Of the many different causes of male infertility is a varicocele and is also one of the most common. A varicocele is very simply a varicose vein that developed in the venous system of the testicles. Varicose veins in the testicles develop in much the same way that others do.

This means that the one-way valves that control the blood flow in the veins are damaged and allow the blood to pool. This pooling will increase the temperature inside the scrotum, which causes poor circulation and decreased sperm production because of the heat.

Urologists estimate that between 10 and 20% of all men will experience a varicocele or varicose veins in the testicles at some point in their lives. And only 40% who have varicose veins in the testicles will have any discernible symptoms. Most men can feel the swelling or lump that surrounds the testicle inside of the scrotum.  Read more...

The first sign of a varicose vein is swelling along the path the vein takes down the leg. After this most people notice bluish or reddish tinged coloring to the area as well as a swelling along the vein. These varicose veins are result of damaged one way valves that helped push the blood through the veins and on to the heart. When the valves become damaged the blood is able to pool within the veins and decreases the ability of the body to remove toxins and oxygenate the tissues.

At this time, traditional Western medicine believes that sclerotherapy is the gold standard for treating varicose veins. However, some insurance companies do not cover this expense if there are no other underlying medical symptoms. And, some women would like to try other more natural remedies in order to treat their varicose veins and prevent any further from occurring.  Read more...

When we think of losing hair, our thoughts turn to men. They are the ones who have the shiny dome later in life. But what about women who are having problems in this area? More and more are suffering from hair loss.

For women, hair loss is particularly devastating. We think of our hair as our crowning glory. Without it we don’t feel beautiful anymore. It seems like vanity but to lose your hair and not have any grow back does affect your self-image.

Hair loss in women is referred to as alopecia. It is a blanket term that covers all types of hair loss. The causes are varied and can occur at different times in a woman’s life.

Why do women lose their hair? The first thing that comes to mind is menopause. When the menstruation cycle ceases, lots of changes occur in the female body. For one, hormone levels fluctuate. No longer are the ovaries producing estrogen and progesterone like they used to. This makes the level of testosterone in the female of higher concentration than the other two more dominant hormones.  Read more...

At this time the American Cancer Society estimates that 21% of the population are now smokers. Approximately 46 million adults smoke cigarettes and of those there are more men than women who smoke. Interestingly, education appears to be linked with smoking rates in those who have higher levels of education have low or rates of smoking. These numbers have declined significantly, almost in half since 1965 when 42% of the population smoked.

Despite the education about the risks of smoking and the decline in recent years nearly 1 in every three male high school students and one in every five female high school students have used some type of tobacco. Cigar smoking appears to be common among high school students. The American Cancer Society also reports on studies which link students who smoke as being more likely to use other drugs, get into fights, carry weapons, commit suicide or take part in high risk sexual behaviors.  Read more...

Faced with the seemingly insurmountable task of how to quit smoking many people just bow their heads and acknowledge defeat before even starting. However, with advances in technology as well as discoveries in herbal medications and smokeless cigarettes, most people are able to find a means or a method to quit smoking that fits within their lifestyle choices and their current abilities.

Tobacco smoke contains over 200 known chemicals that cause cancer in animals and one of the most powerful addictive drugs known – nicotine. For some people it is the very act of smoking that gives them pleasure and reduces their stress but for most people it is the chemical rush that fills their lungs and feeds their cells which keeps them coming back for more.

Almost all people who smoke recognize the effects that smoking has on their lungs and body. You don’t have to go very far to learn that smoking decreases the amount of collagen produced in the skin which leads to premature aging, causes destruction in the lining of the lungs and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. And those are only the big problems that individuals who smoke can face.  Read more...

There is a form of eczema treatment which does not require the patient suffering from the skin disease to take medications. Its called phototherapy or light therapy a treatment for certain skin conditions using artificial light wavelengths from the suns ultraviolet spectrum.

Phototherapy involves the use of two kinds of UV light: UVA and UVB. Sometimes only one kind of UV light is used; other times, a combination of both is employed, of course depending on the recommendation of a specialist. It is prescribed by some doctors for patients with eczema, particularly those with atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis.

So when does a doctor advise a patient to undergo phototherapy? When the eczema is widespread and does not respond to any medications applied onto the affected areas.

How long does the treatment last before significant results are evident?  Read more...

We all have certain foods that we love to eat even when eating too much is bad. These are most often comfort foods that are hard to give up. If you are making food choices that aren’t the best, here are some suggestions for making changes.

You have probably sabotaged your eating habits once or twice. You didn’t intend to but it just so happened that you had that last box of chocolate cookies in the cupboard. Since you know they are there, you’ll be more likely to reach for them when stressed or you think you are hungry.

Before you fret, there is hope for all of us. Use the following steps to turn those hard to get rid of habits into winning techniques for weight-loss success.

1. Never go to the grocery store hungry. This is another sabotaging method. You might be saying to yourself that you are only going into the grocery store for a few things. With your stomach rumbling, you are prone to abandon the pack of boneless, skinless chicken breasts for fried chicken wings at the deli.  Read more...