Treatment of erectile dysfunction is much easier now, thanks to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. The medications — sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra) and tadalafil (Cialis) — all improve erectile function in the same basic way, but they differ in how quickly they take effect and how long their effects last.

Viagra, Levitra and Cialis prevent the breakdown of nitric oxide, a chemical messenger that promotes relaxation and opening of the blood vessels that supply erectile tissue in the penis. Under the influence of nitric oxide, these vessels expand and stay dilated. Increased blood flow makes erectile tissue swell and compress the veins that carry blood out of the penis, resulting in a full erection.

Many clinical trials have shown that PDE-5 inhibitors improve erectile function regardless of the underlying cause or causes. Viagra, Levitra and Cialis increase the number and quality of erections and sexual experiences in men with erectile dysfunction due to arteriosclerosis, diabetes, spinal cord injury, depression or the aftereffects of prostate cancer surgery.

The drugs have slightly different chemical compositions that affect how quickly they work and wear off. Other distinctions — for example, which drug may be best for men of different ages or with different medical conditions — aren't known. No study has directly compared these three medications.

Several factors may affect your choice of medication, including how well your body responds to one drug over another and how long you want the effects of each dose to last. Talk to your doctor about your options and personal preferences to help decide which one of these medications might work for you.

     

In the past, researchers have flip-flopped on the issue, so they recently combined some of the best data - from 2.7 million women in 38 separate studies - to look for solid evidence. And they found it.

Women who took aspirin had a 13 percent lower risk of breast cancer than those who didn't, while those who took ibuprofen had a 21 percent lower risk.

While it might be tempting to try to reduce your own risk by popping these over-the-counter pain relievers, known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the researchers sound a note of caution: The pills can cause bleeding in your digestive tract. And some types of NSAIDs have been linked to risk of heart problems.

 "I would not recommend that women use NSAIDs for breast cancer prevention," says study author Bahi Takkouche, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. "NSAIDs may have very strong secondary effects. The results of this study just show that women who are taking NSAIDs for other reasons probably have a lower risk of breast cancer." Health.com: How to cut your breast cancer risk at any age

This type of study can't prove conclusively that NSAIDs are responsible for the lower risk of breast cancer. According to the experts, some other factor could be responsible for the reduction in cancer risk.

 However, the link is plausible, says coauthor Mahyar Etminan, Pharm.D., of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.

"[NSAIDs] are strong inhibitors of the enzyme cyclooxygenase -- COX -- which is an important enzyme that is responsible for producing inflammatory mediators," Etminan says. "Inflammation and inflammatory mediators are thought to be important in the pathology of [breast cancer]."

Research in animals suggests that NSAIDs might be more helpful fighting certain types of breast cancer than others -- which could explain why past studies in women with breast cancer have had mixed results. For example, there's some evidence that NSAIDs may be more effective at preventing cancers that over-express the HER2 gene, according to an editorial published with the study.

Everyone has difficulty sleeping at some time in their life but this is usually short-lived. However, an estimated one in ten people suffer from chronic insomnia. Insomnia is more common in older people and those under a lot of stress.

Sleeping difficulties are most commonly caused by stress and worry. Other common causes include physical illness that causes pain, environmental noise, depression, shift work, caffeine or alcohol consumption, and medication side-effects.

Insomnia contributes to excessive daytime tiredness, which in turn may be responsible for accidents, recurrent infections, poor concentration, irritability, work and relationship problems and a general inability to cope.



Sleeping tablets like rozerem may be prescribed for short-term use only, when the cause of insomnia has been identified as bereavement or jet lag, for example.

However, it's usually more important to address any underlying cause of the insomnia - ensuring your bed is comfortable and your bedroom dark and quiet, for example. Try going to sleep and getting up at the same time, and not working or watching TV in your bedroom.

You should also try avoiding stimulants such as caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. Getting more exercise during the day, having a warm milky drink before bed, and herbs such as valerian and camomile can also help

The key to a achieve healthy and balanced diet is not to avoid nor to omit any foods or food groups but to balance what you eat by consuming a variety of foods from each food group in the right proportions for good health.

How to eat a balance diet? Eat a variety of foods to obtain all of the essential nutrients Too much as well as too little can be bad for you – balance is required. Everyone's plate will look slightly different as we all have different requirements depending on our body’s shape and size, and our levels of activity.

Here are the five food group you must eat to have a balance diet:

1) Fruit and vegetables - You should eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day. Research suggests this can help to protect against cancer, obesity and various chronic diseases such as heart disease. This is because of the unique package of nutrients and plant compounds they contain.

2) Bread, rice, potatoes and pasta - When selecting products from this food group, choose unrefined carbohydrates over those that have been refined, as they will contain the whole of the grain. Wholegrain foods are rich in fibre and other nutrients that have many health benefits, and people who consume whole grains seem to have a reduced risk of certain cancers, diabetes and coronary heart disease.

3) Milk and dairy foods - These should be eaten in moderation because of their high saturated fat content, but they're an important source of calcium, which is essential for healthy bones and teeth. Choose low-fat or reduced-fat versions.

4) Meat, fish, eggs and beans - This food group includes both animal and plant sources of protein, which is a major functional and structural component of all cells. Protein provides the body with between 10 and 15 per cent of its dietary energy, and is needed for growth and repair.

5) Foods and drinks high in fat and/or sugar - Foods from this group are high in unhealthy components such as saturated fat, trans fatty acids, sugar and salt - all of which are associated with an increased risk of developing certain diseases.