July 2023 Archive — Practical Picks for Men's Health

Did you miss July's posts? You didn't miss the important stuff. This month we focused on heart care, practical supplements, a skincare debate, and sleep's link to dementia. Below I sum up what matters and give clear, usable advice you can act on right away.

What we published

Heart and athletes: We covered hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (HSS) in athletes and how to train safely around it. The main idea: regular cardiac checks, tailored exercise plans, and a clear emergency plan make sports safer for people with HSS.

Antiplatelet therapy: A post on prasugrel explained where it fits for chronic stable angina — it prevents clots but raises bleeding risk. The takeaway: prasugrel can help certain patients, but use it only under a cardiologist's advice.

Supplements spotlight: We reviewed American ginseng, peanut oil, and the Ox-Eye Daisy supplement. Ginseng showed benefits for focus, immunity, and stress; peanut oil is a vitamin E–rich cooking oil with heart-healthy fats; Ox-Eye Daisy may support digestion and general vitality. Each has benefits and cautions—see the tips below.

Skin safety: The hydroquinone debate looked at long-term risks like ochronosis and the limits on safe concentrations. Short-term, doctor-supervised use plus sunscreen is the safer route. Alternatives include topical retinoids and vitamin C.

Sleep and the brain: Research links poor sleep to higher risk of Alzheimer's-type dementia and suggests sleep problems can appear early. Improving sleep might slow progression or at least give you better daily function.

Actionable tips you can use now

For athletes with heart concerns: get an ECG or echo if you feel dizzy, faint, or have unexplained chest pain during exercise. Share a clear emergency plan with your coach and avoid high-intensity bursts until cleared by a cardiologist.

If you're on or considering prasugrel: never change antiplatelet drugs without talking to your doctor. Ask about bleeding signs to watch for and whether prasugrel or another agent fits your situation.

Using supplements: choose standardized American ginseng extracts, avoid high doses if you take blood sugar or blood-thinning meds, and limit peanut oil to one or two tablespoons daily as a healthy cooking oil. For Ox-Eye Daisy, follow label dosing and stop if you see side effects.

Skin lightening and hydroquinone: use under dermatology supervision, limit duration, always wear sunscreen, and consider non-hydroquinone options if you need long-term care.

Improve sleep tonight: set a consistent bedtime, cut screens an hour before bed, keep the room cool and dark, and check sleep problems with a doctor—especially if memory or daytime function is slipping.

Want quick links to each full post? Visit the July 2023 archive list on MaleExcel Pharma Guide to read the full articles and get detailed sources and dosing guidance.