Osteoarthritis relief without more pills

For mild osteoarthritis, an occasional dose of an over-the-counter pain reliever may be all that’s needed to keep the pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis in check. But as osteoarthritis gets worse, men may become interested in ways to cope with pain and other symptoms without taking more medications. The main options are weight control, exercise, and physical therapy, especially for knee and hip arthritis. Some physical therapists offer additional services, such as ultrasound and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) . Some people with osteoarthritis find acupuncture helpful. The evidence for “joint support” dietary supplements, in contrast, is poor. More »

Add soy to your diet, but don't subtract other healthy foods

Soy is a healthy food. The plant, a legume, produces pods filled with soybeans, which are rich in protein, polyunsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. A single cup of soybeans provide more than one-third of the daily protein requirement for an active 180-pound man. Soy foods can be part of a healthy diet, depending on what the soy replaces. Eating soy foods instead of things like processed red meat or refined carbohydrates could be a positive change. But if a diet is already relatively healthy, eating soy might not improve diet quality or could even degrade it. Typical soy options you can find in grocery stores include whole green soybean pods (edamame), dry or cooked soybeans, dry-roasted soy nuts, soy milk, tempeh, and tofu. More »

When sleeplessness starts in the legs

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is marked by uncomfortable sensations in the legs at night and an irresistible urge to move them. This can make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep, leading to daytime fatigue and sleepiness. For moderate to severe symptoms, there are now five FDA-approved medications. Doctors also check iron levels, because boosting iron levels reduces symptoms in some people with RLS. It can also help to avoid certain medications, nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol, which may worsen RLS symptoms. Some people find daily exercise and stretching and massaging the legs to be helpful. More »

Making sex pain-free

Erectile dysfunction (ED) becomes more common in men in middle age, but the range of treatments means most men can find something that works for them. But ED is not the only possible obstacle to men who want to have an active sex life. Other problems, though much less common than ED, include urological infections, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, and Peyronie’s disease. Some of these conditions can be difficult to treat. It can help to consult with a urologist and find out the options. (Locked) More »

Better health with smartphone apps

Downloadable software programs, or apps, for smartphones and tablet computers can help people monitor and improve their health. Apps collect information on the user that can be used to support healthy behaviors. Apps may also provide access to health information, such as healthy diets and workout routines. Some apps enable the user to share information with other users or with health care providers. Scientific proof that using apps actually improves health is sparse right now. They work best when the user is strongly motivated to change. (Locked) More »

What triggers back pain?

A study found that likely triggers for episodes of back pain include carrying heavy loads; lifting loads in an awkward position; and being tired, fatigued, or distracted. Sexual activity and drinking alcohol were not tied strongly to new back pain. More »

Distracting music may trip up older memories

A study found that listening to distracting instrumental music might impair the ability to memorize pairs of names and faces in older people. In younger study participants, the music had no effect on memory recall for this task. (Locked) More »