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capsule moments

TESTICULAR SELF-EXAMINATION:

Some doctors recommend than men check their testicles once monthly. Others feel once yearly is enough.  Men should look for any lumps or other changes in their feel or look which might mean cancer is brewing or it could be another more benign problem.  The examination is mainly looking for pea-sized lumps.  If one is found, a doctor can order an ultrasound to better diagnose the problem and might even remove the testicle to check further.  However, the chances of getting testicular cancer is about 1 in 263, it is highly curable with the risk of dying from it is 1:5000.  But again, early detection means higher cure rate.

E-CIGARETTES ADDICTION:

Vapour from e-cigarettes could harm the delicate tissue of the lungs.  Early research on this matter is finding similar effects that are caused  by tobacco smoking.  It’s true that e-cigarettes contain much less harmful ingredients and can be effective in helping tobacco smokers quit the habit.  However many people are finding it difficult to quit vaping with e-cigarettes because they are still addicted to the nicotine content.  There was a study published in Thorax that found that the liquid in e-cigarettes disabled key protective cells in the lungs.  These cells, called alveolar macrophages, help remove dust, allergens and bacteria coming into the lungs. The researchers didn’t conclude that e-cigarettes are as dangerous as tobacco cigarettes but there may be more harm in them than once was thought.

SUNSCSREEN PILLS:

These are big in Australia but medical regulators there warn that people should avoid them because they do not offer the same protection as the topical sunscreens. There are a few of them on the market in the U.S. and online.  Since they are classed as a dietary supplement in the U.S., there is no FDA oversight on the product. They usually contain vitamins and strong antioxidants that we may not get enough of in our daily diet.  The theory is that these ingredients will help protect the body from damaging free radicals caused by ultraviolet light’s interaction with our cells.  But the bottom line is that no pill can take the place of properly-applied sunscreen lotions.

weighing times:

Morning is best and for home use, digital scales are most reliable. People should remember to zero out the scale before measuring weight and ensure the scale is sitting on a flat, hard surface. The amount of water we drink can have an effect on weight.  Some people’s intake can approach two litres per day and one litre of water weights about a couple of pounds.Weight can also be affected by our diet, amount of exercise and even medications.  Daily weight measurement at the same time each day is recommended.