Health & Medicine

More than 20 to 30 million American men suffer from impotence and only 34 percent of men ages 35 to 49 have been screened for prostate cancer, the second most common form of cancer in men. While women are taught from an early age to take care of their bodies, most men aren't. For many, discussing reproduction and genitalia are taboo. Believe it or not, more than 15 million men have not had a basic health check-up in five years or more.

Under the Fig Leaf: A Comprehensive Guide to the Care and Maintenance of the Penis, and Related Organs (Health Information Press, $14.95) by Angelo S. Paola, M.D., offers insight into these "sensitive" issues. It examines the most common urologic problems that can affect a man as he goes through life and addresses related questions and misconceptions. Other topics covered are the sexual act, impotence, infertility, sexually transmitted diseases and kidney stones. Each topic is covered with information on cause, diagnosis and treatment options. For more information, call (800)-MED-SHOP.

Post-Mastectomy Support

Luisa Matzak-Yahalom, a German designer in the United States, became inspired when she met breast cancer survivor Susan Thomas in 1997. At Thomas' request, Matzak-Yahalom created a post-mastectomy exercise bra designed for breast cancer survivors.

The bra design has a pocket for the prosthesis inside the bra top and appears as natural as a regular bra. The proportions can be slightly changed by raising the armhole and front neckline to provide additional coverage and secure the prosthesis. This innovative design eliminates the need to layer up to keep the prosthesis in place.

This new line includes matching biking shorts, a front zipper designed for bilateral mastectomies and women with limited arm movement, leotards and roller skirts. It is available in four sizes from 4 to 16. For more information, call (877) LUISA-CA, (818) 788-4560 or fax (818) 788-4566.

Serious Bodybuilding

A new study in the April 14 Journal of the American Medical Association is giving hope to people with HIV and AIDS. Researchers have found that the anabolic agent oxandrolone and a program of progressive resistance exercise has resulted in increased lean body mass and strength in men

Serious Bodybuilding

A new study in April 14 Journal of the American Medical Association is giving hope to people with HIV and AIDS. Researchers have found that the anabolic agent oxandrolone and a program of progressive resistance exercise has resulted in increased lean body mass and strength in men suffering from HIV wasting.

HIV wasting, a progressive loss of weight that is often accompanied by weakness, fever, nutritional deficiencies and diarrhea, is one of the most common manifestations of HIV infection and AIDS. Often, the victims of wasting suffer malnutrition, which then leads to increased immune suppression. In some cases, the breakdown of muscle and other tissues also contributes to HIV wasting.

In the study, 24 men were randomly assigned to two groups. Both groups received a physiologic replacement dose of 100 mg of testosterone per week, combined with a three-times-weekly progressive resistance exercise regimen supervised by a personal trainer. In addition, one group received 20 mg per day of the oral anabolic medication oxandrolone, while the other group received a placebo. After eight weeks, both groups showed improvement. But those in the oxandrolone group showed significantly greater gains in body weight and lean body mass.

"The most important result of this study was that the combination of oxandrolone with exercise led to an average 15 pounds of muscle gain-nearly double the muscle gain of the placebo group-with tremendous increases in strength in patients with HIV," said Dr. Marc Hellerstein of the University of California at San Francisco/Berkeley. "No one has ever seen these kinds of gains before in sick patients."

Checking the Damage

Now that you've packed away your bathing suits for the season, it may be a good time to check your skin for sun damage. With regular self-exams, you can detect skin irregularities that may warrant a doctor's attention. Since over one million people develop skin cancer yearly, it is important to recognize the early warning signs.

The Skin Cancer Foundation of New York City and Galderma Laboratories, the makers of Cetaphil cleansers and moisturizers, have developed an easy self-check called the Cetaphil Body Check Card. The card contains information about skin changes and a personal log for recording marks, growths and sores. The Cetaphil Body Card may be requested free of charge by writing to Galderma Laboratories, Dept. CBCC, 3000 Alta Mesa Boulevard, Suite 300, Ft. Worth, TX 76169.

MR. SANDMAN

Women have more trouble getting a good night's sleep than men, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Menopause, pregnancy and the menstrual cycle all rob women of precious sleep. Pregnant women barely sleep enough for one person, let alone two. Hot flashes associated with menopause do their own damage. Cramps and bloating can certainly interrupt a good night's rest.