Tip of the Month

Malehealth tips are dead easy things anyone can do to improve their health. Each month we'll post the pick of the tips sent in by readers or plucked from the health news doing the rounds.

Use the feedback form below to send us your tip.

Click here for the top ten tips of all time.

Oct 2009

Don't be a distracted driver

When you're driving, concentrate on driving. Sounds obvious but according to US data culled from police reports more than 5,800 people were killed and half a million injured in US car crashes last year as a result of 'distracted driving' meaning drivers were texting or on their mobile phones or fiddling with the radio or iPod or eating. That's 16 deaths every day and that's probably only the tip of the iceberg since identifying the real cause in some crashes especially fatal ones is difficult.

Even the auto industry backs making texting illegal. It's a no brainer really.

Sep 2009

Shisha not safer

Smoking shisha — the Arabic waterpipe through which fruit-flavoured tobacco is inhaled — is every bit as bad for your health as smoking cigarettes.

Indeed, levels of carbon monoxide, a potentially fatal poison, can be 4-5 times higher after smoking shisha than after smoking a fag. The high levels surprised even the researchers, apparently. Pic: rmlowe

Aug 2009

Sub-beds: keep it real

Research in the Journal Lancet Oncology has resulted in the International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the World Health Organisation) changing its line on sun-beds. They now say they cause cancer rather than that they probably can. The study, a review of other research, suggests that the under 30s should be particularly wary: people who start using sunbeds regularly before this age are at 75% greater risk of melanoma - the most deadly form of skin cancer.

July 2009:

Have sex everyday - it's good for the sperm

Yes, it's true. Research from Australia suggests that daily ejaculation produces healthier sperm. It's probably because less time in the testicles means less time to acquire DNA damage or get too hot.

Dr David Greening, from Sydney IVF, told delegates to the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology that 80% of men taking part in his daily ejaculation research showed a 12% drop in sperm DNA damage after the seven days. For those trying to have a baby, he recommended 'lots of sex daily' around the time the woman is ovulating although he warned that daily sex for too long - a fortnight or so - would probably reduce sperm numbers too much.

June 2009:

Too much food makes you fat

This may seem obvious but research presented to the 2009 European Congress on Obesity is contrary to the widely held assumption that decreased physical activity is an equally important driver in America's obesity problem. US Department of Agriculture food-supply data showing how much food had actually been delivered to the US population between 1970 and 2002 was used to work out what weight people should be if they had eaten all this extra food. The calculations tallied closely with the real weights. 'Americans have been eating more; the USDA data clearly show this,' said lead resercher Dr Boyd Swinburn of the World Health Organization. 'But US epidemiological data shows that physical-activity levels haven't really changed all that much.' That doesn't mean you should stop exercising, of course!

May 2009

Swine flu: the facts

Swine flu is all over the media right now but picking your way through it to the facts is a pig of a job. What you need to know is:

• There are enough drugs to go round. The government has enough drugs to treat over half the population (23 million treatments of Tamiflu and 10.5 million of Relenza).
• But tamiflu needs to be taken 24-48 hours of symptoms beginning. Any later and it's useless. So if you're concerned by  cold or flu-like symptoms, don't fanny around. See your GP.
• Meanwhile, take the standard cold prevention advice like washing your hands and getting some sleep seriously.

It's about as simple as that really. More information here and all the symptoms here. And, by the way, you can still eat bacon.

April 2009

You can catch HIV at ANY age

A Royal Pharmaceutical Society survey has shown that many middle-aged and older people are taking risks with their sexual health. Nearly a fifth of the 2000 men and women aged 45 to 54 polled said they had had unprotected sex with someone other than a long-term partner in the past five years.

The Society said there is a misconception that their risk of catching a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as HIV is 'next to nothing'. Not true. Who says it's young people are ignorant about sex? Check out the facts on sexual health and STIs.

March 2009

Erection Problems? Sniff some rotten eggs

Italian scientists reckon hydrogen sulphide, the gas that gives rotten eggs their unique smell could be harnessed to create a new Viagra-type drug. Apparently, the gas, which is also found in car exhaust fumes, can help erections by relaxing nerve cells and stimulating blood flow. 

Don't trun your nose up. The third of men with erection problems who don't respond to existing treatments will be keen to egg on the team from the University of Naples who clearly have a nose for cracking problems. 

Feb 2009

Having a cold will affect your driving

According to survey for an insurance company, having a cold can reduce your effectiveness as a driver by 11% - the equivalent of a double whisky. A hundred drivers were put through their paces. So watch out when you have the shiffles. An 11% poorer performance will add:

• 1m (3.3ft) to stopping distance at 30mph (48km/h). On top of a normal distance of 12m (40ft) = 13m
• 2.3m (7.5ft) to stopping distance at 70mph (113 km/h). On top of a normal distance of 96m (315ft) = 98.3m

Jan 2009

Heard about marinating meat before grilling?

Too much grilled or fried meat can cause cancer. But marinating it first in olive oil, lemon juice, a garlic marinade or even beer or red wine may reduce the risk slightly. Marinating reduces the levels of the cancer-causing compounds heterocyclic amines by up to 90% according to a study at Portugal's Porto University. Sounds good but it's 90% of not a lot: a classic example of the misunderstandings stats can create. The key thing is not to over grill or fry it and, most important, not to have it too often.

Dec 2008

Think before cosmetic surgery abroad

This month's snap survey is about man-boobs. If you're tempted to have surgery for this (or any other cosmetic reason), think carefully before going ahead especially if you're thinking of joining the 100,000 plus people heading abroad for cheaper procedures. Acoording to the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, during 2007 almost a quarter of its membership (23%) had to treat patients on the NHS for complications from cosmetic surgery aboard. Of these patients (numbering at least 208 people) three quarters required treatment. Of these, 26% needed emergency surgery and 31% elective surgery.

The responsibility for after-care for cosmetic surgery carried out privately in the UK lies with the plastic surgeon, but this is often not the case abroad meaning you could become a burden on the NHS. If you're tempted by surgery, check it out properly. You only have one body.

Nov 2008

Democracy can be dangerous

Keep your eyes and ears open on election day. A USA study has shown that there are 18% more fatal road traffic accidents on presidential election days compared to other tuesdays in the autumn. If this is down to increased traffic as voters rush to the polling stations, this year's record turnout in the USA may also have provoked record casualties. (Bet you didn't think we could squeeze a health tip out of the US election, did you?)

Oct 2008

There, there, there

Scientists have come up with the optimum pressure and speed to apply when 'rubbing it better'. According to Professor Francis McGlone who led the research into so-called C-fibres at Liverpool University, stroking the skin at a speed of two inches per second with a pressure equivalent to the weight of a 5p pieces best eases the pain (at least, of painful temepratures). Or put simply, rub slowly with just a little pressure. It might not work everywhere though. The sub-set of C-fibres that promote the pleasant feeling are found in different quantities in different parts of the body - there are none in the palms or soles of the feet, for example.

Sept 2008

Smile, smile, smile

It costs nothing and brings much - not least to the smiler. 'Smiling is a way of tricking your brain into thinking that everything's okay, even if it's not. People who are mildly depressed should do their best to show the world a happy face as that will improve people's reaction to you and lift your mood.' So says Professor Jane Plant, a chief scientific adviser to the Government.

She must have been watching the barnstormingly bubbly Poppy (played by Sally Hawkins, left) in Mike Leigh's latest movie Happy Go Lucky.(It certainly worked for us.)

She - Jane Plant that is, not Poppy - also recommends fish containing fatty acids (Check out our item on faddy diets if you're not sure which fish to choose) and avoiding reading glossy magazines with all those so-called aspirational images - no risk of anything like that on malehealth!

Aug 2008

Potassium reduces blood pressure

A US review of the studies in this area have confirmed that potassium can reduce blood pressure (it helps the body pass sodium). Good sources of potassium include: fruit, especially dried fruit, notably apricots, bananas and citrus fruit; vegetables, especially eaten raw or steamed, notably green-leafed veg and potatoes; and coffee.

July 2008

Counsel for calorie-conscious coffee quaffers (try saying that after a double espresso.)

A sugar-free espresso contains just 6 calories per shot. It's the extras that you need to watch: a cappuccino, caffe latte or frapuccino made with whole milk could provide between 120 and 430 calories so ask specifically for skimmed or semi-skimmed milk as whole milk may be used as standard.

Order the smallest size. Even the smallest coffee with milk in the average high-street coffee chain is double the size of the classic capuccino on the continent. Finally, do you really want whipped cream or flavoured syrup? Didn't you come in for a coffee?

June 2008

Just wash your hands

Hand washing can reduce diarrhoea episodes by about 30% according to recent research. In developing countries the disease can kill but it's pretty unpleasant wherever you happen to be. And washing your hands - well, as health tips go it couldn't be easier really. Good old mum.

May 2008:

How do you prevent a stitch?

Check out the full article here.

April 2008:

Smelly penis could be thrush

Thrush is a yeast infection which causes a red mottling of the penile helmet with a creamy white discharge from under the foreskin. It can be picked up from unprotected sex but over-use of antibiotics, taking steroids, being diabetic or having a problem with your immune system will all increase your risk. So will, constant washing which can remove the protective layer of bacteria which stops the yeast from growing. Dunking your penis in live natural yoghurt once a day might help return things to normal. Only wash once a day and check out all the risk factors mentioned. If that doesn't work, see your GP.

March 2008:

Yoghurt may prevent tooth loss through gum disease

Regularly eating yogurt and other sour milk foods containing lactic acid may be good for your mouth. This is a useful tip because outside of regular brushing and flossing, there are few other strategies that can help prevent periodontal disease - a chronic bacterial condition associated with receding gums which is responsible for more tooth loss than through tooth.

"The beneficial effect on periodontal disease might be based on the probiotic effect of lactobacilli found in lactic acid foods," researcher Dr Yoshihiro Shimazaki told Reuters Health. Probiotics are living microorganisms, such as the Lactobacillus bacteria in yogurt. Milk and cheese do not contain lactic acid - they must be sour milk products.

February 2008

Football can break your heart

In what is clearly very bad news for Tottenham Hotspur supporters, still more research showing that football really can break your heart. A study of male German fans during the 2006 World Cup shows that they were three times more likely to have a heart attack on the days Germany played.

The largest number of heart emergencies occurred during the quarter-final in which Germany defeated Argentina in a dramatic penalty shoot-out. The next game, Germany's semi-final loss to Italy, produced almost as many. In contrast, Germany's match against Portugal for third place, produced no spike in heart-related problems. Germany defeated Portugal 3-1.

'Apparently, of prime importance for triggering a stress-induced event is not the outcome of a game - a win or a loss - but rather the intense strain and excitement experienced during the viewing of a dramatic match, such as one with a penalty shoot-out,' the researchers wrote.

January 2008

herbal remedy for colds

Echinacea is one of the herbal cures for which there is some evidence. Taking it reduces the chance of catching a cold by 50% according to a review of 14 studies.

December 2007

Six tips to prepare for skiing and boarding

Winter sports like skiing and snowboarding are increasingly popular - especially among people who don't take a lot of exercise the rest of the year. If you're one of these, you're a prime candidate for an injury.

• Train for a month beforehand working on your muscles and particularly knees
• Warm-up for 10 minutes before going on the slopes (quads at the front of the things, hamstrings down the back of the legs, back, shoulders and neck)
• Start one level lower than you finshed last time - have a lesson or two
• Wrap up and don't ski after booze
• Don't do the same thing everyday - vary activity.
• More at ski-injury.com.

November 2007

Organic food 40% better

Organic food is more nutricious than the regular stuff according to EU-funded research by the Quality Low Input Food project. Seems obvious enough but it does contradict the usual Food Standards' Agency line that there is no difference which may be why you haven't heard much about it. The researchers, who actually grew the fruit and vegetables and reared the cattle say that up to 40% more antioxidants could be found in organic fruit and vegetables than in non-organic varieties. Organic milk can contain 60% more antioxidants and fatty acids.

October 2007

Alcohol affects short-term hearing

If you're struggling to hear when you're out in a noisy bar or club, the solution is simple. Stop drinking. Or better still don't start. It may be drastic but a survey of 20-40 year-olds with no hearing problems found that as they drank alcohol, their hearing became less acute. Lower-frequency hearing, which is necessary for discerning speech, was most affected.

September 007

Love handles and the heart

French president Nicholas Sarkozy was in the news again this month when Paris-Match removed his love handles from a picture of the president rowing. But he might want to think about removing them himself.

  

Even if you're of average weight, a few extra inches around the middle can double or triple the rate at which arteries thicken thus increasing your chances of a heart attack. Dr James de Lemos who published his survey of 2744 Texans (average age 45) in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology is another expert now suggesting that waist measurement (or waist to hip ratio) is a better indicator of heart attack risk than body mass index. 40 inches is dangerous.

August 2007

The best time to exercise is after eating

A small study at Surrey University suggests that the best time to exercise is after eating. You burn more calories this way and it also takes the edge off your appetite. This is doubly useful because exercise alone is not a particularly effective way to lose weight.

The charts showing you how many calories you burn in an hour of X,Y or Z activity exaggerate the true benefit as they ignore the fact that you'd burn a lot of calries anyway just by doing nothing. An hour's golf burns up 300 calories which sounds a lot until you realise you'd burn 108 by standing still and 70 by sleeping. This DOES NOT mean you shouldn't exercise though. Exercise still keeps you fit. The good news is that just 10 minutes a day brisk walking or cycling makes a difference.

July 2007

The raw cure or bad breath

Research carried out in Japan suggests that mushrooms (particularly the common mushroom — sometimes called the button, field or white mushroom or even champignon de Paris - and birch bolete) eaten raw can mop up methyl mercaptan, one of the chemicals responsible for halitosis. It's true, we checked the 2001 article in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. If you want the Latin names of the most-effective mushrooms, they are Agaricus bisporus, A. campestris, Boletus fraternus, B. subvelutipes, Gyrodon lividus, Leccinum scabrum, Suillus grevillei, Morchella esculenta, Russula nigricans, Hypholoma sublateritium, and Lyophyllum sykosporum.

June 2007

Look no further for a simple memory tip

In research by Dr Andrew Parker at Manchester Met University, it has been found that eye-jiggling — moving your eyes from side to side for 30 seconds each morning can imporve memory by, in one particular test, anyway, up to 10%. Apparently it helps to get the two sides of the brain working in harmony together which is a key part of memory. Moving them up and down therefore is no good. Eyes right. Eyes left.

May 2007

Better off not dieting?

Boring but true: eating and exercising sensibly is better than dieting. A survey of 31 long-terms studies of diets showed that in most cases dieters lost weight initially but returned to their old weight. Indeed in up to two-thirds of cases they were heavier five years later. Psychologist Traci Mann told The Independent that most people would be better off not dieting. 'Their weight would be pretty much the same and their bodies would not suffer the wear and tear of losing weight and gaining it all back. Yo-yo dieting can also affect the immune system and the heart and is linked to diabetes and stroke.

April 2007

What's the best juice?

A new study has ranked juices according to their health benefits. Those with the highest levels of those health-boosting anti-oxidants called polyphenols were purple grape juice (Concord grapes), cranberry juice, cloudy apple juice and pomegranate juice. Of 'average' benefit were the old favourites orange and pineapple while tomato, clear apple and white grape juice were nearer the bottom of the list. However, Alan Crozier who led the research at Glasgow University said that as different juices contain different chemicals drinking a variety was a good idea. He advised no more than 250ml a day — the equivalent of a large wineglass - because of the high sugar content.

Whatever you go for, choose a real juice not a fruit-flavoured drink. Two New Zealand schoolgirls in a science experiment discovered that Ribena had very little Vitamin C despite its claims. Other fruit drinks are much the same.

March 2007

Look at your loaf

Bread is the biggest source of salt in the UK diet, contributing up to a quarter of our intake but the highest salt breads contain two and a half times as much salt as the lowest salt products. In a survey of 138 loaves of wrapped bread by CASH, 36% contained more salt than the Food Standards Agency's maximum salt target for bread (1.1g salt per 100g.)

The lowest salt bread was Burgen's Wholegrain and Cranberry (0.55g salt per 100g) followed by Marks and Spencer's Seeded White. (See table of low salt breads below; there's one for every taste.) It can make a real difference to your blood pressure: 2 slices of toast of one of the lowest salt breads would add up to about 1.6g of salt. With the highest it would be nearer 2.8g - over 1g difference. Research has shown that if we all cut of 1g of salt per day from a diet it would add up to 7,000 lives saved each year from strokes and heart attacks because of the lower blood pressure that would result.

February 2007

Grape juice is as good as wine for the heart

Good news for non-drinkers. French research has demonstrated that grape juice seems to have the same protective effect against heart disease as red wine. Like red wine, certain types of grape juice have high levels of polyphenols, which block the production of a protein linked to cardiovascular disease. But not every grape juice has the beneficial effect. It has to have a high level of polyphenols, information which is not — yet — readily available.The research at the Universite Louis Pasteur de Strasbourg was partly funded by Welch Foods Inc which is a leading producer of grape juice.

Click here for the malehealth top tips archive for pre-2007 tips.

Do you have any key health tips to share with other visitors to malehealth.co.uk. Whether it's a cure for bad breath or a permanent way to lose weight, we'll post your tips on the site — unless they're downright dangerous, defamatory or an obvious commercial plug. Because we can't vouch for the Tips, we can't accept any responsibility for their validity.