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Health (10)

Heal the world

There is Coronavirus, worries about the economy and jobs, worries about food shortages, protests about police brutality, and natural disasters over the summer. There will be a US Presidential election in the fall. Don't forget we were placed on this Earth to make the change we want to see in the world. 

CALLING ALL LIGHT WORKERS... IT'S UP TO US. We need to be the answer to all this darkness. SHINE BEACONS.

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Reiki Healing Affirmations

We are always healing and our energy responds to intention. Reiki is effective because of those two simple facts of natural order. When practicing Reiki we focus our intention to healing and this helps to facilitate the natural process.

#Reiki intention: I am always in a natural state of healing and this infinitely wise energy will always provide for my highest good.

#Reiki intention; life enhancing healing energy is always flowing into my life. I use it for my good and the good of others and I am grateful for this good.

#Reiki intention: This life force energy responds to my focus and will radiate good health and wellness to every cell in my body.

#Reiki intention: This energy of infinite wisdom will always provide for my whole self as I enter into a comfortable state of being.

#Reiki intention: I am one with magnificent perfection and infinite wisdom and I enjoy the process of healing.

Healing Today has provided traditional Usui Reiki classes and attunements to hundreds of students since 1999. Reiki is a natural healing modality and very easy to learn.

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Reiki does not have to be expensive

The most frequently asked question we get is: why are your classes priced so much lower than others? The answer is simple; because they can be.

 

There is no reason for Reiki classes to be as expensive as they have generally been in the USA the past few decades. Reiki is a natural healing modality that is very easy to learn and master. The energy that we connect to is equally accessible to everyone.

 

We believe it is important to share and teach about Reiki in an honest, practical, and realistic manner. Our main intention is to motivate the student to use and appreciate these wonderfully abilities that we all possess.

 

Utilize a strong intention and focus of healing and you will appreciate the benefits.

 

http://healingtoday.com/classes.htm

http://reikiclassesusa.com 

Healing Today has provided affordable Reiki classes to thousands of students since 1999 across the USA. http://healingtoday.com

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Researcher Krinsley D. Bengston witnesses multiple cases of cancer remission associated with a hands-on energy healer. Bengston then apprenticed with the healer to learn how to reproduce the healing effects.

Bengston obtained 5 experimental mice with mammary adenocar-cinoma, which had a predicted 100% fatality between 14 and 27 days following injection. Bengston treated these mice for an hour a day for a period of 30 days. The tumors developed a “blackened area,” then ulcerated, imploded and closed, and the mice lived their normal lifespan. The control group of mice with breast cancer, sent to another city, all died within the predicted time frame.

The results were so remarkable; three replications of the experiment were done in different cities. The studies were done with skeptical volunteers trained to do hands-on energy healing. In these three studies, 87.9% of the energy-treated mice lived, and 100% of the control group mice died. In addition, the mice in remission from two of the four experiments were re-injected with cancer, and it did not take, suggesting a continuing, stimulated immunological response. Histological studies confirmed the viability of cancer cells through all stages of remission. 

The studies were published in The Effect of the “Laying On of Hands” in Transplanted Breast Cancer in Mice,  by Krinsley D. Bengston, Journal of Science Exploration, 2000; 14:353-364.

Bengston wrote “The tentative conclusions are that belief in laying-on of hands is not necessary to produce the effect; there is a stimulated immune response to treatment, which is reproducible and predictable; and the mice retain immunity to the same cancer after remission.”

Info on Reiki and other energy healing modalities; http://healingtoday.com/reiki_facts.htm

Reiki is growing in use at many hospitals and clinics in the USA. Healing Today Reiki classes are very practcal and affordable and are designed to help one with self healing. This Reiki training  also prepares health care professionals to offer Reiki to others. The Reiki workshops are presented in Chicago, Tampa, Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte, and other cities around the USA.

Reiki USA; http://reikiclassesusa.com

Healing Today has provided affordable Reiki classes to thousands of students since 1999 across the USA. http://healingtoday.com

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Reiki; a natural healing modality

Reiki is a wonderful natural healing modality that is very beneficial to one’s self healing program as well as for helping others.

 

Often referred to as energy healing, Reiki is more correctly defined as an intentional healing modality. It is the focus and intention on the part of the healer that makes Reiki so effective.

 

Healing Today has been offering Reiki classes since 1999. Our home healing center is in the Tampa Bay area but we offer classes in cities all over the United States.

 

The training is in traditional Usui Reiki. 

 

A wonderful community of people has attended Healing Today Reiki classes and we are happy that so many of our students are now actively teaching.

 

Reiki is a wonderful tool to help with self healingand personal empowerment. It is very easy to learn and master.

 

More info on Reiki here: http://healingtoday.com/

Healing Today has provided affordable Reiki classes to thousands of students since 1999 across the USA. http://healingtoday.com

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Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

The Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy can never be created or destroyed only changed from one form to another.

 

All matter and energy are regarded as equivalent. Therefore all matter cannot be destroyed only transitioned to another form.

 

All energy is in constant motion, therefore constantly changing. Change is the law of nature. This law of change was wonderfully described by William W. Atkinson in 1911 in the “The Mastery of Being” .He wrote:

 

“All nature and all the universe is in a constant state of flux. Everything changing its shape, form or activities from the moment of its creation. Everything is in constant motion from the atoms to suns, from universe to electrons. Nothing remains the same for two consecutive moments . . . nothing stands still.”

 

This endless eternal transformation of energy is happening all around and within you. Mentally and physically you are constantly changing. You are, in fact, a creative process.

 

This constant change provides endless potential for beneficial change. Each and every moment is an infinite possibility that you may evolve into the finite realities of your desires.

 

This creative process of change is ordered by our intention. Intention brings change. Imagination brings change. Thoughts become actions.

 

Reiki is a good example of the many intentional healing modalities. The effectiveness of Reiki and other similar practices depend upon the intention of the practitioner.

 

Maintain a focus and intention of wellness, of wholeness, of healing, and change occurs.

 

http://healingtoday.com

 

Reiki is growing in use at many hospitals and clinics in the USA. Healing Today Reiki classes are very practcal and affordable and are designed to help one with self healing. This Reiki training  also prepares health care professionals to offer Reiki to others. The Reiki workshops are presented in Chicago, Tampa, Atlanta, Dallas, Charlotte, and other cities around the USA.

http://reikiclassesusa.com

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'The perfect health snack'--- "Popcorn"

'The perfect health snack'--- "Popcorn":

 

 

London: Don`t forget to pick up a tub of popcorn the next time you go for a movie at a nearby theatre, for a new study has claimed that the humble cinema snack is the perfect health food.

 

Researchers at the University of Scranton have found that popcorn -- already known for being fibre-packed and relatively low in fat -- is packed with more health-boosting antioxidants than fruits and vegetables.

 

Antioxidants are known to reduce one`s risk of cancers, dementia and even heart disease.

 

And, the potent antioxidants, called polyphenols, in popcorn can fight harmful molecules that accumulate in the body and damage cells. They can also help to increase blood flow by relaxing the arteries, the `Daily Express` reported.

 

The researchers said that polyphenols are more concentrated in popcorn, which averages only about four per cent water, compared with the 90 per cent that makes up many fruits and vegetables.

 

In fact, the study revealed that the amount of polyphenols found in popcorn was up to 300 mg a serving which would provide 13 per cent of an average intake of polyphenolsa day.

 

In another surprising finding, the researchers discovered the hulls of popcorn, the part everyone hates for its tendency to get caught in the teeth, has the highest concentration of polyphenols and fibre.

 

Dr Joe Vinson, who led the study, said: "Those hulls deserve more respect. They are nutritional gold nuggets. Popcorn may be the perfect snack food. It`s the only snack that is 100 per cent unprocessed whole grain.

 

"One serving of popcorn will provide more than 70 per cent of the daily intake of whole grain. The average person only gets about half a serving of whole grains a day and popcorn could fill that gap in a very pleasant way."

 

But Dr Vinson cautioned that the way it is served -- cooking it in oil and adding butter, salt or sugar -- can put a dent in its health benefits. Air-popped popcorn has lowest number of calories, compared with popping it in oil.

 

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The dark side of energy drinks - trading tomorrow's health for today's temporary stimulationby Tony Isaacs(The Best Years in Life) Energy drinks were first introduced over 20 years ago. Though their use grew slowly for the first several years, today they have become a modern day phenomenon with tens of millions now being consumed daily. Energy drinks are the number one growth market for beverages and annual sales are forecast to top $9 billion for 2011. Around one-third of teenagers and young adults report drinking one or more energy drink daily, and in many instances consumers drink several energy drinks each day.What's not to like about having more energy and alertness - particularly if it comes from beverages which often tout herbal and other "natural" ingredients as the secret to their success? As it turns out, there is a very great deal not to like – and many of the millions of energy drink consumers may find one day find that the temporary boost they are getting today comes at the expense of health problems tomorrow.Some of the more common unwelcome side effects reported for energy drinks include elevated heart rates, hypertension, anxiety, headaches and interrupted sleep patterns. Due to a combination of ingredients commonly found in energy drinks which cause elevated heart rate and blood pressure, energy drinks may end up putting added stress on the heart. Such stress may lead to hypertension and ultimately heart and other cardiovascular problems.It is also believed that the combination of ingredients in energy drinks, including sodium benzoate, may lead to extra risk of various forms of cancer. Some energy drinks may also contain ingredients which stress the pancreas and could lead to diabetes. The effects and side effects of energy drinks are elevated when combined with coffee and other caffeinated drinks and the combination of alcohol and energy drinks, a growing practice among younger drinkers, may be particularly dangerous.Until recently, energy drinks and their side effects have been lightly studied, as a report earlier this year in the medical journal Pediatrics noted when it described energy drinks as overused and understudied. After examining data from the government and interest groups, scientific literature, case reports and articles in popular and trade media, the reports authors warned against energy drinks and cited potential harms which included heart palpitations, seizures, strokes and even sudden death.Dr. Marcie Schneider, an adolescent medicine specialist in Greenwich, Connecticut, and member of the American Academy of Pediatrics nutrition committee, praised the recent report and stated that ""These drinks have no benefit, no place in the diet of kids."Late last year, poison control centers started tracking energy drink overdoses and side effects nationwide. 677 cases occurred from October through December. The chart's list of reported energy drink-related symptoms included seizures, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, chest pain, high blood pressure and irritability.Two of the most common ingredients found in energy drinks are sugar and caffeine, both of which provide temporary stimulation (as opposed to actual energy) and both of which may have serious side effects when regularly consumed in large amounts. Notably, both sugar and caffeine, as well as other ingredients in energy drinks, stress the adrenal glands. Adrenal fatigue is considered to be the number one cause of lack of energy. Thus energy drinks create their own catch-22 of causing long term tiredness and lack of energy at the same time they give their temporary boosts.Just one of a huge number of health risks caused by processed sugar is the risk of diabetes – which has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. Very large amounts of sugar can ultimately overwhelm the pancreas, the organ which generates insulin to offset sugar intake. If your pancreas is "worn out" by being overworked from too much sugar, diabetes can begin.Some energy drinks containing up to 7 times the amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee. While small amounts of caffeine are not generally considered dangerous, too much caffeine can over stimulate the central nervous system and can dangerously elevate blood pressure and heart rate. Caffeine is also addictive and withdrawal symptoms include headaches and irritability. Caffeine also causes a loss in valuable B vitamins which are needed for "normal" energy creation.When sugar is not used, dangerous artificial sweeteners are employed. Perhaps the most dangerous is aspartame, though increasingly, the sugar substitute of choice has become sucralose. Sucralose is a chlorinated organic compound, a chemical group which includes several compounds known to be harmful to animals and plants and which has been linked to birth defects and other prenatal conditions. The body does not recognize artificial sweeteners like sucralose as food, but instead essentially processes them as toxins.Other potentially dangerous ingredients commonly found in energy drinks include:*Sodium benzoate. Sodium benzoate is widely used as a preservative in energy drinks as well as other beverages and foods. Last year a study conducted by an expert in molecular biology and biotechnology linked sodium benzoate to cell damage and an increase in the production of free radicals.Even more concerning is the fact that sodium benzoate in combination with vitamin C can result in the formation of the potent carcinogen benzene. Many energy drinks contain vitamin C, especially the fruity energy drinks.As noted health authority Chris Gupta reports, "This is not a small thing, although the so-called experts will try to tell you that there's no harm at these benzene levels. But there is no safe level of benzene. And no one is talking about how it reacts with other carcinogens in your body, which could be a serious problem. We already know it reacts with healthy substances like vitamin C.""There is a solution", Gupta added. "Eliminate all processed foods and unnatural drinks. All processed foods have chemicals in them for preservation. And many of these preservatives can damage your health."*Phenylalanine. Though an essential amino acid, phenylalanine is also a neurotoxin and is one of the three main ingredients which make up aspartame. Too much can excite the neurons in the brain to the point of cellular death.*Guarana. Guarana (or guaranine) comes from the seeds of the guarana plant, which contain up to 3 to 4 times the caffeine as coffee beans. Thus the amount of actual caffeine for many energy drinks which also contain guarana may be even more than is reported.*Ephedra. Ephedra has been described as a drug that increases heart rate and blood pressure at low doses and strokes, seizures, and possibly even death at high doses.Despite their potential dangers, energy drinks have become a very large part of today's beverage industry. As we have seen time and again, once any product or group of products and the ingredients they contain become hugely profitable and popular, it may take many years – if ever – before they are curtailed despite evidence of danger. Aspartame is a prime example and such may well end up being the case with the multi-billion dollar energy drink market.However, the good news is that there are far safer natural options for achieving greater energy than energy drinks - such as super foods powders, juiced vegetables and whole-foods derived multi-vitamin products for example. The very best long term option for achieving greater energy is an active lifestyle combined with adequate sleep, avoidance of energy robbing toxins and stress and a healthy nutrient-dense diet.Sources included:http://www.livestrong.com/article/24642-main-ingredients-energy-drinks/http://www.jonbarron.org/diabetes/nl100726/natural-health-newsletter-adrenal-fatiguehttp://www.livestrong.com/article/92043-hour-energy-drink-ingredients/http://www.sweetpoison.com/phenylalanine.htmlhttp://www.associatedcontent.com/article/354447/what_are_the_dangerous_ingredients?cat=5http://docakilah.wordpress.com/2011/02/18/energy-drinks-dont-energize-they-stimulize-and-can-kill-you/http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/41577256/ns/today-today_health/t/energy-drinks-can-be-dangerous-teens-report-says/http://benjimester.hubpages.com/hub/Sucralose-Dangershttp://www.energydrinktruth.com/dangersofpreservatives.htmlhttp://yourbodygodstemple.blogspot.com/2010/08/dangers-of-sodium-benzoate-fox-news.html
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Top ten threats to women's health

Top ten threats to women's health
And what you can do to protect yourself


Women are generally more sensible and health conscious than men, and pursue eating, drinking and smoking with greater moderation.

And yet, women's health is threatened by the same lethal conditions that affect men, many of which can be prevented through a healthier lifestyle.

In this feature, we look at the top ten causes of women's death in the UK, and what you can do to protect yourself.


Heart disease

Heart disease kills more women in the UK than any other cause. In 2008, more than 40,000 women in England and Wales died due to heart disease, and around 100,000 women have heart attacks every year.

What you can do about it
You are more at risk of heart disease if you have high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol levels, smoke or are overweight. If you are over 40, overweight and "too busy" to exercise, at least take time off to visit your GP can assess your risk of heart disease. Try to cut back on foods which are rich in saturated and trans fats and high in salt and incorporate some type of physical activity into your daily routine.


Stroke

For some reason, stroke is often regarded as a condition which mainly affects men. Not so. Stroke is the second biggest cause of women's deaths in the UK. Although strokes are mores common in men, women are one and a half times more likely to die from one. They are also the leading cause of disability in the UK.

What you can do about it
A stroke happens when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted by a blood clot blocking an artery. Some risk factors for stroke can't be changed - e.g. you are more likely to have one as you age. However, eating a healthy diet rich in fibre and low in saturated fats and salt reduce your chances of developing high blood pressure, and high blood cholesterol levels, both major risk factor for stroke.


Influenza

Around 17,000 women die from infections of the lower respiratory tract each year such as flu, pneumonia and bronchitis.

What you can do about it
Older women, those with weakened immune systems and smokers are most at risk from these diseases during the winter months. Protect yourself by getting the yearly vaccinations for flu and pneumonia. Eat a healthy balanced diet to keep your immune system healthy.


Dementia

More women die from dementia than men simply because they are more likely to live longer. The biggest risk factor for dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, is ageing. Having a close family member with dementia is an additional risk factor.

What you can do about it
You can't stop yourself from ageing, or change your genes (not yet anyway). When it comes to diet and exercise, many studies suggest what's good for the heart is also good for the brain. Keeping mentally, physically and socially active have also been found to lower your risk of disease.


COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of chronic lung diseases which include chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It kills more women than breast cancer, yet many people have never heard of it. COPD is more common in men, but women are catching up fast.

What you can do about it
Eight out of ten cases of COPD occur in smokers, so the best way to prevent it is to stop smoking. If you have a 'smokers cough' you should get it checked by your GP, who can carry out a lung function test to assess any damage to your lungs. There is no cure for COPD, but there is medication which can slow down the rate at which the disease progresses.


Lung cancer

Lung cancer kills more women in the UK than any other cancer in the UK. It causes one in five of all female cancer deaths, and more than 10,000 women die from it every year.
Nine out of ten cases of lung cancer are caused by smoking. Air pollution, second-hand smoke and working with chemicals such as asbestos can also increase your chances of lung cancer.

What you can do about it
The more you smoke, the greater your risk of lung cancer. Stopping smoking not only reduces your risk of lung and other cancers, but also of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure.


Breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. More than 45,000 women develop the disease each year - equivalent to 125 women a day. Advances in medical research, screening and new treatments is the reason why breast cancer is not higher up in our list.

What you can do about it
All women between aged between 50 to 70 are eligible for NHS screening. Screening is by breast mammogram - a bit like an X ray. If you are not being screened, see your GP to find out why not.

If you have a close family member who has had breast cancer before the age of 50, you should inform your GP, as a minority of cases are caused by a gene which can run in families.

All women should learn what their breasts look and feel like normally, so they can notice any changes in the shape, size and texture which occur.


Kidney disease

Kidney disease is often a complication of diabetes or high blood pressure.

What you can do about it
Diabetes and high blood pressure are often linked to being overweight and an unhealthy diet. Try to maintain a healthy weight, cut down on dietary salt and include some form of physical activity on a daily basis.


Bowel cancer

Bowel cancer is the second most common cancer in women after breast cancer. Each year around 17,000 women are diagnosed with the condition and 7,000 die from it.

What you can do about it
Poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity and lack of exercise all increase the risk of bowel cancer. Diets rich in red and processed meat and low in fruit, vegetables and fibre add to the risk of disease.

Everyone between the ages of 60 and 69 in England, 50 and 74 in Scotland, and 60 and 74 in Wales are eligible for screening kits which are sent to the home. The kits detect tiny amounts of blood hidden in your faeces - don't let this put you off using them.


Ovarian cancer

There's a lot of competition for the number ten spot, but we have chosen ovarian cancer. Many medical conditions can lay claim to be a 'silent killer', but none more so than ovarian cancer.

The symptoms of early disease are often 'silent' or ignored by busy women, when treatment is most effective against the cancer. It is often mistaken by women (and some GPs) for irritable bowel syndrome.

What you can do about it
Women who have used the contraceptive pill and breast fed after pregnancy have a lower risk of ovarian cancer.

A small minority of women have inherited genes which increases their risk of ovarian cancer.

You may be eligible for screening if you have a close relative who has had the disease coupled with another who has had breast cancer before the age of 50, from the same side of the family.

Contact your GP for further details on this.

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Top ten threats to men's health

Top ten threats to men's health


They cause more than 60 per cent of all men's deaths in the UK. Find out what you can do to protect yourself


For the weaker sex, British women do pretty well. Men die sooner, they're 70 per cent more likely to die from cancers that affect both sexes and 60 per cent more likely to develop them in the first place. Why is this? Is it down to genes?


We don't think so. If you look at the top ten health threats to men living in the UK, you'll find that many can be prevented.


Some can even be stopped in their tracks if you know the warning signs, have a few tests done by your GP and make some lifestyle changes.

Heart disease


The number one threat to men’s health in the UK is heart disease, killing over 50,000 men annually - one in five of all male deaths. Sadly, most are preventable.


What you can do about it
You're at risk if you are over 40, overweight, have high blood pressure and cholesterol, are a smoker, are diabetic or have a family history of heart disease. See your GP for advice and try to modify your lifestyle: Quit smoking, improve your diet to include fruit, vegetables and fibre, avoid foods containing saturated and trans fats, limit your alcohol intake, try to maintain a healthy weight, and incorporate some exercise into your routine.


Stroke


In 2007, over 20,000 men died of stroke. Strokes cause more death in men than any single cancer and are the leading cause of disability in the UK. Around half a million people in England alone have some form of disability because of stroke.


What you can do about it
Most people think of strokes affecting only the elderly, but anyone can get one. Strokes are more common in men than women and the vast majority occur in people over the age of 45. You are more at risk of a stroke if you have high blood pressure and cholesterol, smoke, drink to excess, are overweight, diabetic, already have heart disease or have previously had a heart attack. To reduce your risk, have your GP check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, maintain a healthy weight, stop smoking, cut back on salt in your food and limit your alcohol intake.


Lung cancer


Lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer of men in the UK, with around 16,000 men dying from it every year.


What you can do about it
Smoking causes 90 per cent of lung cancer cases, though a family history of the disease, exposure to radon gas, air pollution, second-hand smoke and chemicals like asbestos can also cause it. The symptoms of lung cancer can include a persistent cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing up blood, chest pain, weight loss and fatigue. To prevent lung cancer, stop smoking, Doing so will also reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure.


Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease


Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a group of chronic lung diseases which include chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and annually cause the death of between 12,000 and 13,000 men in the UK. Eight out of ten cases are caused by smoking. An estimated three million people in the UK have COPD, but only 900,000 are diagnosed, probably because many ignore the symptoms.

What you can do about it
The early signs of COPD include cough, phlegm and shortness of breath - if have been or are a smoker, and have these symptoms, you should see your GP. COPD can't be cured, but it can be slowed down by medication. The best way to prevent COPD is to stop smoking. Stopping smoking will reduce your risk and help improve your symptoms if you have COPD.


Influenza and pneumonia


Influenza, pneumonia and bronchitis are all infections of the lower respiratory tract which kill, on average, over 10,000 men every year.


What you can do about it
Pneumonia is caused by a number of different bacteria and viruses. Although anyone can be infected, smokers, people with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions are more at risk. Both diseases are most common during the winter months. You can get vaccinated for the influenza, as well as against pneumonia. Make sure you keep your hands clean, as they are often in contact with germs. Don't smoke as it raises your risk of infection. Eat a healthy balanced diet and try to get some exercise, even in the winter months. This helps to keep your immune system healthy.


Prostate cancer


Prostate cancer is the most common cause of cancer in men. Each year approximately 35,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer and around 10,200 die from it, yet a recent survey found that 60 per cent of men were unaware of the symptoms.


What you can do about it
Over 70 per cent of new cases occur in men over the age of 65, and having a close family member who has had the disease makes it more likely you will get it too. Early symptoms may include the need to urinate often, passing urine slowly, discomfort while urinating, blood in urine or semen, pain or stiffness in back, hips or pelvis and difficulty in having an erection.


If you have any of these symptoms, see your GP. There is no one way to prevent prostate cancer. However, eating a healthy balanced diet, rich in fruit, vegetables and fibre is associated with a lower risk of many cancers. Cutting back on red meat and saturated fat and drinking alcohol in moderation may also reduce your risk.


Bowel cancer


Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in men and each year over 20,000 men are diagnosed with the disease in the UK and around 8,500 die from it.


What you can do about it
If caught early enough, it is one of the most treatable of cancers, with 90 per cent of those diagnosed living for more than 5 years. It tends to occur in people over the age of 60 and its risk factors include a family history of the disease, having diabetes, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, a poor diet, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption and being inactive. Symptoms might include bleeding from the bottom, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain and tiredness.


Liver disease


In 2008 there were 4,764 deaths in England and Wales due to alcoholic liver disease. Three-quarters were men. Alcoholic liver disease is a group of illnesses which develop when the liver becomes damaged due to heavy drinking including fatty liver, hepatitis and cirrhosis.

What you can do about it
It's a fatal mistake to think that binge drinkers are most at risk from liver disease. People most at risk are those who drink over the limit on a regular basis over the years. Alcoholic liver disease does not usually cause any symptoms until the liver has been seriously damaged. When this happens, alcoholic liver disease can cause nausea, weight loss and eyes and skin turning yellow.


The best way to prevent alcohol related liver disease is not to drink alcohol, or to stick to the recommended daily limits. For men this means drinking no more than three to four units a day. One unit of alcohol is equal to about half a pint of normal strength lager, a small glass of wine or a pub measure (25ml) of spirits.


Alzheimer's

Nervous system disorders account for 5 per cent of all male deaths in the UK. Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia are responsible for around half of this figure, at just over 5,000 deaths per year.


What you can do about it
The early signs of dementia include an inability to recall recent events, failure to recognize familiar faces and names, general confusion about everyday matters, language problems and mood and behavior problems. Age is the biggest risk factor for dementia, with about one in 14 people over the age of 65 and one in six people over 80 has some type of dementia.


There is no way to prevent dementia, but generally speaking maintaining a healthy lifestyle - exercising, not smoking, keeping socially and mentally active - can help protect against both mental and physical decline.

Accidents


Accidents are the 10th biggest killer of UK men. This does not include deaths from transport related accidents, which adds a further 2,000 deaths to the 3,700 total. Four out of every ten accidental deaths are caused by falls. Drug related deaths account for another 12 per cent of accidental deaths in men, with choking and suffocating causing another per cent.


What you can do about it
Most accidents occur in the home. If you are in an accident, or are witness to one, the first thing to do is to remove yourself from any immediate danger. Call the emergency services on 999 to get professional help. Get basic first aid training for yourself and all members of your family.


Ensure that fire alarms are fitted and working. Check them regularly. Avoid walking in slippery or icy conditions, especially if you are older. Try to exercise regularly, and make sure that you have your eyesight checked regularly. Ensure that your home is free of obstacles that may trip you up.


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