The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given its approval for boys age 9 to 26 to receive the HPV vaccine Gardasil. The vaccine has been in use with females 9 to 26 since 2006. HPV, also known as human papillomavirus can cause cervical cancer in women. In men HPV can lead to anal cancers and genital warts. While there are dozens of strains of HPV, Gardasil targets the 4 that most commonly cause cancers and rectal warts. Ideally, the vaccine is gotten before becoming sexually active since that is the way HPV is transmitted. Note that for now, Gardasil use in boys is only being considered in the prevention of rectal warts not cancers at this time.

Related Information

• Understanding HPV
• Your Guide to the HPV Vaccine
• Are Anal Paps Helpful in Men?

FDA Panel Approves HPV Vaccine for Boys originally appeared on About.com Mens Health on Saturday, October 24th, 2009 at 22:01:55.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

With over 1000 deaths attributed to H1N1 flu staring us all in the face and long lines for what little H1N1 flu vaccine that is available, President Obama has declared H1N1 flu a national emergency. A spokesman from the Obama Administration equates this declaration to local state of emergencies that are declared before a hurricane hits land. With the growing number and rate of infections, and the threat of H1N1 flu cases overwhelming the healthcare system in some communities, this declaration allows a more rapid response and movement of resources to areas that need them. While a little over 16 million doses of H1N1 flu vaccine have been manufactured, experts say that number is nowhere near what was expected for this period in the pandemic. Forty-six states now report widespread H1N1 infections; analogous to the peak of a typical flu season. For the flu season to peak this early is very unusual experts caution, warning we have not yet seen the peak of the H1N1 pandemic.

Related Information

• All Your H1N1 Flu Vaccine Resources Right Here
• What We Know About the H1N1 Vaccine
• What’s the Difference Between Pandemic Flu and Seasonal Flu?

Obama Declares National Emergency Because of H1N1 Flu originally appeared on About.com Mens Health on Sunday, October 25th, 2009 at 17:38:05.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

The old saying goes that the first step is recognizing you have a problem. This is especially true with alcohol. Before a person can take even the first step toward kicking the alcohol habit, he or she must recognize they have a problem. That is easier said than done. But if you are ready to quit, this item will help you identify the extent of your problem. Remember – the first step to kicking your alcohol habit is understanding you have a problem.

Related Information

• Crystal Meth – When Speed Kills
• The Physical Effects of Alcohol
• Marijuana – As Dangerous as Tobacco

Do You Have A Drinking Problem? originally appeared on About.com Mens Health on Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 at 14:03:29.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Staying healthy is much of the time a matter of making healthy choices. Choosing the right foods to eat; choosing to exercise; choosing to stop smoking. No matter how you look at it, being healthy depends a great deal on you making healthy lifestyle choices. in this feature, I have provided you with some resources that will assist you when it’s time for making healthy choices.

More Healthy Resources

• Food Safety Basics
• 10 Ways to Stay Healthy
• Resources for a Healthy Lifestyle

Making Healthy Choices originally appeared on About.com Mens Health on Sunday, December 6th, 2009 at 08:40:54.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Opiates such as Vicodin, heroin, or fentanyl are some of the most difficult addictions to beat. Withdrawal symptoms can make even the most determined person weak. In fact, opiate addiction…

The key to staying healthy during this unusual flu season is learning all there is to know about seasonal flu and H1N1 flu. There are similarities but the two types…

Have a sore throat? Does your back hurt? Why do you have a headache all the time. If you are having symptoms, About.com’s “Symptom Checker” may be just what you…