Eating disorders among men are on the rise, with recent NHS findings showing that as many as a quarter of people who suffer from eating disorders are male.
The NHS Information Centre (NHS IC) research – The Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2007 – published last month, surveyed 7,461 people in England over 16. It found that an alarming 6.4 per cent of adults had a problem with food, a figure much higher than previously thought.
Females are ten times more likely than males to suffer from anorexia or bulimia, according to the Royal College of Psychiatrists. However, the NHS research suggests that eating disorders are becoming more common in boys and men.
Eating disorders in men can take different forms to those in women, as they “tend to be more focused on body image,” Mary George from eating disorder charity Beat, said. She explained that “visits to the gym become obsessive as does the desire to change body shape – this then becomes accompanied by controlling calorie intake which leads to a full blown eating disorder.”

Common disorders
The most common forms of eating disorder are anorexia nervosa, where individuals starve themselves and excessively exercise to lose weight, and bulimia, in which they binge on food and then purge through vomiting or laxative use. Anorexia accounts for around one in ten cases in adults, according to figures from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), whereas bulimia accounts for a third of all cases, with other disorders such as compulsive eating making up the rest.
The disorders can range in severity and can be a major cause of serious psychological distress. The physical impact of a disorder such as anorexia can be devastating, resulting in drastic weight loss, low mood, a loss of periods in women, and in more acute cases, heart problems and osteoporosis.
In its eating disorder guidelines, NICE states that some studies have identified eating disorders as having the highest mortality rate of all mental disorders, illustrating the potential severity of these disorders.

A taboo subject
“Many men don’t realise that they have an eating disorder and are reluctant to seek help when they do feel they have a problem,” commented Beat’s Mary George on why eating disorders are usually associated with women.
The silence surrounding male anorexia and bulimia has meant the issue has become something of a taboo subject, but it was cast under the spotlight last year when former deputy prime minister, John Prescott, admitted that he had suffered from bulimia in the past.
Following Mr Prescott’s revelation, Ms George said the charity’s helplines “had ten times the normal number of calls for men who hadn’t realised they had an eating disorder until then.”
The authors of the NHS survey concluded that although research into male eating disorders was expanding, “men with eating disorders are a group that have been neglected in research, policy and clinical practice in this area”.

A complex issue – for both sexes
Problems with food can begin when it is used to cope with those times when someone is bored, anxious, angry, lonely, ashamed or sad, or when it is used as a crutch to help relieve painful situations, says Beat.
The recent tragic death of 18 year-old Alice Rae refocuses from beyond the statistics the very real and human cost of anorexia. Alice died in January of this year; found dead in bed by her mother at the family home in Houghton, Hampshire, after battling with anorexia.
The fashion industry has come under recent scrutiny for its promotion of ’size zero’ models and the message this gives out to young women about body image. But specialists, such as the National Centre for Eating Disorders, suggest reasons why someone should develop an eating disorder are complex, and each case is individual. Factors such as low self-esteem, family relationships, problems with friends, dealing with grief, problems at work or university, or sexual or emotional abuse can all play a part.

Help at hand?
Eating disorders are serious mental health issues and can be very distressing for both those with the disorder and their families, as studies show.
According to a report published by Beat in February 2008 entitled Failing Families?, 79 per cent of families surveyed said that an eating disorder had caused lasting damage to their lives. Relationship breakdown; problems at work caused by the need to take time off to provide care and support; damage to friendships and social life and a negative impact on other children in the family were all listed as factors.
Despite NICE guidance advising that “families and carers should be informed of self help and support groups and offered the opportunity to participate in such groups”, Beat’s survey found that only 12 per cent of families felt they had access to the amount of support they needed and 23 per cent had no support at all.
The NHS survey reinforces this need for improved support and treatment of those with eating disorders, finding that four in five adults (81 per cent) who screened positive for an eating disorder were not receiving any counseling, medication or therapy for a mental or emotional problem.
In response to the NHS report findings, Conservative health spokesperson Anne Milton said: “These figures are shocking. We are failing to get across to young people today the dangers they face when they abuse food. At one end of the scale we have some frightening statistics on obesity and on the other end of the scale we have many people suffering from this tragic illness.”

The food you eat has a huge impact on your body’s long term 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.

Here is a list of eight foods you should add to your diet in order to add years to your life :

1. Garlic
Garlic is 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 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.

2. Eggs
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. Note that lack of Vitamin D is the cause of many cancers, but especially of breast and prostrate cancer. You should also know that 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

If you know someone who is at risk for a stroke you will want to make sure that you understand exactly what a stroke is.

It is very important that you recognize all of the warning signs of a stroke.

You will see that many of the symptoms will occur quickly so you will want to call 999 in the UK [or 911 if you're US based] or get your loved one to the hospital as quickly as possible. Even thought some of the people who have the symptoms are not just having a stroke. It is important to recognize all of the symptoms, but you should also try to act quickly so that you can minimize the damage.

Symptoms of a stroke
1. You will want to get immediate attention if there is a sudden numbness in the face, arm and leg. It can occur on both sides of the body or it may just be one side. It all depends what affects the brain. There are times when the body is only affected on one side of the body.

2. You will also notice that the person will struggle with their speech and may have difficulty understanding others.

3. Also, you will see things like confusion, dizziness, tiredness, and loss of coordination as a sign too.

You will want to get emergency care immediately so that your friend can have a better chance of getting through without damage.

That’s what it is very important that you take the time to write down all valuable information and leave it next to a phone.

Make sure you have all the numbers that you could possibly ever need to help you for emergency problems.

You may also want to carry a cell phone with the same information in your pocket, purse, or wallet for any occasion that you might be out and need to get emergency help.

Every stroke will and should be treated as an emergency. It is very important you think about getting help as if you new someone was taking a heart attack.

You will also find that timing is very important. Early treatment can help you save your friend’s life.

You will want to make sure that get treated within three hours of showing signs. You will be given medications to dissolve blood clots and you will also find that your doctor or the hospital will try to do all that they can to minimize the damage.

Time for recovery
After a stroke you will need to give the person some time for rehabilitation. They may need to take several months off and lean the basics all over again. Most people are unable to do things like walking, talking, or even associating with those that they love. Sometimes it is best that you spend as much time with a person who has had a stroke so that they know that they loved and make a good recovery.

In this article we’ll just explain basic facts your need to know if you’re going to do weight lifting.

Why should I lift weights?
There are a lot of good reasons, especially if you’re a woman. Between the ages of 35 and 40, most women start losing bone mass, which can result in osteoporosis , the “brittle bone” disease. Weight training can help prevent that loss, or even reverse it. It also has more immediate benefits. Lifting weights can improve your balance and range of movement, help prevent exercise-related injuries, and help you lose weight and keep it off. After the first several months of training, you can also expect to see a 20 to 40 percent increase in your muscle strength, which translates into a lot less huffing and puffing when you carry the groceries, mow the lawn, or play sports.

What does a typical weight-training workout involve?
A good routine takes about 30 minutes, working all your muscle groups for a few minutes apiece. Begin with a 5- to 10-minute warm-up activity, such as walking, jogging, or cycling; that gets the blood pumping to both your upper and lower body. Do a few light stretches as well.

The main portion of the workout is a series of exercises called repetitions. These exercises may vary depending on your strength and lifting power, but a good workout will include all ten of your body’s major muscle groups:

•abdominals
•back
•biceps
•butt
•calves
•chest
•hamstrings
•quadriceps
•shoulders
•triceps

Should I use weight machines or free weights?
Either one is fine — or try both. Weight machines position your body specifically to work one muscle or muscle group. Machines are considered the most foolproof method for beginners, almost guaranteeing that you use the correct form, which helps prevent injuries.

Free weights are hand-held weights such as barbells and dumbbells. They allow you a greater variety of exercises and — when you learn to do them right — can give you an even better workout than machines. If you think about it, a machine keeps the weight in balance, while it’s up to you to stabilize a barbell while you’re lifting it. That means you use more muscles and get a more thorough workout. A good weight-lifting plan will usually incorporate both weight machines and free weights.

What’s the best weight-lifting technique?
It depends on your goals, but the key word for a safe and beneficial weight-training program is moderation. The most common mistake that beginners make is trying to lift too much too soon.

Beginners should start by lifting less weight for 10 to 15 repetitions, then progress to lifting more weight for 8 to 12 reps. Don’t hold the weight aloft for more than a few seconds. A good rule of thumb is to hold the weight in position for two counts, then slowly lower it for three to four counts. For most exercises, exhale when you lift, and inhale while you lower the weight. Generally, you’ll want to do three sets of repetitions for each muscle group.

When lifting, always bend from your knees. Move in slow, controlled movements; bouncing or jerking can hurt you. So can going too fast or trying to hold a weight too long. Rest in between sets, or if you’ve been working your chest muscles, do a leg exercise while your pectorals get a break. In general, you should exercise to the point of fatigue but not pain. If you notice any swelling or inflammation in your muscles or joints after lifting, ease up.

Work larger muscle groups, such as the back and chest, before moving on to smaller groups such as biceps. Smaller groups support larger ones and will fatigue earlier if they are exercised first, not giving the larger groups an effective workout. For the same reason, it’s smarter to work muscle groups first before performing any muscle-isolating exercises (do leg presses before you do specific hamstring exercises).

How often should I lift weights?
Plan to lift two or three times a week, giving your muscles at least 48 hours rest between workouts. Don’t work the same set of muscles on consecutive days; your body needs time to rebuild between weight-lifting sessions. For the most complete workout, you should run, walk, or swim on days you don’t lift.

Do I need a trainer or should I lift on my own?
If you’re new at weight training, it’s a good idea to hire a trainer for at least one or two sessions. Rates vary between $25 and $100 per hour, but the money is worth it. A one-time investment gives you access to a professionally recommended, safe, and effective lifting program.

Look for a trainer who is certified through an agency such as the American Council on Exercise or the American College of Sports Medicine. Make sure you and the trainer are compatible and that he or she has experience working with any special needs you have. If you decide not to hire a trainer, you may want to invest in a good instructional video or book that can illustrate lifting techniques for you. One good bet: Body Shaping With Free Weights: Easy Routines for Your Home Workout by Stephenie Karony and Anthony L. Ranken.

Will weight lifting make me look like a he-man?
It’s unlikely. Women can’t produce the testosterone necessary for that kind of bulk, and men have to work out for hours every day to get a body like Arnold Schwarzenegger’s. How much muscle you build, and where, is largely a matter of genetics and body type. If you have concerns about how weight training will change your body’s shape, consult a trainer about which weight-lifting exercises will best meet your goals.