Male Sexual Health: Past and Present

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888

Summary:
Preoccupation with male genitalia and sexual performance is not unique to 21st century men. In fact, men from ancient times were also obsessed with the male genitals and its supposed “magical” effects as a symbol of fertility and good harvest. The article also discusses the need for men to get more information about male sexual health, especially regarding the problem of male impotence. Aside from stressing the need for sexual health education, the article also mentioned the availability of drugs that help treat erectile dysfunction.

Keywords:
sexual health, male sexual health, sexual health clinic

Article Body:
Preoccupation with the male genitalia and virility is not a new social behavior. Ancient civilizations had already placed a high value on the phallus not only for sexual reasons but also for the preservation of peace and order. The phallus was a very important symbol in the Roman Empire, specifically in the city of Pompeii. Pompeii is famous for being the Roman city that was literally buried in lava, mud, and rocks when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 B.C. Accidentally discovered in 1748, the city was found beneath meters of ash and pumice. People who resided in that city were found stone-like and lying in different poses that showed their panic and despair that fateful day when the volcano took away their lives and property. But another interesting find in the ruins was a fresco inside the Villa dei Vetii. The fresco showed Priapus weighing his penis against a sack of money. In Greek mythology, Priapus was a fertility god who was also considered the protector of livestock, plant life, and yes, even the male genitals. Called Mutinus Mutunus in Roman mythology, the said minor god was the son of Aphrodite and Adonis. The fresco boasted how Priapus’ privates outweighed the bag full of coins. In fact, sculptures and images of Priapus were placed by farmers in the field supposedly to ensure the abundance of the harvest. For the Romans, his status also served as a scarecrow. The erect penis was not only propped to scare off the birds but burglars as well. These statues usually had inscriptions that contained the threat of sodomy on anyone caught stealing in the field or house where the said stone figures were set-up. During those times, rape was a common punishment for criminal offenders.

Archeologists and sociologists believe that for many men during those ancient days, a properly functioning penis was crucial to having self-esteem. Proficiency and endurance in sexual activity were considered “manly” attributes, and are still viewed as such by most 21st century men. But what is really interesting in the archeological ruins of Pompeii is how the penis as a symbol was highly regarded, even revered, by the Roman people.

Today, we can hardly see pictures or statues of men that show the disproportionately sized penis. In ancient Rome, it was important enough to commission an artist to paint such a scene inside one’s villa. Still, the preoccupation with the male genitals and sexual performance is still a “silent concern” for most men. Lack of sexual ability, or more accurately, the inability to achieve an erection is a major male concern. It is estimated that at least 30 million American men have been diagnosed with erectile dysfunction. As a sexual health problem, male impotence is defined as the total inability to achieve an erection; an inconsistent ability to achieve an erection; or a tendency to sustain an erection for only brief moments.

Sexual health is more than just an issue of prevention and control of sexually transmitted disease. More appropriately, it is concerned with the physical, emotional and even relational conditions of people. Specifically, male sexual health is focused on a man’s ability to have an erection, which is crucial to performing the sexual act. Intimacy in marriage or in deeper, physical relations between a man and a woman is normally attached to the issue of having the “capacity to perform.” While professional definitions of sexual health goes beyond anatomical and coital discussions, most ordinary men and women attribute the term to acts “in the bedroom.” Surely, men will do well to elevate the discussion of
male sexual health above sexual trivia, positions, and performance. Aside from the obvious need to be informed about the dangers of sexually transmitted disease, men should also be educated about the women’s sexuality and women’s needs. Unlike men, the sexual functions of women are influenced by a number of factors, and not the normal rise in libido.

To access reliable and professional advice regarding sexuality and sexual health, both men and women should consider an appointment with a professional counselor or doctor at the nearest sexual health clinic. It is a known fact, especially in poor countries, that what goes around as knowledge about sexual health is nothing short of a myth. Often, young boys and girls rely on the peer group to get information about sexual health, or about sex itself.

But for men, whether they live in a poor country or in a developed nation, sexual problems must still be addressed by going to a sexual health clinic. Erectile dysfunction is not just a physical problem. It is also linked to emotional and psychological distress. While men who suffer from erectile dysfunction still have the ability to father a child, they do encounter challenges in sustaining their relationships and even their own self-esteem. By getting professional help, men with erectile dysfunction can benefit from science-based information and even medications such as Sildenafil (usually sold under the brand name Viagra), Vardenafil, and Finasteride.

Indeed, getting information on how to attain good sexual health need not be as difficult as excavating Pompeii. Male sexual health is not about achieving the legendary size of Priapus or have circus-like abilities for the most intimate human act. Sexual health is, above all, about maintaining physical health, safety in intimacy, and sustaining good relationships with those we love.

Outdoor Playset: A Great Way To Keep Your Children Healthy

Word Count:
382

Summary:
Do your children love and enjoy playing outside? Especially during the sunny days, running bare foot in the lawn gives you unlimited pleasure. We all know about this since we also did the same during the days we were kids. You can have the television and video games but nothing can match the pleasure that one derives from outdoor games. Summer days meant outdoor game playing. Currently I enjoy playing outdoors with my seven year old daughter. Whenever she returns from school,…

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Article Body:
Do your children love and enjoy playing outside? Especially during the sunny days, running bare foot in the lawn gives you unlimited pleasure. We all know about this since we also did the same during the days we were kids. You can have the television and video games but nothing can match the pleasure that one derives from outdoor games. Summer days meant outdoor game playing. Currently I enjoy playing outdoors with my seven year old daughter. Whenever she returns from school, her first question is “Can I go and play outside?” I simply love when she says so. These children a majority of children prefer to stay inside. This can cause weight problems in the future. We should make it a practice for our children to play outside, like our younger days. The only thing that has changed today is that my daughter has a outdoor playset to make her outdoor playing even more enjoyable.

Is there an outdoor playset in your backyard? Nothing bad not to have it. But some of the modern outdoor playsets can be really expensive. When I moved into my current residence I was bewildered by the new age outdoor playset prices. I wished to buy an outdoor playset for my youngest daughter, but soon discovered that I had to comply with some rules. Ever heard of woodent outdoor playsets? Since metal outdoor playsets were not allowed in our locality, I had to buy a wooden outdoor playset. These playsets, though expensive but are better. But it is surprising that our locality does not allow any other kinds of playsets? It sounds bizarre, but do check out the Homeowner’s association before making any purchase. But these outdorr playsets can give your children immense pleaure and fun. Its really satisfying to see my daughter climb, side, swing and play on hers daily. And when she is not playing, its great to see her sitting on it and chatting with her friends.

An outdoor playset is a great means to encourage your children to play out of the house. You do want them to be healthy and active. If you are looking to buy an outdoor playset, check out the internet. It does have a host of outdoor playset that will best fit your budget and requirements.

Health Insurance For Small Business Owners

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454

Summary:
If you are a small business owner and you need to purchase health insurance, you may be surprised by how much a policy covering just you can cost. If you need to find a plan that also covers your family, the cost may be even higher. Because of rising health insurance premiums, restrictions about how much coverage you can receive due to pre-existing conditions, and other rules, many small business owners are unable to afford basic health insurance. If you have a small business…

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Article Body:
If you are a small business owner and you need to purchase health insurance, you may be surprised by how much a policy covering just you can cost. If you need to find a plan that also covers your family, the cost may be even higher. Because of rising health insurance premiums, restrictions about how much coverage you can receive due to pre-existing conditions, and other rules, many small business owners are unable to afford basic health insurance. If you have a small business that employs a few people, you may not be able to offer health insurance coverage because the premiums are too high.

You have a few options, however, when it comes to health insurance coverage. There are smaller companies that offer plans with higher deductibles or those that cover hospital stay and other emergency care, but do not cover routine check-ups and other appointments. Some plans cover these doctor visits, but require you to pay a higher copay. Even though these plans are not the best, they may be enough to provide you with adequate coverage until you begin earning more money or if your business grows.

If you have employees and want to offer them health insurance, you can sign up for a plan that offers flex options. You pay a smaller premium and each employee receives a certain amount of money each year to cover basic medical needs. Flex plans are also offered to employees who work for larger companies as a way to supplement existing health plans. Employees will still have to pay a copay and pay for major medical emergencies, but other costs will be lower.

Paying for health insurance can be a burden if you are just starting your business. If you have a spouse with an insurance plan you can be added to it. This is a good idea that will save you a lot of money in the long run. Other options when looking for health insurance include joining local community organizations, academic organizations, or alumni organizations. Many times these organizations may be able to offer limited coverage for at least six months. This can help you establish your business and find adequate healthcare coverage in the meantime.

Once your business is generating a profit, you should find out more about health insurance, especially if you aren’t currently covered. Because health issues can occur at any time, you need to be prepared. Having surgery after an accident or illness can cause you to lose your business. Medical costs can take their toll as well. Finding affordable health insurance is possible if you look at smaller agencies and local groups who can provide you with more information or less coverage for the time being.

The Importance Of Travel Health Insurance

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492

Summary:
Nothing is worse, when on vacation or travel abroad than a medical crisis that you are unable to deal with. It is wise to protect yourself buy purchasing travel insurance which at the very least will give you a level of security in those circumstances.

You never know when misfortune strikes, heart attacks, missed flights, natural disasters may all be covered under a travel insurance policy. Although it won’t prevent the crisis, it would considerably improve the situation a…

Keywords:
insurance, health, travel insurance

Article Body:
Nothing is worse, when on vacation or travel abroad than a medical crisis that you are unable to deal with. It is wise to protect yourself buy purchasing travel insurance which at the very least will give you a level of security in those circumstances.

You never know when misfortune strikes, heart attacks, missed flights, natural disasters may all be covered under a travel insurance policy. Although it won’t prevent the crisis, it would considerably improve the situation after the fact.

There are many types of travel insurance. You can purchase basic insurance that helps you in the event that you are moved off a flight or you missed your cruise to types that cover issues such as loss, health issues or theft. There are policies that are purchased before the trip or during the trip. For example if you broke your leg just before a walking tour of England, your insurance would cover deposits or pre-paid costs likewise if you were on your trip and your leg was broken, then you can have it attended to without worrying about the exclusion or inclusion of various treatments on your current policy.

The travel insurance can be purchased from an insurance agent or a travel agent. The policy may vary in duration. It can be set, for example for two weeks, or be bought on a day to day basis, or for the package holiday, you may have a flat rate.

Travel health care insurance is very useful. You may get coverage for things you don’t consider when traveling, such as injury or death to yourself, family members or travel companions; accidents and the like that end up in hospital; ambulance costs; medi-copter; urgent dental care; and things like transportation back to the US, and evacuation. Many comprehensive insurance policies in the US may not protect you from occurrences abroad.

When planning a trip, go through your current health care package and review exactly what you are covered under to figure out what you might need if you travel abroad. Don’t hesitate to contact your provider if you are unsure about any part of your agreement. Make sure you understand what documents you need to carry and if you are traveling with others find out whether you need to purchase individual insurance coverage or whether you can get a group policy. This would reduce the costs involved in buying duplicate coverage.

Travel health insurance can be a lifesaver but it may not be needed at all. Whether it is needed or not depends on you and how much risk you want to take. It also depends on the nature of your trip. A trip like white water rafting or going to Africa may be more risky than a train tour. It also depends on what you can afford. Figure out how much the expenses are and the risk and the price of peace of mind before you get your policy.

Six New Year’s Resolutions for a Healthy Heart

Word Count:
313

Summary:
It’s that time of year again hence we all promise to make a change for the better. Here’s a Los Angeles cardiologist whose wish list of six resolutions for a healthier heart will pay you dividends in 2008.

Keywords:
Los Angeles Cardiologist, Heart Surgery Recovery, Heart Scan, CT. Scan, Full Body Scan, Cardiac CT scanning Los Angeles.

Article Body:
It’s that time of year again hence we all promise to make a change for the better. Here’s a Los Angeles cardiologist whose wish list of six resolutions for a healthier heart will pay you dividends in 2008. Do you want to prevent heart attack? How about heart surgery recovery tips? Los Angeles Cardiology experts speak out.

1. Reduce stress. Try to take some time for yourself each and every day. Don’t lose sight of the big picture. Finally, listen to your body for when it says “enough”, it probably is.

2. Stop smoking. Stop smoking. Stop smoking.

3. Eat healthier. Drink low-fat milk. Take baby carrots or cherry tomatoes to work for lunch. Have fish for dinner twice a week. Have one green vegetable with each evening meal. Losing weight if overweight is obvious. Track your weight on paper each morning to chart your progress.

4. Control blood pressure if elevated. Watch your salt intake. Take your blood pressure pills regularly. Monitor on paper your morning blood pressure and review them with your doctor at follow-up visits.

5. Lower elevated cholesterol. Know your LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and HDL (“good” cholesterol) levels. Follow a prudent low cholesterol diet. Take your medications if prescribed regularly.

6. Exercise regularly. Even small amounts of daily exercise can provide significant heart benefits. Try an activity that can fit into your daily routine?it doesn’t have to be a gym or a trainer?walking with a pedometer for 2 or 3 miles a day each morning would do just fine.

Enjoy the Holidays and have a happy and healthier New Year !

Mason Weiss, M.D., F.A.C.C., is a triple board certified physician with certification in internal medicine, general cardiology, and interventional cardiology. He has practiced medicine for 23 years and is a physician partner with the highly regarded APEX Cardiology team of physicians located at 501 East Hardy Street, Suite 200, Inglewood, California 90301 (310) 672-3900