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Key Information From a Urologist About ED

Published

1 day ago

November 7, 2024

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It is an awkward conversation for men to discuss…so here is key information from a urologist about ED (erectile dysfunction)

As a urologist it was very common for me to see patients for the diagnosis and treatment of impotence. Impotence refers to the ability to achieve and maintain an erection for sexual intercourse. Before treatment I had to arrive at the correct diagnosis.

Through the process of history taking, a physical exam and testing, we first categorize impotency as either physical or psychological. Over the decades of evaluating men, it became quite evident that when a man has a physical cause of impotency, there is often psychological overlay worsening the physical cause. This often makes treatment more challenging.

The are subcategories to physical impotency. This may be caused by neurological disorders, vascular disease, physical changes, hormone issues or medications.

Of the neurological disorders, some are easily identifiable through history or physical exam. Typical causes are diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord and nerve injuries and nerve injuries due to pelvic surgery such as prostate surgery.

Regarding the vascular causes, this could be due to either the arteries (inflow) or veins (outflow). There has to be more inflow of blood than outflow in order to have an erection. The most common inflow abnormality is atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). This can be caused by smoking, high cholesterol levels in the blood or may be familial. If the valves in the veins are incompetent, this may cause the erection to be incomplete or early loss of an erection.

There are multiple physical changes which can occur. The most common are Peyronie’s disease, penile fracture, pelvic injury or pelvic surgery.

Low testosterone or thyroid hormonal changes can cause impotency.

There are multiple medications which may cause impotency. These commonly are antidepressants, antihypertensives, chemotherapy medications, Parkinson’s medications, prostate cancer medications and anti anxiety medications. Drugs that affect or suppress the central nervous system such as alcohol, barbiturates, nicotine and opioids can be suspect in causing impotence. My experience with patients using cannibus is that for some it improves erections and others it worsens them.

Finally psychological issues can cause impotence. The most common I saw in my practice was performance anxiety. This is when a man is so worried about having difficulties that he psychs himself out of it. Other causes can be depression, loss of sleep, relationship issues, anxiety, stress and low self esteem.

After resolving the cause or causes of impotence, the physician has a better guide as to treatment.

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alcohol

Science Says Cannabis Can Be Making Us Healthier

Published

8 hours ago

November 8, 2024

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As it it becomes available to more people, there is a positive health change going on according to data.

Cannabis is becoming more mainstream and and the side effects are doing even better than expected. It seems the availability of legal marijuana is helping with the health of the general population. Studies in California, Canada and the now New Zealand have shown the upside of legalization. While cannabis has been used for health benefits for millions of years, reduction in more harmful intoxication products is another important wellness trend.

Alcohol consumption is associated with significant health risks, including liver damage, cardiovascular issues, and certain cancers. In contrast, marijuana has not been linked to the same level of severe physical health consequences. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 36,000 annual U.S. deaths are attributed to chronic alcohol use, while there is no comparable category for marijuana-related deaths. Alcohol is also much more addictive than marijuana, causing long term physical and mental issues.

A study from New Zealand has found some interesting trends regarding the relationship between marijuana legalization and the consumption of alcohol and opioids.

heart cannabis — Photo by megaflopp/Getty Images

Following the legalization of marijuana in New Zealand, researchers observed a notable decline in alcohol consumption:

There was a 6-9% decrease in the frequency of binge drinking among adults aged 21 and older.
The study found no significant impact on underage drinking rates among those aged 12-20.

This suggests for adults, marijuana may be serving as a substitute for alcohol in some cases, particularly when it comes to heavy drinking episodes.

The relationship between marijuana legalization and opioid use appears more complex:

There was no clear evidence of marijuana legalization directly reducing opioid use or abuse.
However, some research indicates that people who use cannabis are more likely to initiate opioid use, with an odds ratio of 2.76 compared to non-cannabis users.
The likelihood of transitioning from opioid use to opioid use disorders among cannabis users was found to be 2.52 times higher than non-cannabis users.

The study also revealed some additional findings regarding substance use patterns:

Marijuana use increased by 16% among adults aged 21 and older following legalization.
There was a 5-6% increase in marijuana use initiation among adolescents and young adults aged 12-20. This would be go with the greater North American trend of California sober and Gen Z drifting away from alcohol and more into marijuana.
No significant changes were observed in the use of hard drugs like cocaine or heroin in any age group.

These findings suggest while marijuana legalization may lead to decreased alcohol consumption among adults, it does not necessarily translate to reduced use of other substances, particularly opioids. The relationship between cannabis use and other substance use behaviors is complex and multifaceted. Time and more research should yield more benefits.

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alcohol

Try These Delicious Autumn Cream Drinks

Published

21 hours ago

November 8, 2024

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Want something delicious with an “oomph” – these yummy creamy concoctions will make your mouth happy!

Fall is a time of coziness, cuffing and nights in front of the fire. Want better way to accent it with a nice tasty cocktail? Try these delicious autumn cream drinks and enjoy the pre-holiday season. Bailey’s was the commercial first cream liquor and made available to the public in 1971. But Irish monks have blended whiskey with fresh dairy cream since the 14th century. These new and classic connections will bring a smile on crisp nights.

RELATED: Beer Sales Flatten Thanks To Marijuana

Important note, using cream instead of milk in alcoholic cocktails can significantly enhance the drink’s texture, flavor, and overall experience. Cream provides a richer and smoother texture compared to milk. The higher fat content in cream (typically around 36% or more) creates a luxurious mouthfeel that can elevate the drinking experience.

White Russian

The White Russian’s development took about 30 years. The first mention of the drink is in a newspaper was in 1965 in the Oakland Tribune. The 1961 edition of the Diner’s Club Drink Book included a recipe for a Black Russian, with a note suggesting adding cream to make a White Russian. The White Russian’s popularity increased after the 1998 movie The Big Lebowski, where the main character, Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski, drinks it throughout the film.

Ingredients

2 ounces vodka
1 ounce Kahlúa
1 ounce heavy cream

Create

Add the vodka and Kahlúa to a rocks glass filled with ice
Top with the heavy cream and stir

Churro Cocktails

A churro is a fried dough pastry originated in Spain and Portugal. They are a fast-growing dessert and breakfast item on menus, and are a popular treat at theme parks and sporting events in Europe and North and South America. Somrus, who makes cream liquors, made a cocktail from the flavor.

Ingredients

1 1/2 parts Somrus Coffee
1/2 part cinnamon whiskey

Create

In an ice-filled shaker, add ingredients and shake
Strain and pour

Brandy Alexander

This is was a classic “go to drink” for X. It was rumored to have been created at the Paris Ritz in 1922. Or it could have been made in 1915 by celebrate pitcher Grover Cleveland Alexander during a World Series. It was considered a posh way to end the evening, especially after other cocktails.It’s creamy and boozy or a delicious replacement for dessert for those who like to drink their sweets. In the 2000s, it has moved to the back of the line, but is still a great way to cap off a night drinking.

1 1/2 ounces cognac
1 ounce dark creme de cacao
1 ounce cream
Grated nutmeg for garnish

Create

Add cognac, dark creme de cacao and cream into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or a coupe glass
Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg

RELATED: Rainy Weather Cocktails

Mango Fizz

For those who are holding on to every last bit of summer, this mango cocktail can add a a little sunshine. The fruit is considered the world’s most popular fruit with over 20 million tons consumed each year. Mangoes are a symbol of friendship and love, which can add to special evening.

Ingredients

2 parts Somrus Mango
1 part citrus vodka
½ part simple syrup
Club soda

Create

Combine Mango liqueur, vodka and simple syrup in an ice-filled shaker
Shake vigorously
Strain into ice-filled glass
Top with club soda

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C-3PO

These Star Wars Strains Will Give You The Perfect Escape

Published

2 days ago

November 7, 2024

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Looking for something to distract you and make you feel good? These classic Star War strains will help you kick back and enjoy the wonder of the universe.

Need a little escape from the world around you? Want to slip in a new yet familiar environment? As of 2023, the Star Wars universe had a worldwide box office revenue of about $10.3 billion. Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015) is the highest-grossing Star Wars movie of all time. It is ranked number one on a list of fandoms, ahead of Marvel. Will, the Star Wars strains will give you the perfect escape to let you take a breather from the world?

Be a Skywalker

Skywalker was created by the Dutch Passion Seed Company. They crossed two of their award-winning Indicas – Blueberry and Mazar – to produce Skywalker, which they intended to be “one of the best Indicas in the world.” The top flavors and aromas of Skywalker are earthy, woody, and spicy, with hints of sweetness and fruitiness.

Skywalker OG is a Sativa dominant, marijuana hybrid. Skywalker OG is well-known for its relaxing and euphoric effects, making it an excellent choice for stress relief and pain management. This strain is often used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The Kush is highly potent, with THC levels up to 21%, on average.

Skywalker OG Kush (“No. There is another… Sky… walk…errrr.”) is an Indica derived from Skywalker crossed with an OG Kush. Vape it with a Skywalker OG 710 KingPen.

RELATED: Great Fall Whiskeys

Sour Skywalker (“That name no longer holds any meaning for me.”) is a half and half Sativa/Indica strain. Its ancestry is Sour Diesel crossed with Skywalker OG. It has a dank, pungent smell of earth and lemon, as well as a sour flavor with fruity notes of citrus and lemons. It has an intense yet calming, indica-driven body buzz matched with intense, euphoric cerebral effects. It’s an effective treatment for muscle spasms, chronic pain, insomnia, and stress.

11 Star Wars Marijuana Strains Every Fan Needs To Try — Photo by Flickr user Irudayam

Favorite Characters

C-3PO is a Humboldt County hybrid that was created by Petrolia Farms. With the smell of fresh pine, C3PO delivers relaxing effects with mental clarity due to its high CBD. It has low 1% THC count and high 12-15% CBD count. C-3PO’s levels making it an excellent choice for medical marijuana patients suffering from depression and stress, just like its robotic, neurotic namesake.

R2-D2 Kush is an Indica-dominant hybrid strain, that smells reminiscent of Pine Sol, which come to think of it, is probably what R2-D2 smells like when he needs an oil bath. It is hard and quick hitting to really whisk you into a different place.

The Jedi Masters

OG Darth Vader is a strong, Indica marijuana hybrid that induces an intellectual high, combined with an opiate-like body relaxation. The effect is deep and long lasting. The Vader Force force comes through in its effects, which provide complete body relaxation and sleepiness. Ideal for treating insomnia, this strain may not knock you out immediately, but it will definitely quiet the mind and put all major productive plans on hold.

OG 1 Kenobi is an is an 80/20 Indica-dominant marijuana hybrid, with 18-23% THC levels. It is a cross between Master Kush and Skywalker OG hybrid, and is often mistaken for Skywalker OG. The force is strong with Kenobi. This strain is not for pot padawans. It might knock you out, just like Kenobi knocked out Anakin Skywalker before he fell into the lava pit. Although, if you have serious, chronic pain, you might say, “Help me, OG 1 Kenobi, you’re my only smoke!”

Master Yoda is cross between OG Kush and Master Kush. Yoda is an Indica dominant marijuana hybrid. he original Master Yoda would know, and the sativa side of this mostly indica buzz has just enough of an uplifting balance to please just about anyone. Relax you will!

Jedi Kush (aka OG Jedi) is a pure Indica marijuana, with a 2% CBD count and THC levels between 19-25%, on average. Jedi buds are spade-shaped, like Star Destroyers, with orange and purple undertones, like Mace Windu’s lightsaber. The effects are almost comparable to micro-dosing.

And of course…the ultimate

Death Star is a fully operational 75/25 Indica dominant hybrid with a high THC content. It is a cross between Sensei Star and Sour Diesel. Just like the DS-1 Orbital Battle Station, this hybrid hits hard, so it is better for evening and nighttime use. Crush it up in a Death Star inspired grinder.

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