The Critical Difference Between Men's and Women's Health

Despite a growing body of new women's health research, the idea of equating women and men's health still persist.

Fundamentally, a stage is set for simplifying women's health to a point of triggering dangerous health consequences for women.

This is not to say that breaking complex subjects into simpler parts is wrong.

In fact it is very important to do this in order to manage information overload. However, significant problems can arise whenever you make things simpler than they are.

This is what I call the "theory-to-practice" dilemma.

For example, the 10-day weight-loss diet might sound great at first, but in the end, short-cuts to health will always defeat your confidence as you end up weighing more than when you first started.

If health issues were simple, medical and health professionals would have broken the code to health long ago. Unfortunately, many media messages continue to promote one-dimensional and over simplified solutions for women's sexual and overall health problems.

Marketers know the time demands placed on modern women today and offer up seductive and tempting simple one-step solutions to complex problems such as sexual dysfunction.

And so a vicious circle of poor health decisions is created.

The consequences are more than minor.The social, physical and emotional impact of poor health choices impacts everything you do.Your quality of life depends on good health choices, yet women are at greater risk of making poor choices.

Not because they are not informed, but because they are misinformed.

Consider the following physiological differences between men and women:

1. Ibuprofen, as a pain reliever, is not as effective in women as in men.

2. Men and women display different symptoms of heart attack. Chest pain is most common in men while women's symptoms are subtler, often characterized by generalized fatigue, abdominal pain and nausea

3. Women with irritable bowel syndrome will respond better than men to certain types of treatment (serotonin receptor antagonist).

4. Men and women absorb and excrete some drugs in different ways and at different rates. Some drugs are more effective in women while others have more severe side effects in women than in men.

Clearly women are different then men. More importantly, women are more sexually sophisticated than men! Now the question is what to do?

Make sure when you research a potential product that the product claims are based on female-subject research.

You will find that most are not; this is just a fact of science.

When this happens do not completely discard the science, but become more active in asking your health care provider questions about how the medication or treatment is different for women.

Never assume your doctor will tell you about gender differences!

You should especially be watchful of products sold on the Internet. The biggest problem with most websites is that they tend to make Women's Sexual Health Issues extremely simpler than they really are.

For example, many websites promote or over emphasize the benefits of a single health product rather than providing critical; background information on how the product may fit into your lifestyle.

The promise to cure a female sexual dysfunction such as vaginal dryness withthe application of a specially formulated cream is often an oversimplification.

It is seductive to get that quick fix, but treating a symptom often just shifts problems to other parts of the body.

This is not say that you should not seek products that will relieve symptoms or provide a short term benefit - the caveat is that one-step interventions are not enough to achieve optimal sexual health and overall wellness.

Erik Kampe M.S., is the author of 9 Hidden Dangers To Women's Health Information on The Internet. Erik removes the confusion of information overload and leads his clients in a process that teaches them how to become their own health expert. Experience an Odyssey of Body, Mind and Spirit - visit http://www.Pathways-Womens-Sexual-Health.com

The Importance of Men's Health Supplements

Men's health supplements can target issues specific to males as well as promote general health and well-being. As such, more and more men are looking into vitamins, minerals, herbs and other natural supplements to improve their health.

Two of the main concerns for men as they get older are prostate health and impotence or low libido. Although there are prescription medications that can help with both of these issues, the problem is there are some serious side effects to contend with, as there are with all pharmaceutical drugs. Fortunately, there are natural alternatives that can be just as effective without the potential complications, which is why they can be a better, safer option for the male population.

There are a number of male dietary supplements that can be beneficial to prostate health, either on their own or in combination with other nutrients. Saw palmetto, an herb native to the Atlantic seaboard, is one of the most popular and extensively researched mens health supplements. It contains a compound called beta sitosterol, which interferes with the conversion of testosterone to DHT, the main cause of prostate enlargement. Studies show that saw palmetto can actually shrink prostates as well as relieve urinary problems.

Another of the top rated mens dietary supplements is red clover, a member of the pea family that also inhibits DHT as well as fights off cancerous growths. Some of the other important mens health nutrients are zinc, which prevents infection in the gland, vitamin B6, which regulates the hormones that manufacture DHT, and lycopene, which can reduce inflammation and fight off prostate cancer.

Impotence or low male libido is another issue that can be helped with mens health supplements. This is a problem that affects millions of men each year, and can be caused by a number of factors from stress to depression to alcoholism. The male dietary supplements that treat this issue basically work in one of three ways: relaxing the mind, promoting circulation or balancing sex hormones.

Some of the top rated mens dietary supplements for impotence include ginkgo biloba, which can increase circulation to the male organ as well as stimulate the mind and concentration; gotu kola, which serves a similar function; muira puama, which can increase libido and balance hormone levels; and tribulus, which can help with impotence and infertility as well as stimulate hormone production. L-Arginine is an essential amino acid which can also fight low male libido.

So as you can see, there are a number of mens health supplements that can help promote prostate health and prevent or treat low libido or impotence, two of the leading male health concerns. Most of the top rated mens dietary supplements are available online, but make sure you consult a health professional first before you begin supplementation. He or she will help you find the male dietary supplements that are right for you.

David Bloom is a health enthusiast and contributor to many fitness sites. He is the author of Mens Health Supplements, a section of Herbal Supplements Guide discussing natural treaments for prostate health and low libido.