| GAY & LESBIAN ALLIANCE AGAINST DEFAMATION WWW.GLAAD.ORG |
| RESIDENTIAL COMMERICAL Licensed Across Florida CGC060449 dructorbuilds.com 305-401-8914 |
| Gay American Heroes Foundation Honoring LGBT persons who died because of their sexual orientation and gender identity www.gayamericanheroes.com |
| Endulge Yourself... Chocolate Themed Baskets & Gifts www.dulcestore.com |
| Web resource for LGBTQ youth www.matthewsplace.com |
| An online forum on sexual health education for gay and bisexual men www.lifelube.org |
| www.familiasporladiversidad.org |
| .Fresh-Squeezed Paradise MIAMI RIVER INN miamiriverinn.com |
www.ambiente.us SEPTEMBER / SEPTIEMBRE 2008
10 Health Tips for Men Turning 40
So you've made it to the big 4-0. Even though you may be more than
halfway to retirement, you should take a moment away from planning
your post-work trip of a lifetime and focus on more pressing matters:
your health. Read on to learn what preventative measures you can
take right now to get your body ready for 50 more years of health,
wealth and happiness.
Beware of Trans-Fats
New York started the trend as the first city to ban trans fats in 2006.
Since then, research has shown that these stealth fats found in fast food
increase LDL cholesterol and can also increase your risk of heart disease. Even
without added "help" from trans fats, as men get older, their cholesterol levels
naturally rise, upping their risk for heart disease. Stick to healthy fats like
omega-3 found in fish, flaxseeds and walnuts to keep your ticker in tip top shape.
Stay Sexually Active
Most cases of erectile dysfunction (impotence) in older men have a physical cause -- not getting enough
blood to the area in question. To improve circulation, men should refrain from smoking, which constricts
blood vessels, exercise and consult a physician about current medications. Some prescriptions that treat
high blood pressure or depression may worsen ED.
Get A Prostate Exam
At age 40, the prostate gland begins a growth spurt, a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia that has
been related to hormone fluctuations. If you're peeing a lot at night, this might be happening to you. Not to
worry. Benign prostatic hyperplasia isn't cancer, doesn't lead to cancer and is rarely life-threatening. To treat
this condition, see your doctor and get a prescription for alpha-blockers, which relax the prostate's smooth
muscle.
Lift Weights
Try not to get too depressed, but once you hit 40 a man's body starts producing less testosterone. Lower
levels can affect your memory, sexual function and even muscle mass. To stave off decreasing muscle mass
(once you hit 50 it declines 15 percent per decade), prevent back injuries and protect against heart disease,
incorporate strength training into your work out.
Watch Your Waist
As men get older their bellies tend to expand, resulting in dangerous visceral abdominal fat that can increase
the risk for heart-related problems, including heart attack and stroke. These problems may be exacerbated if
your waist size exceeds 40-inches. Exercise for 30 minutes at least three times a week and practice good
nutritional habits by eating a variety of whole grains, lean meat and fruit and vegetables.
Yes or No to Multivitamins?
Research from Harvard Men's Health Watch recently discovered that your seemingly harmless daily
multivitamin may be promoting the very conditions you're hoping to prevent. Because most men already get
their recommended dose of vitamins from enriched food, exceeding the amount the body needs can up your
risk for chronic diseases. Too much folate, for example, can increase your risk for colon cancer, while an
excess of vitamin E may increase mortality. To be on the safe side, talk to your doctor about your nutritional
habits before starting any supplemental regime.
Remember Your Relationships
A stable home life is the foundation to maintaining a healthy mind and body. According to the Mayo Clinic, a
social support network made up of friends, family and peers can help steady you in times of stress and
create a sense of belonging.
Ban Processed Foods
Processed foods, such as instant mashed potatoes and white bread, are quickly broken down in the body,
which can increase the body's absorption of glucose and rapidly drive up blood sugar levels. High blood
sugar can contributes to weight gain, diabetes and other health problems. In order to maintain steady blood
sugar levels, reach for foods with a low glycemic index, such as whole grains and vegetables, which are
digested slowly and don't cause sugar spikes.
Drink Less
Wine drinkers have been rejoicing for years over the positive effects of one glass a day. If you would much
rather crack open a cold one than uncork a Bordeaux, you, too, can now rejoice. According to a study by the
University of Texas Southwestern, drinking beer in moderation can deliver protection against heart attacks,
stroke, hypertension, diabetes and dementia. But that doesn't mean you can throw caution to the wind.
Drinking more than one drink per day, defined as a 5-ounce glass of wine, 12-ounce beer or 1.5-ounces of
80-proof distilled liquor, can increase your risk of liver disease and stroke, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Watch Your Prostate Cancer Risk
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer, other than skin cancers, in men, according to the American
Cancer Society. To reduce your risk, eat low-fat, high-fiber foods, such as soy beans, tofu and plenty of
vegetables. Taking vitamins D and E, selenium and green tea may also help prevent prostate cancer, but
before embarking on any supplemental diets, check with your doctor.
Copyright © AMBIENTE MAGAZINE. Do not reproduce without citing this source.
10 Health Tips for Men Turning 40
So you've made it to the big 4-0. Even though you may be more than
halfway to retirement, you should take a moment away from planning
your post-work trip of a lifetime and focus on more pressing matters:
your health. Read on to learn what preventative measures you can
take right now to get your body ready for 50 more years of health,
wealth and happiness.
Beware of Trans-Fats
New York started the trend as the first city to ban trans fats in 2006.
Since then, research has shown that these stealth fats found in fast food
increase LDL cholesterol and can also increase your risk of heart disease. Even
without added "help" from trans fats, as men get older, their cholesterol levels
naturally rise, upping their risk for heart disease. Stick to healthy fats like
omega-3 found in fish, flaxseeds and walnuts to keep your ticker in tip top shape.
Stay Sexually Active
Most cases of erectile dysfunction (impotence) in older men have a physical cause -- not getting enough
blood to the area in question. To improve circulation, men should refrain from smoking, which constricts
blood vessels, exercise and consult a physician about current medications. Some prescriptions that treat
high blood pressure or depression may worsen ED.
Get A Prostate Exam
At age 40, the prostate gland begins a growth spurt, a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia that has
been related to hormone fluctuations. If you're peeing a lot at night, this might be happening to you. Not to
worry. Benign prostatic hyperplasia isn't cancer, doesn't lead to cancer and is rarely life-threatening. To treat
this condition, see your doctor and get a prescription for alpha-blockers, which relax the prostate's smooth
muscle.
Lift Weights
Try not to get too depressed, but once you hit 40 a man's body starts producing less testosterone. Lower
levels can affect your memory, sexual function and even muscle mass. To stave off decreasing muscle mass
(once you hit 50 it declines 15 percent per decade), prevent back injuries and protect against heart disease,
incorporate strength training into your work out.
Watch Your Waist
As men get older their bellies tend to expand, resulting in dangerous visceral abdominal fat that can increase
the risk for heart-related problems, including heart attack and stroke. These problems may be exacerbated if
your waist size exceeds 40-inches. Exercise for 30 minutes at least three times a week and practice good
nutritional habits by eating a variety of whole grains, lean meat and fruit and vegetables.
Yes or No to Multivitamins?
Research from Harvard Men's Health Watch recently discovered that your seemingly harmless daily
multivitamin may be promoting the very conditions you're hoping to prevent. Because most men already get
their recommended dose of vitamins from enriched food, exceeding the amount the body needs can up your
risk for chronic diseases. Too much folate, for example, can increase your risk for colon cancer, while an
excess of vitamin E may increase mortality. To be on the safe side, talk to your doctor about your nutritional
habits before starting any supplemental regime.
Remember Your Relationships
A stable home life is the foundation to maintaining a healthy mind and body. According to the Mayo Clinic, a
social support network made up of friends, family and peers can help steady you in times of stress and
create a sense of belonging.
Ban Processed Foods
Processed foods, such as instant mashed potatoes and white bread, are quickly broken down in the body,
which can increase the body's absorption of glucose and rapidly drive up blood sugar levels. High blood
sugar can contributes to weight gain, diabetes and other health problems. In order to maintain steady blood
sugar levels, reach for foods with a low glycemic index, such as whole grains and vegetables, which are
digested slowly and don't cause sugar spikes.
Drink Less
Wine drinkers have been rejoicing for years over the positive effects of one glass a day. If you would much
rather crack open a cold one than uncork a Bordeaux, you, too, can now rejoice. According to a study by the
University of Texas Southwestern, drinking beer in moderation can deliver protection against heart attacks,
stroke, hypertension, diabetes and dementia. But that doesn't mean you can throw caution to the wind.
Drinking more than one drink per day, defined as a 5-ounce glass of wine, 12-ounce beer or 1.5-ounces of
80-proof distilled liquor, can increase your risk of liver disease and stroke, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Watch Your Prostate Cancer Risk
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer, other than skin cancers, in men, according to the American
Cancer Society. To reduce your risk, eat low-fat, high-fiber foods, such as soy beans, tofu and plenty of
vegetables. Taking vitamins D and E, selenium and green tea may also help prevent prostate cancer, but
before embarking on any supplemental diets, check with your doctor.
Copyright © AMBIENTE MAGAZINE. Do not reproduce without citing this source.
