Saturday, August 19, 2006
Expert Advice on Health and Fitness
`I'm pregnant ... and my husband is going through morning sickness.'
MALE `SYMPATHETIC PREGNANCY'
Q My husband and I will have our first child next month. Since this is my first pregnancy, there are a lot of things that have surprised me, especially the reaction of my husband. Like me, his personality has changed and he has gone through something similar to morning sickness. I thought it was a myth, but is it normal for men to "experience" what women go through during pregnancy? H.L., Detroit
A It is not a myth and is probably more normal than you would expect. Commonly known as "sympathetic pregnancy," in medical circles it is known as Couvade Syndrome, a condition associated with a woman's partner who could begin to vomit, gain weight and experience hormonal fluctuations during her pregnancy.
The syndrome generally begins at the end of the first trimester and increases in severity until the third trimester. Doctors say the only cure appears to be the birth of the child.
In a recent study, researchers cited the expectant fathers' hormonal changes as a central component of Couvade Syndrome. They found that the fathers' levels of estradiol (or estrogen), the female sex hormone, rose significantly as the birth approached and continued to rise after the birth. They also found that prolactin, which plays a significant role in breastfeeding, increased in both parents before birth. Researchers think prolactin may help expectant fathers become more nurturing.
The study indicated that men who exhibited signs of "sympathetic pregnancy" had more prolactin and sharper drops in testosterone than those who didn't have such symptoms.
NEW `PAINLESS' DIABETES MONITOR
Q I was diagnosed with diabetes four years ago and I have done everything my doctor has recommended, proper diet, exercise, etc. My problem is that I hate to have to prick my finger to get a blood sample to check my glucose level. Is there another less-painful way to monitor my condition? K.B., Camden, N.J.
A The FDA recently approved the Freestyle Blood Glucose Monitoring System, which represents a breakthrough in blood-monitoring technology. The device allows those with diabetes to get blood samples (about the size of a pinhead) from their forearms, which is much less painful than samples that are normally extracted from the fingertips.
In clinical studies, 9 out of 10 people said the new system was less painful than their current monitoring system, and it eliminated squeezing or "milking" the site.
Doctors say the new device should make a dramatic impact because pain is perhaps the main barrier that prevents diabetics from testing more frequently. Studies have shown that more frequent monitoring and control of blood glucose levels could significantly reduce the effects of diabetes, which can contribute to such conditions as strokes, heart disease and blindness.
TREATMENT FOR BUNIONS
Q My best friend and I are dedicated runners, who run about 30 miles a week. However, in recent weeks I have noticed swelling and almost continuous pain in the joint of my left big toe. The pain is making it much more difficult to run. I've never had foot problems, but could this be a bunion? R.J., New York City
A You should make an appointment to see a podiatrist as soon as possible because you could be experiencing the beginning stages of a bunion, which is a misaligned big-toe joint that becomes swollen, causes the first joint of the toe to slant outward and the second joint to angle toward other toes.
Bunions are believed to be hereditary and routinely victimize women more often than men, doctors say. Wearing improper shoes can make the condition worse, many times requiring surgery to correct alignment and eliminate pain.
NEW INFORMATION ON THE BENEFITS OF FIBER
Q For years we have heard about how important it is to add fiber to the diet to promote a healthy colon. Now there seems to be some confusion about how fiber actually contributes to your health. What's the latest information about fiber? C.B, Cleveland
A Two new studies indicate that, contrary to what we've been told for years, a fiber-rich diet may not protect against colon cancer. Even if continued research rules out a connection between fiber and colon cancer prevention, doctors say there already is indisputable evidence that eating a high-fiber diet--including grains, fruits and vegetables--can help in other ways. It decreases cholesterol, lowers blood pressure and lessens the possibility of developing adult-onset diabetes.
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