Age presents an annoying paradox for most of us men. Early in life, we literally cannot wait to grow up and get our first paycheck, drive, go to war, buy porn, and of course, legally consume alcohol. It is a terrific feeling when the bartender asks for your ID and you calmly, proudly present it, proclaiming Yes! you do indeed belong here. Then, of course, the request for your driver’s license becomes annoying, as if the waitress cannot tell your 27. However, eventually the staff just accepts you are old, and now you are annoyed they don’t ask. Suddenly, all that desire to age quickly vanishes and remember high school football games and life without responsibility. Don’t give up, though. While we don’t recommend ditching responsibility, you can make it seem like you don’t have so much.

Ditch the gray 

Your hair is terrible at protecting the secret of your age. Although it is not always an accurate indication, graying hair looks old. If you are not ready for the “experienced” appearance, consider adding a little color back in your life. Caution – don’t over compensate. Going from white to jet black may make you seem younger to strangers, but ridiculous to all your friends and co-workers.

Embrace the bald

Sticking with the hair, what to do with your balding spot? To cover up the hair loss, go ahead and remove the rest. Men of all ages rock a shaved head; and that is exactly what you are going for, an indiscriminate age. You may even gain confidence due to your new hair freedom.

Man-scaping 

It was a milestone the first time you shaved your face, but now it just a daily chore. Tempting to ignore it, and sport a beard, however, moves you in the wrong direction on the age spectrum. A smooth face reminds us of youth. The same goes for a smooth body. If you want to fit in with spring breakers in Cancun, remove or trim any body hair that would otherwise be on display at the beach.

Hit the gym 

As long as you are planning on going shirtless, work on your droopy appearance as well. As we age, our muscles naturally deteriorate, often creating loose skin and body mass. A workout routine that fights this process will keep you in your 28-year old body well beyond your 35^th birthday. Also, you’ll have the energy of a youngster, so you can keep up with the co-eds in friendly beach football game.

Lose the librarian 

Observers often relate glasses with intelligence, but when you pull out your readers to check a menu, your age is revealed as well. Unless they are part of your young, west-coast, hipster look, leave your glasses at home in favor of contacts. If you only need readers, pick up a pair of bifocal contact lens. Your date will never know.

Wardrobe update 

You might not understand how younger generations believe their attire is acceptable (we’re not saying we do either) but you can learn some things from them. Without draping yourself in Affliction, there are tricks for building a younger wardrobe. Consider the length of your shorts and pants – they both could probably be longer. You have the money, so pick up a few new items that still reflect your style, but also 2009. Don’t let your age dictate your clothing.

Relax, get a massage 

Joanna Czech, esthetician to the stars, touts massage as not only a terrific method of relaxation, but also a powerful anti-aging tool. Massage works blood through your body, aiding the delivery of nutrients and thus keeps your skin firm and healthy looking. As if you needed another reason for a massage.

Watch your diet 

You’ve all heard, “You are what you eat.” In this case, you are as old as you eat. Consuming foods that reduce inflammation and free radicals can slow the aging process. White seafood and green veggies are great, along with foods high in antioxidants. Also, simple carbohydrates cause you to retain water, leaving you bloated not toned. Avoid them and avoid baggy eyes.

Beware of the sun 

To understand the power of the sun, compare a handful of grapes to a cup of raisins. You don’t want to be the raisin. The sun will cause your skin to appear older via wrinkles, brown spots and more. Protect yourself with sunscreen that keeps out UV rays and fills your skin with antioxidants. It’s not too late to buy into this, either. Over time, keeping the sun out will allow your skin to return to the smoothness of its youth.

Kick your bad habits 

Two things your body needs, sleep and clean air. Playing poker all night online will not only drain your wallet, but also skins ability to recover. Your mind is not the only organ that needs to rest. Smoking a pack a day is even worse. Not only will it kill you, but smoking speeds your skins aging process, creating deep wrinkles and discoloration. Old habits die hard, but consider the reward – younger looking skin leading to younger looking girlfriends.

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How does the aging process affect the body? If you're worried about it, don't be. It beats the alternative, and it happens to everybody. The aging process happens at various speeds depending on things like your ancestry and your environment.  The aging process happens on the inside of your body as well as the outside.

The aging process affects your body on the inside through the cells .It's estimated that we have 50 trillion cells in our body; that's incomprehensible to many people. Cells have been called the "building blocks of life," and, if they aren't working properly, it has an adverse affect. An important process called apoptosis tells the cells when to self-destruct. If the cells don't die when they are supposed to, cancer can result because the cancer cells will crowd out the healthy ones. If the cells die too early, that might result in both Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.

There are several effects that the aging process has on the outside of your body. As you age, you may see a change in your height. You will probably lose about two inches by the time you are 80, although it can vary greatly from person to person. Some causes of height loss include flattening of the arches in your feet, changes in the vertebrae and compression of the discs between the vertebrae.  Even poor posture can cause you to be shorter.

Another way that the aging process may affect the body is you'll probably lose some weight. If you're a man, you'll probably gain weight until you reach your fifties, and then you'll start losing weight when you reach your late sixties and early seventies. You will also notice a change in the amount of fat you have in your body compared to muscle. Researchers aren't really sure if these changes in weight are really part of the aging process, or if it happens because you are less active and you might not be eating a good diet.

Your bones are another part of the body that are affected by the aging process. Your bones become more brittle with age because of loss of calcium. If you're not careful, this can result in a lot of broken bones. If you break something major, like one of your hips, that will have an affect on your mobility and independence.

Don't worry if lots of the people in your family died at a young age. The science of medicine has made great strides in recent years. Life expectancy is gradually creeping up in the United States, and you can expect to live into your late seventies. That's why economists are worried about the financial aspects of the aging population. As you live longer, you'll be collecting Social Security and Medicare for a longer period of time. When 65 was determined to be the age when you can collect Medicare, most people didn't live many years beyond 65. That's not the case anymore. Lots of people live to be in their 80's or beyond.

Now you know how the aging process affects the body. The changes are so gradual that you may not even notice. If things don't seem right, you may want to contact your health care professional who can determine just how much the aging process has affected you.

American Geriatric Society

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

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Changes in weight or the types of medication being taken, as well as other causes, can play a part in the effects of aging on balance. For most people, the changes can sometimes be dangerous, but there are ways to offset the risks. Gaining or losing weight is often one factor in how the aging process affects one’s balance, especially if one becomes heavier. The legs and hips must support the extra weight, so it is possible for one to tire easier, which can result in loss of balance.

In some older people, weight gain is often caused by decreased physical activity. That is why it’s important to remain active even while aging is occurring. Certain medications also contribute to how the aging process affects one’s balance. This does not always have to be in a negative way, however.

If the balance problem was caused by changes or abnormalities in the inner ear, medication taken to correct the problem may actually improve balance. Further, it may be discovered that aging was never a factor in balance problems; rather, that the older person was suffering from a previously undetected inner ear problem.

The onset of some diseases often begins in the aging years; therefore, this can be another result of how the aging process affects one’s balance. Illnesses such as muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease, as well as others, often manifest themselves as one gets older. All of these can cause balance problems.

Another effect aging has on balance is in the development of neuropathy. This is a condition which affects the nerve endings of the fingers, toes, and bottoms of the feet. It can be caused by diabetes, as a result of chemotherapy treatment for cancer, and other things. When neuropathy is present, feeling in the bottom of the feet is sometimes diminished. For this reason, an older person may think his footing is secure, when in fact it isn’t.

How the aging process affects one’s balance unfortunately can cause increased dangers for the aging person. These dangers can include more frequent falls, some of which often result in broken bones, especially hip bones. Any fall can be bad, but it can be even more tragic when the older person falls and is unable to get up or is unable to summon help. Stories of aging people lying for days with broken bones and injuries are not uncommon.

For this reason, once evidence of how the aging process affects one’s balance becomes apparent, it is important for family members and/or caregivers to ensure that older people have a way of summoning help should such a situation occur. This can include using personal alarm systems, or having someone make frequent checks on an aging person.

Prevention of falls is a major part of dealing with how the aging process affects one’s balance. Small changes such as removing obstacles, including area rugs, wearing shoes with non-slip soles, and informing health care professionals of changes in balance as a result of medication can all decrease or even eliminate the possibility of an older person being injured as a result of balance problems.

REFERENCE:

NihSeniorHealth.gov

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As you get older you may wonder, what are the positive effects of aging? Once you reach a certain age, you start to notice the deterioration. Your back cracks when you stand up. You suddenly have to think about your knees instead of just automatically using them. You notice that you let out a long sigh when you sit down after standing for a while. It’s easy to get caught up in thinking about the downside of aging. A lot of people even go through a grieving process. But what are the positive effects of aging?

You really do know more, even if it takes you a couple of seconds to remember it. Really, would you go back in time if it meant you wouldn’t remember the positive effect of the Berlin Wall coming down? If you would never understand how amazing the transformation to the computer age was? If you would only know "Scooby Doo" as live-action? Many young people today don’t even recognize the phrase, “If it weren’t for those dratted kids!”

You have an extra beat before words come out of your mouth. When you were twenty, if the cashier got snippy, you were likely to snipe back. Now, as a more seasoned individual who has experienced some aging, you can remember times when life got you down and you weren’t all you should be. When the guy cuts you off on the freeway, you have that one reasonable second to decide if you want to go into full-scale road warrior mode.

You have wisdom. I know (or, as the kids would say, “I know, right?”), no one uses the word wisdom anymore. But you’ve got it anyway. With aging, you've got that extra little insight that you just didn’t have when you were younger. You just know when the kid is lying to you. You can tell, just from the angle of the bag boy’s body, that’s he’s pocket texting while at work. You can watch a woman’s face when she talks about her home life and know when things are going badly.

You’re out of the game. Realistically, people in their twenties don’t even see people in their forties. You’re just a prop in their world, there to provide services or money and not cramp their style. They still believe that they can and should be perfect. This might not seem like a positive effect of aging, but now that you’ve got the graying hair, the wrinkles, the sags and the crepe-like skin, you’re out of the perfection game. Relax and enjoy life. 

When you’re in the first traumatic stages of realizing that your youth is gone, you may not believe that you can actually be content with aging. And sure, everyone would cheerfully give up the aching joints and three nighttime jaunts to the bathroom. But as time goes on, you come to realize that those disadvantages are outweighed by the positive effects of aging.

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You might want to be able to party like you are twenty-one forever; yet what effect does alcohol have on aging? Reaching for a drink after a tough day can help some people relax and unwind.  Wine with dinner or aperitifs afterward can turn an otherwise ho-hum party festive.  Yet alcohol, the friend, may suddenly have the propensity to become the foe if it accelerates the aging process, causing folks to not only look, but also feel, older than they are. 

1. Wrinkled Skin 
   For most women – and men too – wrinkles are an unwelcome part of aging.  Sagging near the jaw line and bags under the eyes can add years to the face.  Excessive alcohol intake can cause wrinkles to appear because alcohol contains certain toxins that can cause skin damage.  Excessive alcohol consumption can also cause the capillaries in the face to leak.  When this occurs, water can seep in causing the face to sag or look puffy.

2.  Misdiagnosis 
   As people age, the way their bodies process alcohol changes. Therefore, it could take fewer drinks for a person to become inebriated and the effects of alcohol on the body’s organs could be more profound.  Family members and friends of a person with a drinking problem could confuse the alcohol problems with other medical issues such as dementia.

3. Alcohol and Medication Interaction
   Medications may become necessary for health issues that crop up as people age.  Oftentimes, people are prescribed medications for health issues such as high cholesterol or hypertension.  However, according to the National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, elderly people may be likely to mix drugs and alcohol causing an adverse reaction.  Mixing the wrong types of medication with alcohol could cause illnesses or even death.

4. Alcohol and the Body
   Bone density decreases as people age which accounts for fractures to places like the hip.  Drinking too much can impair balance and cause a slip and fall possibly resulting in a bone fracture.  Alcoholism can have a detrimental effect on behavior and intellectual functioning and can cause premature aging of the brain.

As with anything, moderation is the key when it comes to alcohol especially if there is concern about the effects of alcohol and aging.  Limit alcohol consumption to one drink and talk to a physician if a patient is taking any type of medication to ensure there will be no negative interactions with alcohol.  

Source: Alcohol

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Curious about how low blood pressure affects anger management? Although high blood pressure is often associated with anger, low blood pressure affects anger management as well. Low blood pressure, or hypotension, can present various signs and symptoms that can play a significant role in managing emotions. However, it is important to note that the effects on anger management caused by low blood pressure are usually an indirect symptom. These are ways in which low blood pressure affects anger management:

Hypotension symptoms may include, but are not limited to, dizziness, fainting, weakness, fatigue, vision problems and feeling tired or sleepy. Some of these particular signs of low blood pressure can seriously contribute to one's mood and induce anger. It is not uncommon for someone that feels tired and/or sleepy a lot to be quite grumpy, perhaps even angry. An additional symptom of low blood pressure that may affect anger management is confusion. Those that become confused may also be more prone to anger or become hostile.

The way in which low blood pressure affects anger management is not the only concern associated with the condition. Serious health implications can be caused by chronic hypotension. Vital organs may not be getting all the oxygen-rich blood needed, which can become deadly. Extremely low blood pressure can lead to shock and/or death. However, it is important to note that the most common side effects of low blood pressure are falls caused by dizziness or fainting. If you believe that blood pressure is affecting your anger management, you should consult with your physician.

Resources:

AARP

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Looking for hairstyles for balding men? Many balding men worry about their hair loss, but this is the wrong approach. Make the best of the hair that you do have. You can exude confidence by getting some style. If you can't afford expensive hair treatments, consider these hairstyles for men with thinning hair. Some guys begin balding when their hair starts to thin out all over. The crew cut or shaggy layer looks are best for men with thinning hair.

1. Crew cut. The crew cut helps even out hair loss in balding men. This look magically takes away baldness by keeping the hair shorter on the sides and longer on the top of the head.
2. Shaggy layers. If your hair is thinning just on top of your head, you might like to have it cut into shaggy layers. Tousle the hair and allow it to fall naturally. This look creates the illusion of fuller hair when you don this disheveled look.
3. Hairstyles for men with a bald spot. Some balding men get a bald spot on top or in back of the head. The best hairstyle for this is a close shave. For this look a man's hair is cut close to his head. There is no long part, just a clean buzz. Some men look good by lightening their hair when they get a close shave. This makes the appearance of baldness less obvious.
4. Shave it all off. When balding men shave all their hair off, it looks like they have chosen the look. Women find this look attractive also. Men can grow facial hair with this look. When a man has a goatee, mustache or beard, attention is taken from the top of his head to the face.
5. Keep it natural. Some men may choose to let nature run its natural course. Instead of using hairstyle tricks, they prefer to use what nature gave them.

There are a lot of hairstyle choices for balding men. The trick is finding a look that suits you and that you feel comfortable with. A stylist can help men choose which style will work best for them.

Resources:

Hair Loss Advisory

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Have you wanted to learn about how men deal with aging and how you can, too? Aging is made to look like an unfavorable phenomena, but it doesn't have to be a negative thing. There are ways you can dealing with aging and aging gracefully.

Here are some things you need:

• Sunscreen with SPF twenty or higher
• A positive attitude
• Vitamins C and E
• Anti-aging injections

1. Avoid being negative. You are going to age no matter what. Try not to be pessimistic about it. Some men are more appealing to women as they age. Soon you will get a discount on everything from restaurants to entertainment venues–the senior discount. You are probably not ready to hear those two words together right now, but down the road it will mean keeping more of your money.
2. Sunscreen. Sunscreen is an awesome way to slow the aging process before it starts. Because the sun is so rough on our skin, wearing sunscreen as often as possible is a great idea. Look for an SPF protection of at least twenty. The higher the better. If you want a tanned look you can always put on self-tanner and sunscreen.
3. Vitamins. There are vitamins galore that keep your mind sharp and help give a glow to your face and body. These vitamins and nutrients are found in grapefruit and fish. Vitamin C is a great age-fighter. Vitamin C helps reverse aging and keeps skin agile. Vitamin E  protects your skin from environmental pollutants and helps keep your skin moisturized.
4. Early anti-aging skin injections. If you are really desperate and the idea of aging totally brings you down, you could try the ever-popular, yet expensive, anti-aging injections. Some people are getting anti-aging injections when they are in there twenties to keep the thought of aging from even sneaking into their bodies.

The other option is to just let nature take its course while simply taking care of yourself. Try to get daily exercise so you feel good and enjoy your life. No one is going to stay looking young forever. If aging doesn't bother you, that's a great disposition. A few gray hairs won't get you down and you will still enjoy your life.

References:

Antioxidant & Anti-Aging Supplements 

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What are the physical effects of aging? There are many effects on the body as a person ages, both internal and external. Here are only a few of the effects you may begin to notice as you age.

1. Effects on the cardiovascular system. Physical effects on the cardiovascular system due to aging include a decrease in the elasticity of blood vessels and heart valves, restricted blood flow and a decrease in the amount of blood the heart can pump out. To counteract some of the physical effects of aging on the cardiovascular system, maintain a normal weight, exercise regularly, stop smoking and reduce salt, sugar and fatty foods in your diet.
2. Effects on the skeletal system. The physical effects of aging on the skeletal system include loss of bone density, over time the bones become porous and brittle. Eat a diet high in calcium and vitamin D and get a moderate amount of exercise.
3. Effects on the hair. The most obvious physical effect of aging on the hair is that it becomes gray. It may also start to thin (you may even start to get a bald spot that increases with time) and become brittle. Some people prefer to dye their hair as it becomes gray, but be careful not to use harsh coloring products, as they may cause your hair to become more weakened.
4. Effects on the skin. As skin ages, it begins to lose its ability to retain fluids as well as its elasticity. To avoid these effects, avoid direct sunlight and use a moisturizing sunscreen.
5. Effects on the eyes. The physical effects of aging on the eyes include producing fewer tears, thinning retinas and lenses that become less clear. Cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration become more common as a person ages.
6. Effects on the teeth. Your mouth may feel dry and your gums may recede as you age. Your teeth become more brittle as you age and you may be more susceptible to oral cancer.
7. Effects on weight. As you age, your metabolism begins to slow down. This makes you more susceptible to weight gain, yet another physical effect of aging on the body.
8. Effects on sexuality. Sexual performance begins to change as you age. In women, the vaginal walls become less elastic and drier, and men may become impotent.

Resources:

PubMed Central

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What are the negative effects of aging? The slow deterioration of the body is natural, and inevitable. Whatever the exact cause, or set of causes, the fact remains that aging happens. It is true that this process leads to a less-optimal form; but, there are also positive effects of healthy living, which can minimize the negative effects of aging.

As you age, the body absorbs less nutrients. Resultant nutritional deficiencies may be a major contributing factor of the negative effects of aging. Eating a nutrient-rich diet and taking dietary supplements can help combat this problem.

The heart loses some of its vitality over the years, having to work harder to circulate blood through the body. Blood vessels tend to narrow and harden because of fatty build-ups, known as plaque. The best way to slow, and even reverse this process, is to eat a heart-healthy diet. Consume plenty of high-fiber, cholesterol-lowering foods, such as whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables.

The organs of elimination also have more trouble. This leads to multiple negative aging side effects, as toxins are allowed to build-up in tissue, contributing to chronic conditions, such as arthritis and poor cognitive function. The kidneys and bladder are no longer as efficient in removing waste from the bloodstream. The liver becomes overburdened and sluggish. The colon grows weak, leading to chronic constipation. The skin becomes blemished. Aside from a healthy diet, herbs can help to neutralize these negative effects that come with age. Drink dandelion tea for the kidneys, take milk thistle for the liver, rhubarb root for the colon, and red clover for the skin.

Skin, hair, and nails become dry and brittle over time. This is because the body has more trouble creating collagen, which is found in all connective tissue. Supplementing with vitamin C and silica can alleviate this aging side effect.

Despite the inevitable negative side effects of aging, with proper care of the body, growing old can still be done with grace. No matter what your age, do what is in your power for your well-being. A few years in the future, you'll be happy that you did.

Resources:

Balch, Phyllis, CNC. Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition The Penguin Group, 2006.

Mayo Clinic

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Interested in learning how to get rid of forehead wrinkles? Many of us don't like the appearance of wrinkles anywhere on the face, and the forehead is no different. With today's technology you can just about erase some of the wrinkles you already have and prevent them from developing (or coming back). Here are some of the things you'll need to do just get rid of forehead wrinkles:

• Anti-wrinkle cream containing Vitamin E
• Over the counter anti-aging lotions with ingredients like collagen, Vitamin E and C
• Sunscreen with 20 SPF
• Eat foods containing antioxidants

1. Anti-wrinkle cream for men too – Don't be afraid to try some of the anti-aging wrinkle creams on the market. Most of the time they are marketed to women, but they are useful for men too. Order one on the internet or try something else if this method of getting rid of forehead wrinkles isn't for you. If you do choose this method of getting rid of forehead wrinkles, make sure it has Vitamin E in it. Vitamin E is great for getting rid of forehead wrinkles.
2. Lotions and anti-aging creams with vitamins – Try some of the over-the-counter anti-wrinkle lotions/creams. Look for ingredients like collagen, Vitamin E and C to name a couple. There are so many of these on the market to get rid of forehead wrinkles and prevent them.
3. Don't forget your sunscreen – Sunscreen is an awesome way to keep forehead wrinkles away. Go for the higher 45 SPF rather than twenty. The higher the better to get rid of forehead wrinkles.
4. Be anti-smoking – Smoking is the fastest way to age prematurely. If you want to avoid looking old before your time, then quiting is one of the best things you can do.
5. Foods packed with anti-aging vitamins – Include foods with antioxidants in your diet like blueberries and raspberries.

Experts say sunscreen with a high SPF is one of the best defenses against aging. Men and women both wear sunscreen year around— yes, including winter. The sun doesn't go away just because it gets cold. And numerous people smoke. Smoking actually seems to turn people's hair to a slightly tinged color, turns teeth yellow and on top of all of that it makes you smell horrible. So, remember that when you're trying to learn about how to get rid of wrinkles. Getting those vitamins in would be the icing on the cake. Your body will thank you for it, rewarding you with a few extra years to enjoy your youthful, wrinkle-free forehead.

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How does aging affect male sexual organs? It is a question that seeps into every man's mind, no matter what his situation. Whether you are single, married, healthy or unhealthy, your body will eventually go through some changes. Here are some brief descriptions of changes that affect male sexual organs and your overall state of being.

1. Your testes. As you age, testicular tissue mass decreases. Along with this, the rate of sperm cell production slows down because the tubes that carry the sperm inside of your testes lose their elasticity over time. This change is called sclerosis and is a natural occurrence in aging men. It shouldn't be cause for alarm.
2. Testosterone. Most of us know the reaction of male sexual organs has a good amount to do with the levels of testosterone you have. Testosterone production depends on a number of hormones in the body, so when these levels drop, the rate at which testosterone is produced also drops. Some research has shown that on average, the decline in testosterone goes down one percent per year starting in a man's early thirties. The drop in testosterone can lower your libido and slow down your ability to perform on demand, but again, this isn't anything to be concerned about, unless your drive and ability to have sex take a drastic nose dive. For those of you that want to procreate, it may take longer to help conceive a child, since the production of sperm is affected by the drop in this hormone. On the bright side, more sex with your partner can only help the bonding process, so keep a stiff, uh, upper lip.
3. The prostate. The prostate is a gland that produces fluid which combines with sperm to help provide nutrients. It also helps create a balanced chemical environment (for fertility purposes) and helps create the erection needed for this purpose. Over time, the prostate develops scar tissue that can make it harder for the production of this fluid. Benign prostatic hypertrophy is a common condition that affects at least fifty percent of men. The prostate's growth causes it to push up against the urinary tract, which can sometimes make urinating a bit more difficult. These problems combined could cause erectile dysfunction and, as a result, problems with ejaculation.
4. Health conditions. Knowing what your body needs is one important factor in how quickly aging affects male sexual organs. Diabetes and coronary artery disease, for example, are two conditions that affect male sexual organs. Both cause problems with blood flow through the arteries because of clogging and restriction of the vessels, so it makes sense that improper circulation of fluids in the body would also affect male sexual organs. Eating right and exercising are your true friends when it comes to keeping your male sexual organs fit.
5. The brain. Lastly, we all need to take into account what is going on in our lives in order to help out our bodies. “Mind over matter” is a popular term and can apply very strongly to the way you handle yourself in the bedroom. Stress closes us up, mentally and physically. If you get a clean bill of health from your doctor every year but are still having concerns, it is time to reevaluate decisions you have made in your life. One change may be all it takes to get your body and soul back on track.

Aging affects the male sexual organs, there is no doubt about that. But, if you are mindful of what you need and take care of yourself, you can maintain a sexually active lifestyle well into your golden years.

Resources:

Medline Plus

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After field dressing and properly aging your deer you need to know how to butcher a deer. Basic butchering skills are a real asset to any hunter. These basic butchering steps will tell you how to butcher a deer, as well as store and label your cuts of deer meat.

To butcher a deer,  you will need:

• meat saw (or hacksaw)
• sharp butcher knife
• butcher block paper or zip lock freezer bags
• block and tackle
• large cutting board
• large bag lined trash can
• wet stone (to keep knife sharpened during cutting)
• clean cheese cloth
• bucket of clean water
• black sharpie marker

To begin the butchering process your deer should have already been properly field dressed and undergone the "aging" process. So, the deer carcass should be suspended from the block and tackle to a sturdy limb with the hind end up and the head down. Before beginning the first cut when you butcher a deer, ensure all your tools have been properly cleaned and sanitized.

1. Take the hacksaw and cut the carcass in half going down the middle. Stay as close to the center as you can. Wipe the bone fragments off of your saw as you go so you will not litter the good meat with tiny fragments of bone.
2. Wipe the sawed area of meat off with damp cheese cloth. Pat the met to keep it dry.
3. Remove the rump. Keep in mind the rear legs are jointed. Find the joint and cut around it. Remove the rear shaped leg.
4. Cut the steaks from the first leg. Remember to cut against the grain and also that the lower you go down the leg the tougher the meat is.
5. Place the steaks into freezer bags or wrap in butcher paper. Be sure to label the package.
6. Repeat step five for the other leg.
7. Remove the loin meat. (This runs down the long area on the spine from bottom of back to neck on both sides.)
8. Take the long narrow loin and cut it into smaller steak sections and wrap or bag. Remember to label.
9. Remove the front legs by cutting between the chest muscle and the leg. These are known as the "hams" or "roasts". You can cut these in two pieces, bag and label.
10. Repeat step 9 for other leg.
11. Neck, leg, chest, and spine meat can be trimmed off to use for stews.  Try not to waste any of the animal.
12. Clean and dispose of excess meat and carcass in the trash bag and properly dispose of it.

As a note of caution, when field dressing and aging the deer, make sure it is properly hung and that the temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Also, remember when you butcher a deer to cut against the grain. If you cut with the grain your steaks will be tough. The shorter the muscle fibers the more tender the meat.

Deer meat is a leaner healthier choice for meat eaters. So, take your time, cut carefully, and give try to butcher a deer. You will save money and might find you are good at it. Happy hunting!

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Need to know how to write a retirement card to your mom? For many, retirement is a much-celebrated, long-anticipated activity that represents a celebration of years of hard work, accomplishment and sacrifice. The day that your mom reaches retirement age will likely be one of mixed emotions for her, but you can help celebrate her future by learning how to write a retirement card for your mom. Here are a few simple tips and tricks to write a perfect retirement card that's sure to warm her heart.

1. Be creative. Sure, store-bought cards are nice, and some of those classic commercial cards are more like sentimental works of art than simply greeting cards. That being said, your mom will appreciate a retirement card that comes from the heart much more than a chipper decoration that plays a Beach Boys hit when opened. If you're not the artistic type, you can create a retirement card online and customize it with photos, making a keepsake she'll proudly display. If you do have a little bit of creative genius, all you need to make a really special retirement card is card stock, acrylic pencils and a bit of ribbon.
2. Offer congratulations. Even though many have mixed feelings on the subject of retirement, the first thing you should put in a retirement card is a note of congratulations to the retiree. Remind your mom of all the wonderful things she'll be able to enjoy more often now that she's retired, whether it's time with the grandkids, going on vacation, pursuing a hobby or doing absolutely nothing for a while.
3. Talk about the future. One of the things many people feel upon retirement is fear of becoming isolated and losing touch with friends, family and the outside world. In your retirement card, suggest going to dinner or to a movie the next week. Another nice gesture is to call some of her friends and co-workers and plan a post-retirement Sunday brunch. Remind your mom that she's an important part of the world, especially to you.
4. Show your appreciation. The whole point of taking the time to write a retirement card to your mom is to let her know how much she means to you. Even if you're not usually the mushy type, thank her for everything she's done for you. Much of her hard work throughout the years, both inside the home and outside, has been done in order to build a happy life for her family. Her retirement card is a good time to tell her that you know this, and are grateful for everything she's done.

A parent reaching retirement age is a huge milestone for the entire family, and taking the time to write a retirement card to your mom helps you celebrate her milestone in the same way she was always there to celebrate yours. A meaningful retirement card doesn't need to be expensive, elaborate or even terribly time consuming. The simple fact that you took the time to write a retirement card to your mom shows her how much she is loved, and just how bright her future looks.

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What are the psychological effects of aging? The body inevitably deteriorates with time. Does the mind have to do the same? What are natural ways to slow the mental aging process?

Memory loss is one of the most common psychological effects of aging. For many people, remembering everyday things becomes more difficult. Memory loss affects short-term memory more than long-term. It may be easy to recall events that happened thirty years in the past, but difficult to recall what happened on the morning news.

Absentmindedness is also a characteristic psychological effect of aging. Clear, lucid thoughts become increasingly difficult. Older people may repeat themselves in conversation, or have trouble doing regular activities. This impaired cognitive functioning could also be a sign of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's affects one in ten Americans over the age of 65. It can lead to severe degeneration of mental functioning.

What is responsible for the psychological effects of aging? One cause is an older brain. Research has demonstrated that it actually decreases in weight and volume, which may be due to a downsizing in neurons. This biological change may be inevitable to some degree, but factors such as nutrition and mental activity may also impact how severe the psychological effects of aging are.

As the body ages it becomes less capable of absorbing nutrients, making a healthy diet and nutritional supplements essential to well-being. The B vitamins, selenium, and vitamin E are of particular importance. Exercising the brain with anything from crossword puzzles to engaging conversation will delay the psychological effects of aging as well. Take care of both your physical and mental well-being throughout the years, not necessarily to prolong life, but to improve the quality of life deep into old age.
 

References:

Balch, Phyllis, CNC. "Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition." (The Penguin Group, 2006).

Aging Brain

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It seems to go without saying, but the foods you eat, much like the gas you put in your Hummer, have a huge impact on your body’s performance. Given this – and the fact that we’re basically on a slow decline to death from the moment we’re born – you’d think we’d care more about what goes into our mouths. Instead, we gorge ourselves on fast food and spend thousands of dollars on anti-aging “miracle” treatments that claim to undo the years of damaged we’ve inflicted on ourselves by ingesting things we can’t even pronounce. 

There are plenty of foods, however, that can nourish you and help keep age-related demons like cancer, dementia and osteoporosis at bay. They’ll also whittle your waistline, which is something that study after study shows increases longevity and improves overall health. Excess weight contributes to a whole host of life-shortening problems; a joint study between the National Institute on Aging (Bethesda, MD), the National Institute of Public Health and Environmental Protection (Bilthoven, Netherlands) and the National Center for Health Statistics (Hyattsville, MD) concluded that “heavier weight in late middle age [is] a risk factor for coronary heart disease in late life,” and the American Cancer Society estimates that excess weight is linked to more than 90,000 deaths annually. 

Ready to age gracefully? Read on to find out which foods you should add to your diet in order to add years to your life.

Garlic

Once thought only to be useful in warding off vampires and unattractive blind dates, garlic has turned out to be a nutritional superstar that adds a wealth of taste to dishes without adding excess calories. Allicin, which is responsible for garlic’s strong smell and biting flavor, is actually an extremely potent antioxidant, and research published by the National Academy of Sciences shows that eating garlic appears to boost the body’s natural supply of hydrogen sulfide, which is manufactured by the body as an antioxidant and means of transmitting cellular signals that relax blood vessels and increase blood flow. Dr. David W. Kraus, associate professor of environmental science and biology at the University of Alabama and author of a large-scale study on the health benefits of garlic, advises crushing garlic and letting it sit for 15 minutes before cooking it in order to trigger a reaction that boosts the healthy compounds in the plant.

Eggs

The war on fat and cholesterol left eggs severely wounded but not entirely beaten (pun very much intended); although experts used to believe egg yolks were extremely unhealthy, they’ve now revised their assertions to recognize the benefits of the nine essential amino acids and six grams of healthy protein contained in one egg. Eggs also contain lutein (helpful in the prevention of macular degeneration), zeaxanthin (similarly good for your eyes and possibly helpful in preventing cataracts), and choline (important in the regulation of the brain, nervous and cardiovascular systems); they’re also one of the only foods that contain naturally occurring Vitamin D, which was recognized as vital in a report by the American Medical Association’s Council on Science and Public Health earlier this year. And, according to a study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health, there is no real link between egg consumption and heart disease. The link between Hollandaise sauce and butt flab is well-documented, however, so please. Ease up on the Benedict.

Blueberries

According to a study conducted by Tufts University, the pigments, or anthocyanins, in blueberries appear to be an antidote to oxidative stress, one of the main components of the aging process. They also help your brain produce dopamine, which is critical to happiness, memory and coordination. Tufts researchers found that ½-cup of blueberries daily effectively reversed declining memory and loss of coordination in laboratory rats. Frozen blueberries make a great addition to protein shakes or yogurt, and fresh berries are delicious as an alternative to the sugary candy that will make you fat and probably kill you.

Leafy Greens

Spinach and kale – the stuff that made you gag when you were younger but also made Popeye strong enough to fight dudes three times his size – are full of antioxidants and cancer-fighting compounds like sulforaphane, beta carotene, vitamin C, and fiber. Spinach is also loaded with folate, which was shown by an Australian study published by the Journal of Nutrition to dramatically improve short-term memory. Greens are a great thickener for soups and smoothies, but they’re also far more delicious than you remember when sautéed in olive oil, salt and pepper.

Broccoli

Another dark-green, antioxidant-rich veggie, broccoli is part of the Cruciferous family of plants that aids the body in fighting against toxins and many forms of cancer. Several nutritional experts believe that eating broccoli raw or steamed helps to preserve important enzymes that are lost in the cooking process, but any broccoli is good broccoli when it comes to its overall health benefits. Broccoli is also a plant source of calcium, which can help prevent osteoporosis later in life and aid in the body’s absorption of Vitamin D.

Salmon

You’ve probably heard by now that oily fish like salmon and tuna help to prevent heart disease by keeping arteries lubricated, but salmon is also an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which, according to omega-3 expert Stephen Cunane, Ph.D., are essential to brain development and health. In fact, Alzheimer’s rates in different countries are consistent with the amount of fish present in the average citizen’s diet. Omega-3’s are also known to aid in weight loss, improve mood and help soothe certain skin conditions. Be mindful of where your fish comes from, though: wild salmon get their adorable pink color from eating krill and shrimp, but farmed salmon are fed food coloring to achieve the same hue. Wild Atlantic Salmon is currently thought to be the safest salmon option.

Beets

Doug was right; beets really are nature’s candy. They’re surprisingly sweet, especially considering their low calorie content (approximately 22/beet), and they contain folic acid, one of the most important B vitamins. Preliminary research demonstrates that Betanin, an antioxidant found in the vegetable, could play a significant role in the prevention of heart disease by inhibiting the oxidation of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. Animal studies also show that eating beets significantly slows the growth of skin and lung cancers, so these babies are poised to become disease-fighting superstars in the not-so-distant future.

Flaxseed

Just like salmon, flaxseeds are chock-full of Omega-3 fatty acids (and happen to be one of the few plant sources of that provide the nutrient). Being plants, they also contain several phytoestrogens (as the name suggests, plant estrogen that mimics the healthful effects of estrogen in the body), one of which is lignin, now thought to improve cholesterol, as well as easily absorbed plant protein. Ground flaxseeds and flaxseed oil can be added to everything from oatmeal to pasta dishes in lieu of fattier and more expensive fish.

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As we age, finding out how to keep skin from aging becomes more important. Contrary to popular belief, you can start doing something about your aging skin before it's too late, and you won't have to pay much for it. It's actually quite easy to make the small changes in your skin maintenance with shocking results.

A few changes that can be made that are good for your skin include:

1. Wearing sunscreen. The sun ages your skin and will cause early wrinkles. Use this to keep your skin from aging.
2. Using a moisturizer. Use of a moisturizer once a day will keep your skin from getting dried out.
3. Cutting out fatty foods. What you put in your body affects the outside of it, too. So, make sure you're drinking a lot of water and getting your proper vitamin intake. Drinking water keeps your skin from aging.
4. Exfoliating once a week. When choosing an exfoliate, try to avoid one that is too harsh on your skin. Using one that is too harsh can actually be bad for your skin, because it's over cleansing and drying out your skin. Your face will produce more oil to make up for it being dried out.  
5. Stop smoking. Not only will it be better for your health, it will also be better for your skin.
6. Make sure you keep your bedding clean. You lay on your bedding when you sleep, so any dirt or oils on your bed will be in contact with your skin, thus, aging it.
7. Use a facial mask once a week. There are different types of facial masks. They can be made or bought at the store. It's all a matter of personal preference. Some feel more comfortable with making their own mask at home, because they can control what goes into it. Before you make your own facial mask, know what type of skin you have. Also, make sure the recipe you're using for your facial mask states what type of skin it's supposed to be used for.

Below is a very simple yogurt facial mask recipe meant for normal or oily skin. What you will need for it is:

• One teaspoon of yogurt.
• A half of a cucumber. 
• Food processor or blender.

On to the actual preparation and use of the mask:

1. Cut the cucumber into medium pieces that can fit in a blender or food processor.
2. Put the cucumber and one teaspoon of yogurt into your food processor.
3. Blend them together until they are a paste.
4. After the mask is completed, leave on your face for 30 minutes. Make sure the mask is rinsed off completely afterwards.

Not everyone has oily or normal skin, so below is a simple peach facial mask recipe for dry skin. What you will need is:

• A whole peach.
• A teaspoon of your choice of almond oil, olive oil or peach kernel oil.
• A food processor or blender.

Preparation of the mask and use:

1. Slice the peach into small enough pieces to be blended by your food processor or blender.
2. Add the teaspoon of oil you chose.
3. Blend it until it's a spreadable paste.
4. Apply it to your face for fifteen minutes. Make sure you completely wash it off after the fifteen minutes.

Having beautiful skin free of aging isn't only for movie stars. Anyone can have it with some tweaks to their daily skin care. How to keep skin from aging is simplier than it seems. It's painless and almost free. Nearly anyone can have beautiful ageless skin.

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1. Drink plenty of water. We’re sure you’ve heard this bit of advice time and time again from your mom, but it bares repeating. Lack of moisture is one of the biggest contributors to aging skin. Drinking six to eight glasses of water every day will give your skin the moisture it needs and help tighten aging skin on your neck.
2. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Most of us don’t think about how what we eat impacts our skin and the aging process. Eating a lot of processed, greasy foods can dry your skin and slow your skin’s natural repair process, ultimately making you look much older. Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruit and vegetables will help your skin’s natural repair process work more efficiently, fight off skin-damaging free radicals and balance the moisture in your skin. All things that will help you tighten aging skin on your neck
3. Do some face and neck exercises. Gravity is a major contributor to aging skin on the neck. The best way to fight the effects of gravity on aging skin is to exercise the muscles. Doing face and muscle exercises everyday will strengthen the muscles under your skin and help tighten aging skin on your neck.
4. When all else fails, think about surgery. If facial exercises, diet and plenty of liquids aren’t doing enough to help tighten aging skin on your neck, you may want to look into surgery. The two most common types or surgery used to tighten aging skin on the neck are injectable treatments and surgical lifts. Injectable treatments, such as Botox, can be injected directly into to the skin, temporarily limiting the movement of the tiny muscles in your neck that can cause wrinkles and help tighten aging skin on the neck. The downside to using an injectable treatments is that they need to be redone every three to four months and cause permanent damage to the muscles if they’re used too often. A surgical lift means the doctor will cut into a few portions of your neck and lift and tuck the skin to tighten aging skin on your neck. Having a surgical lift is more permanent than using an injectable, but it, too, may need to be refreshed every few years.

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