It is interesting how God made the human body to function, and the distinct differences between men and women.  While we are so alike in so many ways, there still remains a definite difference.  One is what we need for our bodies to function as they were meant to do.

Only in recent years has the medical field noticed that though men need vitamin supplements like their counterparts, a man’s body has need of different levels of some of the same vitamins than women need.

1. Vitamin B Complex- Plays a key role in the production of cells and neurotransmitters.  Men need at least 500 milligrams per day.
2. Magnesium – helps in heart rhythm, muscle and nerve function, bone strength.  Adult men ages 19-30 need 400 milligrams per day, whereas men above 32 need 420 mg.
3. Vitamin A -  is necessary for normal vision, immune function and reproduction.  Men need 900 micrograms per day.
4. Vitamin B3 or Niacin – Assists in digestion and the conversion of food into energy.  It is important to the production of cholesterol – and men need at least 16 mgs daily.
5. Vitamin B6 – Important for the nervous system; also helps the body metabolize proteins and sugar.  Men ages 10-50 need 1.3 mg’s daily.  Whereas men 51 and up need 1.7 mgs.
6. Vitamin C – is antioxidants that protect against cell damage, boosts the immune system, and forms collagen in the body.  Men of any age need at least 90 mgs daily.
7. Vitamin K - Is an important in blood clotting and bone health.  Men need 120 mcgs daily.
8. Vitamin D - is crucial in metabolizing calcium for healthy bones.  Doctors have started paying more attention to Vitamin D (or lack of) in patients in the last 10+ years.  Adults 18-50 need at least 5mcg’s of vitamin supplement daily whereas adults age 51 up would need 10 mcgs.
9. Multi-one-a-day - There are companies who produce multi-vitamins especially with the male population in mind.
10. For the best health benefits, vitamins for men should include an amino acid complex, essential fatty acids, vitamins B6 and A, niacin, and zinc. Zinc is helpful for prostate health, and niacin can help keep blood cholesterol levels healthy.

This is not an all-inclusive list, but it is a start.  A list that was made from research of many sites which leave me to believe it is a wonderful start for any man who has not started taking vitamin supplements as yet.    May you continue in good health.

Cat owners love their snuggly pets and want to make sure they have proper nutrition to keep them healthy. Even though cats have different nutritional needs than humans, they do require vitamins and minerals to maintain good health. Some felines develop vitamin and mineral deficiencies, but even healthy cats may need supplements. Here are 10 essential nutrients your cat may need.

1. Niacin – Otherwise known as vitamin B3, niacin is a water soluble vitamin that gets depleted in your cat’s urine. Your cat needs this vitamin for enzyme functions that prevent weight loss and elevated body temperature.
2. Riboflavin – Another water soluble vitamin, riboflavin or B2 is also important to enzyme functions. A deficiency in riboflavin can cause cataracts or a fatty liver in your cat.
3. Thiamin – This vitamin also known as B1 is important for your cat’s energy and carbohydrate metabolism. A lack of thiamin can cause seizures or heart rate disorders in felines.
4. Vitamin A – Fat soluble vitamins like vitamin A are stored in your cat’s body fat and need to be monitored closely to prevent overdose. Felines are unable to produce vitamin A from beta carotene, so this is often recommended for a supplement to prevent skin and coat problems or night blindness.
5. Vitamin D – Your cat needs vitamin D for strong bones, muscles, blood clotting and the nervous system. A lack of vitamin D can cause rickets and progressive paralysis.
6. Vitamin B6 – Cats need vitamin B6 to maintain a healthy nervous system, red blood cell function and immune system. A severe deficiency could result in stunted growth, seizures or kidney lesions.
7. Iron – Even though cats don’t require a large amount of minerals, an iron deficiency can result in anemia. This can be caused by illness or parasites and make your cat very weak.
8. Calcium – One of the most important minerals for cats is calcium, especially if she’s a nursing mother. Cat’s naturally love milk which is a great source of calcium.
9. Magnesium – Important to a cat’s immune system, magnesium is another mineral essential for felines. However, too much calcium and magnesium can cause urinary tract problems in male cats.
10. Potassium – Along with sodium and chloride, potassium is important to prevent dehydration in cats. If your cat has been ill and vomiting, it may need some extra potassium.

Check your cat’s food to make sure there is an adequate amount of these essential vitamins and minerals that can be destroyed during the food processing. Your cat may need supplements to correct a deficiency, but probably will not be very enthusiastic about taking pills. If dissolving them in water or hiding them in food doesn’t work, you may want to try vitamins and minerals in liquid form. Be sure to consult your veterinarian about your cat’s specific nutritional needs.

Although dogs and cats love to eat each other’s food, their nutritional needs are very different. They each would be able to survive, but soon would develop health problems. A dog’s nutritional requirements are more similar to humans since they are omnivorous and not carnivorous like cats. They get their nutrients from both animals and plants in their food and you should make sure they are getting enough of these essential vitamins and minerals.

1. Vitamin A – Dogs need vitamin A for good vision and a strong immune system. Since it’s a fat soluble vitamin and stored in your dog’s body fat, you should be careful not to overdose.
2. Vitamin D – This essential vitamin is important for strong bones and muscles in your dog. It’s also fat soluble, so take care not to give your dog too much vitamin D.
3. Vitamin B1 – The B vitamins are all water soluble, so any excess will be flushed out in your dog’s urine. Your dog needs vitamin B1 or thiamin for high energy and carbohydrate metabolism.
4. Vitamin B6 – Dogs also need vitamin B6 for healthy blood, nervous and immune systems. A deficiency of this essential nutrient can cause weight loss, muscle twitching and anemia.
5. Vitamin B12 – Along with other B vitamins like niacin and riboflavin, vitamin B12 is necessary for enzyme functions in your dog. A loss of appetite, low white blood cells and anemia can be signs of a B12 deficiency.
6. Calcium – All dogs need calcium for strong bones and teeth plus a healthy nervous system and blood coagulation. A lack of this mineral in your dog’s diet can cause major skeletal abnormalities.
7. Copper – An unusual mineral, copper is important for a dog’s proper formation of bone, tissue and cells. Loss of hair pigmentation can mean your puppy isn’t getting enough copper in his diet.
8. Iron – Canines need iron for the proper function of red blood cells that transport oxygen in their bodies. If your dog is lethargic and weak, he may not be getting enough iron.
9. Iodine – Your dog needs this mineral for healthy thyroid function and proper metabolism. Enlargement of thyroid glands, dry, sparse hair coat, and weight gain are signs your dog isn’t getting enough iodine.
10. Zinc – This mineral is important for your dog maintaining healthy hair and skin. A lack of zinc in his diet can cause poor weight gain, vomiting and skin lesions.

Most people love having dogs for pets and they also can be trained to be very useful to law enforcement and the disabled. They are devoted companions with unconditional love for their owners. Make sure your dog is getting proper nutrition from his dog food and supplement his diet for any deficiencies. Ensure your best friend is getting the essential vitamins and minerals to live a long, healthy, happy life.

We’ve all had the unpleasant experience of finding something rotten in the refrigerator. Things get shoved to the back, forgotten in a drawer or put into an unmarked container and left unchecked for too long. It all depends on personal eating habits, but there are several things that often rot in the refrigerator before they get used up.

1. Lettuce – One thing that never seems to last very long in the refrigerator is lettuce. I’ll get one or two nice salads and the rest gets all brown and icky. I hate the tasteless stuff you get from the store anyway and I prefer to grow it myself.
2. Onions – Another vegetable that doesn’t keep well in the fridge is onions. It’s actually better to keep whole onions in a warm dry place until they’re cut. Never leave a cut onion uncovered in the refrigerator because it will absorb bacteria and rot quicker.
3. Leftovers – The worst culprit for rotting in the refrigerator is leftovers, especially ones in a generic unmarked container. A good rule of thumb is, if you can’t figure out what it is throw it out before it starts looking like a laboratory experiment.
4. Milk – Some people always sniff the milk before pouring it and that’s a good idea. There’s nothing worse than rotten, chunky milk on your cereal, and for heavens sake, don’t drink from the carton.
5. Fruit – Who hasn’t bought a bag of fresh fruit and had half of it rot before they could eat it all. This is true of any fresh produce, so buyer beware. Don’t get more than you can consume in a few days and always check for freshness first.
6. Cottage cheese – There’s nothing less appetizing than opening a container of cottage cheese and finding a layer of green mold on the top. It’s not actually the cheese curds that go bad, but the sweet cream they add to make it creamier.
7. Cheese – I love a nice chunk of extra sharp cheddar cheese, but this is something else that doesn’t last long in the fridge. Any cheese that is left unattended in the refrigerator too long will start to grow green mold, especially if it’s not wrapped tightly and is exposed to air.
8. Meat – Fresh meat will get rotten very quickly in the fridge. Processed meat will keep a little longer, but not much. I don’t know of any smell worse than rotting meat. Yuck!
9. Jelly and jam – Unless you use jelly or jam every day, that’s another thing that tends to get moldy before you use it up. It’s great on toast for a few times and then the jar gets pushed to the back of the fridge and forgotten.
10. Open cans – How many times have you opened a can of something, used part of it in a recipe and put the rest in the refrigerator to use later? The best of intentions never seem to happen and soon you have a partially used can of mold.

I’ve heard it said that we throw out more food than we actually consume and that’s a shame. We should all be more diligent about using the food in our refrigerators before it goes bad. Make sure you clean out your fridge often and throw out anything rotten right away. The bacteria from rotting food will quickly contaminate other items in your refrigerator. Check freshness dates when you purchase food and don’t buy more than you can use quickly. If your fridge smells bad when you open the door, chances are there’s something getting rotten.

When someone purchases a supplement, they trust that it is safe for them to take. In many cases, supplements are touting false claims in order to market their products. This has not gone unnoticed, and has even launched an investigation by the Government Accountability Office. Listed below you will find ten terribly false claims made by some supplements.

1. Ginkgo Biloba & Aspirin. There are supplement companies claiming that ginkgo biloba can be taken together with aspirin to help improve memory. The Federal Drug Administration warns that combining the two together can increase the risk of bleeding and should be avoided.
2. They Are a Substitute for Medications. Unfortunately, some companies will tout that their product can be used in place of a prescribed medication in order to save the customer the cost of going to the doctor and paying for a prescription. You should never try to substitute supplements for your prescribed medications without talking to your doctor first.
3. Ginseng Cures Cancer. There are companies claiming that ginseng can cure diseases, including cancer. The National Institutes of Health recommends that patients with breast or uterine cancer avoid ginseng, because it can have adverse interaction with some cancer drugs.
4. Ginkgo Biloba & Alzheimer’s. One product label for ginkgo biloba claims that it can treat Alzheimer disease. The FDA indicates that there is no effective treatment for this disease, as of yet, and that this is a false claim.
5. Saint John’s Wort & Depression. This supplement is sometimes marketed for depression; however, studies have shown that it can decrease the effectiveness of prescription antidepressants along with cancer drugs, HIV treatments and anticoagulants. Depression is a serious disease, and should always be treated as directed by the advice of a physician.
6. Ginseng & Diabetes. There have been claims by some suppliers of ginseng that it can cure diabetes. Ginseng has not been proven to cure any disease, much less diabetes. If it had, insulin companies would soon be out of business.
7. Garlic & Blood Pressure. Many claims have been made that garlic can be used to reduce high blood pressure. This has never been proven, and garlic should not be used in place of prescribed blood pressure medications.
8. Claiming Studies Have Been Done. More than one supplement company have settled with the Federal Trade Commission for falsely advertising that their claims had been proven by clinical studies. Not only were the claims false, but the studies did not exist.
9. Claiming Compliant Ingredients. One company claimed that it only sells supplements with ingredients that are on the FDA’s list of ‘safe’ ingredients, when, in fact, they had a number of products that contained comfrey. An ingredient that has been known to cause risks of liver damage, and is not on the FDA’s safe ingredient list.
10. Misleading Origins. Some supplement companies will mislead you to believe that they are made in the United States, when in fact, they are coming from overseas. Along with illegal drugs, supplements being imported from other countries have been growing in number. These supplements are not tested for safety, and can be harmful if you do not know what is in them, or how they can affect your body.

Supplements can aid in providing good health and nutrition, but as with all products, the buyer needs to do some research. Not all companies are reputable and even reputable companies can make mistakes. Speak with a medical professional about any supplements you want to take, and research the claims that they are making to ensure their accuracy.

The sodium content of our food has increased over the years and so has the effects it has on our bodies. Too much salt in our diets can lead to more than just high blood pressure, it can cause muscle cramps, dizziness, electrolyte imbalance and even cancer. Listed below you will find ten ways to decreasing the amount of sodium in your diet.

1. Limit table salt. Try tasting your food prior to salting it at the table. Many of us are in the habit of adding salt and pepper to our food that we don’t even know what it tastes like without it. You may decide that you like it better, or that you could limit what you put on.
2. Back to scratch. When cooking from scratch you get to decide how much or how little salt you add to the recipe. Prepackaged processed food has many additives in it in order to preserve it and give it a longer shelf life.
3. Try new seasonings. Use herbs when cooking to give food a whole new flavor without adding salt. You can also try one of the many seasoning blends that has low or no sodium in it. Sautéing vegetables with your meat or even adding citrus juices can enhance the flavor as well without adding extra sodium.
4. Change up your snacks. Snack on something healthier like fruits and vegetables instead of the high sodium options like chips, popcorn and pretzels. Or go for the low sodium options of the salty snacks.
5. Shop around. Check out the labels of different brands. The amount of sodium in a product can vary significantly by brand.
6. Try a salt substitute. Check with your doctor first before trying salt substitutes to see if it is safe for you. Because of the high amounts of potassium in them, they may not be good for people with kidney or other health problems.
7. Check your prescriptions. Most of us don’t realize it, but many medications are also high in sodium. Ask your pharmacist about the sodium content in your prescriptions and if there is another option that would be better for you.
8. Portion control. Don’t leave salty snacks like crackers or pretzels out in a large container or bag. As soon as you bring them home from the store portion them out into snack-sized baggies to keep you from overeating. It doesn’t take long to realize that the entire bag is gone when you planned on just having a snack.
9. Speak up. When eating out at a restaurant do not be afraid to ask about low sodium options or to request that your meal be made without salt or MSG. You will find that the majority of restaurants are very accommodating.
10. Just say no. Frozen foods are one of the biggest culprits of hidden salt. They may be convenient and cheaper, but they can cost you in the long run health wise. Try to eliminate as many frozen meals from your diet as possible. If you need something fast and convenient you have many options. Try cereal, sandwiches or leftovers for a quick meal.

Whether you have been directed by your physician to lower your sodium intake, or if you are trying to eat healthier, you can get a good start by implementing some or all of the tips listed above. Remember you only get one body here on earth so treat it right, and it will be good to you.

The tooth is loose, and your child is anxiously waiting for the Tooth Fairy. How can you get that tooth pulled in a way that will actually work? Here are 10 ideas to try:

1. Go to the Dentist: This might seem obvious, since a dentist takes care of teeth, but if your child is experiencing undo pain with the loose tooth, there is excessive swelling or redness, indicating infection, it is a good idea to consult your dentist for more advice, or to have it pulled. The dentist knows how to get this job done!
2. Try the old “string on the tooth, close the door” trick: When implementing this method, be sure to have the “string” tied securely to both the tooth and the doorknob so that it doesn’t just slip off when the door is shut. Also, use dental floss rather than string- it’s thinner and will tie around the tooth easier causing less pain.
3. Wiggle the tooth: Wiggling the tooth back and forth, gently at first then more forcefully with your (clean) fingers, will eventually loosen the fibers holding it in place so it can be pulled out.
4. Twist the tooth: similar to wiggling but instead of wiggling it back and forth, wind the tooth around, first one way, then the other. This will also help to loosen and break down fibers.
5. Eat hard foods: Crispy, crunchy foods, like an apple, will put extra pressure on the tooth and help loosen it.  This method works best for front teeth.
6. Eat sticky foods: Sometimes a loose tooth will be pulled out almost effortlessly and with little pain when it gets stuck in a caramel or a piece of sugarless bubble gum. Just be sure to stop chewing before breaking other teeth on the hard surface of the tooth that just fell out!
7. A dry rag: Grip the tooth with a dry rag after thoroughly drying the tooth. Part of the problem with pulling teeth is that they are wet and slippery. Using a dry rag gives a good gripping surface, and then just pull!
8. Let the child show-off: For a top tooth- have your child show you how the tooth wiggles. Then, while she has a hold of the tooth, gently tap the top of her hand; you will both be impressed to see that tooth pop out of her mouth. You might have to look for it on the floor after she drops it in surprise.
9. Let the child pull it out: Encourage your child to wiggle and twist his tooth. When it’s ready, it will come out during one of those wiggle sessions, and your child can be proud of his accomplishment!
10. Let nature take its course: Probably, the most frustrating way to get that loose tooth out is just to wait. It will fall out by itself.

In all cases, before pulling, the tooth must be ready to come out. Trying to pull a tooth too soon will cause your child pain and possibly infection. Also, be ready with cotton balls or tissue to staunch any blood flow that might come from a hole in the gum line. Then, you can help your child tuck the tooth safely under a pillow and wait for the Tooth Fairy.

How many times have you heard someone tell you that they are starting a diet ‘tomorrow’? It’s never today, for some reason. It is always tomorrow. Sometimes they have valid reasons for the delay, other times, it is just that…a delay.

1. Good Foods -When there’s something really tasty in your house, or you’re out, and see something you “need to have”, it’s easy to decide to delay your dieting until tomorrow. You’ll start ‘right after’ I eat ‘this’.
2. Time – The day is almost over so they think “Why start today? It’s almost over anyways.” A fresh start in the morning will make a big difference? Maybe.
3. Health - If they’re not feeling well or are too tired, it’s easy to just put it off until the next day and use that as an excuse.
4. Dining Out- They’ve been invited out to dinner for the evening, and the people they’re with will not be dieting, so they don’t want to be the outcast and the only one limiting their selections from the menu, plus the restaurant serves some really good dishes.
5. Appearance - When they look at themselves in the mirror that day, they decide they look thinner than they usually look. Sometimes, just feeling better about yourself can make you put off the diet for one more day.
6. Diet food- They haven’t gone grocery shopping yet, and they don’t have the right food for their diet in the house yet. This is an easy excuse for postponing the change in eating habits.
7. Visitors – You have visitors for dinner, and you don’t want to make them feel self-conscious by eating different foods than you serve them, but you don’t want to restrict them to your diet. Another good excuse to put off the start of the diet until tomorrow.
8. Weekend - MANY people use this excuse. “It’s the weekend.” They think it will be too hard to start a new routine and stick to it when they don’t have the routine of the weekdays to help keep them on track. Unfortunately, this reasoning can keep the procrastinating going even longer.
9. Planning - Some people want to wait until tomorrow, so they can have more time to plan their dieting and exercising habits. This can be a good reason to delay, as long as you follow through on it.
10. Support- It is always easier to start a new routine with a friend, than by yourself.  If your friend isn’t ready to start today, you’ll likely put it off until tomorrow so you’re at the same pace, and have each other for moral support.

Making a change in your eating habits can be a difficult thing to do. Saying you’re going to do it, and doing it, are two different things. As long as you keep the beginning of the diet in the future tense, tomorrow, you don’t feel obligated to make any adjustments today.

We all want our children to be healthy. With so many different vitamins and minerals out there how do we know which ones are most important. Listed below are ten vitamins and minerals that are essential to your child’s overall growth and development and which foods are good sources of them.

1. Calcium. Calcium is known as being essential for strong bones and healthy teeth. We get the majority of our calcium from milk and dairy product but it can also be found in spinach, kale, and almonds.
2. Iron. Iron keeps our blood healthy and flowing oxygen to the tissues. A lack of iron can result in anemia. Iron can be found in red meats, beans and iron fortified foods such as cereal. Ask your child’s pediatrician if they think an iron supplement would be beneficial.
3. Magnesium. This mineral keeps our hearts beating steady, a strong immune system and strong bones. You can find magnesium in whole grains, fish, nuts, potatoes and dairy.
4. Potassium. Potassium is useful in many of our body’s functions, including kidneys and blood pressure. Potatoes, bananas, avocados and fish are good sources of potassium.
5. Vitamin A. We normally think of vitamin A as being the eye healthy vitamin, however, it also aids in bone growth and in warding off infections. You can find this vitamin in milk, liver, cheddar cheese, spinach and also in orange and yellow fruits and vegetables.
6. Vitamin B’s. B2, B3, B6 and B12 make up the family of B vitamins. They help with energy, circulation and metabolism. They can be found in chicken, fish, nuts, eggs, dairy products and soybeans.
7. Vitamin C. This is a vitamin we all load up on when we start to see the onset of a cold. Vitamin C can also heal wounds and is important in normal growth and development. Citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes and broccoli are all great sources of vitamin C.
8. Vitamin D. Along with calcium, vitamin D works to keep our bones strong. Our bodies make vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, but you can also get it through fortified milk.
9. Vitamin E. This vitamin is an antioxidant that protects us from cancer and heart disease. Nuts are a great source of vitamin E but not recommended whole for young children who could choke on them. You can also get the benefits from safflower and sunflower oils.
10. Zinc. This mineral is needed for a strong immune system and for normal growth and development. It can be found in red meat, nets, beans, whole grains and dairy products.

It can be difficult to get all of these foods into your child’s normal everyday meal routine in order to get all of the vitamins and minerals their body needs. There are many supplements out there that can be used along with a healthy diet to get your child the proper nutrition, including the vitamins and minerals listed above.  Check with your child’s pediatrician to see if a supplement is needed.

As we age our body loses its ability to repair or replace the cells that die off. That includes our brain cells. By increasing the amounts of vitamins and minerals in our system, we can help to prevent this damage. Listed below are ten vitamins and minerals that we should be looking at when preventing memory loss.

1. Calcium. Calcium is involved in enzyme production and one of the effects low calcium has is memory loss.  Calcium can be found in milk, dairy, spinach and kale.
2. Folic Acid. Folic acid is a B complex vitamin that helps fight against Alzheimer disease. Folic acid can be found in green vegetables, beans, whole grains and orange juice.
3. Iron. Iron is responsible for producing the chemicals in the brain that are essential to restoring memory. Studies have shown that people with an iron deficiency do not score as well on a memory exam as those who do not have the iron deficiency. Iron can be found in red meats, beans and iron fortified foods such as cereal.
4. Magnesium. Magnesium aids in brain cell growth in children and the functioning of the brain in adults. Studies have shown that increased magnesium levels helped improved memory function.  Magnesium can be found in whole grains, fish, nuts, potatoes and dairy.
5. Selenium. As an antioxidant, selenium removes toxins from the brain and thus makes room for the minerals your brain needs to prevent memory loss. Selenium can be found in sunflower seeds, fish and red meat.
6. Vitamin B1. Otherwise known as thiamin the vitamin of memory, vitamin B1 helps the body absorb glucose, which runs the brain. Studies have shown that low levels of thiamin result in lack of concentration. Vitamin B1 can be found in eggs, lean meats, legumes, nuts, peas and whole grains.
7. Vitamin B6. Otherwise known as pyridoxine, vitamin B6 is needed for normal brain function and the nervous system. Studies have shown that a lack of vitamin B6 affects your memory and hinders the ability retain information. Vitamin B6 can be found in fish, poultry, egg yolks, whole grains, potatoes and avocados.
8. Vitamin B12. Patients suffering from Alzheimer disease have been known to be lacking this vitamin. You can increase your vitamin B12 levels by eating eggs, poultry, liver and cheese.
9. Vitamin C. Another antioxidant, vitamin C needs to constantly be replenished in our system. Taking vitamin C helps to keep the mind sharp and has also been known to ward off Alzheimer disease. Vitamin C can be found in citrus, strawberries, tomatoes and broccoli.
10. Zinc. Zinc plays an important role in the neurological functions of the brain. Studies have shown that when given zinc enriched snacks to adolescent girls, they were able to score higher on visual memory tests. Zinc can be found in red meat, nuts, beans, whole grains and dairy products.

The older we get we tend to become more conscious of taking care of ourselves. Avoiding memory loss is something we are all concerned about. Talk to your medical professional about the vitamins and minerals listed above and whether or not they think you need to start taking supplements or if you can get an adequate amount from your diet.