By James Culp
www.prostaide.org

As men age, they become increasingly likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. However, there are a few prevention measures that can be taken to decrease risk. Selenium supplementation has recently found strong support, as has greater consumption of fatty fish. Certain kinds of foods such as BBQ can actually increase risk, and foods containing soybeans can decrease risk. All of this is good to know, but does the evidence actually support any of these prostate cancer prevention methods?

The answer is a resounding "yes" for selenium supplementation. After several scientific studies, supplementing with 200 micro grams of selenium per day can cut prostate cancer risk in half. A current study entitled SELECT (Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial) will more conclusively answer questions about the combination of vitamin E and selenium. SELECT is expected to be concluded in 2013.

For now, it is well established that selenium is one of the best ways to decrease one's chances of getting prostate cancer (J Natl Cancer Inst, Vol. 96, May 5, 2004, 696-703) (J Natl Cancer Inst, Vol. 96, May 5, 2004, 645-47).

By Tanya Turner
www.medicinal-herbs-guide.com

Natural herbs can be used to cure many health problems. Here are a few ways in which you too can improve your health and increase your energy level using only natural herbal remedies.

Many uses of natural herbs

People use herbs differently to improve their ways of life. For instance, you may find diet herbal supplement, as well as body creams and lotions with medicinal herbs.

Most commonly natural herbs are used to combat:

high blood pressure
acne
prostate health
difficulties with menopause
hair loss
depression

By Michael Russell
www.hypertension-guide.com

'Hypertension', or more accurately 'arterial hypertension', is commonly known as 'high blood pressure'. Hypertension gives the greatest risk of heart failure, heart attacks and strokes, but also several other very serious (chronic) diseases such as kidney (renal) failure and arterial aneurysm. Hypertension is classified into two types: essential and secondary hypertension. The former is where high blood pressure has resulted from no obvious cause; the latter where it is the direct result (symptom) of a prime cause such as kidney failure or surgery.

Normal blood pressure is considered to be 120/80 mmHg (or slightly lower). Pre-hypertension has been designated as a 'warning flag' and is marked by a blood pressure between normal and 139/89 mmHg. Hypertension is anything above that. There are also some differences of opinion: some people say that normal should be 115/75 and others that 'pre-hypertension' is not a recognised disease category, but rather a way labelling those most at risk of developing hypertension. Those with diabetes (mellitus) and kidney problems are greatly at risk with a blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg or over. However, given that blood pressure measurements taken at home are generally lower than those taken in a clinic or hospital, due to the 'white coat' effect, some consider that the 'danger zones' are entered at lower readings, when one is measuring one's own blood pressure. Unfortunately, hypertension rarely produces symptoms under 240/120, which is one of the reasons why it is often discovered 'by accident' and earned its nickname of 'The Silent Killer'.

By Jonni Good

A leading cause of a yeast infection is the use of antibiotics. These drugs kill off bacteria that usually keep the yeast in check. The yeast population can then grow too quickly for your immune system to control it.

When this happens, yeast may then change over to its infectious form and go on the attack.

Women quite often experience their first yeast infections after taking a prescription for antibiotics, or after using soap containing disinfectants. Other women have no problems with most antibiotics, but may get yeast infections if they take specific types of antibiotics, or if they are treated for an extended time for chronic problems like acne.

Toddlers often have oral thrush after a course of antibiotics.

Some Antibiotics Can be Avoided

Some condoms have a spermicide containing nonoxynol-9, which has been shown to increase the incidence of yeast infections. If you get a yeast infection after having sex using a condom, check the package to see if it has an antibiotic or spermicide. If it does, you might consider changing brands.

Our food supply is also full of antibiotics, because beef and poultry are fed these drugs on a regular basis to keep them healthy in crowded conditions. Some health practitioners believe the widespread use of antibiotics in both humans and animals is the cause for both the recent increase in drug-resistant bacteria, and the increased incidence of yeast infections.

By Jonathan Chionh

Reading, and other �close vision’ work, is probably one of the greatest causes of poor eyesight – but it doesn’t have to be. Here, I’m going to tell you how to make reading a pleasurable experience which is totally safe for your eyes, and won’t result in progressively worse eyesight. Don’t read when tired or sick. The rule of thumb here is to read or perform close work only when your energy is high: when you are ill or tired, get plenty of rest and sleep. Yes, I know, if you have to read for your job, you may not have the option, but at least you can avoid making it worse by not using your eyes too much after work.

Don’t read for extended periods in poor light. Nature, or outside solar light, gives us about 10,000 watts of light. Inside lighting is very dim in comparison, about 150-200 watts at best. Most people read with 60-100 watt bulbs or less, and strain their eyes. If you have trouble reading in dim light, your eyes will strain and weaken even more.

It’s best to read in daylight, with the sun or outdoor light coming through the window onto your reading or working material. Or better yet, do your reading or close work outdoors! At night, shine a bright bulb - 150-200 watts - onto your reading material to make it clear, and lessen eye strain. Adjust the light so it does not cause glare on the page. Even better, use a FULL SPECTRUM LIGHT BULB. If you don’t know where to get these from, do a google search for �full spectrum lighting’ to find a supplier near you, or one that will ship to you. Keep a Good Posture Whilst Reading. Poor posture while reading is a major cause of weakened and fatigued eyesight. Avoid slumping or hanging or craning your head down while reading. Sit comfortably erect.