For men with advanced prostate cancer, a key goal of treatment is to reduce testosterone levels as low as possible.

This is often accomplished by hormone therapy. Although hormone therapy is used to reduce testosterone levels, it can sometimes initially increase testosterone through a surge instead.

A testosterone surge results from a type of hormone therapy known as Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, including leuprolide. This surge, also called a flare, may stimulate tumor growth and cause painful and potentially dangerous symptoms in some men such as bone pain, urinary retention and neurological damage. I

n addition, the therapeutic benefits of GnRH treatment may be delayed.

Doctors take steps to counteract testosterone surge; risks may be reduced by prescribing an additional medication known as an antiandrogen, which blocks the negative effects of testosterone surge. While risks are reduced, though, they are not eliminated.

There is, however, a novel treatment option that reduces testosterone levels immediately, without any testosterone surge and without the need for an additional medication to block surges. FIRMAGON® (degarelix for injection) is a GnRH antagonist and gives men with locally advanced prostate cancer an important treatment alternative in their quest to beat advanced prostate cancer.

FIRMAGON provides surge-free reduction in testosterone in 96 percent of men by day three of treatment.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer, as well as the second leading cause of cancer death, in American men. About one man in six will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime; one in 35 will die of the disease. For men with advanced prostate cancer, particularly metastatic disease, lowering testosterone levels is an important goal of treatment.

This is because testosterone affects the growth of the prostate and any cancer cells that may be present. One way to lower testosterone is hormonal therapy (HT).

For more information about prostate cancer, talk to your doctor and visit www.firmagon.com

© 2010, Mensvita – Anti Aging and Health Portal for men. All rights reserved. On republishing this post you must provide link to original post.

Results underscore physiological impacts of ongoing situation

LSU Sociology Professors Matthew Lee and Troy Blanchard have conducted a survey to gain an understanding of the health impacts the ongoing Deepwater Horizon disaster is having on people living in Louisiana’s coastal communities.

“Louisiana’s coastal communities are the most geographically proximate human settlements to the actual disaster site,” said Lee.

“It is imperative that we begin work now to better understand the human impacts of this situation because the results are expected to be long-lasting and diverse.”

The researchers, in conjunction with LSU’s Public Policy Research Lab, or PPRL, conducted a telephone survey beginning June 17, less than 60 days after the onset of the Deepwater Horizon blowout. PPRL investigators conducted more than 900 interviews with coastal Louisiana residents near the spill site. Prominent findings include:

- Self-rated stress has more than doubled since the oil spill, as compared to a year ago.

- Nearly 60 percent of the sample population reported feeling almost constant worry about the oil spill during the week before being interviewed.

- More than eight out of 10 respondents worry over family, friends and community survival due to complications caused by the oil spill. Seven in 10 are worried about having to move because of it.

- More than 35 percent reported experiencing headaches or migraines or feeling sick to their stomach some of the time or almost constantly in the week before the interview because of their worry over the oil spill; nearly 43 percent reported being unable to focus on their usual jobs or tasks because of their worry over the situation in the Gulf.

“The indication is, at least at this point, that the human health impacts are real and substantial,” said Blanchard. “Right now, the data suggest that significant public health resources may be required to assist residents in the coastal parishes of Louisiana in dealing with the consequences of this disaster.”

To view the results, visit http://www.lsu.edu/pa/mediacenter/tipsheets/oilspill.shtml under “LSU Resources.”

More news and information can be found on LSU’s home page at www.lsu.edu

© 2010, Mensvita – Anti Aging and Health Portal for men. All rights reserved. On republishing this post you must provide link to original post.

Adult circumcision has been proposed as a possible HIV prevention strategy for gay men, but a new study by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health presented at the XVIII International AIDS Conference suggests it would have a very small effect on reducing HIV incidence in the United States.

Circumcision is thought to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by removing cells in the foreskin that are most susceptible to infection by the virus. Clinical trials conducted in Africa have found it reduces the risk of HIV in heterosexual men, yet there is little evidence that it can reduce transmission among American gay men.

The study was based on surveys of 521 gay and bisexual men in San Francisco. Findings indicated that 115 men (21 percent) were HIV-positive and 327 (63 percent) had been circumcised.

Of the remaining 69 men (13 percent), only three (0.5 percent) said they would be willing to participate in a clinical trial of circumcision and HIV prevention, and only four (0.7 percent) were willing to get circumcised if it was proven safe and effective in preventing HIV.

The researchers extrapolated these findings to the entire gay and bisexual male population of San Francisco, an estimated 65,700 people, and determined that only 500 men would potentially benefit from circumcision.

“Circumcision in the U.S. already is very common, making it applicable to a limited number of men as a potential HIV prevention strategy in adulthood,” said Chongyi Wei, Dr.P.H., study author and post-doctoral associate, Pitt’s Graduate School of Public Health. “Our study indicates that any potential benefit may likely be too small to justify implementing circumcision programs as an intervention for HIV prevention.”

Study co-authors include H. Fisher Raymond, M.P.H., Willi McFarland, M.D., Ph.D., Susan Buchbinder, M.D., and Jonathan Fuchs, M.D., all of the San Francisco Department of Health. The study was funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health (GSPH), founded in 1948 and now one of the top-ranked schools of public health in the United States, conducts research on public health and medical care that improves the lives of millions of people around the world.

GSPH is a leader in devising new methods to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases, HIV/AIDS, cancer and other important public health issues. For more information about GSPH, visit the school’s Web site at http://www.publichealth.pitt.edu

© 2010, Mensvita – Anti Aging and Health Portal for men. All rights reserved. On republishing this post you must provide link to original post.

Vivus Inc said a second late-stage study of its erectile dysfunction drug met the main goals of improving erectile function score across the two doses that were studied in the trial.

The trial, named REVIVE-Diabetes (TA-302), tested the safety and efficacy of the drug avanafil in 390 men with diabetes and erectile dysfunction.

The study showed statistically significant improvement in erectile function and successful intercourse in 15 minutes and beyond six hours after dosing, the company said in a statement.

Last November, data from the first late-stage study — named REVIVE (TA-301) — on the drug showed it met the main trial goals and was effective in 30 minutes or less. [ID:nN18109272]

Commonly reported side effects included headache, nasopharyngitis, flushing, sinus congestion, sinusitis and dyspepsia. There were no drug-related serious adverse events in the study.

The company is conducting two more trials on avanafil, one in men who have undergone radical prostatectomy and an open-label safety study.

In total, the late-stage avanafil clinical program will enroll about 1,300 patients, Vivus said.

Source: Reuters

© 2010, Mensvita – Anti Aging and Health Portal for men. All rights reserved. On republishing this post you must provide link to original post.

Top 5 Skin Care Ingredients For Men

Being a man and shopping for skin care products is not always easy. Unfortunately, the beauty industry directs their marketing towards women, which can make it confusing for a man when he is trying to figure out which products are best for him. While most products work equally well on both genders, some are better suited for men than others. Here are five excellent ingredients you should look for:

1. Hyaluronic Acid

This is a nutrient that is similar to collagen. It is naturally found within our skin, but we make less as we age. This is why it’s important for men to use skin care products that contain this ingredient. It works like a “water magnet” by absorbing up to 1,000 times its own weight in water! This helps plump up the skin to give it that youthful glow.

2. Copper Peptides

What’s so unique about copper peptides is that there are studies which show they promote your skin’s natural production of collagen and elastin. There is also research which suggests copper peptides can help improve the appearance of new scars and blemishes. For these reasons, using an anti-aging cream or serum that contains copper peptides is a great idea.

3. Sunscreen

The sun can cause premature aging of the skin. Ultraviolet rays can accelerate the formation of wrinkles and also cause permanent dark spots to form on the skin. Therefore it’s best for men to choose a skin care product that also offers U.V. protection. For everyday use in average climates, many dermatologists suggest a 15 or 30 SPF rating.

4. Retinol

This is a powerful derivative of vitamin A that actually changes the way your skin works when applied daily. It will increase the rate at which your skin cells grow and replace themselves. This can lead to fewer wrinkles and less dark spots. It also increases your skin’s sensitivity to U.V. rays, so using a sunscreen in conjunction with retinol is a must.

5. Vitamin K

One of the most common skin complaints among men is the appearance of dark circles under their eyes. The blood capillaries under the skin’s surface are what causes the dark color. Unfortunately there is no guaranteed way to get rid of dark circles, but vitamin K eye cream is probably the best option currently available. It is said to work by supporting healthy circulation and fading the dark capillaries on the skin’s surface. Vitamin K eye cream is typically sold in concentrations of 5% or less.

© 2010, Mensvita – Anti Aging and Health Portal for men. All rights reserved. On republishing this post you must provide link to original post.

If you haven’t heard of CoQ10 yet, chances are you probably will in the future. Many researchers consider this be an extremely important anti-aging nutrient.

What is CoQ10?

CoEnzyme Q10 (or CoQ10 for short) is a substance that is found in the mitochondria (those are the “powerhouses” of our cells). The mitochondria use CoQ10 as part of their process to create energy. They do this by converting fats and sugars into an energy form known at ATP. It has been said that up to 95% of the body’s energy is made this way.

Where does CoQ10 come from?

The primary source of CoQ10 is our body’s natural production of it. However as we get older the body doesn’t make as much of it. The CoQ10 levels peak in the early twenties and then gradually go down with age.

The other source of CoQ10 is foods (primarily meats, oils, and nuts) but not even they contain a great deal of it. Therefore the best way to increase your body’s level is through a CoQ10 dosage supplement.

What are the anti-aging benefits of CoQ10?

There are a wide array of anti-aging benefits associated with CoQ10. There have been remarkable studies which suggest CoQ10 can help neurological conditions, cardiovascular health, muscles, and even the skin. For further details, here is a site about CoQ10 benefits. In summary, when a person has a deficiency, the cellular mitochondria will not be able to function at an optimal level. This can result in poor performance and possibly premature aging of the affected cells, wherever in the body they may be.

Where to get CoQ10 supplements?

Due to the surging popularity over the past several years, CoQ10 is now easily attainable. For the biggest selection you can go to a vitamin shop, but grocery and drug stores often carry it too.

What is the proper CoQ10 dosage?

It would be best to ask your doctor to see what he recommends. The ideal CoQ10 dosage will depend on a number of factors, including your age, weight, and health.

© 2010, Mensvita – Anti Aging and Health Portal for men. All rights reserved. On republishing this post you must provide link to original post.

Acid reflux is a medical condition where acid from the stomach flows back into the esophagus. It’s a disease that can strike anyone regardless of their age, race, or gender. However, because men are so strong-willed, they are notorious for ignoring acid reflux symptoms:

Periodic or Frequent Heartburn – When the stomach acid spills over into the throat, it causes a burning sensation known as heartburn. Getting heartburn on a regular basis is not normal. This is one of the most common acid reflux symptoms and if it’s not treated, it can lead to serious damage.

Indigestion Symptoms – Do you ever feel bloated or does it feel like the food in your stomach isn’t moving? Do you ever feel nauseous after eating a meal? These symptoms aren’t always caused by acid reflux, but sometimes they are. That’s why it’s important for men to not ignore them if they’re a consistent problem.

“Wet” Burping – Does burning liquid ever come up into your throat when you burp? If it does, that means that stomach acid is being regurgitated.

When men suffer from one or more of these symptoms, they should talk with their doctor to see if they have acid reflux. There is no benefit in “being tough” and ignoring the symptoms, because when you do that it can make matters worse. Some of the long term consequences of acid reflux are:

Premature Aging of Teeth

Stomach acid is very strong and will corrode almost anything it comes in contact with. When it splashes into the mouth, it will eat away at the enamel of the teeth and accelerate their aging.

Damage To Throat

Stomach acid will eat away at the lining of the esophagus. Over time this can lead to scar tissue formation and in rare cases, pre-cancerous tissue. Acid reflux throat symptoms can also affect your speech.

Permanent Lower Esophageal Sphincter Damage

This is the valve that separates the stomach and the throat – its job is to prevent the contents of the stomach from flowing up. When it doesn’t work right, acid reflux will occur. Unfortunately, if left untreated, it might damage the sphincter ever further (resulting in worse acid reflux).

© 2010, Mensvita – Anti Aging and Health Portal for men. All rights reserved. On republishing this post you must provide link to original post.

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati discovered that ghrelin increases cholesterol levels in mice.

Ghrelin is a hormone that tells our brains we are hungry. In another experiment, cholesterol increased in mice when ghrelin receptors were blocked. This challenges the idea that levels are simply determined by diet and how much the liver makes.

High levels of cholesterol harden arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke. Fotini Rozakeas, cardiac nurse at British Heart Foundation, said “This could potentially open up new forms of treatment to control cholesterol levels, which would be great news for people with heart and circulation problems.”

More research is needed to completely understand how ghrelin increases cholesterol.

© 2010, Mensvita – Anti Aging and Health Portal for men. All rights reserved. On republishing this post you must provide link to original post.

Naked yoga classes for men are hardly ever held up by students with stiffies.Phillip Roth is the original founder of Naked Yoga in Los Angeles, yoga classes in the buff geared primarily toward gay men.

He taught the sensual yoga classes for many years and says mid-session erections were hardly a problem.

The exercises are so intense, naked students don’t have much time to fantasize about fellow classmates or show off their equipment.

If anything, they’re more worried about keeping up the pace.

Roth says Naked Yoga is “freeing” and fun for guys. They can sweat without clothes sticking to their bodies and focus more on nailing the moves.

It’s also helpful for instructors, who can see every muscle and spine alignment when their students are nude. While some classes teach steamy, tantric moves, Roth assures that there’s never any actual sex during Naked Yoga.

http://www.hotnudeyoga.com

© 2010, Mensvita – Anti Aging and Health Portal for men. All rights reserved. On republishing this post you must provide link to original post.

Mans best friend: The Dog !

We typically know our dogs to be good companions when we are lonely or upset. They are great to go on walks and jogs with us and they might even help keep our homes safe. If you are a diabetic a Dog really might be your best friend since recent studies confirm that Dogs can detect changes in a Diabetics Blood Sugar even before a human being is aware!

A study by Queen’s University in Belfast last year revealed that 75% percent of 212 dogs responded to their owners who had a sudden changes in blood sugar. The dogs typically came quickly to their owners sides, nudged them and began licking their hands, feet and noses clearly indicating something was wrong.

In the United States there are many dogs already trained to do this for the last several years. However, in Germany the training is still in its infancy.

At a dog school located in Osnabrück it won’t be until the summer when the first 20 diabetic friendly dogs are scheduled to complete their training with a final exam to test their abilities.

At this time the cost of the dog training for Diabetics is not currently covered by health insurance plans however the first wave of Diabetics are already presenting their cases before Social Security groups to get funding for this cause. With enough time, devotion and time invested you could even develop your own four-legged friend into a Diabetic life saving dog.

© 2010, Mensvita – Anti Aging and Health Portal for men. All rights reserved. On republishing this post you must provide link to original post.