Since both my husband and I have plenty of hair, I have to acknowledge that I don’t have much personal experience on the subject of baldness — but even so, it seems to me that there’s never been a better time for a man to be bald.

A shaved head is considered a cool look, so much so that plenty of men who have hair are choosing to go without. That said, going bald doesn’t work for everyone… some scalps are more attractive than others and some men (women too) experience thinning hair as a blow to their self-esteem.

This is exactly the kind of vulnerability that marketers love to exploit. So when I read that the FDA had approved a laser device (the HairMax LaserComb) that can be used by men at home to help hair grow, my built-in consumer protection alarm started buzzing. It got even louder when I saw the price — $495.

The laser encourages hair growth by stimulating circulation in the capillary bed and hair follicle. All the user has to do is sweep the device over the scalp for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, three times a week. In the FDA application, the study authors admit they’re unclear exactly how their device works, but they say that there is a possibility that it improves hair tensile strength and rate of growth (and even reduces graying) due to “improvement in micro-circulation.”

I called Amy McMichael, MD, associate professor of dermatology and director of the Hair Disorders Clinic at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, who told me that she — and many other doctors — are skeptical.

While there is research that shows that the device helps stimulate hair growth, the results are “modest,” says Dr. McMichael, and in her opinion, the hair growth isn’t significant enough to justify the price of the device.

SO NOW WHAT?

Acknowledging that “hair loss can be very devastating,” Dr. McMichael urges people who are upset about it to see a dermatologist, as there are some drugs that can safely be used off-label that may be effective. Also, Rogaine (a trace dose of the antihypertensive drug Minoxidil in a solution or foam base) is now available over the counter.

Dr. McMichael stressed that if your hair is thinning and you are upset about it, it is important to act quickly. “Most hair loss is progressive. It can get worse over time,” she notes. “Early intervention is important. It’s much easier to keep what you’ve got than to replace it.”

Source(s):

Amy J. McMichael, MD, associate professor of dermatology/director, Hair Disorders Clinic, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Comparing universal outrage because Catholic priests are buggering little boys behind pews around the world to mass genocide is pretty far out there. Next Christians should erect a monument in every major town on the globe lest the Pope’s tender insecurities be forgotten decades from now. Come on people, the world is on it’s way to hell in a hand basket and Moses is nowhere in sight. Let’s do a short recap of events of the not so distant past shall we.
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This is one ex-catholic that has seen the light.

Helen

Jet lag isn’t the only threat you face when you travel. As anyone who spends time on the road and in the air can tell you, it’s also an easy way to get sick.

That by itself is no stunner… new environments, new foods and unfamiliar viruses and bacteria can ruin anyone’s trip. But what’s surprising is that men and women tend to get different illnesses on their journeys, according to a new study of travelers published in Clinical Infectious Diseases.

University of Zurich researchers studied data on 58,908 patients who sought treatment between 1997 and 2007. They found that women are more likely to suffer tummy troubles as they travel, whereas men are more likely to come down with fevers and infections.

Women are also more likely to suffer from colds, urinary tract infections, adverse reactions to medications, and gastrointestinal problems.

Men, on the other hand, are twice as likely to come down with malaria and dengue. The researchers believe that mosquitoes may simply find male travelers to be more delicious since the insects are lured by sweat, and men sweat more. All that male sweat could also wash away insect repellent, opening up the opportunity for a quick blood meal and viral deposit.

Men are also more likely to suffer from fevers, frostbite and mountain sickness. And to the surprise of absolutely no one, men are also more likely to pick up STDs when they travel.

Maybe women are right to be suspicious of all those business trips…

So what’s the point?

Although the researchers believe this study can help travelers to bring the right meds, the real lesson here is to pack a two-piece combo of common sense and strong immunity when you’re planning your trip.

Start loading up on key nutrients days before you leave and keep taking them throughout your travels. Vitamins C, D and E will all work to boost your immune system, along with Echinacea, zinc and fish oil.

If you’re on a long flight, take an extra dose of C mid- air.

Then, drink more green tea and eat more apples. Green tea contains the amino acid theanine, which is a known immune- system booster. And fruits high in soluble fiber–like apples–can strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation.

Of course, common sense also means taking simple precautions. Most people realize they shouldn’t drink the water in many places, especially in the developing world. But far fewer people realize that means using bottled water even when you brush your teeth (and especially for rinsing your toothbrush).

The CDC has a Web site that lists health risks by nation– and while it’s heavy on vaccine advice (this is the CDC, after all), there’s also loads of useful information there.

No one can save you from overpaying for a chintzy souvenir… but a little extra effort can spare you from having to spend your vacation time in illness-induced misery.

On a mission for your health,

Ed Martin
Editor, House Calls
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I must say that extra dose of C mid air really works.

Evelyn

Michelle

I will admit that he has a special thing about you. It seems that he can’t get over that this is your blog. He seems to want to be the only star. But again you should acknowledge his need for attention every now and then to ensure that he continues to contribute those pearls only he seems to have access to.

I know it will be hard kissing up to a me, me, me, me needy person, but for the sake of the readers you can do it. You will have our gratitude.

Thomas

I wish you well and Happy Easter for the whole blog. Don’t pay any attention to those that are jealous of your knowledge and kindness.

Linda