Spotlight On Men's Health

As males we tend to deal with "problems" as they arise, and do not think about prevention, especially when it comes to our health. Lets face it, our ego's won't let us. Men by nature are very stubborn and most of us need some "coaxing" or "downright pushing" from a significant other before we take responsibility and go see a doctor. Research reveals that women seek medical services 3 times more often than men. In this article we will examine various aspects of men's health and offer some single preventive strategies.

Take a look for a minute at prostate cancer. Of all the malignancies that tend to affect men, prostate cancer is still the Rodney Dangerfield of cancers, as it gets no respect. There is no sense of national urgency and no run for the cure. Yet, a diagnosis of prostate cancer is just as frightening for a man as news of breast cancer is for a woman. Treatment can wreak havoc in quality of life, as standard conventional treatments often cause incontinence and impotence.

The good news is that preventive efforts, mainly dietary, can really pay off in the long run. Many studies suggest that a diet high in saturated fats leads to many of our "male diseases" like heart disease, arthritis, diabetes and cancer by triggering inflammation.

If It Ain't Broke; Don't Fix It!

The credence of most men, when it comes to their health, is, "if it ain't broke; don't fix it!" It is usually the nagging wife or mother that pushes them through the doorway of their doctor's office, or undeniable and painful or incapacitating symptoms. Preventative screening is an oxymoron because most men don't start getting screened until a problem has already surfaced. If you think I am being harsh on men for their "taking care of business" mentality, I am, but it is of the utmost importance. Their health, happiness, and well-being depend on it.

Some of the most common health concerns that men are faced with are: heart disease, cancer (lung and prostate), high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, obesity, low testosterone levels, and depression. Many of the more serious side effects from these ailments could be avoided with early detection. For instance, prostate cancer may remain silent (without symptoms) during the early stages of the illness when treatment is most effective; in fact, at this stage prostate cancer is considered curable. By the time symptoms start to appear, the condition may have progressed outside of the prostate gland and spread to other organs, causing disability and sometimes resulting in death. It is estimated that about one of every 10 men will develop this form of cancer; every man over 40 or if they have a family history should know they are at risk and it is recommended that they get screened for prostate cancer at least once a year. It should also be noted that lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer in men as well as the most avoidable one, so quit smoking!

Know this; however, it is not all that scary. One of the primary concerns of men is prostate health. Prostate cancer is not the only health concern for the prostate gland and just because a man may experience other prostate complications, short term or long term, does not mean that he will inevitably have cancer. One of the common problems in men age 50 and older is prostatitis (acute or chronic). Prostatitis is an infection of the prostate caused by bacteria. Unlike prostate cancer, symptoms appear right away and include: fever, chills, or pain in the lower back and pelvic pain. Another common prostate problem in men over 50 is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlarged prostate. Over time about 80% of men have enlarged prostates, but may not suffer from any symptoms. Symptoms of BPH consist of difficulty urinating, which can lead to an inability to empty the bladder and possibly lead to other bladder and kidney malfunctions. Knowing that these are very common male health issues, taking proactive measures such as screenings (digital rectal exams) and treating the body right through exercise, diet and supplementation may prevent the man from having any severe prostate problems.

It is so important for men to take the time to take care of themselves, namely their health, and to pay attention to signs and symptoms early on. Men suffer from depression, not as often as women, but it is more common in older men. Unfortunately, many men do not seek help and as a result there are more serious consequences involved. Men who suffer from diabetes as well as erectile dysfunctions (ED) may also have an undiagnosed case of coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD can remain symptomless, but nonetheless very dangerous while undiagnosed. The bottom line is that all symptoms merit communication with the managing physician. Something that may seem insignificant may be an early indicator of something more serious that needs attention and if caught early enough can be controlled with minimal discomfort. The reality is, it may need fixing even if it doesn't seem broke.

What You Need and WhenBy the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)

Routine Blood Screening: For cholesterol, blood sugar, liver enzymes, kidney function, and thyroid function at least every 5 years, starting at age 35. If you smoke, have diabetes, or if heart disease runs in your family, start having your cholesterol checked at age 20.

Blood Pressure:
Every chance you get (at the grocery store or pharmacy, anytime you visit a doctor, etc.) or at least once a year.

Colorectal Cancer Tests:
Begin regular screening for colorectal cancer starting at age 50. Your doctor can help you decide which test is right for you. How often you need to be tested will depend on which test you have.
Diabetes Tests: Have a test to screen for diabetes if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Depression:
If you've felt "down," sad, or hopeless, or felt little interest or pleasure in doing things for 2 weeks straight, talk to your doctor abut whether he or she can screen you for depression.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases:
Talk to your doctor to see whether you should be screened for sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV.

Prostate Cancer Screening:
Talk to your doctor about the possible benefits and harms of prostate cancer screening if you are considering having a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test or digital rectal examination (DRE). Get screened every year after the age of 40.

10 Quick Health Tips For Men

1. Be sure to get recommended screenings.

2. Don't ignore symptoms; Don't be in denial!

3. Take a supplement to support the prostate gland. Prostatin is a homeopathic medicinal specifically formulated for the prostate gland. The ingredients in Prostatin+ have been shown to: help reduce swelling and inappropriate enlargement of the prostate and help improve urinary flow and bladder control.

4. Take a supplement that will help you to maintain hormonal balance in order to avoid low testosterone levels or hypogonadism. Endocrin for Men offers all-natural and completely safe complexes of male balancing herbs, phytosterols and ginseng plus amino acids, vitamins and key nutrients to help rebalance the male hormonal system.

5. Cleanse the entire cardiovascular system, including the liver and kidneys of toxins. TriCardia is an oral chelation therapy formula; this homeopathic medicinal is designed to detoxify the cardiovascular system, liver and kidneys. Oral Chelation is a safe and effective way to cleanse and detoxify your entire cardiovascular system of toxic metals and wastes.

6. Take an antioxidant formula to rid the body of free radicals, caused by cigarette smoke, alcohol consumption, saturated fats, pesticides, exhaust fumes, our water sources, household cleaners, and so on. Anti-Oxin is one of the most rare and potent proactive antioxidant vitamin formulas available, containing a number of biologically active nutritional compounds such as Grape Seed Extract (Activin), Pycnogenol, plus 28 other ingredients.

7. Don't drink excessive amounts of alcohol and smoke fewer cigarettes or quit altogether.

8. Eat a healthy diet. Studies show that men should shoot for 9 servings of vegetables and fruits a day. Reduce intake of saturated fats.

9. Exercise.

10. Make appropriate life style changes to reduce stress and achieve happiness.

Ear Infections – What Are The Risks?

Today, ear infections are generally accepted as frequent offenders, and if not recognized and treated early, can lead to more serious complications as described below. Ear infections are the bread and butter of conventional pediatricians, who treat them with frequent courses of antibiotics, decongestants and sometimes with surgery. In young children middle ear infections are a normal part of growing up (until their immune systems are functioning as the first-line defense against all types of infections, whether viral, bacterial or fungal.)

So, what are the risks? If the infection is viral, the risks are minimal. However, if the infection is bacterial and treatment delayed, there is danger that the infection may become chronic or spread to a portion of the bone behind the ear called the mastoid process. If antibiotics do not control this, a surgical operation may be needed. Children who are old enough to gargle should be encouraged to gargle with a warm saline solution, which promotes healing by bringing more blood to the Eustachian tube, which connects the ear with the throat. Read on for more details.

Ear Infections Plaguing Nearly All Of Our Children

A very common issue:
About 80% of children will have at least one ear infection by the age of 5, and 75% will have one by the age of 3. It is also said that otitis media (middle ear infection) is the most common cause of hearing loss in children, costing approximately $2 billion annually on medical and surgical treatments in the U.S. In addition to otitis media, children and adults may suffer from otitis externa (infection of the outer ear), commonly referred to as swimmer's ear. If you are a parent with a young child in daycare or a parent with a child who spends a lot of time under water, you have no doubt had some experience with ear infections and it was more than likely, not a pleasant one.

What causes ear infections and why are they so common?

Well, swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is probably the most common type of ear infection during the summer months and occurs when water is trapped in the ear canal, usually from swimming and spending a lot of time in the water, causing bacteria to grow. Other causes of otitis externa can be anything that breaks the skin in the ear canal causing bacterial growth such as cotton-tipped applicators, bobby pins, or vigorous scratching.

Middle ear infections (otitis media) are more common during winter and spring. It is an infection in the space behind the eardrum caused by backed up fluid leading to bacterial growth. The fluid gets backed up, usually from a previous infection or cold that has caused the Eustachian tube to become blocked due to swelling and increased secretions in the nose and throat. The Eustachian tube's purpose is to act as a drain for secretions created by the middle ear and to regulate air pressure. Middle ear infections have multiple causes such as respiratory infections, being exposed to cigarette smoke and allergies. It can also be caused by the baby's position during bottle-feeding, if the baby is lying flat while sucking the Eustachian tube does not work properly. There has been a dramatic rise in the number of ear infections over the last two decades due to the need for a two-income household and moms returning to the workplace before the child's immune system has had a chance to fully develop. Infants and toddlers are continually bombarded by respiratory infections in day care centers.

Are there long-term complications from chronic ear infections?

Yes. There can be possible long-term complications with both types of ear infections if not treated properly. The list of complications that can arise from improperly treated swimmer's ear are chronic otitis externa, narrowing of the ear canal that would affect hearing and future infections, facial infections, and, in the immune challenged, malignant otitis externa. Malignant otitis externa would be the most severe complication, which is the spread of infection to the bones of the ear canal and lower part of the skull.

Since middle ear infections occur in the very young the complications can be detrimental to the development of the child. As previously quoted, middle ear infections are the number one cause of hearing loss in children and this may cause further complications of delayed speech development. Also, middle ear infections can spread to nearby structures in the head like the mastoid bone (mastoiditis), and in extreme cases the brain (meningitis). The mastoid bone is a complex system of air cells that house the structures of the inner ear responsible for balance and facial expressions.

What are some of the symptoms of ear infections?

Symptoms of swimmer's ear start with a mild to moderate pain that is made worse by tugging at the outer ear and an itchy ear. Other symptoms include: a sensation that the ear is blocked or full; drainage; fever; decreased hearing; intense pain that may radiate to the neck, face or side of the head; the outer ear may appear to be pushed forward or away from the skull; and swollen lymph nodes.

Symptoms to look for of middle ear infections in infants and toddlers are: hearing problems; inconsolable crying; irritability; restlessness; fever; vomiting; ear drainage; and tugging at the ear. Symptoms to look for of middle ear infections in children, adolescents and adults are: earache; a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear; hearing problems; dizziness or loss of balance; nausea or vomiting; ear drainage; and fever.

Is there anything you can do to prevent ear infections?

Yes. The key is to keep the ears free of moisture. Dry your ears after swimming or bathing; the safest way to dry your ears is by using a hair dryer. Using removable earplugs while in the water may do the trick, but be sure they fit snuggly in the ear. Also, if you know that you do not have a perforated eardrum, then you can use an eardrop mixture of half vinegar and half alcohol. One other important note is that people with itchy ears or those who have excessive earwax are more susceptible to an infection, so it would be wise to have your ears cleaned periodically by an otolaryngologist (ENT doctor) or your family doctor.

There are multiple preventative options to alleviate middle ear infections, however, none of them are guaranteed to work all of the time. Babies that are breast-feed for the first 6 months are less likely to contract middle ear infections for two reasons: one, the mother is able to pass along important antibodies to protect against various diseases and illnesses, and two, the use of cow's milk can be an irritant to the Eustachian tube. Allergies are a major factor in chronic ear infections. Singling out the allergen and removing it from the child's diet or environment will play an important role in the health of your child. Common allergies that may contribute to ear infections are: wheat, dairy products (cow's milk), pet dander, mold and pollen. Another diet consideration that may help would be to reduce sugar intake. The natural sweetener xylitol (found in some fruits) has been known to reduce ear infections. It is very important to keep your child away from second hand cigarette smoke. Also, be sure your child is getting enough antioxidants in order to boost their immune system such as Vitamins A, C, E and Zinc.

Be cautious of taking too much zinc and of taking it for a long period of time. The RDA for zinc for infants 7 months - 3 years is 3 mg, children 4-8 years is 5 mg, children 9-13 is 8 mg, adolescents 14-18 is 11 mg (males) & 9 mg (females), and 19+ 11 mg (males) & 8 mg (females). If taking it for more than a few weeks, then you should also take copper along with it. Always consult your physician if you are pregnant or lactating before taking any supplementation.

Ear Infection Treatments: Traditional and Alternative

It is important to note that if any type of ear infection is suspected, whether the inflicted be an infant, child, adolescent or adult, that a physician is consulted before starting any treatment plan. In addition, follow up appointments should be made until the infection has been completely dissipated.

Otitis Externa or Swimmer's Ear

If swimmer's ear is caught early on it may be successfully treated with a mild acid solution such as boric or acetic acid (vinegar). If the infection persists or was not caught in the early stages cleaning the ear with antibiotics may work, however, this method can only be used providing the eardrum is not perforated. If the ear canal is swollen shut, the physician may place a sponge or a wick in the ear canal before administering antibiotic eardrops as well as prescribing steroid eardrops to reduce the inflammation. It may be necessary for the physician to clean out the ear to remove pus and debris, and he may also run a culture to identify what type of bacteria or fungi that are causing the infection. In addition, oral antibiotics and pain medications may be prescribed, although, over the counter pain relievers should be enough to manage the pain. A warm washcloth or heating pad over the ear may also work for temporary pain relief. In extreme cases where the infection has spread to bones in the skull intravenous antibiotics and surgery may be necessary. The best treatment, however, is to never get an infection in the first place; focus on prevention.

Otitis Media or Middle Ear Infections

The traditional treatment of middle ear infections is oral antibiotics, acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and fever, and analgesic eardrops. If the child has allergies the doctor may prescribe antihistamines and if the child has a cold he/she may prescribe decongestants. There are disputes over the effectiveness of antibiotics and its overuse. An alternative to traditional antibiotics is colloidal silver, a natural antibiotic that can be taken orally or used as an ear wash. In addition, a carotenoid complex of 20,000 IU daily will aid in controlling the infection for adults, and 1 teaspoon of cod liver oil for children. An alternative to the traditional approach for pain relief is to place a few drops of warm garlic oil or olive oil in the ear, then a drop or two of lobelia or mullein oil, and then place a cotton ball loosely in the ear. Also, Goldenseal extract and Echinacea are herbs that support immune function; however, a physician should be consulted before starting this alternative treatment option.

Chronic Middle Ear Infections

If middle ear infections become chronic, the treating physician may suggest the insertion of ventilation tubes in order to drain the opposing fluid down the Eustachian tubes and to prevent the build up of future fluid in the middle ear. Typically, as the child grows, the tubes will fall out and the eardrum will heal on it's own. If for some reason the tubes do not fall out on their own, the doctor will remove the tubes. Other surgical procedures that may be suggested by your physician are the removal of the adenoids or tonsils. Chronically infected and swollen adenoids or tonsils can cause the dysfunction of the Eustachian tubes. Adenoids are small organs located in the back of the throat, behind the sinuses. Both organs are thought to act as a defense against incoming bacteria and viruses. However, if they are constantly enlarged (hypertrophy) they may do more harm than good.

Chiropractic For Middle Ear Infections

Chiropractic adjustment is another option for parents to try before resulting to surgery. Several studies have shown the safety and efficacy of chiropractic treatments in children. "In one study of 46 children (age 5 and under) with otitis media, 93% of all episodes improved, 75% in ten days or less. In another study, five children with chronic recurrent otitis media all responded favorably to chiropractic care.

Alternative Medicine

Immune-Aid+ provides the effective combinations of phytomedicinals, herbs, amino acids and metabolites that the body needs to fight off infection. Some of the ingredients in Immune-Aid+ include Colloidal Silver, Goldenseal, Echinacea, Beta Carotenes, OptiZinc, and Ester-C. The ingredients in Immune-Aid+ have been shown to: help reduce fever; help fight infection by strengthening the immune system; and help increase rate of recovery with the efficient removal of pathogens, bacteria and other toxins.

Virexin is a powerful homeopathic medicinal combining plant extracts, amino acids, vitamins and more to give the body optimal nutritional support and help the body to activate the immune system defenses against bacterial and viral infections, rid itself of deadly free ranging DNA-viral matter and accelerate recovery, alleviate the symptoms of colds and flu, and restock those nutrients that often become depleted from prolonged illness. Some ingredients found in Virexin include Echinacea, OptiZinc and St. John's Wort.

Aller-Sine is a homeopathic medicinal that contains highly specific nutrients to aid the body's natural ability to reduce the overabundance of histamine and other inflammatory cytotoxic substances within the body, while also inhibiting allergic reactions to drugs/serums, pollen, dust, animal fur and other environmental pollutants. Some of the ingredients in Aller-Sine include Echinacea, Vitamin C, Folic Acid and specific homeopathics known to prevent allergic responses.

ReFlora contains a special complex of 10 different and beneficial bacteria, plus phytomedicinals and other nutrients, to help the body restore healthy bacterial flora. The use of long-term antibiotics can destroy the balance of beneficial bacteria, which is extremely important for the immune system.

Illness & Recovery Strategies:

When a body has been ill for extended periods of time, its biochemistry has withstood considerable stress and depletion. For these very special times, it is not recommended that full dosages of Nutraceuticals be used. Rather, to begin with, just halve or quarter the usual or recommended maintenance dose. Nutrition and Nutraceuticals, although harmless food, are still powerful entities. At times of extended illness, too much "good" nutrition too quickly will simply encumber and compromise our biochemistry further. Just as it is foolish to "fast" from food for a few days, only to then attempt to eat a large meal of steak & eggs, biscuits & gravy to break the "fast," it's careless to offer too much nutrition to a body that has been sick for a long time. Remember, the first order of the house is to "be gentle, and do no harm."Therefore, only offer half or quarter dosages of Systemex and other Nutraceuticals to a body which has suffered extended illness, letting the body respond slowly and rebuild itself in its own time frame. A sick body takes longer to assimilate and refurbish itself, so remember to "feed" it slowly and carefully. Before long, as the body begins to strengthen and recover, larger dosages of nutrients will then be appropriate.

Dosages for Infants, Children, Adolescents and Adults:

Our formulas are generally safe for everyone, from infancy to the aged, but it’s always best to first consult with your physician before using any product of food especially if serious illness or disease is suspected. In general, for Homeopathic Nutraceuticals, Systemex and Nutritionizer, dosages for Infants (1-3 yrs) generally require one quarter (¼) of the recommended maintenance dosages for adults, although there are always exceptions. Dosages for children between 4-7 years of age require one half (½) of the recommended maintenance dosages for adults. Dosages for children between 8-12 years of age require three quarters (¾) of the recommended maintenance dosages for adults, and for those over the age of 12 years dosages are generally the same as adults because increased rates of body metabolism in these children/adolescents more than adequately compensate for body mass and weight of adults. Dosages for the elderly generally follow those recommendations for adults, but again, if the elderly have been sick or infirm, it’s best to start out by quartering or halving the dosages (see "Illness and Recovery Strategies" above). In general, with any problem of adjustment, simply reduce the dosages, letting the body find it’s own comfort level of assimilation.

All formulas may be mixed with baby food for infants, added directly to the shakes for children, or mixed with peanut butter and honey and made into sandwiches. For those having difficulty in taking capsules, it’s recommended that all capsules be mixed directly with the Systemex meal replacement shakes.

Please note: Since the USRDI’s of Vitamins and Minerals are considered the least required to sustain life, and not the optimal amounts, often full dosages of Systemex will prove more useful for recovering individuals.

Candidiasis: Avoid Summertime Yeast Infections!

Now that summer is here, lets talk about a condition that can impact your summertime health. Candida or the yeast syndrome has been around for a long time. However, it was not until Orion Truss published the “Missing Diagnosis” and William Crook published “The Yeast Connection” that many physicians and the public became aware of the magnitude of the problem. The common yeast is present in every individual. Normally, yeast live harmlessly in the gastrointestinal tract but occasionally, the yeast will overgrow and lead to significant disease. Candida yeast overgrowth can cause a wide variety of symptoms. The major body systems most sensitive to the yeast are the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, endocrine or glandular, nervous and immune systems. Allergies also have been attributed to yeast overgrowth. Candida overgrowth is most often associated with chronic antibiotic use. In addition to antibiotic use, other causes include use of other drugs such as corticosteroids, anti-ulcer drugs, birth control pills, lack of digestive enzymes or too much sugar in the diet. Any disease that can suppress the immune system can increase susceptibility to candida, like diabetes, thyroid disease and cancer.

Avoid Summertime Yeast Infections
The summer is a time for fun in the sun! Typically, this means less and tighter clothing for women. It is the combination of summertime heat and humidity and tight clothing that sets the stage for candida overgrowth, leading to an increased incidence of yeast infections. Candida can be found in small amounts in the vagina, as well as in the mouth and digestive tract of both men and women. Also, residing in these areas are friendly bacteria to help keep the candida in check, however, when the balance gets disrupted the candida takes over causing yeast infections.
Common instigators of this overpopulation of candida can be: pregnancy, diabetes, birth control pills, antibiotic treatments, baths (bubble baths), fragrant detergents, synthetic underwear (especially nylon and pantyhose), douching, diet (avoid sugar) and other infections. Symptoms of a yeast infection include itching and burning in the vaginal area, a white or yellow discharge and a burning sensation while urinating. Note that itching alone does not always indicate a yeast infection. Other possible conditions could be bacterial infections, urinary tract infections and some STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). It may be necessary to make a trip to your doctor in order to determine exactly what is causing the symptoms.
Some simple ways to avoid being plagued with summertime yeast infections are:

Wear loose clothing
Wear white cotton underwear and change them often
Change out of wet swimsuits or damp work out clothing as soon as possible
Avoid sugar and sweets (including beverages)
Stay hydrated (as always drink lots of water)
Take Reflora to maintain a healthy level of friendly bacteria
Keep Candid-Free on hand, in case of a candida outbreak

ReFlora contains a special complex of 10 different and beneficial bacteria, plus phytomedicinals and other nutrients, to help the body restore healthy bacterial flora. It is a great way to be proactive in avoiding yeast infections. Candid-Free is a yeast infection treatment, which uses friendly bacteria, phytomedicinals, natural antibiotics and other vitamins and nutrients to help wipe out yeast infections. Should an outbreak occur the combination is sure to do the trick -- naturally.

This summer have a blast and feel great doing it! Make healthy, proactive decisions and avoid interfering illnesses like yeast infections.

Women’s Health Companion - Progesterone

If you are one of the more than 50 million women that every day battles hot flashes, depression, night sweats, mood swings, or the loss of libido, you may be aggressively seeking or extremely interested in a safer more effective way to relieve symptoms than by using synthetic hormone replacement therapy.

Even after the National Institutes of Health (NIH) halted its ten-year study in synthetic hormones in July 2002, new findings continue to link the use of synthetic HRT with increased risk of breast cancer, heart disease, and stroke. So, if you are interested in feeling great and looking good, no matter what your age. Preserve for Women was formulated with the cleanest, purest ingredients available. The product is soy-based due to the numerous well-documented hormonal health benefits. The cream is rapidly absorbed through the skin and reaches the target tissues where it goes to work immediately. All this found in an easy to use pump delivery system.

In addition, I suggest you read the new book, “Do You Know What You Don’t Know...About Women’s Health Issues” by Cindy A Kruger, M.P.H. that will be available this month mid-late June.

Introducing Natural HRT Balancing Cream, Preserve For Women!

Preserve For Women is a micronized natural progesterone cream in a unique liposome formula that aids in restoring the body’s natural balance of steroid hormones (sex hormones). Progesterone cream is an important breakthrough in women’s health, helping them to counter the effects of hormonal imbalances caused by stress, poor diet and estrogen replacement therapy (ERT). It is safe to say when a woman is having regular menstrual cycles that her hormones are in balance. Some symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances are:

Hot flashes
Weight gain
Mood swings
Low sex drive
Headaches
Hair loss
Fatigue
Vaginal dryness
Heart palpitations
Bone loss

Preserve For Women is a topical bio-identical (human identical) progesterone cream, which is the most effective mode of administering progesterone and is absorbed immediately into the bloodstream and tissue. Bio-Identical progesterone’s have a molecular structure that matches the molecular structure of the hormones produced by the female body. Be wary of synthetic hormones that are foreign to the body and can be unpredictable and harmful, especially, synthetic ERT.

Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is one of the most common means for treating perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms. Synthetic estrogen hormones remain in the body longer than natural estrogen hormones and can cause more damage. Synthetic ethinyl estradiol is a commonly used method of treatment, yet it is considered one of the bad estrogens and can increase the risk of breast cancer. After a woman goes through menopause, the progesterone hormones become nearly obsolete. It is a fact that progesterone is the first hormone to start to decrease, leaving many women, regardless of age, estrogen dominant.

Natural progesterone creams have been found to build bone, enhance mood, normalize blood sugar, protect against fibrocystic breasts, restore sex drive, use fat for energy, restore proper cell oxygen levels, and more. Try Preserve For Women today if you are suffering from symptoms caused by hormonal imbalances like PMS, peri menopause, menopause, osteoporosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis. Its unique liposome formula consisting of grapeseed oil, macadamia nut oil, and sunflower oil allows for instant transdermal absorption.

If you are currently on a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) regimen and a natural progesterone cream is not a part of that treatment, then consult with your gynecologist about how you can add Preserve For Women into your regimen.

Baby Boomers And Anti-Aging

The term "Anti-aging" has recently become one of the most popular "buzz-words" in all of medicine today. There is even a certification and specialization in age-management medicine for physicians interested in assisting their patients in preventing premature disability and death, while focusing on optimal health and vigor. Enter the Baby Boomer generation … individuals born between 1946-1964, 76 million strong, determined to embrace life and beyond. All Baby Boomers have one thing in common; they want to look good and stay healthy. Signs and symptoms of aging such as wrinkles, sunspots, memory changes and fractured hips are not part of their long-range health plans.

Healthy aging is possible for all of us. Read further for straight forward information on what you can do today to delay the indicators of aging, look good and stay healthy.

"Diets Rich In Antioxidants Prevent Disease And Premature Aging." CNN.com

How do antioxidants slow down the aging process? The answer is simple; antioxidants fight free radicals. Okay, the explanation of how antioxidants slow down the aging process is a little more complex. Let's start with an explanation of free radicals. Free radicals are oxygen fragments that can be formed by exposure to radiation (even sun rays), toxic chemicals (found in cigarette smoke, polluted air, and industrial/household chemicals), as well as various metabolic processes like the breaking down of stored fat molecules for energy. These oxygen fragments contribute to oxidation, a process where molecules are split resulting in products that have unpaired electrons. Overall, causing damage to cells within the body, hampering the immune system and leading to infections, as well as many degenerative diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, cancer and the aging process itself.

What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants are a group of vitamins, minerals and enzymes that help protect the body by neutralizing free radicals and are found in dark green, leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale, as well as the supplementation of Vitamins C & E, and carotenoids (including beta-carotenes). When we are young our bodies produce antioxidants, however, as we get into our late 30's we produce fewer antioxidants and incidentally, more free radicals. According to Dr. Jeffrey Blumberg of Tufts University it is best to "take a combination of antioxidants" through both diet and supplementation. Antioxidants work synergistically with one another and for this reason the Prescription for Nutritional Healing says that it is best to take smaller doses of several different antioxidants than a large amount of only one. A researcher at Georgetown University, Jane Freedman, Ph.D., agrees, suggesting the best way to protect health may be by taking a blend of antioxidants, "we're seeing that there's a lot of synergy among these compounds."

Our antioxidant formula, Anti-Oxin, has a blend of all the "classic" antioxidants (as Blumberg would phrase it) Vitamin C, Vitamin E and 4000 IUs of mixed carotenes as well as a number of biologically active nutritional compounds such as Grape Seed Extract (Activin), Pycnogenol, plus 28 other ingredients. Grape Seed Extract and Pycnogenol are recognized by experts as two of the most powerful antioxidants around, however, it is the additional 28 ingredients like OptiZinc, selenium and quercitin (a bioflavonoid) that make Anti-Oxin+ the best antioxidant vitamin available. The ingredients in Anti-Oxin+ naturally: help to rid the body of free radical oxidizing agents, toxins, germs and heavy metals; help to restore and strengthen red blood cell membranes, capillaries and collagen structure; help to protect neural activity within the brain from free radicals; and help to reduce inflammation within the circulatory system.

There is no way to escape the effects of free radical damage in today's society, especially as we age. Our own bodies create them. We were meant to counteract the possible damage caused by free radicals and oxidation through a diet rich in pure organic antioxidant fruits and vegetables. This just doesn't happen in today's society, and even if it did the majority of our soil is depleted of the rich nutrients it once had. Heed the experts' advice on how to prevent chronic diseases by supplementing with a blended antioxidant formula like Anti-Oxin. Add it to your daily routine today and make strides towards staving off old age.