Archive for May, 2009

Testicular Cancer – Self Examination Techniques

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

Why self-examine?

Problems with your testicles can appear slowly, or very rapidly.

Being aware of what your testicles normally feel like is something that all men should know so that any changes to your testicles can be observed and advice sought quickly if needed.

Although testicular cancer is rare, it is not at all uncommon to find a lump in your testicles. There are many conditions that can be easily confused with testicular cancer, and most of them are not anything like as serious.

Signs to watch out for:

· a lump in one testicle
· pain and tenderness in either testicle
· discharge or pus from the penis
· blood in the sperm at ejaculation
· a build-up of fluid inside the scrotum
· a heavy or dragging feeling in the groin or scrotum
· an enlargement of the breasts with or without tenderness
· an increase in size of a testicle (one testicle is normally larger than the other but the size and shape should remain more or less the same).

How to check your testicles

Check your testicles monthly in the following manner:

· do the self-examination lying in a warm bath or while having a long shower, as this softens the skin of the scrotum (skin sac that holds the testicles), which makes it easier to feel the testicles inside.
· examine the scrotum, looking for any lumps on the skin or swellings inside.
· cradle the whole scrotum and testicles in the palm of your hand and feel the difference
between the testicles. One is almost always larger and lying lower. This is completely normal.
· examine each testicle in turn, and then compare them with each other. Use both hands and gently roll each testicle between thumb and forefinger.
· Check for any lumps or swellings as both testicles should be smooth except where the duct that carries sperm to the penis, the epididymis, runs. This lies along the top and back of the testicle and normally feels bumpy.

If you have found a lump while performing a self-examination, you are advised to go to your doctor for further examination.

Acne – Find Out How to Treat Acne Naturally

Saturday, May 2nd, 2009

The truth is it is unknown as to why some people get acne and others do not. There is so much information out there, myths, truths and untruths. It is possible to treat acne naturally, in some cases.

What causes acne? Genetics play a role as do hormonal changes like menstrual cycles, pregnancy, puberty and the like. Stress is another factor in break outs. Many disagree, but from my own experience, acne breakouts happen in stressful situations. However, everyone is different and though some may experience acne breakouts in stressful situations, others may not. It is simply the way a body reacts to certain things, situations, foods, weather conditions, etc. Everybody is different and what may bother one person doesn’t necessarily affect another.

How does acne form? Bacteria that form in the pores are a common cause of pimples and blemishes. Therefore, it is important to fight the bacteria. One way is to cleanse with a mild cleanser twice daily; and throughout the day, dab the oily areas of your face with a tissue or cotton ball to control the oils.

The fact remains, though, if you do suffer from acne, you need to find the solutions and ointments and treatments that work for you. Just as everyone is different and not everyone suffers from acne breakouts, so too are the medications–some work for some people while they do nothing or little for others.

Chamomile, naturally, has anti-inflammatory agents that can help your acne breakouts. To treat acne naturally you can try something already in your kitchen cabinets–chamomile tea. Prepare the chamomile as directed and allow to cool. Then, soak a facecloth or cotton balls with tea and apply onto the face.