bodies with crash diets and backbreaking workouts, but nothing helps and extra pounds stay put? Well, the problem is likely to lie in improperly selected diet plan. The latest scientific research shows that diet is necessarily should be selected in accordance with your personality type. Thus, firstly find out what sort of person you are and after get ready to lose weight.

It has recently turned out that calorie counting can appear absolutely useless, if you don’t take into account your personality type. That’s why if you are eager to lose weight, first of all check out the type of personality you are, and only after select your ‘dieting direction’.
According to the latest scientific research, personality type plays a great role in weight loss. The matter is that you can simply turn out to be genetically incapable to stick to a certain diet plan. Thus at first you are to sort out all your weaknesses according to which you can easily select effective diet.

Dr. Amen, the creator of the newest way to lose weight, insists that there are 5 personality types that should be regarded while choosing diet plan. According to Dr. Amen, people are divided into compulsive overeaters, impulsive overeaters, compulsive-impulsive overeaters, sad or emotional overeaters and anxious overeaters. He claims that every group of overeaters should avoid certain food intake and fall on the other to lose weight easily.

Lose Weight with Personality Type Diet

Are you among those who exhaust their bodies with crash diets and backbreaking workouts, but nothing helps and extra pounds stay put? Well, the problem is likely to lie in improperly selected diet plan. The latest scientific research shows that diet is necessarily should be selected in accordance with your personality type. Thus, firstly find out what sort of person you are and after get ready to lose weight.

It has recently turned out that calorie counting can appear absolutely useless, if you don’t take into account your personality type. That’s why if you are eager to lose weight, first of all check out the type of personality you are, and only after select your ‘dieting direction’.
According to the latest scientific research, personality type plays a great role in weight loss. The matter is that you can simply turn out to be genetically incapable to stick to a certain diet plan. Thus at first you are to sort out all your weaknesses according to which you can easily select effective diet.

Dr. Amen, the creator of the newest way to lose weight, insists that there are 5 personality types that should be regarded while choosing diet plan. According to Dr. Amen, people are divided into compulsive overeaters, impulsive overeaters, compulsive-impulsive overeaters, sad or emotional overeaters and anxious overeaters. He claims that every group of overeaters should avoid certain food intake and fall on the other to lose weight easily.

Tips to Healthy Eating

There are three keys to healthy eating – balance, variety and moderation. That’s when you know all the monodiets are not good for your health. Eating healthy also means maintaining healthy weight. And completed by daily workouts or simple morning exercise staying slim and fit.

Eat varied foods rich in different nutrients. The human organism requires 40 different nutrients and there is not a single one product that can provide them all. Fact. So try eating different foods every other day to keep the healthy nutrient intake. If you look at the food guide pyramid you will see what foods should be included into your diet. There are meat, vegetables, whole grain products, dairy, fruit and other foods.

Include more fruit, vegetables and whole grain products. Fruit and vegetables have all the vitamins and minerals we need to sustain good health. Whole grains are much better than refined grains because they are natural and contain protein and carbohydrates.
Eat slowly in moderate proportions. The problem of many is that they overeat due to quick food consumption. When you eat fast the hormone, which tells your brain your stomach is full isn’t released. So eat slowly, thoroughly chewing your food while enjoying its taste. Also stop eating king-size portions. These are unhealthy and make you overeat especially if you don’t like leaving your food.

Tips to Healthy Eating

There are three keys to healthy eating – balance, variety and moderation. That’s when you know all the monodiets are not good for your health. Eating healthy also means maintaining healthy weight. And completed by daily workouts or simple morning exercise staying slim and fit.

Eat varied foods rich in different nutrients. The human organism requires 40 different nutrients and there is not a single one product that can provide them all. Fact. So try eating different foods every other day to keep the healthy nutrient intake. If you look at the food guide pyramid you will see what foods should be included into your diet. There are meat, vegetables, whole grain products, dairy, fruit and other foods.

Include more fruit, vegetables and whole grain products. Fruit and vegetables have all the vitamins and minerals we need to sustain good health. Whole grains are much better than refined grains because they are natural and contain protein and carbohydrates.
Eat slowly in moderate proportions. The problem of many is that they overeat due to quick food consumption. When you eat fast the hormone, which tells your brain your stomach is full isn’t released. So eat slowly, thoroughly chewing your food while enjoying its taste. Also stop eating king-size portions. These are unhealthy and make you overeat especially if you don’t like leaving your food.

5 Simple Tips To Control Sugar Cravings

Are you constantly craving sugary foods between meals, late at night, or even throughout the day? Do you want to know how to stop sugar cravings and transform your body into a healthy and more well-balanced one?

Here are 5 tips to help you break free of your sugar cravings…

1. Get your beauty sleep

There’s nothing like a good night’s sleep to boost your energy, help your body fight illness and leave you feeling fresh and ready to take on the world. But did you know a good night’s sleep can also help you nix those sugar cravings?
Lack of sleep reduces serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a hormone that regulates mood, appetite and sleep. Lower serotonin levels are associated with increased food or sugar cravings. Getting 7-8 hours of quality sleep is one of the simplest ways to curb cravings.

Tip #2 – Hydrate with water

It’s a shame how many people reach for sugary carbonated drinks these days to quench their thirst. While these drinks might taste good, they only increase your cravings for sugar. You are trapped in a vicious cycle whereby the more sugar you consume, the more you crave for it.
Dehydration can often be mistaken for sugar cravings. Drink plenty of plain water or water with lemon. Water has no calorie and is great for rehydrating your body naturally.

Tip # 3 – Opt for healthy substitutes

By choosing fresh fruits over sugary processed foods, you can satisfy your sweet tooth without sabotaging your diet. They are high in vitamins and antioxidants, and the fiber fills you up. Choose low glycemic fruits such as berries, apples, plums and grapefruit which have less effects on your blood sugar levels.

Tip #4 – Cut out processed foods

Ever wonder why your body seems to crave certain types of foods so strongly? The same thing that makes a drug addict crave more of the drug is what gives you a hankering for sweets.  That’s right, sugar stimulates your brain to produce dopamine.
Dopamine, often called the ‘pleasure transmitter’, results in feel-good feeling. Eating processed foods that are high in carbohydrates and sugar can increase dopamine levels in the short-term. However, you end up craving for more of them once dopamine levels recede. Break this vicious cycle by avoiding processed foods as much as possible.

Tip # 5 – Avoid caffeine

For some of us, it’s almost impossible to start the day without our morning coffee. You might even depend on regular doses of caffeine to get you through the day.
Caffeine stimulates the adrenal glands to produce adrenaline, giving you that instant pick-me-up. It increases mental alertness and energy levels temporarily. The problem is that once these effects wear off, you experience a crash that can lead to sugar cravings, hunger, fatigue and agitation. If you want to curb sugar cravings, it is best to cut back on caffeine or avoid it completely.
If you take artificial sweeteners with your tea, coffee or other beverages, do you know that they can increase appetite and sugar cravings? Learn more about it here: Artificial Sweeteners and Weight Gain

5 Simple Tips To Control Sugar Cravings

Are you constantly craving sugary foods between meals, late at night, or even throughout the day? Do you want to know how to stop sugar cravings and transform your body into a healthy and more well-balanced one?

Here are 5 tips to help you break free of your sugar cravings…

1. Get your beauty sleep

There’s nothing like a good night’s sleep to boost your energy, help your body fight illness and leave you feeling fresh and ready to take on the world. But did you know a good night’s sleep can also help you nix those sugar cravings?
Lack of sleep reduces serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a hormone that regulates mood, appetite and sleep. Lower serotonin levels are associated with increased food or sugar cravings. Getting 7-8 hours of quality sleep is one of the simplest ways to curb cravings.

Tip #2 – Hydrate with water

It’s a shame how many people reach for sugary carbonated drinks these days to quench their thirst. While these drinks might taste good, they only increase your cravings for sugar. You are trapped in a vicious cycle whereby the more sugar you consume, the more you crave for it.
Dehydration can often be mistaken for sugar cravings. Drink plenty of plain water or water with lemon. Water has no calorie and is great for rehydrating your body naturally.

Tip # 3 – Opt for healthy substitutes

By choosing fresh fruits over sugary processed foods, you can satisfy your sweet tooth without sabotaging your diet. They are high in vitamins and antioxidants, and the fiber fills you up. Choose low glycemic fruits such as berries, apples, plums and grapefruit which have less effects on your blood sugar levels.

Tip #4 – Cut out processed foods

Ever wonder why your body seems to crave certain types of foods so strongly? The same thing that makes a drug addict crave more of the drug is what gives you a hankering for sweets.  That’s right, sugar stimulates your brain to produce dopamine.
Dopamine, often called the ‘pleasure transmitter’, results in feel-good feeling. Eating processed foods that are high in carbohydrates and sugar can increase dopamine levels in the short-term. However, you end up craving for more of them once dopamine levels recede. Break this vicious cycle by avoiding processed foods as much as possible.

Tip # 5 – Avoid caffeine

For some of us, it’s almost impossible to start the day without our morning coffee. You might even depend on regular doses of caffeine to get you through the day.
Caffeine stimulates the adrenal glands to produce adrenaline, giving you that instant pick-me-up. It increases mental alertness and energy levels temporarily. The problem is that once these effects wear off, you experience a crash that can lead to sugar cravings, hunger, fatigue and agitation. If you want to curb sugar cravings, it is best to cut back on caffeine or avoid it completely.
If you take artificial sweeteners with your tea, coffee or other beverages, do you know that they can increase appetite and sugar cravings? Learn more about it here: Artificial Sweeteners and Weight Gain

7 Tips To Lose Weight Fast

inShare3

Losing weight can be a tough challenge for many people in the United Kingdom especially those with office jobs and other responsibilities such as kids. Not having enough time and feelings of low energy are the main causes that people use for not regularly attending the gym or doing sports.
The issue here is that while these people don’t seem to be able to find the time, they do desire to be thinner and healthier but lack the drive and direction to actually start taking the steps to achieve it.
Losing weight is an achievable thing for anyone to be able to do despite what some people may think. It is true that some people can shift weight faster than others but with determination and the right advice you can achieve any physical goal you want.

Seven good tips to achieve a significant weight loss:

1. The diet is the key to starting all this weight loss work because you can exercise every day but if you are eating the wrong foods the weight will not change much. Eat healthily three times a day and try to include salad and some lean meats in your diet.
2. Snacking has to go but to get in the habit of not eating junk food you need to empty the cupboards and bin it all. If the urge to snack is quite high you need to replace it with something such as cups of tea or fruit.
3. You do not need to work out every day but at least be active and so that means going for a walk for thirty minutes with the kids, on your own or with the dogs. You need to break the habits of getting in from work and just watching the tv and then eating dinner.
4. When you do go to the gym you need to workout intensely to shift weight quicker and so that means lots of cardio. Try and mix it up so do twenty minutes on the jogger, then the bike and then the cross trainer. This way you will get one hour of good cardio all over your body which is ideal for weight loss.
5. Try and keep it fun and original so at least once a week train in a different way such as skipping, boxing, outdoor running, outdoor biking or swimming, This way it can keep your workouts new and interesting while managing to workout different muscles.
6. Just because you are losing weight which in reality means losing fat, it doesn’t mean you can’t use weight to bulk up your upper body once a week to give your workouts some variety. Use the free weights and bench press to improve the upper body and if you want a health supplement to try to help give your muscles more energy, creatine tablets have had some good reviews on their effectiveness in this area.
7. Have small targets every two weeks instead of one big weight loss target as it makes it all seem much more achievable.

7 Tips To Lose Weight Fast

inShare3

Losing weight can be a tough challenge for many people in the United Kingdom especially those with office jobs and other responsibilities such as kids. Not having enough time and feelings of low energy are the main causes that people use for not regularly attending the gym or doing sports.
The issue here is that while these people don’t seem to be able to find the time, they do desire to be thinner and healthier but lack the drive and direction to actually start taking the steps to achieve it.
Losing weight is an achievable thing for anyone to be able to do despite what some people may think. It is true that some people can shift weight faster than others but with determination and the right advice you can achieve any physical goal you want.

Seven good tips to achieve a significant weight loss:

1. The diet is the key to starting all this weight loss work because you can exercise every day but if you are eating the wrong foods the weight will not change much. Eat healthily three times a day and try to include salad and some lean meats in your diet.
2. Snacking has to go but to get in the habit of not eating junk food you need to empty the cupboards and bin it all. If the urge to snack is quite high you need to replace it with something such as cups of tea or fruit.
3. You do not need to work out every day but at least be active and so that means going for a walk for thirty minutes with the kids, on your own or with the dogs. You need to break the habits of getting in from work and just watching the tv and then eating dinner.
4. When you do go to the gym you need to workout intensely to shift weight quicker and so that means lots of cardio. Try and mix it up so do twenty minutes on the jogger, then the bike and then the cross trainer. This way you will get one hour of good cardio all over your body which is ideal for weight loss.
5. Try and keep it fun and original so at least once a week train in a different way such as skipping, boxing, outdoor running, outdoor biking or swimming, This way it can keep your workouts new and interesting while managing to workout different muscles.
6. Just because you are losing weight which in reality means losing fat, it doesn’t mean you can’t use weight to bulk up your upper body once a week to give your workouts some variety. Use the free weights and bench press to improve the upper body and if you want a health supplement to try to help give your muscles more energy, creatine tablets have had some good reviews on their effectiveness in this area.
7. Have small targets every two weeks instead of one big weight loss target as it makes it all seem much more achievable.

10 Tips to knock a decade off your age

10 Tips to knock a decade off your age

These balanced eating rules will help your body defy the effects of time

Growing older is inevitable, but looking your age is not - and slashing years off your aging body starts with eating the right foods.

A healthy diet loaded with lean protein and whole grains will allow you to retain muscle tone but lose excess fat as you age, while plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies will help stave off those wrinkles.

Here's a list of simple to-dos to keep you younger-looking, younger-feeling:

1. Say yes to whole grains
The waistlines of middle-aged people who ate white bread and other white carbohydrates expanded three times more than those who ate wholemeal foods, according to an American research.

2. See fish as your ally
Fish is a great source of the protein leptin, which acts like a hormone in the body and controls your appetite so you don't overeat. Oily fish such as salmon contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are potent wrinkle-fighters at any age. In fact, the 'fish facelift diet' was created as a result of this.

3. Bacteria buddies
After you turn 35, levels of friendly gut bacteria drop significantly, leaving you at an increased risk of sluggish digestion and bloating. To combat this, have a probiotic drink or yoghurt every day.

4. Moisturise from within
As you get older your skin becomes drier and flakier as the oil glands produce smaller amounts of natural moisturiser. Your skin also becomes less elastic, causing fine lines to develop. Eating foods containing healthy, natural oils, such as avocado, nuts, seeds and olive oil can have a softening and plumping effect on skin.

5. Ditch the biscuit
For every decade you age once you turn 30, your body needs around one per cent fewer calories. The good news is you can easily drop these calories just by stopping your mid-morning biscuits or not having that extra slice of toast.

10 Tips to knock a decade off your age

10 Tips to knock a decade off your age

These balanced eating rules will help your body defy the effects of time

Growing older is inevitable, but looking your age is not - and slashing years off your aging body starts with eating the right foods.

A healthy diet loaded with lean protein and whole grains will allow you to retain muscle tone but lose excess fat as you age, while plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies will help stave off those wrinkles.

Here's a list of simple to-dos to keep you younger-looking, younger-feeling:

1. Say yes to whole grains
The waistlines of middle-aged people who ate white bread and other white carbohydrates expanded three times more than those who ate wholemeal foods, according to an American research.

2. See fish as your ally
Fish is a great source of the protein leptin, which acts like a hormone in the body and controls your appetite so you don't overeat. Oily fish such as salmon contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are potent wrinkle-fighters at any age. In fact, the 'fish facelift diet' was created as a result of this.

3. Bacteria buddies
After you turn 35, levels of friendly gut bacteria drop significantly, leaving you at an increased risk of sluggish digestion and bloating. To combat this, have a probiotic drink or yoghurt every day.

4. Moisturise from within
As you get older your skin becomes drier and flakier as the oil glands produce smaller amounts of natural moisturiser. Your skin also becomes less elastic, causing fine lines to develop. Eating foods containing healthy, natural oils, such as avocado, nuts, seeds and olive oil can have a softening and plumping effect on skin.

5. Ditch the biscuit
For every decade you age once you turn 30, your body needs around one per cent fewer calories. The good news is you can easily drop these calories just by stopping your mid-morning biscuits or not having that extra slice of toast.