4 Simple Habits That Will Prolong Your Sexual Health

By Brad Palubicki,

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We all want to be healthy and lead an active and rewarding lifestyle as long as possible. Still, so often, we forget to take good care of ourselves until we notice a problem.

The key to strong sexual health, as well as to good health in general, is being proactive and taking certain measures today in order to foster well being and vitality for years to come. Here are a few simple things you should be doing now that will help you remain in good shape for years to come:

1. Make sure you get enough sleep.

Research indicates that lack of sleep has a significant effect on men’s sexual function. It is during sleep that men’s adrenal gland replenishes the body’s testosterone, which is responsible for libido and sexual performance, among other things. Lack of sleep can also lead to depression and other more serious health complications in the long term.

2. Forget about junk food.

Our busy schedules often force us to forgo proper meals in favor of ready-made frozen dinners, snacks or greasy fast food. While loaded with calories, these items provide little nutrition and do no favors to a man’s erectile function. Bad diet not only lowers male sperm count, but can also cause weight gain, diabetes and heart disease – all of which significantly diminish sexual ability.

3. Always wear a condom.

If you are sexually active and have multiple partners, you should ALWAYS wear a condom for any type of sexual intercourse. With STD rates on the rise, it is very important to test yourself regularly regardless of whether you experience any symptoms.

4. See a doctor regularly.

A recent survey by the American Academy of Family Physicians found that more than 50 percent of the U.S. men haven’t seen their physician in the past year. We often think of doctors as mechanics, who “fix” our bodies when they require repair. This, however, is a very backwards way of looking at things. Health problems start long before we begin to experience any complications. Such health problems as high blood pressure or diabetes may not show any symptoms for a long time, but when they do, it is often too late to prevent the incurred disease.

The earlier we adhere to these simple habits, the higher our chances become to remain in better sexual health as we age. And of course, should you experience any symptoms of erectile dysfunction, don’t hesitate and schedule an appointment with a qualified physician as soon as possible.

Stay healthy!

Many U.S. Veterans Suffer from Sexual Dysfunction, Study Shows

By Brad Palubicki,

I hope that you’ll find my blog helpful. For more of my insight and commentary, visit BradPalubicki.com and connect with me on Xing, Twitter and Google+.

According to a recent study published in the journal Sexual Medicine, many of our military veterans returning from Iraq, Afghanistan and other deployments are facing sexual health problems.

Nearly 18 percent of almost 250 veterans screened at a veterans affairs medical center in Houston, were found to experience sexual dysfunction problems. To examine sexual health, clinicians asked veterans to rate their libido, arousal, vaginal lubrication and other aspects of sexual functioning on a five-item questionnaire.

About 25 percent of the veterans indicated serious problems in at least one aspect, or certain difficulties in at least three areas of their sexual functioning. Although already alarming, these numbers are likely to be even higher in actuality, since many people are reluctant to share their sexual health problems with doctors who they meet for the first time.

The study also found that sexual dysfunction problems were most likely to arise in those veterans who were female or suffered from PTSD or depression. Unfortunately, stress associated with military service and post-deployment adaptation to normal life often takes a serious toll on veterans’ sexual health and well-being.

In an attempt to treat PTSD or depression, doctors often prescribe medications that can contribute to erectile dysfunction, delayed ejaculation and libido problems. The only solution to this problem is to be open about your sexual health concerns and discuss them freely with your doctor, as well as with your partner. Most sexual dysfunction problems these days are treatable, and there’s absolutely no shame in wanting to be healthy.

Work-Related Stress is More Damaging than You Think

by Brad Palubicki

Any job can be stressful, and all of us experience some pressure at work from time to time. However, when stress becomes a daily part of your work schedule, it is poised to have serious adverse effects on your physical and emotional health.

A new study by Harvard Business School and Stanford University found that occupational stress might be just as bad as secondhand smoke! Building upon the evidence from 228 other studies, the researchers calculated that excess workloads increased chances of an illness by 35 percent. People who regularly work overtime become almost 20 percent more likely to die prematurely. The research also found that professionals who are constantly scared to lose their job are twice as likely to experience health complications.

But the negative effects don’t stop there. Experiencing too much stress at work might actually stop you from succeeding in your career. As NuMale Medical Center Founder and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Christopher Asandra explains in his recent Askmen article, stress causes an increase in cortisol (stress hormone) levels, which blocks the positive effects of testosterone on the body. According to recent research, says Dr. Asandra, “men with lower testosterone or higher cortisol levels are demonstrably less likely to serve in leadership positions.”

Work-related stress is also a major contributor to erectile dysfunction in men. Having your testosterone and other hormone levels checked regularly is important for determining a number of potential health concerns. Fortunately, many of the negative effects of hormonal disbalance can be easily reversed with the help of a trained specialist. Hormonal therapy requires a precisely calibrated approach and extensive knowledge of the subject so make sure you consult a physician who specializes in that area.

In the meantime, try to keep your work stress under control: make sure you get enough sleep, exercise regularly and stop thinking about work once you leave the office.

For more articles and insight, visit my website at http://www.bradpalubicki.com and follow me on Twitter (@Brad_Palubicki) and Google+.