HIV/AIDS Report

HIV prevention education and Sex education in U.S. schools is a "heated, fiercely politicized debate" that "remains highly problematic," according to the monthly HIV/AIDS magazine POZ. According to recent CDC data, one-third of U.S. ninth graders have had sexual intercourse; 47% of high-school-age teenagers and adults have had sexual intercourse; and 75% of black high-school-age boys and men have had sexual intercourse. In addition, 12% of the 40,000 new HIV cases in the U.S. annually occur among people between age 13 and 24, POZ reports. There is no federal law requiring that sex education be taught in schools. Although about 20 states require some form of sex education and about 40 states require HIV/AIDS education, "what actually gets taught, and how, varies wildly by state, county, school district -- even by school," according to POZ. A 2004 Government Accountability Office report found that the curriculum of 11 out of 13 of the most popular federally funded programs emphasizing abstinence-only-until-marriage had clear inaccuracies, including that HIV could be transmitted through sweat and tears. According to POZ, teachers, parents and HIV-positive youth are "fighting back and mobilizing against" abstinence-only-until-marriage sex education programs, and parents in Albuquerque, N.M., successfully lobbied to have abstinence-only-until-marriage sex education programs limited to grade six and below, "freeing room for" more comprehensive sex education in the upper grades (Murphy, POZ, January 2007).

Mighty Maca!

The Maca root has been used for roughly two thousand years for its nutritional and medicinal properties, to promote endurance and improve energy, vitality, sexual virility and fertility.

by Helena Hall
Nutritionist and Industry advisor


Problems conceiving and low libido often go hand in hand. Most couples are able to conceive within the first 12 months of trying, but if you are one of the 20% of couples who don’t conceive in that first year, it can be terribly frustrating and often results in a reduction in libido, as sex becomes a chore rather than something to enjoy.

“Maca is a Peruvian perennial plant that is predominantly at high altitudes in the Andes Mountains.”

Libido problems don’t just affect couples trying to conceive. Menopausal and postmenopausal women can experience decreased libido, fewer or less intense orgasms and vaginal dryness due to physiological changes as a result of the menapouse, depression or marital discord. In addition, half of all men over 50 have low or abnormally low levels of ‘free’ testosterone – testosterone that can be used by the body. If these levels fall below a critical threshold, men may develop symptoms such as fatigue, low mood, irritability, lack of assertiveness,decreased energy, problems with concentration and loss of short-term memory, as well as more specific things like loss of libido, problems with erection, premature ejaculation and loss of feeling during orgasm.

Hope from Peru

But now new research on a herb called Maca has come to light which has shown real results when dealing with these sexual health problems. Maca is a Peruvian perennial plant that is found predominantly at high altitudes in the Andes Mountains. The Maca herb root has been used for about two thousand years – since the time of the Incas – for its nutritional and medicinal properties to promote endurance and improve energy, vitality, sexual virility and fertility.

“Maca is an important nutrient in the diet of native Peruvian people as it has the highest nutritional value of any food crop grown there.”

Maca is an important nutrient in the diet of native Peruvian people as it has the highest nutritional value of any food crop grown there. It is rich in sugars, protein, starches and essential nutrients, like iodine and iron. Maca is now being used throughout the world to prevent anaemia, tuberculosis, menstrual disorders, menopause symptoms, stomach cancer, sexual disorders and memory dysfunction. Dried Maca herb root is like a super multivitamin supplement. In addition to vitamins, minerals and essential nutrients, it also contains a high concentration of protein or amino acids. Amino acids in turn play a major role in many cellular functions in the body. They manufacture neurotransmitters such as dopamine and noradrenalin that regulate mood and arousal. They also regulate and balance the endocrine system as well as boosting energy levels.Maca is thought to regulate hormones such as testosterone, progesterone and oestrogen, helping to restore healthy functional status in men which results in a more active libido.

QUIZ
If you answer ‘yes’ to one or more of the questions listed you may benefit from taking Maca:
1. Have you been trying to conceive for more than 6 months?

2. Do you suffer from fatigue or stress, or are so busy that you don’t have much free time?

3. Are you depressed or often feeling low?

4. Do you have any sexual problems within your relationship?

5. Are you rarely in the mood for sex (less than once per month)?

Recent Research

Recent research (Oct, 2006) conducted by scientist Gustavo Gonzales of Peru’s Cayetano Heredia University showed that Maca increased sperm count as a result of enhanced spermatogenesis (development of sperm).

In addition, a three-month trial involving 12 men pointed to an increase in sex drive within just two weeks and an overall 180- 200% lift in libido. The research also found that taking Maca resulted in a doubling of sperm production.

Other research has demonstrated improved sperm motility. This could have significant value in the treatment of male infertility and reduced libido.

“Maca is though to regulate hormones such as testosterone, progesterone and oestrogen, helping to restore healthy functional status in men.”

Maca may be able to help boost libido and healthy sperm but it isn’t thought to have any effect on erectile dysfunction. However L-Arginine is an important amino acid which can be taken alongside Maca to help prevent erectile dysfunction. It is converted by the body into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is the substance in the body that encourages the spongy parts of the penis to fill with blood during an erection. L-Arginine is also involved in the production of sperm and is an extremely rich component of seminal fluid (accounting for up to 80% of it).

Toxicity studies conducted on Maca in the U.S. showed absolutely no toxicity or adverse pharmacologic effects. Although due to its effects on the endocrine system Maca is not recommended for women with breast, ovarian, uterine or other hormone-related cancers. It is not recommended for men with prostate or testicular cancer or with enlarged prostates or for anyone with high blood pressure or serious gall bladder or liver disease. The use of fertility drugs; ginseng, black cohosh, dong quai or liquorice root along with Maca is not recommended. Over time beneficial effects of Maca may subside, therefore taking a ‘holiday’ from taking Maca may help maintain its beneficial effects.

Maca has been used to enhance vitality among the indigenous cultures of the Andes for thousands of years. Maca is rich in nutrients and phyto-chemicals, which may help infertility, menopouse, rheumatism thought to work by regulating hormones such as testosterone, progesterone, and oestrogen. If you’d like a boost to your libido, a boost in your workout, or just something to make your day glide by more energetically, Maca may help

How's Your Memory?

Dr Mark Atkinson, HFMA Health Journalist of the Year 2005, is an holistic medical physician, a consultant in clinical nutrition and one of the UK’s pioneers of holistic medicine. He runs his Whole Body Healing Clinic in London plus health and healing workshops internationally.

A great myth in the world of health is that memory and concentration diminish with age. Not true! If you are concerned about the deterioration of your mind and memory – try my 5-Step Optimum Brain Health Plan.
Step 1 : What’s the cause?There are numerous underlying causes of age-related metal deterioration the most common being: poor nutrition, digestive and detoxification problems, stress, toxic accumulation in the brain, inflammation and circulatory problems. Each can cause memory problems by interfering with information flow in the brain and nervous system. I would advise you to see your GP or nutritionist if you have concerns.
Step 2 : NourishThe health of your brain and the nerve cells it comprises depend upon a constant and balanced flow of high quality nutrients. Look at the following guidelines to see if you can improve your current diet:To help stabilise blood sugar levels eat three main meals and two snacks every day, with a protein source (e.g. nuts, fish, egg, beans, and meat) in each.Eat four or more daily servings of wholegrains (e.g. rice, millet, rye, bread, pasta and corn or quinoa). Eat at least five portions fruit and vegetables a day.Drink at least 8 small glasses of water a day. Limit your coffee intake to one cup a day and tea to two. Consider switching to antioxidant-rich green tea, herbal teas or dandelion coffee.Eat up to seven free-range or organic eggs a week – raw, poached or boiled is best. Limit fish intake to three times a week – the best being salmon, mackerel, haddock, cod.Cook with natural cold-pressed oils such as extra virgin olive and coconut oilLimit your intake of commercial salts, ketchup, fried/deep-fried food, artificial preservatives, colourings and sweeteners, fizzy drinks, margarine… (The list is endless!)
Step 3 : OxygenateSupplying your brain with adequate amounts of unpolluted oxygen is simple yet neglected advice. Here’s what to do:Firstly, if you smoke – try to quit!Exercise at least five times a week – it improves memory, mood and well-being and reduces the risk of cancer and heart disease.If you are a shallow breather, spend 5 minutes twice daily breathing in and out of your stomach area. When you breathe in allow your stomach to balloon out – it’s also a great relaxation exercise as well!
Step 4 : StimulateThink of the brain as a muscle – the less you use it, the less efficient it becomes. Studies show that everyday intellectual stimulation can not only prevent mental deterioration but actually improve cognitive function.Buy yourself a copy of the book Mind Gym – its got some great ideas for stimulating and training the mind.It’s never too late to learn new skills and start new courses – there are some fascinating ones out there! Do the newspaper crosswords or take up a hobby – anything that is mentally challenging!
Step 5 : SupplementEveryone needs to take a high quality, high potency multivitamine and mineral – these help ensure your body and brain have the necessary nutrients to work optimally. You should also consider the following :
Ginkgo Biloba: is thought to improve blood flow to the brain by dilating blood vessels and thinning the blood. Medical research shows that Ginkgo may not only prevent age-related memory loss, but also improve short-term memory and some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. (If you take aspirin or warfarin, please consult your GP before taking it.)
Ginseng: has been shown to improve memory and mental well-being. Ginsenosides found in Ginseng are known to affect biochemical processes within the brain and protect against the adverse effects of stress.
Phosphatidylserine (my memory supplement of choice!):is essential for brain health and in trials has reduced memory loss and improved mood and brain power. Recent research suggests that it increases the output of acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter that is essential to memory.
Omega 3's : can have a considerable effect on memory, mood, learning and behaviour. Omega 3 essential fatty acids (i.e. EPA and DHA) are important constituents of cell membranes and help information flow around the brain.
Lecithin : may support brain and memory function through the synthesis of neuro-transmitters.

If you have genital herpes, you aren’t alone.

Living with genital herpes can be a hassle. When you have a herpes outbreak, it can feel like it takes days out of your life. And, you have questions about spreading genital herpes to a partner. You can arm yourself with the information provided here to help you learn more about herpes and how to take charge of your life. If you have genital herpes, you’re not alone and you shouldn’t feel ashamed. Genital herpes is widespread in the United States. It is estimated that at least 45 million people are infected with the herpes virus. That means that 1 out of 5 people (teenage and over) are infected with the virus. Anyone who is sexually active, even with just one person, can get genital herpes. There are up to 1 million new cases each year, and, in fact, genital herpes is now more common than diseases like diabetes and asthma.