Genital herpes is a downright scary subject for everyone. A health concern for some, a health issue to others, genital herpes affects everyone, from those still filled with virility to those past their sexual odysseys to those entering puberty. Genital herpes can be that landmine that prevents most people from considering one-night stands and casual flings, while for others it’s the shackles that prevents them from seeking or maintaining a fulfilling, romantic relationship. Many people who have genital herpes don’t even know they have it. There’s never been a sign, an indication.

The scariest truth surrounding genital herpes is that there still is no cure for the disease. The closest the medical world has come to a cure has been medications that can clear up outbreaks and reduce their frequencies.

List of Medications According to MayoClnic.com

• Acyclovir (Zovirax)
• Famciclovir (Famvir)
• Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

Natural Cures for Outbreaks of Genital Herpes

• Minimalize contact with infected partners
• Avoid sweeteners
• Ice packs
• Pain relievers
• Hydrogen peroxide to keep infections cleaned
• Use fresh linens and clothes
• Drink plenty of fluids – minimalize pain of urination
• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

These same medications may reduce the chances of infecting a partner. Here’s where the situation goes from scary to morbid: nowhere has any organization or professional stepped up and said that medications will reduce risk of spreading, so if you are caring, don’t be so selfish as to not tell your partner. No matter what the conditions were that lead to your contraction, the only way to start breaking the horrific cycle of reckless herpes spreading is to stop yourself.

Ways to Reduce the Chances of Spreading Genital Herpes

• Abstinence – Not the most enviable, but the safest way. The issue is your partner’s health, not your pleasure
• Contraceptives – Worst to worst – covering the genital regions help
• Cleanliness – Keep the area fresh and clean

Ways to Reduce the Chances of Outbreaks of Genital Herpes

• Keep Healthy – Keep a steady supply of vitamin C and multiple vitamins to keep your immune system up. Some researchers believe there is a link to outbreaks of genital herpes and weakened immune systems.
• Keep at peace – a relaxed, happy person with less stress is often more likely to have breakouts than a stressed individual. “Don’t Worry. Be Happy,” and whatnot.

If You Think You Are Infected with Genital Herpes

If you think you are infected with genital herpes, go get it checked out at a clinic. There’s a couple reasons for doing so:
1) Knowing leads to easier treatments and reduces the stress from the fear of not knowing. And, stress can lead to more breakouts, so, once again, relax.

2) Other conditions can look like genital herpes and not be genital herpes. No need trying to go blind researching your condition and getting sick loading up on home remedies for what could be papules or chicken pox (ouch).

Be respectful of those around you. The only way we get through this life is together.

- Martin

Do you have any home remedies for genital herpes? Comment and tell us about them!

Share this post!

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease which can be very painful and quite frustrating. One of the telltale signs of psoriasis is thick, red, silvery, scaled patches of skin that usually flake and itch. With psoriasis, new skin cells reproduce rapidly to the surface of the skin within days, rather than the normal growth period of a few weeks. These skin cells build up and form thick patches (plaques). While a doctor should treat severe psoriasis, many home remedies can be used to treat mild cases of psoriasis.

Psoriasis affects both males and females equally and is more common between the ages of fifteen to thirty, although it may appear at any age. Psoriasis is not contagious and you can’t “catch” psoriasis from touching someone who has it.

Psoriasis Symptoms

The following are common symptoms of psoriasis:

• Patches (or plaques) of red, irritated skin (may be slightly raised) that may be covered with bright silvery scales
• Scaling spots
• Itching, burning or soreness of skin
• Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
• Change in fingernails and toenails—thickened, pitted or ridged nails that change color and separate from the nail bed
• Swollen, stiff and painful joints—restricted movement of the joints
• Emotional distress

Psoriasis patches can vary. You may experience dandruff-like scaling in a few areas or there could be major eruptions over large areas. Patches usually occur on the scalp, elbows, hands, knees, feet, chest, back, arms, legs, toenails and fingernails. Although psoriasis is more common in adults, teens and children can also develop psoriasis.

Mild cases of psoriasis can be a nuisance and many people who suffer from it may avoid swimming and other situations where patches can be seen. More severe cases of psoriasis can be very painful and even disfiguring.

Most types of psoriasis involve cycles:

1. Flaring for a few weeks or months
2. Flaring subsides or goes into remission
3. Flaring returns (in most instances)

Psoriasis Causes

Researchers believe that psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system which results in the inflammation and flaking of skin. The immune system consists of a type of white blood cell called a T call which aids in protecting the body from infection and disease. Scientists think that psoriasis is related to an overproduction of T cells in the skin. The T cells trigger inflammation and increased reproduction of skin cells, which leads to inflammation, and flaking of skin.

Heredity can also play a role in the development of psoriasis. If you have a family history of psoriasis, you chances of having the disease are increased. Read this article from eMedicine Health to find out about 7 new genetic clues for psoriasis to find out more.

Psoriasis Triggers

Psoriasis may occur or worsen due to various triggers. You may be able to figure out what factors triggers your psoriasis and find ways to try and avoid them.

• Stress
• Smoking
• Drinking alcohol
• Hormone changes—disease occurrence may peak during puberty and menopause. Pregnant women with psoriasis may experience an improvement in their symptoms. However, during the postpartum period, psoriasis may flare up.
• Overexposure to sunlight—short periods of sun exposure can help reduce psoriasis in most people, but too much skin can damage the skin and sunburn can cause flare ups.
• Cold weather
• Infections—strep throat, oral thrush
• Skin injuries—cut, scrape, insect bite, sunburn
• Medications—lithium, blood pressure medicines, iodides, antimalarial drugs

Psoriasis Home Remedies

Below are skin care treatments and home remedies to help ease the pain of psoriasis:

• Keep your skin moist by using creams, lotions, pills, baths, or soaks.
• Carefully remove psoriasis crusts by gently putting cream on them and then peeling the loose crusts off. This can help your skin to absorb lotions and creams. Be careful not to irritate the skin.
• Take a bath with hot Epsom salts then apply a little olive oil. Keep your skin clean with dry friction or daily sponging.
• Aloe Vera can help to soothe the skin.
• Cabbage leaves—make sure they are thick and green. Wash the cabbage leaves in warm water, dry with a towel, flatten them (you may want to use a rolling pin), make sure they are warm and apply to the affected area. Put a pad or cloth over them and secure with a bandage.
• Avocado oil has been proven very beneficial in treating psoriasis. Gently rub the oil into the affected areas.
• Buttermilk helps to relieve the pain and itch. You can drink it in liberal quantities or you can use it as a compress over the affected parts.
• Take Vitamin E in doses of 400 mg per day to help reduce itching and scab formation.
• Take 6 to 9 lecithin capsules a day (2 or 3 before or after each meal).

–Nolan

Do you have any home remedies for psoriasis? Comment and tell us about them!

Share this post!

One of the more popular urban legends swarming in nightlife and health circles is that hot tubs can lead to male fertility problems. For some, the hot tub legend is a hope. For others, it is a nightmare. So, I’m here to help put a bit of a conclusion to the tale.

According to studies, there is a correlation to hot tubs and sperm count. And, according to those findings, I am thankful to be able to write that the urban legend of hot tubs leading to infertility is absolutely, resoundingly, unequivocally, “oh-thank-you-to-whomever” TRUE. And, even better, long, hot baths, steam rooms and saunas can also lead to a reduction in sperm count.

Because it rests outside the body, a scrotum can stay at a resting temperature of about 94°F – nearly 5 degrees cooler than the body’s normal temperature of 98.6°F. It is because of its position that a scrotum can keep sperm cooled. There have been multiple studies to confirm that exposing male reproductive organs to prolonged heat – 100°F and higher – can lead to decreased sperm counts.

While we’re on the topic, mayoclinic.com lists other activities and habits that can also attribute to a reduction in sperm count:

Factors that could attribute to infertility in healthy males:

• Tobacco use
• Persistent alcohol consumption
• Illicit drug use – be recreation drugs or anabolic steroids
• Avoid toxic atmospheres
• Artificial intimate lubrications – and, yes, this includes saliva
• Extensive use of “tighty-whities” – presses scrotum closer to the body

It’s as if there was a plan in place to keep those who love the nightlife from reproducing, even down to the proviso where the effects of infertility are not always permanent and in some cases, can be reversed. Now, for those on the other side of the coin who would actually like to increase their sperm count, mayoclinic.com also offers a list of little things that can be done to help increase male fertility.

Actions that could increase sperm count in healthy males:

• Avoid the things in the previous list
• Relax – reduce stress levels
• Exercise
• Healthy diet
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Maintain vitamin levels

As for me, I’m going on a long run. Then I’m going to relax in the sauna and take a long, hot bath before going to a friend’s party. If you’re attending the same party, you’ll probably be able to find me somewhere between the bar, the hot tub and the sauna.

Whichever side of this legend you are on, please, may you be blessed by your days.

- Martin

For further information regarding male infertility, symptoms and treatments, please consult the following:
sciencedaily.com
mayoclinic.com
malereproduction.com

Do you have any myths you want busted? Are there any home remedies you’d like to share? Comment and tell us!

Share this post!

Shin splints, I hate. Shin splints and I are not friends. Shin splints stick around like that girl who doesn’t want to be with you but doesn’t want you to leave. “Shin splints, I curse you without fear of metaphysical consequences! “ I lied.

Shin splints are those first warning signs for people trying to get back into shape. “Okay, enough for today. Try to develop the will to do it again tomorrow,” they’ll shout at you. Shin splints are typical in how they show up amongst the active and athletic people, as well as those packing a extra few pounds, but are atypical because, like that girl who won’t let you leave, shin splints are symptoms of several possible problems.

Shin Splint Symptoms

• Pain on the shin towards the inner leg
• Tender areas around the shin
• Pain that flares up in the shin during activity
• Throbbing pain when crunching / flexing the foot
• Bumps on inner shin bone
• General pain on shin

Shin Splint Causes

• A worn or overworked muscle
• Improper footwear when exercising (Don’t run in sandals [not that I would know])
• Bad running technique (hint: lift your legs instead of shuffling your feet)
• Compartment syndrome – swelling or irritation that cuts of circulation

Shin Splint Treatments

• Rest
• Use proper footwear (those designed to absorb shock)
• Tape up your shins to balance out the pressure
• Pain relieving medications – Iburprofren and the like
• Ice and heat treatments – 20 minutes ice / 20 mins heat / 20 mins ice…
• Stretching to release tension

Like the girl who won’t let you leave, if your shin splints start to develop a lack of feeling or discoloration, seek medical attention immediately. I’d find it hard to imagine that anyone would want to run the risk of losing the lower leg due to inaction.

For more online information, please consult the following as well.

• Sportsinjurlyclinic.net
• Wikipedia.org
• Medicinenet.com
• About.com

Please take care of yourself,

- Martin

Do you have any sports injuries or home remedies you would like to share? Comment and tell us!

Share this post!

Testicular torsion can be a source of sarcastic, mean humor amongst men – when they’re acting like boys. Testicular torsion hit news cycles in March, 2008 when Felix Pie (P-ay) – an alleged 5-tool outfield prospect for the Chicago Cubs – succumbed to the painful injury. As expected, media and bloggers went wild with the news (if you’re waiting for this post to make its own puns regarding the topic, the editor will not allow it and, trust me, it’s not advisable to cross the editor).

Though there have been some very strange injuries in baseball as well as other sports, what poor Felix Pie’s high-end doctors probably assured him was that testicular torsion isn’t as uncommon as other people might think. (How many sports fans have heard of an athlete going on the Disabled List for what is loosely described as a “Groin Injury?” You never know.)

Testicular Torsion – What Is It?

What Pie likely learned in a hurry is that testicular torsion is a condition where blood isn’t getting to a testicle. What is often the case is that the spermatic cord which supplies the testicles with blood has been twisted or even pinched.

Who Is at Risk of Testicular Torsion?

Last population stat I heard in college was that there were more females than males in the world, so initially, more than half the population is free from risk (barring abnormalities). Testicular torsion is a condition usually found in children under 18, and has also been linked to fetal monorchism. Males who are active, athletes especially are at risk of testicular torsion.

Testicular Torsion Symptoms

• A prolonged pain in the scrotum / testicle, usually to one side.
• Prolonged pain in the scrotal area. This pain is called orchalgia.

Other Possible Symptoms of Testicular Torsion
• Vomiting / nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Occasional fever
• Pains during urination
• Discoloration
• Enlargement due to swelling

Home Remedies for Testicular Torsion
Home remedies are absolutely not suggested for dealing with testicular torsion. In short, any self-correction or attempts to remedy the pain without the help of a medical doctor could result in permanent damage / monorchism – the loss of one or both testicles. Ice and pain relievers could reduce the swelling but will not release the torsion. Most every medical professional considers testicular torsion to be a medical emergency and strongly suggests that professional treatment should be sought as soon as possible. In some cases, doctors have been able to correct the problem in the office, but in most cases, the only safe, healthy course is surgery.

Testicular Torsion is one of the reasons coaches always told players to wear a cup, though in Ken Griffey Jr.’s case, even that wasn’t a guarantee.

Please take of yourself.

–Martin

Do you have any sports injuries or home remedies you would like to share? Comment and tell us!

Share this post!